Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jiazhou Yu, Dong Dong, Timothy S. Sumerlin, William B. Goggins, Qi Feng, Jean H. Kim
Summary: This study examines the public acceptability of WHO-recommended alcohol harms reduction strategies in an Asian city and finds that moderate beer/wine taxes and shortened alcohol retail hours are the most supported strategies, while bans on event sponsorships and public drinking events are the least popular. Males, younger adults, non-abstainers, and those who believe in drinking's social benefits are less likely to endorse stringent control measures. Higher-income adults show less support, partially due to concerns about local economy and lifestyles. Women and older people are generally more supportive, perceiving these policies as a way to lower alcohol-related harms.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Irene Martin-Turrero, Roberto Valiente, Irene Molina-de la Fuente, Usama Bilal, Mariana Lazo, Xisca Sureda
Summary: The study revealed that the density of alcohol outlets around schools varied depending on the socioeconomic status, while no significant differences were found in terms of proximity. Secondary schools in more affluent areas had lower alcohol outlet densities.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rupali Khare, Vasanta Govind Kumar Villuri, Satish Kumar, Devarshi Chaurasia
Summary: This study examines the impact of land use and transportation systems on the spread of COVID-19, finding a positive correlation between TODness and COVID-19 cases. The results suggest that diversity and availability of high-quality transit services play a significant role in virus spread, while population density and public transport mediation effects are negligible. These findings can assist government authorities and policymakers in developing strategies and preventive measures for subsequent waves of the pandemic.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Anu Katainen, Liisa Uusitalo, Hannu Saarijarvi, Maijaliisa Erkkola, Ossi Rahkonen, Tomi Lintonen, Mikael Fogelholm, Jaakko Nevalainen
Summary: The consumption of non-alcoholic beer and other low-alcohol beverages has increased in recent years. This study examined the associations between sociodemographic characteristics and non-alcoholic beer purchases, and found that educated and affluent consumers were the forerunners of non-alcoholic beer consumption in Finland.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jad Chaaban, Joanne Haddad, Lilian Ghandour, Ali Chalak
Summary: This paper analyzes the impact of introducing an alcohol minimum unit pricing policy on youth's off-premise alcohol consumption and provides evidence that the policy can reduce ethanol intake. The study also finds a positive welfare benefit of the minimum unit pricing policy.
HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Karinna Nunez, Tamia Rudnicky, Pamela Mason, Christine Tombleson, Marcia Berman
Summary: The Shoreline Management Model (SMM) is a geospatial tool that assesses and recommends various management practices for shorelines. It utilizes scientific knowledge and spatial data to support decision-making for shoreline managers, property owners, and planners. The model identifies suitable areas for using living shorelines to address erosion and provides recommendations based on current conditions.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Aiko Weverka, Nikita L. L. Vundi, Jessica M. M. Clouser, Akosua K. K. Adu, Mark V. V. Williams, Jing Li
Summary: This study examined the availability of community service providers (CSP) in Eastern Kentucky, United States, and its association with neighborhood socioeconomic status and health-related social needs. Using GIS methods, we identified a wide variation in CSP availability and found that CSPs were more accessible in affluent census block groups. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant negative relationship between the proximity of CSP availability and the presence of food, housing, and transportation needs among beneficiaries. These findings emphasize the importance of considering geographic accessibility when making referral and funding decisions, particularly in rural communities.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Nomusa F. Mngoma, Oyedeji A. Ayonrinde
Summary: South Africa has high rates of youth unemployment and NEET, especially among Black South Africans. This study found that there were no significant differences in psychological distress and substance use between NEET and non-NEET rural African young men. The findings highlight the limited opportunities for employment and difficult transitions for Black youth in rural SA.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Glenn J. Wagner, Bonnie Ghosh-Dastidar, Scott Tebbetts, Elie Ballan, Matt G. Mutchler, Harold Green, Sally Chamas, Jacques Mokhbat, Susan Kegeles
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of a culturally adapted evidence-based HIV prevention intervention on young men who have sex with men in Beirut. It found that Tayf participation was associated with higher rates of condomless sex with HIV-positive or unknown partners, but the impact diminished over time, highlighting the need for further work to enhance effects in high stigma settings.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Penjani Hopkins Nyimbili, Turan Erden
Summary: This research utilized a group decision-making approach with the best-worst method (BWM) in combination with GIS to plan suitable areas for new emergency facilities in Istanbul. The BWM results were compared with the AHP and found to be reliable, with different priority criteria identified for academician and fire brigade practitioner decision-maker groups. The study highlights the importance of group consensus and the need to consider varying perceptions in decision-making processes.
