Public Health Policy - Science topic

Dear Colleagues, We invite you to contribute to this Special Issue on “Pediatric Overweight and Obesity: The Role of Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Educational Interventions”. Pediatric overweight and obesity represent significant public health challenges, with long-term implications for the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. Th...

Introduction In the current digital age, people’s use of electronic devices has significantly increased screen time, which may have an impact on different aspects of their lives. Adolescents today are exposed to excessive screen time, which may affect their sleep and contribute to anxiety and depression. The purpose of this study is to examine the...

New trends in public health are, therefore, leading to changes in both health and policy frontiers across the globe. These trends – from telemedicine to increasing social inequalities – require a more flexible approach to public health and the latter's regulation. This paper aims to identify and analyze various important new directions in public he...

Aim Despite advancements in hepatitis C care, significant gaps remain, particularly in retaining people who inject drugs (PWID) in treatment, which hinders progress toward achieving the World Health Organization’s (WHO) hepatitis C elimination goals. The ADHERE (Attract pwiD Hepatitis hEalthcaRE) toolkit was developed to address these challenges by...

Background/Objectives: COVID-19 is an infectious disease whose prevention is significantly aided by vaccination, which reduces both case severity and mortality. Despite the safety and efficacy of vaccines, acceptance is not universal, and understanding of the factors influencing vaccination decisions and hesitancy remains limited. This review aims...

Background Mathematical models are essential for guiding public health policy decisions to combat the spread of infectious diseases. Nevertheless, there are no widely-used quality assessment tools that can be used to assess the quality of infectious disease modelling studies. There is also a lack of commonly accepted and used reporting guidelines t...

This research re-evaluates the prevalence of obesity in a cohort of 432 Slovenian adults two years after an initial population-based cross-sectional examination, utilizing the World Health Organization's body mass index (BMI) and total body fat percentage (FAT%) classifications. Herein, a medically approved electrical bioimpedance monitor was used...

The Papanicolaou (Pap) test is one of the most effective methods for cervical cancer screening. However, women with disabilities are less likely to be screened. The objective of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in Pap test utilisation between women with and without disabilities and to analyse the demographic, socioeconomic,...

El artículo analiza la prevalencia de anemia en niños preescolares en un hospital de Michoacán, México, y los factores de riesgo asociados. Con un estudio descriptivo y transversal, se recolectaron datos de 362 niños de 2 a 5 años entre febrero y octubre de 2023. Los resultados indican una prevalencia de anemia del 29.2%, con mayor frecuencia en ni...

Background Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was developed to protect public health policies from tobacco industry interference. The guiding principles of Article 5.3 emphasise a fundamental conflict between the tobacco industry’s interests and public health interests (principle 1) and recommend that the governme...

Mathematical models play a key role in epidemiology, providing a powerful tool for predicting and controlling the spread of infectious diseases. This paper examines the use of mathematical models to analyze the dynamics of infectious diseases, assess the impact of health interventions, and predict future outbreaks. Initially, the structure of basic...

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global mental health, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as pregnant women. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in this population may potentially hinder infant physical development, underscoring the necessity for specific interventions. This study seeks to explore the preva...

This book has provided a wide-ranging review (from global health issues to individuals traits of climatic vulnerability) of the key issues surrounding climate change and heart disease. In the process it has argued for a ‘ paradigm change ’ in how clinicians and the broader health system consider ‘where’ people with antecedent risk factors and estab...

Background: Leprosy control remains challenging in Brazil and has been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiological scenario of leprosy through the detection rate of new cases, the risk of illness, and the hidden prevalence of leprosy according to high-risk micro-region in Min...

Background The relationship between ozone (O3) exposure and blood pressure (BP) remains inconclusive. Given the scarcity of Chinese epidemiological data, more research on this association is of paramount importance, particularly among middle-aged and older Chinese populations. Methods This study involved 10,875 participants (median age: 60.0 years...

Qualitative research surrounding the impacts of COVID-19 and vaccine hesitancy has been extensively studied in the European context; however, limited research has been conducted within communities in the Australian context. This research paper highlights the issues experienced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) members during the COVID...

Background Social norms can influence individual health behaviors. Shifts in social norms for smoking were critical for the effectiveness of tobacco control efforts such as excise taxes. Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) excise taxes have been implemented in municipalities across the United States to reduce SSB intake and improve health. We sought to...

Tumor metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality and remains a major hurdle in cancer treatment. Traditional cigarette smoking has been extensively studied for its role in promoting metastasis. However, the impact of e-cigarette (e-cig) on cancer metastasis is not well understood despite their increasing popularity as a supposedly...

