Public health challenges最新文献

{"title":"Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Marginalized Populations: Prevalence and Risk Factors Among the Bantar Community of Sunsari, Nepal.","authors":"Mukesh Kumar Mahato, Jitendra Gautam, Niten Bharati, Darwin Niroula, Krishna Prasad Acharya, Tulsi Ram Gompo, Kishor Pandey","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70275","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70275","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Nepal continues to exhibit a high burden of intestinal parasite infections (IPIs). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of IPIs among the indigenous Bantar community in Koshi Rural Municipality, Sunsari, Nepal.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 180 individuals aged 10-70 years were selected through convenience sampling. Stool samples were preserved in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. Information on demographic and behavioral characteristics was gathered using a structured questionnaire. Three diagnostics techniques (direct wet mount, saturated salt flotation, and formal ether sedimentation) were employed to identify IPIs. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine association between the predictors and IPIs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of IPIs was 53.3% (<i>n</i> = 96). Helminthic infections accounted for 33.3% (<i>n</i> = 61), whereas protozoan infections were observed in 19.4% (<i>n</i> = 35). The most prevalent parasite was <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> (16%, <i>n</i> = 29), followed by <i>Giardia lamblia</i> (12.2%, <i>n</i> = 22), <i>Hymenolepis nana</i> (8.3%, <i>n</i> = 15), <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i> (7.2%, <i>n</i> = 13), <i>Strongyloides stercoralis</i> (6.7%, <i>n</i> = 12), and <i>Trichuris trichiura</i> (2.8%, <i>n</i> = 5). Notably, <i>E. histolytica</i> infection was exclusively found in females (14.4%, <i>n</i> = 13) and absent in males. Multivariate logistic regression identified nail-biting behavior as a significant predictor of intestinal parasitic infections (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-6.9).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings highlight a substantial parasitic burden in the Bantar community and suggest that lifestyle and hygiene-related behaviors significantly contributed to infection risk. Targeted health education programs focusing on sanitation, personal hygiene, and food safety are urgently needed to mitigate the high prevalence of IPIs in this vulnerable population.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 2","pages":"e70275"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13240453/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148201226","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":"Mpox Awareness and Infection Control Practices Among Hospital Nurses and Healthcare Workers in Bangladesh.","authors":"Hemayet Hossain, Md Abdur Nur Sakib, Mostafizor Rahman, Zerin Tasnim Romana, Md Hasan Ali, Snigdha Sharmin Binte Sayeed, Khadiza Akter Brishty, Md Shahidur Rahman Chowdhury, Md Mahfujur Rahman","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70271","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The recent global outbreaks of Mpox, an emerging zoonotic viral disease, highlight sustained transmission in Africa and spread across Europe, challenging public health preparedness among frontline healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding Mpox among hospital nurses and HCWs in Bangladesh and to identify sociodemographic factors influencing KAP outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 1, 2024 to November 15, 2024 in eight hospitals in Dhaka district. Hospitals were selected via convenience sampling based on referral status and patient load, and participants were randomly chosen from active healthcare staff across categories. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire, following a pilot study among 30 nurses and HCWs. Responses were recorded through KoboToolbox, and statistical analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of the 200 HCWs approached, 110 provided complete and valid responses and were included in the final analysis. Among those who had heard (60.9%) about Mpox, 47.3% demonstrated good knowledge, 86.4% showed positive attitudes, and 82.7% reported correct preventive practices. Only 60.9% of participants reported having heard about Mpox. Among these, Facebook (29.9%) was the most commonly reported source of Mpox-related information. Knowledge gaps were evident regarding zoonotic transmission, preventive guidelines, and the protective role of smallpox vaccination. Education level was significantly associated with knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.83-11.7; <i>p</i> = 0.002). Settlement type was significantly associated with practices, with urban HCWs more likely to report correct preventive measures (AOR = 4.13; 95% CI: 1.10-19.0; <i>p </i>= 0.047). Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations among KAP (<i>p </i>< 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Targeted training and awareness programs are vital to improve preparedness and infection control among hospital nurses, strengthening the national response to Mpox outbreaks in Bangladesh.