Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)最新文献

{"title":"Glycemic control and denture hygiene behaviors influence fungal colonization in older adult diabetic patients","authors":"Chutikorn Tanjapatkul ,&nbsp;Montira Channarong ,&nbsp;Narisara Kaewchutima ,&nbsp;Siti Zulaikha Zakariah ,&nbsp;Nopadol Precha","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Denture-associated infections are common among older adult diabetic patients, particularly those with poor glycemic control. Chronic hyperglycemia promotes fungal adhesion, biofilm formation, and impaired oral immunity, while few studies have investigated how blood glucose levels and hygiene behaviors jointly influence microbial colonization on dentures. This study aimed to investigate the association between glycemic control, denture hygiene behaviors, and fungal colonization among older adult diabetic denture wearers in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this cross-sectional study of 80 diabetic denture wearers, we stratified participants by HbA1c status (≤ 7.0 % vs &gt; 7.0 %) and quantified denture fungal burden alongside hygiene practices. Denture swabs were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar for quantitative fungal enumeration and species identification using VITEK MS PRIME.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Patients with poor glycemic control exhibited significantly higher fungal loads (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). HbA1c emerged as the independent predictor in multiple regression analysis (β = 0.35, <em>P</em> = 0.041). Species level profiling revealed <em>Candida albicans</em> as dominant in uncontrolled patients followed by <em>C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, Trichosporon asahii</em>, and <em>C. nivariensis</em>. Conversely, <em>C. dubliniensis</em> and <em>C. pelliculosa</em> were uniquely identified in patients with good glycemic control. Hygiene practices revealed that brushing combined with chemical cleansing significantly reduced fungal concentration compared with rinsing with water alone (<em>P</em> = 0.013). Participants who cleaned their dentures after every meal also exhibited significantly lower fungal counts than those who cleaned only once daily (<em>P</em> = 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Poor glycemic control is strongly associated with denture mycobiome dysbiosis and increased fungal diversity in diabetic patients. The findings underscore HbA1c as a potential microbial risk indicator and emphasize the need for integrated diabetes management and targeted oral hygiene interventions to prevent denture-related fungal infections among older adults.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"9 4","pages":"Pages 274-284"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145845681","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":"Assessing meningitis knowledge and vaccination attitudes and practices among United Arab Emirates parents: a cross-sectional study","authors":"Hiba Jawdat Barqawi ,&nbsp;Kamel A. Samara ,&nbsp;Marwan Faris ,&nbsp;Mahmoud Jaber ,&nbsp;Ahmad Haitham Otour ,&nbsp;Abdelrahman Badran ,&nbsp;Eman Abu-Gharbieh","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.12.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.12.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Invasive meningococcal disease is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by <em>Neisseria meningitidis</em>. Vaccination is highly effective in preventing meningitis and reducing its associated complications. This study aims to assess the United Arab Emirates (UAE) parents meningitis knowledge and explore vaccination attitudes and practices.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>An observational cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2024 across the UAE using convenience sampling through social media, electronic mail, and word of mouth. A 58-item questionnaire collected information regarding demographics, meningitis knowledge, attitudes and practices, and meningococcal vaccination knowledge and practices.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 443 parents included, more than a third had no knowledge about meningitis. Symptoms and severity were well-recognized overall, but clear gaps were evident regarding complications and meningococcal vaccines. Only 10.38 % (46/443) identified themselves as knowledgeable/very knowledgeable regarding meningococcal vaccines. A healthcare provider recommendation was the strongest factor encouraging parents to vaccinate their child. Most vaccine hesitancy was seen regarding side effects. Views and practices regarding the two vaccines aligned closely, with more than four-fifths of participants needing more information and the major reasons for not vaccinating a child being a lack of information or lack of recommendation. Social media and governmental websites were the most common sources for learning more about meningitis, with doctors ranking third. In fact, trust in doctors varied with less than half having moderate or strong trust in their main paediatrician. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination status [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.365, 95 % confidence interval (<em>CI</em>): 0.172 to 0.774, <em>P</em> = 0.013] and female gender (AOR: 2.741, 95 % <em>CI</em>: 1.184 to 6.347, <em>P</em> = 0.019) were significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Meningococcal vaccine hesitancy is a significant concern, primarily driven by fears of side effects and lack of knowledge and physician recommendation. However, vaccine attitudes were overall positive and highly dependent on physician involvement. There is a need for targeted educational initiatives enhancing meningitis disease awareness and vaccine uptake.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"9 4","pages":"Pages 265-273"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145845680","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 metaverse and gamification: a new era in health and wellness","authors":"Nicholas K. Garvin","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.11.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.11.