Public health challenges最新文献

{"title":"Risk Factors and Awareness of Preeclampsia Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Nasarawa State.","authors":"Victor Emmanuel, Yohanna Wamanyi, Aisha Ene Umar, Stephen Olaide Aremu, Adamu Ishaku Akyala, Abdillahi Abdi Barkhadle","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70285","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70285","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Preeclampsia remains a major contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria, where the burden is disproportionately high. Despite increasing awareness, gaps persist in early detection, prevention, and context-specific evidence, especially in North-Central Nigeria, including Nasarawa State. This study examined risk factors associated with preeclampsia, antenatal care (ANC) patterns, and pregnant women's knowledge and attitudes toward preeclampsia in selected General Hospitals in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in selected General Hospitals in Nasarawa State. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic, obstetric, medical, lifestyle, and healthcare access characteristics, as well as knowledge and attitudes toward preeclampsia. Descriptive statistics summarized the variables, while inferential statistics examined associations between selected clinical risk factors and preeclampsia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 423 pregnant women participated in the study. Most respondents were aged 30-49 years (60.1%) and multiparous (63.4%), with the majority residing in urban areas (88.7%) and having at least secondary education 71.9%. Early ANC initiation before 12 weeks of gestation was reported by 52.2% of participants. A history of chronic hypertension (10.9%) and diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with preeclampsia (<i>χ</i> ² = 66.829, <i>p</i> < 0.001 and <i>χ</i> ² = 423.000, <i>p</i> < 0.001, respectively). Knowledge of preeclampsia was high (85.3%), but attitudes were largely neutral (52.0%). Major barriers to ANC utilization included transportation costs (78%), long distance to health facilities (69%), and low health insurance coverage (22.9%). Statistical significance was set at <i>p</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Clinical risk factors, particularly chronic hypertension and diabetes mellitus, were significantly associated with preeclampsia. Although awareness was relatively high, neutral attitudes toward prevention suggest the need for strengthened health education, early identification of high-risk pregnancies, and improved access to ANC services.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 2","pages":"e70285"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13239825/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148201468","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":"War-Related Disruptions and Health Service Outcomes Among Internally Displaced Persons in Tigray, Ethiopia: Evidence From Adigrat City.","authors":"Fikre Belay Tekulu, Haftom Teshale Gebre, Meseret Meresa Weldemichael, Esayas Weldetinsae Gebrekidan","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70288","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70288","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are individuals or groups forced to leave their homes due to conflict, violence, or other coercive circumstances. This study examined the effects of armed conflict on health service availability and outcomes for IDPs residing in designated centers in Adigrat City, Tigray region, Ethiopia. From a total of 13,315 households (HHs), a stratified random sample of 373 respondents was drawn across four zones of Tigray. Key informants were selected using purposive and simple random sampling. Data were collected through direct observation, structured questionnaires, and interviews with key informants. The study focused on key indicators of health service disruption, including destruction of health facilities, access to health extension services, and treatment for chronic diseases, as well as broader health outcomes such as maternal, infant, and elderly mortality. Findings revealed severe negative consequences of war, including widespread destruction and collapse of hospitals and health centers. Regression analysis indicated that approximately 69.8% of the disruption in health service delivery and infrastructure within IDP areas was associated with the combined effects of disrupted banking services and increased crime rates resulting from the conflict. Overall, the study underscores the urgent need for coordinated postwar reconstruction, restoration of critical systems, and targeted interventions to rebuild the health sector and improve the well-being of displaced populations in Tigray.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 2","pages":"e70288"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13239155/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148201401","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":"Medication Adherence and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Hypertensive Patients in Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Supuspa Lama, Prasanna Dahal, Sunil Neupane, Bipindra Pandey, Dharanidhar Baral, Kadir Alam, Sagun Kharel","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70289","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70289","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Good adherence to antihypertensive medication is critical for optimal blood pressure control and reducing disease-related complications. This study aimed to assess patients' medication adherence and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and explore the relationship between medication adherence and HRQoL among hypertensive patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital (SMAH) in Bagmati Province, Nepal, from March 2023 to June 2023. The General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) and the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaires were used to assess medication adherence and HRQoL, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the relationship between participants' characteristics, medication adherence levels, and HRQoL impairment across the five dimensions of EQ-5D-5L. Statistical significance was set at <i>p</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 300 patients were surveyed, of whom only 52.33% were adherent to their antihypertensive medication. Similarly, the mean (±SD) GMAS score of the participants was 25.21 (±6.5), and the mean (SD) EQ index and EQ-VAS scores were 0.84 ± 0.22 and 72.22 ± 11.67, respectively. The percentages of issues in various dimensions were 47.3% for mobility, 19.66% for self-care, 26.66% for usual activities, 70.33% for pain/discomfort, and 58% for anxiety/depression. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that higher education attainment, longer disease duration, and enrollment to health insurance schemes were significantly associated with improve patients' medication adherence (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Participants who were adherent to prescribed medication had lower odds of reporting problems with mobility (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.11-0.39; <i>p</i> < 0.001), usual activities (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.27-1.00; <i>p</i> = 0.05), pain (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.08-0.32; <i>p</i> < 0.001), and anxiety (OR 0.36, 95% CI 021-0.62; <i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Medication adherence was suboptimal in substantial proportion of hypertensive patients. Adherence to medication was linked to an improved HRQoL in patients with hypertension regardless of sociodemographic and clinical variables.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 2","pages":"e70289"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13240105/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148201477","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":"Lived Experiences and Long-Term Reflections on Early Marriage Among Palestinian Women: A Qualitative Study in the West Bank.","authors":"Nesreen Alqaissi, Mohammad Qtait","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70290","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70290","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Early marriage remains a persistent practice in conflict-affected settings, including the West Bank of Palestine, where sociocultural norms, economic pressures, and political instability intersect. Although prior research has largely focused on short-term outcomes, limited qualitative evidence examines how women retrospectively interpret early marriage across the life course.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study explores the lived experiences and long-term reflections of Palestinian women married before the age of 18, with particular attention to agency, psychosocial development, and meaning-making over time.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative design using reflexive thematic analysis was employed. Ten Palestinian women (aged 23-35), married between ages 7 and 17, were purposively recruited from the Hebron Governorate. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Arabic, transcribed verbatim, and translated with linguistic verification. Data were analyzed iteratively following Braun and Clarke's approach, with attention to theme recurrence, variation, and negative cases. Interpretation was guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory and feminist theory.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three interrelated themes were identified: (1) constrained agency within familial and sociocultural systems, where marriage decisions were shaped by hierarchical power structures; (2) multidimensional and enduring impacts, including physical strain, emotional burden, and social disconnection; and (3) retrospective reappraisal and disrupted life trajectories, characterized by loss of educational opportunities and evolving critical awareness. Variability across participants highlighted differences related to age at marriage and educational pathways.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings demonstrate that early marriage operates as a structurally embedded and gendered process shaping women's life courses. Participants' narratives reflect both constraint and adaptive meaning-making, underscoring the need for contextually grounded interventions that address intersecting social, cultural, and structural determinants.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 2","pages":"e70290"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13239975/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148201479","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":"Dietary Behaviors and Mental Health Disorders Among Private University Students in Dhaka North City Corporation, Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Mst Mahfuza Akter, Taslima Khatun, Md Nazmus Sakib, Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70283","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70283","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>University students around the world are experiencing rising levels of psychological issues, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress. Poor dietary habits may exacerbate these conditions, yet limited research has examined this relationship among private university students in Bangladesh.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aims to examine the relationship between dietary behaviors and mental health outcomes among students at private universities in Bangladesh.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 2023 and May 2024 among 384 private university students selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among participants, 59.4% reported depression, 63.3% anxiety, and 45.3% stress, ranging from mild to extremely severe. Associations were observed between mental health outcomes and gender, academic level, meal patterns, and junk food consumption. Females had lower odds of anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 0.41) and stress (OR = 0.48) compared to males. Undergraduate students were less likely to report anxiety than postgraduate students (OR = 0.17). Regular breakfast and lunch intake was associated with lower odds of stress (OR = 0.52), depression (OR = 0.50), and anxiety (OR = 0.44). Preference for rice and fish was associated with lower depression odds (OR = 0.26) relative to fast food, sweets, and processed products. Alcohol consumption was associated with higher stress odds (OR = 2.65).