Article
Geography
Nohemi Ramirez Aranda, Jeroen De Waegemaeker, Viktor Venhorst, Wim Leendertse, Eva Kerselaers, Nico van de Weghe
Summary: This study found that the marker was the most accurate and suitable geographic entity for collecting spatial data when mapping cultural ecosystem services through online PPGIS, outperforming points and polygons.
CARTOGRAPHY AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Substance Abuse
Simon Graham, Christina L. Heris, Lina Gubhaju, Francine Eades, Robyn Williams, Katiska Davis, Justine Whitby, Kerry Hunt, Neeraja Chimote, Sandra J. Eades
Summary: The study found that more than half of young Aboriginal people did not use marijuana, smoke, or drink alcohol, and those who had not used marijuana had lower levels of distress.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Erik D. Storholm, Matt G. Mutchler, Bonnie Ghosh-Dastidar, Elie Balan, Jacques Mokhbat, Susan M. Kegeles, Glenn J. Wagner
Summary: In Lebanon, new HIV infections are rising among young men who have sex with men, with many reluctant to seek prevention services due to fear of stigma. Factors such as knowledge of HIV risk, substance use, and sense of community among young men who have sex with men significantly influence willingness to take PrEP as an alternative prevention strategy in the MENA region.
BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Suhiar Mohammed Zeki Abd Alsammed
Summary: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a significant role in handling data organization and processing, supporting various fields of study and applications. However, the challenge of handling large volumes of data remains. This study proposes a GIS-based decision support system that can identify the best route based on multiple criteria.
BAGHDAD SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jeannine Uwimana Nicol, Lynn Hendricks, Taryn Young
Summary: This study aims to identify the challenges and enablers for implementing WHO "Best buys" interventions targeting risk factors of diabetes and hypertension in South Africa. South Africa has included these interventions in policies, but faces challenges related to competing interests, lack of funding, and upstream policy implementation processes. Enabling factors include multi-sectoral engagement, community ownership, and building partnerships.
PAN AFRICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Myra Zeineddine, Samer Kharroubi, Ali Chalak, Hussein Hassan, Mohamad G. Abiad
Summary: This study surveyed 222 restaurants in Municipal Beirut, Lebanon, to investigate food waste generation, revealing that 1,620 tons of plate food waste are produced annually in the area. Furthermore, comparisons between Lebanese and non-Lebanese cuisine restaurants showed that cuisine type, service style, and menu planning are significantly associated with post-consumer food waste generation.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
R. A. Afifi, E. A. Parker, G. Dino, D. M. Hall, B. Ulin
Summary: This article discusses the importance of rural health research and suggests that a paradigm shift is needed to focus on the complexity and strength of rural places. It also explores the relevance of health equity frameworks, implementation science, and community-engaged approaches in promoting rural well-being.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Ali Chalak, Paul Metcalfe
Summary: This paper introduces a new approach for valuing water and wastewater service improvements, which is simpler for survey participants and avoids the problems caused by scope insensitivity. By deriving estimates of the relative impact of different service issues, the approach allows for valuations of individual service level improvements from a package valuation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND POLICY
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Hala Alaouie, Sumithra Krishnamurthy Reddiar, Malak Tleis, Lama El Kadi, Rima Afifi, Rima Nakkash
Summary: This paper provides an updated global review of waterpipe tobacco policies and adds an equity lens to assess their impact. The results show limited attention to waterpipe policies and equity considerations. The study recommends that waterpipe tobacco smoking policies prioritize equity as a goal.
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Asih Asikin-Garmager, Patrick Dowd, Salim George, Rima A. Afifi
Summary: This study illustrates the application of user experience evaluation in the formative evaluation of a community engagement toolkit. The findings indicate overall positive feedback on the toolkit's interface and navigation, but suggest the need for improvement on content relevance and broad appeal.
EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hala Ghattas, Zeina Jamaluddine, Aline Semaan, Nehmat El-Helou, Gloria Safadi, Tatiana Elghossain, Christelle Akl, Shady Elbassuoni, Ali Chalak, Jalila El Ati
Summary: This study aims to explore the environments in which children make food choices and identify barriers and enablers to healthy food choices. By integrating methods from various disciplines, the study will identify levers for intervention to improve children's dietary behaviors.
