Article
Medicine, General & Internal
James F. Mbinta, Binh P. Nguyen, Prosper Mandela A. Awuni, Paul E. Eme, Colin R. Simpson
Summary: This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of zoster vaccines against incident HZ and postherpetic neuralgia in adults 50 years and older, using key information sources such as MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane libraries, and CINAHL. The study will search for postlicensure observational studies published between 2006 and 2020 to assess the effectiveness of HZ/zoster vaccines in adults 50 years and older, and will include critical appraisal, data extraction, and statistical analyses using a random-effect model.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hiba Jawdat Barqawi, Saryia Farouk Adra, Hiba Riad Ramzi, Mahmoud Alaa Abouaggour, Shamma Khamis Almehairi
Summary: The study found that residents in the UAE had a generally low understanding of microbiota, with only a small percentage displaying a good level of knowledge. Different age groups and educational levels had a significant impact on knowledge, with being a university student and a healthcare professional being important predictors of microbiota knowledge.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Minhazul Abedin, Abrar Wahab, Farah Naz Rahman, Fardina Rahman Omi, Saadia Shareen, Shagoofa Rakhshanda, Labida Islam, Cinderella Akbar Mayaboti, Uttam Kumar Saha, Fazlay Faruque, Lauren M. Fletcher, Saidur Mashreky
Summary: This systematic review aims to investigate the impact of various social determinants of health on the transmission and outcomes of COVID-19 globally. Observational studies reporting statistical relationships between SDOHs and COVID-19 will be included, with quality assessment using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Findings will be reported through narrative synthesis without meta-analysis, and results will be disseminated through publication and conference presentation.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kefyalew Addis Alene, Yalemzewod Assefa Gelaw, Dagnachew Muluye Fetene, Digsu N. Koye, Yohannes Adama Melaku, Hailay Gesesew, Mulugeta Molla Birhanu, Akilew Awoke Adane, Muluken Dessalegn Muluneh, Berihun Assefa Dachew, Solomon Abrha, Atsede Aregay, Asnakew Achaw Ayele, Woldesellassie M. Bezabhe, Kidane Tadesse Gebremariam, Tesfaye Gebremedhin, Amanuel Tesfay Gebremedhin, Lemlem Gebremichael, Ayele Bali Geleto, Habtamu Tilahun Kassahun, Getiye Dejenu Kibret, Cheru Tesema Leshargie, Alemayehu Mekonnen, Alemnesh H. Mirkuzie, Hassen Mohammed, Henok Getachew Tegegn, Azeb Gebresilassie Tesema, Fisaha Haile Tesfay, Befikadu Legesse Wubishet, Yohannes Kinfu
Summary: This study identified geographical differences in vulnerability to infection, case severity, and likelihood of death from COVID-19 in Ethiopia. It offers maps that can guide targeted interventions necessary to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Anne Osterrieder, Giulia Cuman, Wirichada Pan-Ngum, Phaik Kin Cheah, Phee-Kheng Cheah, Pimnara Peerawaranun, Margherita Silan, Miha Orazem, Ksenija Perkovic, Urh Groselj, Mira Leonie Schneiders, Tassawan Poomchaichote, Naomi Waithira, Supa-at Asarath, Bhensri Naemiratch, Supanat Ruangkajorn, Lenart Skof, Natinee Kulpijit, Constance R. S. Mackworth-Young, Darlene Ongkili, Rita Chanviriyavuth, Mavuto Mukaka, Phaik Yeong Cheah
Summary: The study found that Thai respondents reported the highest economic impact, while Slovenian respondents reported the least. Respondents expressed most concern about their social life, physical health, mental health and well-being. Self-reported compliance was higher among respondents who reported a high understanding of COVID-19.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mahbubur Rahman, Samsad Rabbani Khan, A. S. M. Alamgir, David S. Kennedy, Ferdous Hakim, Egmond Samir Evers, Nawroz Afreen, Ahmed Nawsher Alam, Md Sahidul Islam, Debashish Paul, Rijwan Bhuiyan, Raisul Islam, Adneen Moureen, M. Salimuzzaman, Mallick Masum Billah, Ahmed Raihan Sharif, Mst Khaleda Akter, Sharmin Sultana, Manjur Hossain Khan, Kai von Harbou, Mohammad Mostafa Zaman, Tahmina Shirin, Meerjady Sabrina Flora
Summary: In December 2020, about half of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) had antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, including many who were asymptomatic. Periodic serosurveys are necessary to recommend appropriate public health measures to limit transmission.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Esete Habtemariam Fenta, Binyam Girma Sisay, Seifu H. Gebreyesus, Bilal Shikur Endris
Summary: The analysis of adult mortality trends in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia revealed a shift from communicable diseases to NCDs as the leading cause of death over 10 years. While progress has been made in reducing communicable disease mortality, there is still a significant burden of NCDs that calls for improved healthcare access and community education for increased awareness. Integrating NCD interventions into existing successful programs targeting communicable diseases could enhance comprehensive healthcare provision.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lisa M. Jamieson, Gail Garvey, Joanne Hedges, Cathy Leane, Isaac Hill, Alex Brown, Xiangqun Ju, Sneha Sethi, David Roder, Richard M. Logan, Newell Johnson, Megan Smith, Annika Antonsson, Karen Canfell
Summary: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of oral HPV infection among Indigenous Australians, identify risk factors associated with OPSCC-related HPV types, develop HPV-related health state valuations, and determine the cost-effectiveness of extending publicly-funded HPV vaccination. Findings indicate a high prevalence of oral HPV infection, with lower prevalence of HPV types associated with OPSCC. Future plans include continued follow-up of the cohort with comprehensive clinical examinations and blood tests for early stage OPSCC.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Rifqah Abeeda Roomaney, Brian van Wyk, Eunice Bolanle Turawa, Victoria Pillay-van Wyk
