Public health challengesPub Date : 2025-02-07eCollection Date: 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1002/puh2.70029
Brianna J Black, Tanis J Walch, Robin L Dodds, John S Fitzgerald
{"title":"Physical Activity and Depression in Mothers of a Child With a Special Health Care Need: Informing Future Interventions.","authors":"Brianna J Black, Tanis J Walch, Robin L Dodds, John S Fitzgerald","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70029","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Approximately one in five children in the United States has a special health care need. Mothers of children with special health care needs have worse mental and physical health compared to other mothers. Physical activity (PA) can improve depressive symptoms (DS) and overall health; however, little is known about the acceptability of PA interventions in these mothers. Therefore, the primary aim of this cross-sectional study was to understand the use of PA in mothers of a child with a special health care need to cope with DS. Specifically, this study examined PA norms, interests, and rationale for participation PA in 348 mothers (age = 39.3 ± 7.3 years; White = 92%; Midwest = 80.1%; employed = 59.2%; prenatal or at birth diagnosis = 51.7%). Most mothers reported meeting PA guidelines before pregnancy but not during pregnancy, postpartum, and currently, and a majority reported elevated DS. Most mothers (85%) of expressed interest in using PA and yoga to cope with DS. The majority of mothers' viewed PA as a means to increase health and fitness to meet the needs of their children, though they failed to meet the levels of PA associated with DS reduction. Future initiatives should consider population-specific PA norms, interests, and rationales to increase the salience of meeting PA recommendations in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"4 1","pages":"e70029"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12039341/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144268089","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}
Public health challengesPub Date : 2025-02-07eCollection Date: 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1002/puh2.70025
Hossain Syed Azfar, Muiz Ibrahim, Kenesh Dzhusupov, Hans Orru, Inga Villa, Kati Orru
{"title":"Risk Factors of CVD in Different Ethnic Groups in Kyrgyzstan.","authors":"Hossain Syed Azfar, Muiz Ibrahim, Kenesh Dzhusupov, Hans Orru, Inga Villa, Kati Orru","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70025","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in Kyrgyzstan. The study aimed to explore the CVD prevalence depending on various risk factors across diverse ethnic groups in Kyrgyzstan.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was carried out among six ethnic groups in Kyrgyzstan, aged 18 years and above. The sample was stratified for age, education, family status, and income. We used a questionnaire with 47 questions to explore the health status, behavior and lifestyle determinants, and prevalence of CVD. We used the chi-square test to investigate differences between groups, and ANCOVA to determine differences between mean scores on analyzed variables. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Confounding variables were only included if they correlated with both the independent and dependent variables. Interaction analyses were conducted with logistic regression to investigate if there were any differences between the nationalities in the relationships between the independent and dependent variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our study confirmed that the CVD prevalence across diverse ethnic groups can be significantly different: In Kyrgyzstan, the most disadvantaged groups in this context were East European and the least-Western Asian. There was no difference between studied groups found in the ethnicity-stratified prevalence of such CVD risk factors as low fruit and vegetable consumption, alcohol intake, smoking, and body mass index (BMI). There was no statistically significant association between educational attainment and CVD risk markers within the studied ethnic groups. The analysis of ethnicity-stratified prevalence of CVD risk markers resulted in a significant difference in physical activity across ethnicity groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study results provided an understanding of the ethnicity-stratified prevalence of CVD risk markers in the population in Kyrgyzstan. They could serve as instrumental in tailoring targeted public health interventions to address the burden of CVDs in specific subpopulations.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"4 1","pages":"e70025"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12039340/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144268091","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":"Strategies to Strengthen Iraq's Primary Healthcare System: A Systematic Literature Review With Special Focus on Society 5.0.","authors":"Fakher Rahim, Karlygash Toguzbaeva, Arsen Aidaraliev, Kenesh Dzhusupov","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70033","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>The primary healthcare (PHC) system is a comprehensive, equitable, and efficient approach to supporting health and social well-being by offering prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services close to living environments. The PHC system in Iraq is currently facing issues that limit its effectiveness and efficiency. This research aims to discover strategies to enhance the PHC system in Iraq.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a systematic search for articles on initiatives aimed at enhancing the PHC system, covering the period from 1980 to June 2024, using eight databases and Google Scholar. Included articles that met the criteria were analyzed with RevMan 5.3 software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 18,705 articles were extracted. After removing duplicates and items without full text, 15,971 studies remained for title and abstract review, of which 14,175 were removed. Finally, 18 research articles related to PHC strengthening were used. Data collection methods included checking databases (12 studies), interviews (6 studies), focus groups (3 studies), questionnaires, and archival data (15 studies).