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Unhealthy eating behaviors were associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, whereas regular meals and traditional dietary choices were associated with lower odds of mental health problems. These findings highlight the need for integrated nutritional and mental health interventions to support university students' psychological well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 2","pages":"e70283"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13239289/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148201127","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":"Prevalence Trends and Associated Factors of the Double Burden of Malnutrition Among Rwandan Women of Childbearing Age: Evidence From Demographic Health Surveys, 2010-2020.","authors":"John Mugisha, Japhet Ishimwe, Theophile Dushimirimana, Joseph Imanishimwe, Liang Zhou","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70270","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Double burden of malnutrition (DBM) is a significant public health concern among women of reproductive age globally. Overweight or obesity is more prevalent than underweight, leading to an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases and childbirth complications, contributing to maternal and infant mortality. The study aimed to assess prevalence trends and factors associated with DBM among Rwandan women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The cross-sectional study used data from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) conducted in 2010 and 2020. It involved 20,926 women who were not pregnant and aged 15-49, with newborns at least 2 months old at the time of the survey. The analysis adjusted for sampling weights. BMI was calculated according to World Health Organization (WHO) classifications, and the study involved sociodemographic variables and household characteristics. Data analysis used descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable binary logistic regression with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) at a significance level of <i>p</i> ≤ 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Underweight among women decreased from 6.75% to 5.57%. Overweight/Obesity rose from 17.81% to 27.42%; normal nutrition declined from 75.44% to 67.01%. Women aged 20-24 had lower odds of being underweight; those aged 44-49 had higher odds (aOR: 2.929; CI: 1.661-5.164; <i>p</i> < 0.0001). Never-married (aOR: 1.803; CI: 1.230-2.644; <i>p</i> = 0.003) and widowed/divorced women (aOR: 1.836; CI: 1.183-2.848; <i>p</i> = 0.007) had higher odds. Adventists were less likely (aOR: 0.580). The poorer and poorest categories showed higher odds of underweight (poorest OR: 2.353; CI: 1.356-4.082; <i>p</i> = 0.002). Overweight/Obesity increased with age, marital status, religion, occupation, and urban residence. Richest group aOR: 3.572 (CI: 2.600-4.907; <i>p</i> < 0.001); TV aOR: 1.365 (CI: 1.086-1.716; <i>p</i> = 0.008); radio aOR: 1.177 (CI: 1.018-1.361; <i>p</i> = 0.027).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>DBM is rising among Rwandan women. Overweight or obesity, driven by socioeconomic factors, requires targeted interventions, awareness campaigns, empowerment, and further research to inform effective public health policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 2","pages":"e70270"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13240537/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148201428","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":"Universal Health Coverage and Health Equity in West Africa: Tracking Progress Toward SDG 3.8 in Ghana and Liberia.","authors":"Samuel Asamoah, Michael Sarfo, Olanrewaju Lawal, Sandra Konadu Bonnah, Michael Snowden, Jamie P Halsall, Godness Kye Biney, Angwach Abrham Asnake","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70280","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70280","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Achieving universal health coverage (UHC) remains a key priority for many low- and middle-income countries, yet equity in access continues to be a significant challenge. This study examines the level and distribution of health service coverage in Ghana and Liberia, with a particular focus on wealth- and residence-based disparities, to assess progress toward UHC and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.8.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from Ghana and Liberia. Key indicators related to maternal health, health promotion, environmental health and infectious disease treatment were assessed. Composite indices for protection and treatment coverage were computed. Inequality was measured using the slope index of inequality (SII), relative index of inequality (RII), absolute difference index (ADI) and the urban-rural coverage ratio.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, Ghana demonstrated higher coverage in preventive services such as antenatal care (90.6%) and improved drinking water (91.8%), whereas Liberia showed slightly higher treatment coverage for malaria and respiratory infections. However, both countries exhibited substantial pro-rich inequities in skilled birth attendance and insecticide-treated net (ITN) use. In Ghana, a rural advantage was observed in some indicators, likely due to targeted outreach through the Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) initiative, whereas Liberia displayed mixed urban-rural disparities. The composite coverage index (CCI) was higher in Liberia (77.9%) than in Ghana (63.3%), reflecting recent donor-supported health system investments in Liberia post-Ebola.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite moderate national coverage levels, significant socio-economic and geographic disparities persist in both countries. Although targeted policies, such as Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) maternal exemption and Liberia's post-crisis recovery programs, have contributed to localized improvements, inequities in access to essential health services remain. Addressing these disparities is critical for both countries to make meaningful progress toward equitable UHC.