Summary: The prevalence of multimorbidity in South Africa varies from low to moderate (3%-23%) in studies including younger populations to moderate to high (30%-87%) in studies of older adults. Hypertension is identified as the main driver of multimorbidity in the South African population, especially among older adults. Further research on multimorbidity in South Africa should focus on high-quality study designs to better understand this issue.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe, Olugbenga Olaseinde, Omon Stellamaris Fagbamigbe
Summary: This study assessed the compliance of WHO guidelines on the timeliness of antenatal care initiation in Nigeria, finding that only a quarter of pregnant women initiated ANC contact during the first trimester. Disparities across states in Nigeria and across background characteristics of pregnant women were observed, indicating a need to enhance women's autonomy in healthcare utilization. Efforts to raise awareness and empower women in maternal and child healthcare are essential for promoting early ANC initiation.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rita Burke, Pierantonio Russo, Michael Sicilia, William Wolowich, Novinyo Amega, Huy-Binh Nguyen
Summary: This study compares the epidemiology of paediatric and adult patients receiving rabies immune globulin (RIG). The results show that paediatric patients have higher prevalence of certain types of wounds.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Xiaoxiao Chen, Qian Xu, Haijiang Lin, Jianfu Zhu, Yue Chen, Qi Zhao, Chaowei Fu, Na Wang
Summary: A study conducted in Deqing and Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China, found that different factors impact the quality of life of enterprise workers who return to work during the COVID-19 epidemic, such as physical activities, wearing masks, and maintaining home ventilation. Identified factors can help in developing appropriate intervention measures to minimize the impact of large-scale public health events on the quality of life of enterprise workers.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Elburg van Boetzelaer, Adolphe Fotso, Ilina Angelova, Geke Huisman, Trygve Thorson, Hassiba Hadj-Sahraoui, Ronald Kremer, Anna Kuehne
Summary: This study provides a systematic epidemiological description of morbidities among migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers crossing the Mediterranean Sea. The results indicate that these populations experience a range of health conditions, including skin conditions, motion sickness, headache, and acute injuries.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Rebecca Grant, Timothee Dub, Xanthi Andrianou, Hanna Nohynek, Annelies Wilder-Smith, Patrizio Pezzotti, Arnaud Fontanet
Summary: This study reviewed 23 population-based SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies conducted in Europe, finding that the level of infection is much higher than the officially reported cases. Exposure to the virus in Europe has not reached a level that would prevent further circulation of the virus, highlighting the urgent need for effective vaccine candidates to provide population immunity.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rosemarie de Souza, Sharayu Mhatre, Burhanuddin Qayyumi, Garvit Chitkara, Tushar Madke, Mohan Joshi, Ramesh Bharmal, D. S. Asgaonkar, Prem Lakhani, Sudeep Gupta, Pankaj Chaturvedi, Rajesh Dikshit, Rajendra Badwe
Summary: The study included 689 COVID-19 patients from Mumbai, India, with a median age of 44 years. 77.36% of patients were discharged alive, while 22.64% died. Older age, comorbidities, history of hypertension, and presence of symptoms at admission were associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality. Patients in Mumbai were younger, less symptomatic, and required less ventilator and oxygen support compared to Western countries.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jessie Pinchoff, Brent Monseur, Sapna Desai, Katelyn Koons, Ruben Alvero, Michelle J. Hindin
Summary: This study found an association between arsenic levels in groundwater and adverse reproductive health outcomes, including stillbirths, recurrent pregnancy loss, and infertility, in India. The results suggest the need for targeted efforts to mitigate arsenic contamination in groundwater.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Karen Austrian, Erica Soler-Hampejsek, Beth Kangwana, Nicole Maddox, Maryama Diaw, Yohannes D. Wado, Benta Abuya, Eva Muluve, Faith Mbushi, Hassan Mohammed, Abdullahi Aden, John A. Maluccio
Summary: This study examines the impact of a two-year multisectoral intervention program on delaying early marriage in a marginalized setting. The findings suggest that the program has a small but significant reduction in marriage and pregnancy rates, particularly for girls who are not in school.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Timothy Abuya, Charlotte E. Warren, Charity Ndwiga, Chantalle Okondo, Emma Sacks, Pooja Sripad
Summary: This paper presents a qualitative study conducted in Kenya to understand the mistreatment of sick young infants (SYIs) in hospital settings. The study identified five categories of mistreatment, including health system conditions and constraints, stigma and discrimination, physically inappropriate care, poor parental-provider rapport, and lack of organized bereavement and posthumous care. The study also found that mistreatment is linked to poor quality of care and suggests interventions to improve care for SYIs.