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In the context of Society 5.0, smart technology's practical applications in healthcare aim to enhance decision-making, patient care, and service delivery. Smart technologies can help policymakers and health administrators make clinical decisions in complex care situations and streamline procedures like paperwork. This ultimately will improve the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services by providing accurate, timely, and personalized information to support decision-making. When rebuilding and strengthening the PHC system, addressing the historical, social, cultural, and economic variables is important.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"4 1","pages":"e70033"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12039352/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144268094","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}
Public health challengesPub Date : 2025-02-06eCollection Date: 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1002/puh2.70031
Michael Lahai, Ahmed Vandy, Alvin Turay, Marie Kolipha-Kamara, Eugene Conteh
{"title":"Synthetic Cannabinoids in Sierra Leone: Understanding the Use of 'Kush' Among Youths and Its Socioeconomic Impact in Sierra Leone and Sub-Region.","authors":"Michael Lahai, Ahmed Vandy, Alvin Turay, Marie Kolipha-Kamara, Eugene Conteh","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70031","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70031","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sierra Leone and neighbouring countries are prone to the proliferation of illicit drugs due to porous borders, weak regulatory frameworks, and the activities of transnational criminal syndicates. Among the emerging drug threats in the region is the synthetic cannabinoid known as 'Kush', which has gained immense popularity. The use of this drug has surged in recent years, particularly among Sierra Leonean youths, leading to the declaration of a national state of emergency by the government. The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has been tasked with establishing a National Task Force on drugs and substance abuse to identify treatment and mitigation measures to combat Kush addiction among affected individuals. This commentary highlights the current situation of Kush abuse among youths, its usage patterns and socioeconomic implications for Sierra Leone and the surrounding countries with key recommendations that will inform strategies for prevention, treatment and regulation.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"4 1","pages":"e70031"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12039345/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144268096","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}
Public health challengesPub Date : 2025-02-06eCollection Date: 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1002/puh2.70032
Sofia Eva Olsson, Sameep Shah, Erin Haase, Emma Butler, Isabella Amado, Kelly Pagidas
{"title":"Perceptions and Barriers to Screening Mammography and Clinical Breast Examination: A Survey Study of Underserved Populations in North Texas.","authors":"Sofia Eva Olsson, Sameep Shah, Erin Haase, Emma Butler, Isabella Amado, Kelly Pagidas","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70032","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mammography serves as the primary screening tool for detecting breast cancer, and clinical breast examination serves as an additional low-risk technique. There are known socioeconomic disparities in screening accessibility that correlate with breast cancer mortality and tumor stage at diagnosis. Identifying patient barriers and sentiments is a vital step in increasing compliance rates amongst vulnerable populations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A link to a survey available in English and Spanish was distributed across zip codes with the lowest median household incomes in Fort Worth, Texas. Data collection took place between November 2022 and November 2023. Only female participants aged 18 or older were included in the study. Statistical analysis was performed on IBM SPSS, Python, and Pandas library softwares.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Hispanic, low-income, and less educated individuals were more likely to have inadequate screening mammography and clinical breast examination status. This is due to several self-reported barriers including cost, lack of knowledge, and lack of time. The majority of patients reported interest in receiving women's healthcare (67.3%), believed screening allowed for early breast cancer detection (72.7%), and believed screenings decreased breast cancer mortality (69.1%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>There are clear discrepancies in access to breast cancer screenings despite a majority of respondents acknowledging their benefit. We suggest the aforementioned demographics be targeted in interventions to improve free or low-cost access and education surrounding breast cancer screenings. This study would benefit from further data collection and expansion to multiple cities in the United States.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"4 1","pages":"e70032"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12039358/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144268088","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":"Antimicrobial Resistance in Slums: A Call for Global Action.","authors":"Kenneth Chukwuebuka Egwu, Maryam Abdulkarim, Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi, Maria Fay Nenette Cariaga","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70028","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70028","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"4 1","pages":"e70028"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12039356/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144268141","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}