Introdução: A infecção sexualmente transmissível (IST) causada pela espiroqueta Treponema pallidum é denominada de sífilis. Tendo em vista sua grande disseminação entre a população e seu alto risco especialmente para a saúde de gestantes, tornou-se um importante problema de saúde pública. Objetivo: Traçar o perfil epidemiológico da sífilis congênit...

In this article, we consider the potential associations between feminist identity and willingness to adopt vaccine-related COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Recognizing that individuals’ pandemic experiences were highly gendered and that the costs of the pandemic were distributed asymmetrically between men and women, we theorize that individuals espousi...

Introduction The African Great Lakes region is experiencing rapid urbanization, which is leading to a nutritional transition and its related chronic diseases. Similar to other Great Lakes countries, the nutritional transition in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is reflected by increased non-communicable diseases, including morbid obesity. The...

Impact of COVID-19 confinement on urban noise pollution and sleep quality: a comparative study in Constantine and Sétif, Algeria Impacto do confinamento da COVID-19 na poluição sonora urbana e na qualidade do sono: um estudo comparativo em Constantine e Sétif, Argélia Impacto del confinamiento por COVID-19 en la contaminación acústica urbana y en l...

O presente estudo se dedicou examinar a implementação das políticas, destinadas a atenção de crianças e adolescentes em situação de trabalho infantil apontando a relevância do papel da enfermagem e a colaboração interdisciplinar na abordagem, identificação e combate desse problema de exploração de crianças e adolescentes. O percurso metodológico do...

Background: Post-pandemic surveillance data on COVID-19 infections may help inform future public health policies regarding SARS-CoV-2 testing, vaccinations or other COVID-19 measures. We estimate the total SARS-CoV-2 infections in Austria after the end of the pandemic (May 5, 2023, per WHO) up to May 2024 from wastewater data. Those estimates are u...

This research focuses on the mathematical modeling of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) dynamics using optimal control theory to enhance understanding of transmission patterns and optimize intervention strategies. An ordinary differential equation (ODE) model is proposed, capturing the dynamics of HBV transmission through distinct compartments: susceptible,...

Background/Objectives: This narrative review examines resilience and social reconstruction strategies implemented during the 1742–1743 plague along the Royal Road between Buenos Aires and Lima. The study explores how colonial authorities managed the epidemic and its long-term effects, providing insights into historical crisis management and public...

Muridae such as rats and mice are important hosts of (zoonotic) pathogens in urbanized environments. Controlling their population size is an important component of public health policies to reduce human disease risk. Recent studies suggest that rodent populations may increase due to urban greening, but this could also be counteracted by domestic ca...

Periodontal diseases are closely related to non-communicable diseases, and their prevention depends on their link with healthy lifestyle programs. The purpose of this consensus was to summarize and propose preventive strategies at the community, individual, and research levels in Latin America and the Caribbean. A critical review and search strateg...

Vaccination is the most important method to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and vaccination is key to this goal. This paper highlights considerations for policy development around vaccination attestation and proof requirements, specifically in rural Appalachia. Migrant and immigrant farmworkers are integral to the...

Objective This work aims assess the clinical-epidemiological profile of lumbar spine trauma in patients treated at a tertiary hospital in the ABC region of São Paulo, identifying factors associated with the prognosis of these injuries, to contribute epidemiological data that assist in developing prevention and treatment policies. Methodology An ep...

Introduction: The global shift towards an aging population presents significant challenges, particularly concerning frailty among older adults. Frailty, characterized by diminished strength and resilience, increases vulnerability to diseases and hospitalization. HealthIssues: Traditional diagnostic tools for frailty are costly and involve radiatio...

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of physical literacy (PL) in school children (10 to 16 years) in Santiago, Chile, and to explore the relationship between PL and body mass index (BMI). In addition, gender and age differences were analyzed in relation to PL levels in a context where childhood obesity remains a public heal...

Aim This study aims to extend the research on the connection between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease (CVD) by exploring this link at a macro level across the continent of Europe. We aim to highlight the virus’s detrimental effects on heart health at both country and continental levels. Subject and methods Utilizing data from the SHARE survey,...

Unhealthy commodity industries (UCIs) such as tobacco, alcohol, gambling, ultra-processed food and beverage producers are known to influence policy-making to advance their interests, often to the detriment of public health goals. This study mapped the complex system underpinning UCI’s influence on public health policy formulation in the UK and iden...

Migrants living in large urban areas are disproportionately impacted by health crises such as pandemics. This policy brief explores how urban areas mitigate and/or exacerbate the impact of COVID-19 on migrant groups and provides policy recommendations. We conducted a policy review to focus on the effects of COVID-19 on migrants living in cities wit...