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70271"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13177846/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147965816","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":"Fertility Awareness and Attitudes Toward Parenthood Among University Students in Chitwan, Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Osin Gurung, Radha Devi Dhakal, Pushpa Sigdel, Anita Ghimire","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70277","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70277","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Fertility refers to the biological capacity to achieve pregnancy, whereas fertility awareness involves understanding the timing of the fertile window within the menstrual cycle. However, an increasing number of women and men are postponing parenthood, often without adequate awareness of age-related fertility decline. This may lead to involuntary childlessness and infertility-related stress. Fertility awareness among, particularly university students, remains limited, and evidence on their attitudes toward parenthood is insufficient. This study aimed to assess fertility awareness and attitudes toward parenthood among university students.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among university students in Bharatpur, Chitwan, from March 15 to 30, 2024. A proportionate simple random sampling technique was used to select 415 respondents. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire to assess fertility awareness and attitudes toward parenthood. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 with descriptive statistical method (frequency, percentage) and inferential statistics (chi-square, logistic regression).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study found that more than half of the participants (54.4%) fall below the adequate level, with 30.8% exhibiting moderate level and 23.6% showing inadequate awareness and unfavorable attitudes toward parenthood (52.8%). Fertility awareness was significantly associated with marital status. Attitudes toward parenthood were significantly associated with age (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 3.54, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.31-5.45, <i>p</i> < 0.001), ethnicity (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.07-2.60, <i>p</i> = 0.023), and religion (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.08-3.34, <i>p</i> = 0.025).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, university students demonstrated limited fertility awareness and less favorable attitudes toward parenthood. Knowledge gaps on fertility decline, ovulation, and infertility risk factors may lead to delayed decisions. Attitudes were significantly associated with age, ethnicity, and religion. These findings highlight the need for structured, age-appropriate fertility education and counseling integrated into university curricula and services to support reproductive decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70277"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13178474/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147965759","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":"Blood Lead Levels in Adults and Children of East Otago Communities, New Zealand: Findings From a Public Health Response to Lead Detected in Drinking Water.","authors":"Melyssa Roy, Susan Jack, Callum Thirkell, Giles Graham, Andy Anglemyer, Michael Butchard","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70273","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70273","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In 2020-2021, intermittent elevated lead levels were detected in drinking water from communities of East Otago, New Zealand (NZ). A public health response was initiated with blood lead level (BLL) testing offered to all residents to identify any individuals with elevated levels and to determine if lead-contaminated water caused elevated BLLs in this population.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>BLL testing was offered to all residents to investigate possible lead exposure. Residents also completed a risk factor survey.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority of adults and children in the affected area had a BLL test; those with a venepuncture BLL and completed survey (1057 adults and 152 children) were included in the final estimates. The geometric mean (GM) BLL of adults was 1.54 µg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.49-1.60); children (0-17 years) had a GM BLL of 1.11 µg/dL (95% CI 1.01-1.22). In adults, BLLs increased with age, and children had higher BLLs than young adults. Twenty-nine adults and two children had BLLs exceeding the NZ notifiable threshold of 5 µg/dL.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In adults and children aged over 5 years, BLLs were not consistently significantly different from prior national estimates measured in 2014-2016, suggesting that lead detected in the drinking water did not result in elevated BLLs in the exposed population. BLLs in these NZ children and adults were higher than reported in comparable high-income countries, likely due to exposure from known sources such as old paint, remnants of leaded petrol and tapware. NZ requires ongoing public health action to reduce lead exposure.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70273"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13173759/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147965593","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":"Epidemiological Profile, Clinical Presentations, and Complications of Gunshot Wounds in Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Hospital in the Armed Conflict Zone of Goma in Eastern DR Congo.","authors":"Samuel Mbabazi, Zubayer Shams, Phalek Mukaka, Luc Kinyoma, Reagan Luvande, Jones Onesime, Aymar Akilimali, Médard Kabuyaya","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70274","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70274","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Gunshot wounds are a major cause of mortality in armed conflict settings. In Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in the east of the country, recurring armed violence results in a significant influx of wounded requiring emergency surgical care. This study aims to describe the epidemiological, clinical profile, and complications observed in patients with gunshot wounds.