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Integrating the metaverse and gamification into health and wellness represents a significant paradigm shift, impacting patients, students, and healthcare professionals. This perspective paper critically evaluates the fusion of immersive virtual environments and interactive game mechanics, uncovering their potential to revolutionize healthcare experiences. This commentary synthesizes current applications across medical education, patient care, and behavioral health, drawing upon foundational literature that underscores this integration's importance. The paper provides an original interpretation of how this synergy, underpinned by Web 3.0 technologies, motivates healthier lifestyles and enhances data management. Crucially, it identifies key knowledge gaps, such as the need for integrated ethical frameworks and long-term efficacy studies, and offers a critical discussion on ethical considerations, including data privacy, addiction, and equitable access. By balancing the transformative potential against necessary responsible design, this analysis aims to guide future research, policy, and implementation strategies for maximizing technological advancements in global health and well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"9 4","pages":"Pages 355-358"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145845686","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":"Prevalence and intersecting burdens of reproductive health morbidities among female fish farmers in the coastal region of Bangladesh","authors":"Md. Salah Uddin ,&nbsp;Hossain Biswas ,&nbsp;Mishkatul Jannat Megha ,&nbsp;Eshita Ghosh ,&nbsp;Shaharior Hashem ,&nbsp;Mohammad Mahfujul Haque ,&nbsp;Neaz A. Hasan","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.09.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.09.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Female fish farmers in coastal Bangladesh face significant reproductive health (RH) challenges due to occupational, nutritional, and sociocultural factors. However, their health burdens have been largely overlooked in labor and health policies.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aims to investigate the prevalence, severity, determinants, and emotional and relationship consequences of RH morbidities among female fish farmers in Shyamnagar, Satkhira, Bangladesh.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional survey with structured questionnaires was conducted among 297 female fish farmers. Data were supplemented by rural appraisal activities. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Poisson regression, and Structural Equation Modeling were used for analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study found that 59.60 % (177/297) of participants suffered from moderate to severe uterine issues, remarkably menstrual irregularities (92.65 %, 164/177), backache (59.32 %, 105/177), pelvic and fatigue pain (42.37 %, 75/177), anemia (28.24 %, 50/177), with the “21‒30” year age group bearing a higher physiological burden with greater relational and emotional disruptions than “31‒40” year age group, and “41‒50” year age group women. High exposure to occupational chemicals (81.82 %, 243/297) and lack of personal protective equipment (93.94 %, 279/297) were key contributors. Access to formal healthcare is limited due to financial hardships (85.86 %, 255/297), social stigma (51.52 %, 153/297), and inadequate health services (46.47 %, 138/297). Structural Equation Modeling results also revealed significant associations among RH morbidities, emotional distress, social isolation, and diminishing well-being.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study highlights the urgent need for integrated health policies addressing reproductive care, occupational safety, and mental health support for female fish farmers in coastal Bangladesh. Addressing these issues will improve their health, well-being, and resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"9 3","pages":"Pages 248-258"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145750363","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":"Mapping government financing for antimicrobial resistance responses in East and Southern Africa: implications for sustainability and domestic ownership: a narrative review","authors":"Ferris T. Munyonho ,&nbsp;Oscar Mano ,&nbsp;Silizani Masiku ,&nbsp;Bridget Lumbwe ,&nbsp;Hazel Musuka ,&nbsp;Amon Nsengimana ,&nbsp;Enos Moyo ,&nbsp;Tafadzwa Dzinamarira","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.09.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.09.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant and growing public health challenge in East and Southern Africa. Despite formal commitments to the National Action Plans, domestic financing for AMR remains critically limited, with most countries continuing to depend heavily on external donor funding.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This narrative review examines the current extent to which domestic fiscal commitments align with national AMR policy goals across the two regions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Government websites for ministries of health and finance, donor platforms, and three academic databases (Scopus, JSTOR, Google Scholar) were searched for eligible articles. National budget statements and media reports were also reviewed where available. Three researchers independently screened titles and summaries, followed by full-text reviews to confirm eligibility.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings reveal that while several countries have developed National Action Plans, very few have allocated domestic funding to implement them. Only Malawi, Nigeria and Uganda reported modest domestic contributions, while in other countries such as Zambia, Ethiopia, and South Africa, AMR programs remain largely donor-financed or lack dedicated budget lines altogether. Veterinary and laboratory sectors are particularly underfunded, with minimal integration into broader AMR strategies. While this review has several limitations including restricted access to current, comprehensive national budget data and a reliance on secondary sources such as donor and World Health Organization reports, which may introduce bias, the patterns identified in this review still offer valuable insight into regional funding dynamics and can inform future policy and research efforts.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>We conclude that without dedicated domestic financing and accountability mechanisms, AMR efforts in the region may face significant sustainability challenges observed in other health responses such as human immunodeficiency virus. Strengthening AMR governance requires clear budgetary commitments, sustainable co-financing models, and policy instruments to reduce dependency on external support.