Article
Water Resources
James B. Tidwell, Kwabena B. Nyarko, Ian Ross, Bismark Dwumfour-Asare, Pippa Scott
Summary: Container-based toilet service (CTG) is a popular sanitation solution that improves the quality of life for users, saves money, and meets the needs of people with disabilities.
JOURNAL OF WATER SANITATION AND HYGIENE FOR DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Eunice Muthengi, Laura Muthoni, Karen Austrian
Summary: The purpose of this study is to understand the factors and stability of cohabiting and formal child marriage unions among adolescent girls. The results highlight that informal unions are more likely to end in separation compared to formal marriages, and having both families' approval is associated with a lower likelihood of cohabiting. These differences should be considered when addressing early marriage in research and programs.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Shivani Pandya, Mukesh Hamal, Timothy Abuya, Richard Kintu, Daniel Mwanga, Charlotte E. Warren, Smisha Agarwal
Summary: This study aims to identify barriers in the effective implementation of financial and non-financial incentives in Uganda's community health worker (CHW) program. The findings suggest that CHWs are motivated by non-monetary factors such as recognition, access to transportation, and training opportunities, as well as monetary factors including monthly stipends and timely payment systems. CHWs also expressed an interest in being considered for a salaried CHW cadre. Therefore, providing a balanced combination of monetary and non-monetary incentives is crucial for the success of the CHW program.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH POLICY AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katharine J. McCarthy, Katarzyna Wyka, Diana Romero, Karen Austrian, Heidi E. Jones
Summary: This study examines the role of agency in early and unwanted adolescent childbearing among girls in Zambia. The findings show that a substantial proportion of adolescent girls lack the ability to decide their reproductive future. Early life resources are associated with augmented agency, while exposure to negative events such as violence and early marriage detract from high agency status. Strategies addressing gender norms and early marriage may help protect girls' agency and reduce unwanted fertility outcomes.
SSM-POPULATION HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hamidreza Zoraghein, Jessie Pinchoff, Deborah Balk, Mark Montgomery, Hasim Engin
Summary: India, one of the most flood-prone countries in the world, is facing increasing risks of floods due to climate change. This study shows that approximately 184 million people, or more than 1 in 7 of India's population, are at risk of fluvial flooding. In addition, around 15% of health facilities and 18% of educational facilities are exposed to flood risks.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Elsie Akwara, Jessie Pinchoff, Tara Abularrage, Corinne White, Thoai D. Ngo
Summary: By 2050, three-quarters of the world's urban inhabitants will be in the Global South, but there are no standardized categorizations of urban areas, making it difficult to compare sub-groups within cities. Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) outcomes vary significantly across urban settings in the Global South. A scoping review of the literature was conducted to understand disparities and identify approaches to improving urban SRHR outcomes.
JOURNAL OF URBAN HEALTH-BULLETIN OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Peter M. Macharia, Lenka Benova, Jessie Pinchoff, Aline Semaan, Andrea B. Pembe, Aliki Christou, Claudia Hanson
Summary: Recent studies suggest that the urban advantage of lower neonatal mortality in urban compared with rural areas may be reversing, but methodological challenges include misclassification of neonatal deaths and stillbirths, and oversimplification of the variation in urban environments. We address these challenges and assess the association between urban residence and neonatal/perinatal mortality in Tanzania.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
J'Anna-Mare Lue, Salamata Bah, Kaelah Grant, Justine Lee, Leila Nzekele, James B. Tidwell
Summary: This study examines research inequities in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector, focusing on the perspectives of researchers from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), in order to identify barriers and support more equitable changes in this subsector of global health.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Timothy Abuya, George Odwe, Charity Ndwiga, Chantalle Okondo, Wilson Liambila, Samuel Mungai, Peter Mwaura, Kezia K'Oduol, Alice Natecho, Jesse Gitaka, Charlotte E. Warren
Summary: To reduce the burden of neonatal sepsis, it is important to identify and start suitable antibiotic treatment in primary health care settings. This study in Kenya documents pragmatic approaches to implementing guidelines for the treatment of sick young infants with possible serious bacterial infection.