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a significant challenge to public health, posing a considerable threat to effective disease management on a global scale. The increasing incidence of infections caused by resistant bacteria has led to heightened morbidity and mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations. Main t...

Background and Objectives: Non-viral bloodborne diseases are a group of infections that are a public health problem worldwide. The incidence of diseases such as brucellosis and syphilis is increasing in the Americas and Europe. Chagas disease is an endemic problem in Latin America, the United States and Europe. This study aims to determine the prev...

ntroducción: Los pueblos originarios refieren que no perciben la salud mental como la define el mundo occidental. Su atención y estudio es escaso. Al reconocer cómo la interpretan los pueblos, se busca ejecutar políticas de salud pública en favor de esta sociedad. Objetivo: Explorar las representaciones sociales (RS) sobre la salud mental en adul...

En este estudio se destaca la creciente preocupación global sobre los efectos perjudiciales de estilos de vida sedentarios en la población, impulsando la necesidad de una revisión sistemática que sintetice la evidencia científica disponible. El objetivo principal del estudio es realizar una revisión sistemática exhaustiva de la literatura científic...

Purpose We aimed to determine the incidence of mental health diagnoses and associated health and social risk factors among perinatal people in three different COVID-19 phases. Methods We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study using linked administrative datasets. We included persons with live, in-hospital births in Ontario, Canad...

The aims of this research were to examine the temporal trends in Caries of permanent teeth incidence at the global level from 1990 to 2021 and to forecast caries experience to 2030. Data on permanent tooth decay (PTD) were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study. Generalized additive model was used to predict permanent tooth ca...

Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged global health systems since December 2019, with the novel virus SARS-CoV-2 causing multi-systemic disease, including heart complications. While acute cardiac effects are well-known, long-term implications are understudied. This review hopes to fill a gap in the literature and provide valuable insights...

Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar modelos de séries temporais paramétricos e não-paramétricos para a predição da taxa de mortalidade neonatal em municípios brasileiros de médio porte. Método: Os modelos foram ajustados aos dados históricos de 2010 a 2022 e avaliados com base nas métricas de erro e nos resultados das predições. Resultado...

The rise of social media platforms has revolutionized the way health information is disseminated, but it has also led to the widespread distribution of health misinformation. This phenomenon poses significant challenges for public health policy, as misinformation can influence individual behaviors, shape public perceptions, and undermine trust in h...

Anti-ageing medicines are products intended to extend lifespan and healthspan in humans that have a good potential use in public health policies. In the European Union, their development, production and consumption are dependent on regulatory science performed by the European Medicines Agency and its associated epistemic policies. They impose, amon...

Many odorless and invisible pollutants contribute to poor indoor air quality at home. Previous research has shown that subjective ratings of indoor air quality are biased by a home halo effect. This effect is characterized by the tendency to subjectively assess air quality based on pleasant aspects that are unrelated to its objective quality. We hy...

This study presents a pioneering deterministic mathematical model to explore the complex dynamics of infectious diseases, focusing on the synergy between vaccination efficacy and awareness programs in disease control. Within an SVIQR framework encompassing susceptible, vaccinated, infected, quarantined, and removed compartments. The model employs n...

This study investigates the impact of access to clean cooking fuels on cancer mortality among women in the European Union from 2013 to 2021. Through statistical models, it identifies key variables that are both positively and negatively associated with cancer mortality, providing new insights into the socio-environmental determinants of health. The...

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread viral pathogen, responsible for a significant burden of cervical and other cancers worldwide. Over the past decades, the development and widespread adoption of prophylactic HPV vaccines have dramatically reduced the incidence of HPV-related diseases. However, despite the efficacy of these vaccines, global...

Background: Pandemic outbreaks have emerged as a significant global threat, with the potential to cause waves of infections that challenge public health systems and disrupt societal norms. Understanding the underlying behavior of disease transmission can be of great use in the design of informed and timely public health policies. It is very common...

Background/Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) posing a greater threat due to difficulty in treatment. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between comorbidities and treatment outcomes in patients diagnosed with DR-TB in rural Eastern Cape using logistic r...

Background A growing body of epidemiologic and toxicologic literature indicates that fine airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is neurotoxic and threatens children’s neurobehavioral development, resulting in reduced cognitive function. Understanding the magnitude of this effect is critical for establishing public health policies that will...

Background: Adolescence is a critical period for developing self-perception, emotional well-being, and health behaviors. Mental health disorders represent a substantial burden for adolescents worldwide. This study examines self-perceived health, mood, and substance use among adolescents, identifying associated risk factors. Method: A cross-secti...

O presente artigo aborda a atuação da Defensoria Pública do Estado do Amapá na atuação dos direitos da criança e do adolescente em matéria de saúde pública. É abordada a importância da instituição na busca por esses direitos assegurados pela Constituição Federal e pelo Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente, especialmente pela via judicial, trazendo...