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 242 patients admitted between December 2024 and February 2025. Sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and outcome data were analyzed using STATA 14 software. Associations between clinical variables and complications were explored at the significance level <i>p</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patient records 242 were included in this study. The victims were predominantly male (74.4%) and young adults with a median age of 25 (range 18-34) years. Injuries mainly affected the lower (44.2%) and upper (42.2%) limbs. Open fractures (17.8%) and abdominal injuries (17.8%) were the injuries most frequently associated with complications. Hemodynamic instability on admission (44.1% of complicated cases) and an admission delay exceeding 8 h (53% of complicated cases) significantly increased the risk of complications. The mean length of hospital stay was 20 ± 16 days, and the overall mortality rate was 1.2%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Gunshot wounds in the city of Goma primarily affect young, active men who are frequently exposed to conflict zones. Complications are linked to initial instability, delays in admission, and the severity of the injuries. Strengthening the prehospital care system and surgical capacity remains essential to reducing mortality.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70274"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13169493/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147944257","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":"Visual Identity, Social Branding, and Advocacy: Development of the PEN-Plus Logo for Severe Non-Communicable Disease Care in Nepal.","authors":"Dhurba Khatri, Shishir Paudel, Yamuna Chhetri, Bhakta Bahadur K C, Rudra Prakash Hada, Sheela Shrestha, Leela Khanal, Sandeepa Karki","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70242","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70242","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatic heart disease, and sickle cell disease, impose significant health and social burdens in Nepal, particularly among children and young adults. To strengthen visibility, reduce NCD-related stigma, and foster engagement with the PEN-Plus program, a participatory design process was adopted to develop a national logo. This article outlines and critically reflects on the rationale, participatory development process, and symbolism behind the PEN-Plus Nepal logo, situating it within the broader field of health communication and social branding. Drawing on behavioral science theories and participatory design principles, the PEN-Plus logo was co-created with patients, health workers, government representatives, and communication experts. Ministry of Health and Population, National Health Education, Information and Communication Center officially endorsed the PEN-Plus logo, which now serves as a unifying symbol to raise awareness, foster community ownership, and support long-term advocacy for equitable severe NCD care in Nepal.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70242"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13159710/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936187","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":"Intestinal Parasites in a Rural Highland Tourist Community of Nepal: Diversity, Prevalence, and Associated Factors in Humans and Livestock.","authors":"Kishor Pandey, Niten Bharati, Yamini Chhetri, Rachana Bhusal, Madan Nepal, Zainuddin Ansari, Minu Shilpakar, Anju Karmacharya, Shaniya Bhusal, Navin Kumar Yadav, Tsunami Thapa Magar, Muna Bhattarai, Bimala Bhattarai, Arti Neupane, Shristi Bhandari, Jitendra Gautam, Siddha Raj Ojha, Anisha Kc, Dharmaraj Patel, Ganesh Chaudhary, Sandhya Gautam, Merina Lama, Janak Raj Subedi, Pitambar Dhakal, Mahendra Maharjan, Rajendra Prasad Parajuli","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70272","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70272","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Nepal, the close and longstanding human-livestock relationship, vital for subsistence and livelihoods, also creates opportunities for potential zoonotic exposure to intestinal parasites, which remain a persistent and under-recognized public health challenge.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study investigated the prevalence, associated factors, and potential zoonotic implications of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in Sermathang, located in Nepal's Sindhupalchok District.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Fecal samples were collected from 122 humans and 37 livestock and analyzed using direct smear methods along with sedimentation and flotation concentration techniques.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among human participants, 27 (22.1%) tested positive for intestinal parasites, with <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> being the most frequently detected (9.8%), followed by <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i> (4.9%) and hookworms (1.6%). In livestock, 27 samples (72.97%) were found to be infected, with common parasites including <i>Toxocara</i> species, <i>Strongyloides</i> species, and <i>Ascaris</i> species. Although individuals involved in farming, those living in non-concrete houses, and those who consumed raw or undercooked meat had adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of 1.03 (95% CI: 0.40-2.63), 1.15 (0.42-3.15), and 1.20 (0.28-5.20), respectively, none of these associations reached statistical significance.