Public health challengesPub Date : 2024-12-31eCollection Date: 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1002/puh2.70023
Christopher Maatouk, Orestis Germanos, Yousef Khattab, Anna-Maria Aad, Youssry Mohamed Elsawy Ibrahim Aboelhassan, Georges Gandour, Hamza Shafiq Hafeez, Paolo Miguel Manalang Vicerra, Shyam Sundar Budhathoki, David Lucas, Maria Luisa Canals, Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno
{"title":"Migration and Health Policy: Applying the Nexus to Safety Issues of Migrants Crossing the Mediterranean Sea.","authors":"Christopher Maatouk, Orestis Germanos, Yousef Khattab, Anna-Maria Aad, Youssry Mohamed Elsawy Ibrahim Aboelhassan, Georges Gandour, Hamza Shafiq Hafeez, Paolo Miguel Manalang Vicerra, Shyam Sundar Budhathoki, David Lucas, Maria Luisa Canals, Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.70023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Mediterranean Sea is the risky path utilized by migrants primarily seeking economic and physical security in Europe. Drowning is the most lethal among the many hardships they face on their way. In the pursuit of protecting individuals between countries of origin and destination, many European Union (EU) member states worked to decrease the number of migrants, most notably including the action involving the European agenda issued in 2015 when such migration peaked. Recognizing the nexus of migration and health policy underscores the imperative to develop comprehensive healthcare strategies that address the unique needs of migrant populations, promoting equitable access to healthcare services and safeguarding public health across borders. In an attempt to tackle the problem by its roots, European states established cooperation with third countries and provided multifaceted support, that is, economic assistance and personal safety, among others, to developing countries. They also relocated migrants to different parts of the region to decrease the stress faced by only selected countries. However, this plan, like other approaches, faced challenges. Despite their focus on enforcing the migration laws, the lack of unification of these laws hinders cooperation. Unifying the migration laws between EU members, a strict policy requiring the return of migrants at sea to their points of origin and making legal migration more accessible would render the process safer for all sides. A \"New Pact on Migration and Asylum\" has been proposed, but it still needs to be agreed on in full, and action must be taken. Moreover, these solutions could be joined by training programs in the countries of origin, in the hopes of securing employment in the country of destination, hence benefiting both countries. In addition, each EU country could partner with developing economies to create such job opportunities and build strong cooperative relations.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"4 1","pages":"e70023"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12039343/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144268078","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}
Public health challengesPub Date : 2024-12-30eCollection Date: 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1002/puh2.70022
Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno, Deborah Oluwaseun Shomuyiwa, M B N Kouwenhoven, Thinley Dorji, Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi, Goodness Ogeyi Odey, Nsikakabasi Samuel George, Oluwatomisin Temidayo Ajayi, Olabode Ekerin, Emery Manirambona, Lin Xu, Joseph Christian Obnial, Adriana Miranda Viola, Isaac Olushola Ogunkola, Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed, Jerico B Ogaya, Junjie Huang, Abraham Fessehaye Sium, Marcus Lester R Suntay, William K Chung, Pearl Irish V De Paz, Hassan Sh Abdirahman Elmi, Omar Osman Hersi, Kebabonye P Gabaake, Teresita Baricaua, Najib Isse Dirie, Prose Ivy G Yepes, Donald John Wilson, Rossana Tofaeono-Pifeleti, Ederson Delos Trino Tapia, Martin Cs Wong
{"title":"Top 10 Public Health Challenges for 2024: Charting a New Direction for Global Health Security.","authors":"Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno, Deborah Oluwaseun Shomuyiwa, M B N Kouwenhoven, Thinley Dorji, Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi, Goodness Ogeyi Odey, Nsikakabasi Samuel George, Oluwatomisin Temidayo Ajayi, Olabode Ekerin, Emery Manirambona, Lin Xu, Joseph Christian Obnial, Adriana Miranda Viola, Isaac Olushola Ogunkola, Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed, Jerico B Ogaya, Junjie Huang, Abraham Fessehaye Sium, Marcus Lester R Suntay, William K Chung, Pearl Irish V De Paz, Hassan Sh Abdirahman Elmi, Omar Osman Hersi, Kebabonye P Gabaake, Teresita Baricaua, Najib Isse Dirie, Prose Ivy G Yepes, Donald John Wilson, Rossana Tofaeono-Pifeleti, Ederson Delos Trino Tapia, Martin Cs Wong","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70022","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As we navigate the complex landscape of global public health in 2024, this article provides a comprehensive exploration of challenges, ranging from infectious diseases, mental health, and substance use to environmental sustainability and emerging technologies. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the critical need to strengthen health systems, increase public financing, and foster effective international collaboration. The intricacies of global geopolitics, diplomacy, and public health highlight the importance of countries that do not address shared challenges through enhanced cooperative mechanisms and joint initiatives. From the imperative of global health security to the persistence of non-communicable diseases and health disparities, this study delves into multifaceted issues, advocating for collective action, targeted interventions, and a commitment to prioritizing public health on a global scale. Focusing on addressing root causes and fostering equity, this study emphasizes the role of sustainable practices, community engagement, and intersectionality of research in building a resilient global health landscape. In this dynamic environment, 2024 calls for a unified global vision that encourages nations to collaborate more effectively to build a healthier and more resilient global community, ultimately paving the way for a future characterized by a shared commitment to public health challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"4 1","pages":"e70022"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12039348/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144268105","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}