Article
Substance Abuse
Dima Bteddini, Rima T. Nakkash, Ali Chalak, Mohammed Jawad, Yousef Khader, Niveen M. E. Abu-Rmeileh, Aya Mostafa, Ruba Abla, Sameera Awawda, Ramzi G. Salloum
Summary: Economic evaluation of tobacco control policies, particularly of cigarette smoking, is well-studied in high-income countries. However, less research has been done in low/middle-income countries, where other tobacco forms are common. This paper presents insights from an economics study on waterpipe tobacco smoking in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, providing practical guidance for researchers investigating the economics of waterpipe tobacco and potential implications for other novel tobacco products.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tolib Mirzoev, Stephanie M. Topp, Rima A. Afifi, Racha Fadlallah, Felix Abrahams Obi, Lucy Gilson
Summary: Health policy and systems research is crucial for developing effective health systems. However, there is a lack of capacity for this type of research, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for systemic capacity strengthening in health research, highlighting the importance of collective, organizational, and network-level efforts. The framework also emphasizes the need to address power dynamics in capacity strengthening work.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Adriana Maldonado, Richard M. Hoffman, Barbara Baquero, Daniel K. Sewell, Helena H. Laroche, Rima Afifi, Paul A. Gilbert
Summary: Little is known about the influence of social and environmental contexts on Latino hypertension-related disparities. This study examined the influence of social determinants of cardiovascular health on medically treated hypertension, contrasting established vs. new Latino destination states. Results showed that regardless of destination state, a history of diabetes and access to healthcare were associated with receiving treatment for hypertension. In established destination states, higher education levels were linked to higher odds of treated hypertension, while in new and non-destination states, the odds were consistently lower across educational attainment levels.
JOURNAL OF IMMIGRANT AND MINORITY HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Mohammed Jawad, Sameera Awawda, Ruba Abla, Ali Chalak, Yousef S. Khader, Rima T. Nakkash, Aya Mostafa, Ramzi G. Salloum, Niveen M. E. Abu-Rmeileh
Summary: This study modeled the impact of waterpipe tobacco-specific excise taxes in Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, showing that increasing taxes can significantly reduce smoking rates, increase government revenue, and reduce premature deaths.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Randa K. Saad, Adna Maiteh, Rima Nakkash, Ramzi G. Salloum, Ali Chalak, Niveen M. E. Abu-Rmeileh, Yousef Khader, Mohannad Al Nsour
Summary: Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) is a traditional tobacco use method that is highly prevalent in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Despite its documented harm, there is a lack of global regulatory response to the growing prevalence of WTS, especially among youth. Effective tobacco control strategies tailored to WTS are urgently needed, and taxation, volumetric choice experiments, and global surveillance systems such as GTSS can play important roles in combating WTS.
JMIR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SURVEILLANCE
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Anna B. Correa, Hanh Pham, Rebecca Bucklin, Daniel Sewell, Rima Afifi
Summary: This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Resident Assistants (RAs) at a public university in the Midwest. An online survey was conducted to measure socio-demographics, stress, and well-being. The results showed that a significant proportion of RAs experienced anxiety and stress, particularly those who perceived a great impact of COVID-19 on their lives.
JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Hussein F. Hassan, Yara Rizk, Ali Chalak, Mohamad Ghassan Abiad, Lama Mattar
Summary: This study investigates the attitudes and behaviors determining household food waste in Lebanon and finds that the economic crisis has a greater impact on food shopping and eating behaviors compared to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also reveals a negative association between feelings of guilt, thinking of ways to use leftovers, and frequent preparation of more dishes with food waste generation.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Joanne Haddad, Jad Chaaban, Ali Chalak, Hala Ghattas
Summary: This paper analyzes the impact of income class on subjective wellbeing and finds that individuals in the low and middle income classes are less likely to report higher life satisfaction compared to individuals belonging to the upper income class.
SOCIAL SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jad Chaaban, Joanne Haddad, Lilian Ghandour, Ali Chalak
Summary: This paper analyzes the impact of introducing an alcohol minimum unit pricing policy on youth's off-premise alcohol consumption and provides evidence that the policy can reduce ethanol intake. The study also finds a positive welfare benefit of the minimum unit pricing policy.
HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING
(2022)