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although host-specific species were observed, parasites belonging to the same genera (<i>Toxocara</i>, <i>Strongyloides</i>, and <i>Ascaris</i>) were detected separately in human and livestock samples from the same households. However, microscopy limitations prevent the assessment of zoonotic transmission, underscoring the need for molecular studies to confirm potential cross-species links.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70272"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13159712/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936214","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":"Global Health Implications of US Exit From WHO and Suspension of Aid.","authors":"Kenneth Chukwuebuka Egwu, Maryam Abdulkarim, Molly Unoh Ogbodum, Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi, Dukanwojo Beulah Suleman, Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70267","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70267","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70267"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13142222/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147847192","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":"Public Health Implications of High Cytomegalovirus Seroprevalence in Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study in Western Uganda.","authors":"Bashir Mohamed Naima, Marie Pascaline Sabine Ishimwe, Theodore Nteziyaremye, Jean de Dieu Rukamba, Musa Kasujja, Theoneste Hakizimana","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70258","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70258","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common maternal infection associated with adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes, yet data among pregnant women in Uganda remain limited. This study assessed CMV seroprevalence and associated factors in western Uganda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study from January to April 2024 among 351 immediate postpartum women consecutively enrolled at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital in western Uganda, enrolled through consecutive sampling. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and medical data were collected using pretested questionnaires. Maternal serum samples were tested for CMV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) using laboratory immunoassays (ELISA/CLIA). IgM-positive or equivocal samples underwent reflex IgG avidity testing to differentiate recent primary from chronic or non-primary infection. CMV serostatus was classified as seronegative or seropositive, with seropositive cases further categorized as acute or chronic infection. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14.2, applying bivariate and multivariate logistic regression at a 95% confidence level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall CMV seroprevalence was 81.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 76.7%-84.97%). Chronic or non-primary infection accounted for 78.9% of cases, whereas acute infection was identified in 2.3% of participants. CMV seropositivity was independently associated with maternal age 25-34 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.44-5.83) and ≥35 years (aOR: 4.6, 95% CI: 1.80-11.52), rural residence (aOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.20-4.15), lower education levels, and a history of spontaneous abortion (aOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.21-8.72).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CMV infection is highly prevalent among pregnant women in western Uganda, predominantly reflecting chronic infection. The identified sociodemographic and obstetric risk factors underscore the need for targeted public health education, consideration of antenatal CMV screening strategies, and interventions to reduce CMV-related maternal and neonatal morbidity.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70258"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13143862/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147847325","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":"Self-Immolation in South Asia: Epidemiology, Motives, and Sociocultural Contexts.","authors":"S M Yasir Arafat, Sadeed Hossain, Sujita Kumar Kar","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70268","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70268","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Self-immolation is a neglected public health and social problem in South Asia. This review focuses on epidemiological patterns, sociodemographic characteristics, motives, and psychosocial correlates associated with self-immolation in South Asian countries. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, BanglaJOL, and Google. A search for original peer-reviewed studies, published in English between 1990 and 2024, on self-immolation in eight South Asian countries, yielded a total of 11 studies. Six studies were from India; no study from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal was found. The studies' sample sizes varied considerably (single case report to 260 participants). Self-immolation was mostly likely among females between age 16 and 30 years. Oppression, abuse, and physical violence by family members were the most commonly motives of female self-immolators. Kerosene and open flames were the most frequently used means. Fatality rates ranged from 70% to 100%. Studies are warranted to explore the psychological, cultural, and human rights-violations factors contributing to female self-immolation and to identify female-centered and culture- and human-rights-grounded preventive strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70268"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13142221/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147847295","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}