Public health challengesPub Date : 2024-12-28eCollection Date: 2024-12-01DOI: 10.1002/puh2.70019
Bivegete Kenny Ntwari, Felix K Rubuga, Silene Jolie Uwingabiye, Vincent Dushimimana, Jean Baptiste Hategekimana, Serieux Cyubahiro, Ivan Steve Rwema, Daniel Ukwishatse, Patrick Karakwende, Jean Muhire, Adolphe Ndikubwimana, Theoneste Ntakirutimana, Pierre Dukuziyaturemye, Didas Mugisha, Canisius Gasana, Edith Musabwa, Felicien Irafasha, Celestin Banamwana, Frank Gasana, Idrissa Nkurunziza, Deborah Oluwaseun Shomuyiwa, Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno
{"title":"Uptake of the Hepatitis B Vaccine Among Pre-Service Health Professionals in Rwanda.","authors":"Bivegete Kenny Ntwari, Felix K Rubuga, Silene Jolie Uwingabiye, Vincent Dushimimana, Jean Baptiste Hategekimana, Serieux Cyubahiro, Ivan Steve Rwema, Daniel Ukwishatse, Patrick Karakwende, Jean Muhire, Adolphe Ndikubwimana, Theoneste Ntakirutimana, Pierre Dukuziyaturemye, Didas Mugisha, Canisius Gasana, Edith Musabwa, Felicien Irafasha, Celestin Banamwana, Frank Gasana, Idrissa Nkurunziza, Deborah Oluwaseun Shomuyiwa, Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70019","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>High hepatitis B vaccine uptake has led to significant reductions in hepatitis B infection rates and associated health burdens in many countries. Despite the administration of the same vaccine, there has been a lack of emphasis on pre-service health professionals. This study aimed at assessing uptake of hepatitis B vaccine among pre-service health professionals at the University of Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, whereas data analysis was performed using SPSS (Version 25; IBM Corp).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 360 respondents participated in the study; among them, 218 (60.6%) were males. About half of the participants, 170 (47.2%), scored between 40% and 60% on the knowledge assessment, whereas the majority of the respondents, 354 (98.3%), were aware of the hepatitis B vaccine. Most of the participants 334 (92.8%), were vaccinated, whereas 231 (69.2%) received the complete 3-dose vaccination. The most commonly cited reason for not getting vaccinated was lack of awareness (45%). The factors that influenced vaccination status were free vaccination provided by institutions, awareness of the vaccine, and knowledge of hepatitis B infection and its vaccine.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pre-service health professionals are at risk of hepatitis infection due to low coverage of hepatitis B vaccination and lack of comprehensive knowledge and awareness regarding the hepatitis B infection and its vaccination.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"3 4","pages":"e70019"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12039548/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144268138","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}
Public health challengesPub Date : 2024-12-21eCollection Date: 2024-12-01DOI: 10.1002/puh2.70016
Edward T Dunbar, Ania Bartkowiak, Alison L Brennan
{"title":"Drug-Use Safety Enhancement Model-Theory and Application.","authors":"Edward T Dunbar, Ania Bartkowiak, Alison L Brennan","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70016","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Harm reduction strategies mitigate the adverse effects of problematic drug use through overdose prevention, disease transmission reduction, and improved access to treatment resources. However, educational resources for safe drug use remain sparse and are predominantly focused on abstinence-based approaches. This manuscript introduces the Drug-Use Safety Enhancement Model (DUSEM), a comprehensive framework designed to foster informed and healthy relationships with drugs. Grounded in interdisciplinary research, DUSEM encompasses eight domains: knowledge, motivation, set (mindset), setting, dose, administration, recovery, and evaluation. Each domain offers practical strategies for educators, professionals, and drug consumers to enhance drug-use safety. For the purpose of this analysis, \"drugs\" include all psychoactive substances regardless of whether they are legal in the United States. Our approach is rooted in the ethical, legal, and cultural practices common in the United States, particularly those related to best practices for providing care to people who use substances. The American context shaped how we understand and talk about drug use, which reflects the American reality of clinical practice in the fields of mental health and addictions. From the perspective of evaluation of the traditional, American conceptualization of the issues around drug use, our model's development acknowledges the need for a shift from outdated abstinence-focused paradigms toward empowering individuals with informed practices for safer drug use. While serving as an educational guidepost, the model underscores the necessity for further research to refine its application, efficacy, and curriculum development. Helping professionals, such as teachers, counselors, social workers, and psychologists, can use this model in various educational, clinical, or institutional settings to help their audiences explore their own relationships with drugs. Ultimately, DUSEM aims to destigmatize drug use, foster healthier relationships with drugs, and improve safety for consumers.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"3 4","pages":"e70016"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12039681/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144268104","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}