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"9 3","pages":"Pages 220-227"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145750369","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":"Core drug use indicators in Nigerian health facilities: a systematic review (1994–2024)","authors":"Mustapha Muhammed Abubakar ,&nbsp;Abdurrahman Murtala Bello ,&nbsp;Henry Chiagoziem Iremeka ,&nbsp;Abdulmuminu Isah ,&nbsp;Chukwuemeka Nwachuya ,&nbsp;Suleman Hayatu Sule ,&nbsp;Ifeanyi Kanayo Ifeorah ,&nbsp;Blessing Onyinye Ukoha-Kalu","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.10.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>We systematically reviewed the rational use of medicines using the World Health Organization/International Network of Rational Use of Drugs (WHO/INRUD) core drug use indicators. We also assessed the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and the National Drug Policy (NDP) 2005 on the rational use of medicines.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to identify studies that met our eligibility criteria. Assessment of the quality of studies was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute criteria for analytical studies. We reported and compared the median values of WHO/INRUD core drug use indicators with standard thresholds. Data were presented with median, interquartile range (IQR), and percentages. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were conducted to assess for statistical significance (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) across variables.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirty-one studies were included in the review, comprising 50,931 patient encounters across 268 health facilities. Within prescribing indicators, average number of medicines per patient encountered [3.4 (IQR: 3.0 to 4.0)], percentage of medicines prescribed by generic [50.4 % (IQR: 47.4 % to 65.0 %)], percentage of encounters with antibiotic prescribed [40.2 % (IQR: 30.5 % to 52.7 %)], percentage of encounters with injection prescribed [18 % (IQR: 3.2 % to 30.0 %)] and the percentage of medicines prescribed from essential medicines list [82.0 % (IQR: 66.4 % to 89.3 %)]. The median percentage of encounters with antibiotics (<em>P</em> = 0.04) and the median percentage of medicines prescribed by generics (<em>P</em> = 0.03) increased during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Prescribing indicators were worse in primary and secondary health facilities, with significant differences in the median percentage of encounters with antibiotics (<em>P</em> = 0.007) and injections (<em>P</em> = 0.0002) across primary, secondary, and tertiary health facilities. There were improvements across all prescribing indicators after the implementation of NDP 2005.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Core drug use indicators in Nigerian health facilities deviated from the WHO/INRUD thresholds, with noticeable improvement after the implementation of NDP 2005. More efforts are needed to improve rational drug use in Nigerian hospitals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"9 3","pages":"Pages 210-219"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145750364","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":"AI agents and automation: the future of clinical pharmacy","authors":"Jane Thomason","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.09.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.09.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Clinical pharmacy is on the cusp of exponential change powered by artificial intelligence agents, automation, data analytics, and robotics. Blockchain will enhance data integrity and transparency, and Augmented and Virtual Reality technologies will revolutionise training, patient education, and simulation-based care planning. Clinical pharmacists need to be ready and upskill to prepare for emerging technologies. The ethical, regulatory, and educational frameworks surrounding artificial intelligence and precision medicine will require constant attention, but the potential benefits for patient outcomes are unprecedented. Clinical pharmacists are in a prime position to design a new era in precision medicine, where technology works hand in hand with humans to transform healthcare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"9 3","pages":"Pages 181-184"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145750367","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":"Mapping research themes and future directions in tuberculosis stigma: a bibliometric and content analysis","authors":"Desy Sulistiyorini ,&nbsp;Mustopa ,&nbsp;Zahiruddin Othman","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.10.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.10.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study has the objective to offer a thorough overview of the current state and future research possibilities regarding the social stigma of tuberculosis (TB). Given the growing volume and variety of research in this field, a quantitative approach is essential for mapping existing themes and pinpointing potential areas for further investigation. To accomplish this, a bibliometric and content analysis was performed to explore the current literature and emphasize key themes and future directions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study examines 770 bibliographic records from Scopus and visualizes the results of the bibliometric analysis using co-occurrence and thematic map analyses with VOSviewer and Tableau Public software. Additionally, a content analysis was conducted based on the findings from the co-occurrence analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings indicate a notable rise in publications and citations related to the social stigma of TB, with prominent research topics including healthcare workers, social support, mobile health technology (mHealth), nursing, and attitudes. Emerging areas of research encompass epidemiology, public health, patient delays, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), corona virus disease 2019, and mHealth. Future studies might concentrate on the factors leading to patient delays, as well as the development of diagnostic tools and effective treatment regimens for MDR-TB cases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study offers important insights into the current state of social stigma in TB research and identifies promising areas for future investigation. By addressing these research gaps and refining methodological approaches, researchers can strengthen initiatives to combat TB stigma, ultimately resulting in more effective treatments and improved adherence among TB patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"9 3","pages":"Pages 228-237"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145750368","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":"Impact of long-term environmental toxin exposure on prepubertal boys' anthropometric and hormonal development","authors":"Valery Erkudov ,&nbsp;Kenjabek Rozumbetov ,&nbsp;Shanika Arachchi ,&nbsp;Upaka Rathnayake ,&nbsp;Azat Matchanov ,&nbsp;Andrey Pugovkin ,&nbsp;Sergey Lytaev","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.10.