Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Elizabeth A. Sully, Assefa Seme, Solomon Shiferaw, Doris W. Chiu, Suzanne O. Bell, Margaret Giorgio
Summary: This study aims to assess the impacts of the Protecting Life through Global Health Assistance policy on women's sexual and reproductive health in Ethiopia. The policy prohibits non-US NGOs receiving US global health funding from providing or advocating for abortion. The findings show a decrease in contraceptive use due to the policy, highlighting the need for long-term strategies to protect global sexual and reproductive health progress from changes in US political administrations.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chinyere Cecilia Okeke, Chinyere Ojiugo Mbachu, Ifunanya Clara Agu, Uchenna Ezenwaka, Ifeyinwa Arize, Chibuike Agu, Chinonso Obayi, Obinna Onwujekwe
Summary: The study explores the perceptions of adult stakeholders on the sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents, and how these needs vary based on different social stratifiers. The study highlights the importance of well-designed gender-responsive interventions that take into consideration other social stratifiers and the strategies perceived by adolescents themselves.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sarah Yeo, Priscilla Magrath, Halimatou Alaofe, Abidemi Okechukwu
Summary: This study aims to explore the experiences of Arabic-speaking refugee women in the USA when accessing maternal care, using in-depth interviews and 'go-along' interviews. The study will focus on spatial experiences to understand participants' perceptions of environments and barriers, with the goal of addressing the unique needs of this population through community involvement and feedback.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Kalpita Shringarpure, Meera Gurumurthy, Karuna D. Sagili, Melissa Taylor, Paul Garner, Jamie Tonsing, Raghuram Rao, Kuldeep Singh Sachdeva
Summary: This study synthesized qualitative studies from the Indian subcontinent to understand the factors influencing adherence to tuberculosis (TB) treatment. The findings showed that personal factors, healthcare provider interactions, and social, economic, and cultural factors all influence treatment adherence. Therefore, TB programs need to adopt more flexible and people-centered approaches to improve adherence and treatment outcomes.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Puspa Raj Pant, Pranita Rana, Kriti Pradhan, Sunil Kumar Joshi, Julie Mytton
Summary: This study used the Delphi approach to identify and prioritize the research needed to improve the road safety system in Nepal. Through interviews, ranking, and workshops, six urgent research questions were identified, providing important directions for future road safety research in Nepal.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chris Smith, Ly Sokhey, Camille Florence Eder Tijamo, Megan McLaren, Caroline Free, Justin Watkins, Ou Amra, Chisato Masuda, Elisa Oreglia
Summary: Objectives The study aimed to develop an intervention to support reproductive health among garment factory workers in Cambodia. Through qualitative research and intervention mapping, the team identified challenges related to contraception and abortion, leading to the creation of educational videos on family planning to address limitations in access to reproductive health information. The development of new and improved videos and further interventions are needed to effectively support the reproductive health of garment factory workers in Cambodia.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tuba Saygin Avsar, Louise Jackson, Hugh McLeod
Summary: Tobacco cessation during pregnancy is not considered a priority in LMICs despite international recognition of the issue. Factors such as country-specific prevalence of tobacco use during pregnancy, availability of healthcare resources, and characteristics of potential interventions all influence the use of health economics evidence for policy making in LMICs.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lena Schnitzler, Aggie T. G. Paulus, Tracy E. Roberts, Silvia M. A. A. Evers, Louise J. Jackson
Summary: The objective of this study was to explore the intersectoral costs and benefits associated with sexual health issues and interventions, categorize them into sectors, and develop a preliminary framework for future research and policy-making. The study found that sexual health issues have wide-ranging impacts on other health sectors and non-health sectors. Therefore, these different sectors need to be considered when evaluating interventions and making policy decisions.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Isabella de Vere Hunt, Sidney Owen, Adaure Amuzie, Vanessa Nava, Anna Tomz, Leandra Barnes, June K. Robinson, Jenna Lester, Susan Swetter, Eleni Linos
Summary: This study explored the awareness and perspectives of melanoma among black people. The findings suggest that black people have low awareness and understanding of melanoma, and do not perceive themselves to be at risk. There is a need for targeted public health messages and education on melanoma for this population.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rachel Perry, Emma A. Adams, Jill Harland, Angela Broadbridge, Emma L. Giles, Grant J. McGeechan, Amy O'Donnell, Sheena E. Ramsay