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 2","pages":"e70280"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13240179/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148201480","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":"Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Depression and Anxiety Among Job-Seeking Graduates: A Cross-Sectional Study on Bangladesh.","authors":"Ashraful Alam, Abdullah Al Marin, Abdullah Al Zubayer, Md Sameer Hasan, Md Shahria Ahmed Arzu, Lisa Sharma, Faria Islam Mim, Injamamul Haque, Sanwaya Palit, Fayeza Tahia Rahman, Anna Annie Gomes, Md Ibrahim Azad, Raisa Imran Chowdhury, Safayet Jamil, Mohammad Shahangir Biswas","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70279","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70279","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety among job-seeking graduates in Bangladesh, as mental health issues are often overlooked or stigmatized. The 689 participants were selected by means of convenience sampling method. A self-reported questionnaire was used to gather data with sociodemographic data, lifestyle characteristics, 7-item generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). It was established that 48.5% of the study population experienced depression and anxiety at 39.3%. Approximately 86% of individuals who reported the presence of depression and 87.8% of individuals who reported anxiety had finished studying back in the previous 2 years. Multivariable logistic regression models demonstrated that education level was found to be significantly linked with depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.908-2.022; <i>p</i> < 0.05), as was social media use (aOR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.089-2.073; <i>p</i> < 0.05). Furthermore, gender was significantly associated with anxiety (aOR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.092-2.255; <i>p</i> < 0.05). The study features the psychological vulnerability of job seekers in Bangladesh, emphasizing the social need to recognize unemployment-related mental health challenges and reduce stigma around seeking support. Findings call for integrating mental health support into employment services and career programs. The study also lays groundwork for further research on mental health interventions targeting unemployed youth. Lastly, the current article releases a scarce perspective of the rates and causes of depression and anxiety in Bangladesh in the light of a new timeframe.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 2","pages":"e70279"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13240516/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148201450","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":"Paternal Postpartum Depression in South Asia.","authors":"S M Yasir Arafat, Sadeed Hossain","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70281","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70281","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Postpartum depression (PPD) is a well-recognized perinatal mental health condition, yet its occurrence among fathers remains poorly studied, particularly in South Asia where patriarchal norms obscure men's psychological distress.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the prevalence, assessment tools, risk and protective factors, and interventions for paternal PPD (PPPD) across South Asian countries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, BanglaJOL, NepJOL, and Google using search terms. Research articles eligible for inclusion were original studies, quantitative analyses published in English from South Asian region. Descriptive analysis was performed considering the objectives.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This review included 13 articles from five South Asian countries published between 2015 and 2025. Sample sizes ranged from 15 to 826. The <i>Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale</i> was the most commonly used tool; the prevalence of PPPD ranged from 3% to 60%. Associated factors also varied from study to study.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PPD among fathers has received academic attention in the recent decade in South Asia. Public health systems need to integrate paternal screening into maternal and child health programs, develop culturally validated tools, and train healthcare professionals to recognize gender-specific presentations of depression.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 2","pages":"e70281"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13240286/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148201432","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":"Superstitions on Human Papillomavirus in Africa: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Jimoh Amzat, Kafayat Aminu, Rita Amarachi Nwebo, Precious Nnannah, Chiamaka Norah Ezeagu, Ganiyat Amzat, Kehinde Kazeem Kanmodi","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70255","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70255","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical cancer, with Africa bearing a significant disease burden. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, superstitions and misinformation hinder HPV vaccine uptake, contributing to high mortality rates. This scoping review examines superstitious beliefs and misconceptions surrounding HPV and its vaccine in Africa, their cultural and social underpinnings, and their impact on public health interventions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following the Arksey and O'Malley framework, this review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines and systematically analyzed literature obtained from nine databases. Seventeen studies, involving 2516 participants from seven African countries, met the inclusion criteria. We analyzed the data using thematic synthesis, and patterns such as superstitions, community narratives, and vaccine hesitancy were identified.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings indicate widespread misconceptions, including beliefs that HPV is caused by curses, exposure to sunlight, or spiritual forces. Superstitions that link HPV vaccination to infertility, chronic diseases, and depopulation conspiracies are prevalent. Traditional and religious leaders played a critical role in shaping public perception, perpetuating mistrust in HPV vaccines.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Superstitions reduce HPV vaccine acceptance and increase cervical cancer risks. Targeted health education, community engagement, and culturally sensitive interventions are crucial to dispelling myths and improving vaccine uptake in Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 2","pages":"e70255"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13239407/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148201408","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}