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.10.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Long-term exposure to toxic substances increases the risk of their accumulation and triggering endocrine disruption. The ill-planned irrigation systems in Uzbekistan led to severe environmental disasters, resulting in aridization and the spread of organochlorine pesticides and toxic metals across the region.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>We investigate the influence of negative environmental factors on hormonal activities such as sex steroids, gonadotropic hormones, and growth factors, in addition to potential disruptions in growth rate and anthropometric indicators in prepubertal adolescents living in this region.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study included 405 prepubertal boys aged 11 to 13 years, residing in the cities of Muynak (unfavorable region) and Nukus (favorable region) of Uzbekistan. We measured 20 anthropometric parameters and assessed somatotype by the Heath–Carter method, peak height velocity (PHV), and maturity offset based on Mirwald's equation. In addition, the endocrine profile of 8 hormonal parameters was assessed, which includes growth factors, gonadotropins, sex steroids, and thyroid status.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We observed a positive dependence of physique, rate of maturation, and level of androgens, stimulated by gonadotropin hormones. Children living in unfavorable environmental regions show a decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, total testosterone (the best predictor), and anthropometric signs of androgen deficiency. These resulted in an increase in maturity offset and PHV, combined with lower skeletal density and ectomorphic somatotype compared to their peers living in favorable environmental regions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Regional differences in stature, body weight, and anthropometric parameters of adipose tissue, growth factor axis, and thyroid hormones are the influencing indices in the regulation of growth in prepubertal children. We hypothesize that the inhibition of the gonadotropin-testosterone axis may result from endocrine disruption due to higher levels of toxic metals and pesticide exposure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"9 3","pages":"Pages 238-247"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145750362","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":"A scoping review of maternal mortality, its health determinants, and factors that influence care utilization in women of child-bearing years in Nigeria","authors":"Sarah Ifunaya Anumudu ,&nbsp;Chijioke Christopher Uhegwu ,&nbsp;Christian Kosisochukwu Anumudu","doi":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.10.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glohj.2025.10.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This scoping review aims to methodically identify and analyse the determinants which influence maternal mortality and healthcare utilization in women of childbearing years in Nigeria. The review specifically addresses the difficulties faced in assessing medical care, and the ongoing initiatives to lower the maternal mortality ratio.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Primary studies (published after year 2000) focused on maternal mortality, health determinants, and the utilization of maternal healthcare services in Nigeria were retrieved following a systematic search across multiple databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. These were screened using defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data from these studies were extracted and thematically analysed to identify common themes and trends.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 21 publications were included in this review comprising 2 qualitative, 17 quantitative, and 2 mixed study designs. Major health determinants identified in these studies include hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, haemorrhage, and sepsis/septicaemia, contributing as much as 29 %, 24 %, and 14.2 % of maternal deaths respectively in over 10 % of the reviewed studies. Similarly, social-economic determinants including poverty, maternal education, health system issues and culture significantly impacted the utilization of maternal healthcare services, inadvertently impacting maternal mortality. Despite various maternal health interventions such as the “Abiye” Safe Motherhood Initiative, the Integrated Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Strategy and strengthening emergency obstetric care by governmental and non-governmental agencies, early childbearing, unemployment, large family sizes, and dependence on male spouses continued to result in suboptimal utilization of services and adverse maternal outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This scoping review comprehensively integrated existing data from published studies to provide a detailed picture of maternal mortality, its health determinants, and factors influencing care utilization among women of childbearing age in Nigeria and approaches to reduce maternal mortality in the country and possibly in the West African sub-region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73164,"journal":{"name":"Global health journal (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"9 3","pages":"Pages 185-199"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145750366","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}