Constant exposure to outdoor air pollution by populations within crude oil refineries in Southern part of Nigeria has continued to attract research interests due to its health implications. This study investigated birth outcomes in health facilities within the highly crude oil refining Eleme community of Rivers State and the non-oil refining Ubakal...

The Internet is increasingly important in addressing age-related mental health challenges. We used linear mixed models and meta-analyses to examine the association between Internet use and mental health among 87,559 adults aged ≥50 years from 23 countries. Internet use was associated with fewer depressive symptoms (pooled average marginal effect (A...

Purpose of Review This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of emerging trends and management strategies in pediatric hypertension, which has become an increasingly pressing public health issue due to the rise in obesity and lifestyle-related risk factors among children. Recent Findings Recent studies reveal a concerning increase in hyper...

O objetivo desse estudo é examinar a evolução do sanitarismo no Brasil, suas conquistas ao longo do século XX e os desafios enfrentados pela saúde coletiva no século XXI.A pesquisa justifica-se pela relevância do sanitarismo no desenvolvimento de políticas públicas de saúde e pela necessidade de compreender como esses avanços influenciam o cenário...

Infectious diseases spread through complex interactions within populations, which can be influenced by individual behavior, immunity, and social structures. Evolutionary game theory (EGT) provides a powerful tool to model and forecast the dynamics of infectious disease transmission, where individuals' decisions to engage in risky behaviours or adop...

Background: Mental health disorders are currently the main contributor to poor quality of life and years lived with disability. Symptoms common to many mental health disorders lead to impairments or changes in the use of language, which are observable in the routine use of social media. Detection of these linguistic cues has been explored throughou...

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) encourages all member states to adopt and implement a package of essential evidence-based interventions called the Best Buys to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). To date, little is known about the implementation of national policies and interventions for NCD control in the WHO memb...

Vaccination programs are essential to mitigating the spread of infectious diseases. However, vaccine uptake is influenced by individual behaviour, which can be modelled using game theory. This paper explores game-theoretic models to understand the dynamics of vaccination decisions, the role of incentives, and the impact of public health policies on...

What is already known about this topic? Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a serious tick-borne disease in East Asia with high mortality, particularly affecting the elderly. Since its discovery in 2010, inconsistencies in small-scale studies and the lack of decade-long research on antibody levels in large population samples after...

As an accessible and low-risk mode of transportation and recreational activity, walking both produces and is produced by socio-spatial urban features. The health benefits of walking transcend physical fitness, remaining integral to mental health and to fostering social connectedness in urban communities. Understanding what drives walking behaviour,...

Introduction Disabilities are a serious public health, social and human rights issue. Few studies address the relationship between disabilities and functioning among older adults. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of disability and its’ association with comorbidities and functional limitations in Brazilian elderly individuals. Methods Dat...

Aim To determine the 90-day all-cause mortality risk of unplanned acute and emergency hospital contacts compared to the general population before and after the introduction of the shelter-at-home restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark. Subject and methods The study was a stratified population-based, case–cohort study perfo...

Evidence-based interventions (EBIs) are essential to improve the well-being and neurocognitive outcomes of pediatric cancer patients; however, considerable barriers hamper the implementation of these tools. The present study assessed health care professionals’ (HCP) perceived barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a specific EBI for ped...

O estudo tem como objetivo investigar o uso de fitoterápicos como alternativa para reduzir o consumo indiscriminado de benzodiazepínicos no tratamento de transtornos de ansiedade, abordando os riscos e complicações do uso prolongado desses medicamentos. A pesquisa foi realizada por meio de uma revisão de literatura qualitativa e descritiva, consult...

Background: Nutritional metals (NM) are essential for neurodevelopment and cognitive performance during growth. Nevertheless, epidemiological evidence regarding the associations between NM and brain function remains understudied, particularly among adolescents. Therefore, the objective of this pilot study was to examine the effects of NM biomarkers...

*Osteoporosis and osteopenia are common. *Osteoporosis and osteopenia are costly. *Public health policy focus should be prevention through early diagnosis and treatment to reduce the burden, given an ageing population.

Anemia in pregnancy is a significant global health concern, affecting approximately 40% of pregnant women worldwide and posing serious risks to maternal and neonatal health. The predominant cause of anemia during pregnancy is iron deficiency, which can lead to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and increased maternal morbidity a...

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown significantly disrupted daily routines and impacted physical activity, diet, mental well-being, and sleep. This mixed-methods study investigates these changes over three periods—pre-pandemic, pandemic onset, and one-year post-onset—to understand their causes and inform public health policy for improved re...