Summary: This qualitative study in the North East of England explored reasons for high mortality rates among people with multiple and complex needs. Findings suggest that dual diagnosis, critical life events, and early prevention efforts are perceived as key factors in premature mortality. Addressing these issues and improving service access and navigation may help reduce mortality in this vulnerable population.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rahel Tesfa Maregn, Kirsty Bourret, Jama Ali Egal, Amina Esse, Cristina Mattison, Marie Klingberg-Allvin
Summary: This study explores midwives' perspectives in providing sexual reproductive healthcare services in the Somaliland health system. The results indicate that midwives face challenges due to a lack of clear guidelines and policies defining their role, as well as cultural norms and legal system that make them feel unsafe. The midwives call for support to enhance their ability to fulfill their role in SRH services.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
George Boundouki, Rebecca Wilson, Paula Duxbury, Julia Henderson, Laura Ballance, Julie Wray, Vivienne Appanah, Ibrahim Ibrahim, James Harvey, Cliona Clare Kirwan
Summary: Through "listening events", the study found that female participants consistently focused on improving methods of information dissemination and education on breast cancer symptoms, which differed from the research priorities identified by scientists and healthcare professionals. There was also a strong emphasis on quality of life-related issues such as treatment side effects.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Eleanor Barry, Trisha Greenhalgh, Sara Shaw, Chrysanthi Papoutsi
Summary: A balance must be struck between individual approaches and population approaches in diabetes prevention policy, considering the socioeconomic complexity of the disease's development. The dominant approach in policy-making is influenced by power distribution and funding among relevant actors, resulting in a focus on individual behavior change rather than environmental improvements. Collaborative efforts among the National Health Service, local governments, and public health teams can address upstream drivers and target high-risk individuals in disease prevention.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jodi Wishnia, Jane Goudge
Summary: The South African health department attempted to strengthen public financial management by deploying finance managers to service delivery units, involving service delivery managers in finance meetings, and implementing touch-base meetings. However, collaboration issues and mistrust between departments were identified as obstacles to effective PFM.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nadine Ann Skinner, Kelly Sanders, Emily Lopez, Magda Silvia Sotz Mux, Lucia Abascal Miguel, Kathryn B. Vosburg, Jamie Johnston, Nadia Diamond-Smith, Anne Kraemer Diaz
Summary: COVID-19 vaccination rates are low among Indigenous populations in the Central Highlands of Guatemala. Language barriers, vaccine supply issues, and misinformation are major barriers to vaccination. Culturally relevant and accessible vaccine information, addressing supply issues, and targeted promotion are needed to improve vaccine uptake.
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Germaine Tuyisenge, Shira M. Goldenberg
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sylvia Machat, Tara Lyons, Melissa Braschel, Kate Shannon, Shira Goldenberg
Summary: This study examines the association between online solicitation and sex workers' occupational health and safety. The results show that younger age, gender and sexual minorities, immigrants, and those working in informal indoor spaces have a higher likelihood of primarily soliciting online. Additionally, sex workers who primarily solicit online have lower risks of physical/sexual workplace violence and work stress. These findings suggest that access to online solicitation methods may contribute to improved occupational health and safety for sex workers. The decriminalization of sex work, including advertising through online platforms, is necessary to support the occupational health and safety of sex workers.
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Teresita Rocha-Jimenez, Sonia Morales-Miranda, Carmen Fernandez-Casanueva, Jay G. Silverman, Maria Luisa Zuniga, Shira M. Goldenberg, Noe Crespo, Kimberly C. Brouwer
Summary: This study aims to determine the association between traveling to engage in sex work in another country and recent access to HIV testing among female sex workers in the Mexico-Guatemala border region. The findings suggest a positive association between engaging in sex work in another country and HIV testing in the past year among this population. Future efforts should focus on providing voluntary and non-stigmatizing HIV prevention services for less mobile women.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jennie Pearson, Kate Shannon, Bronwyn McBride, Andrea Krusi, Sylvia Machat, Melissa Braschel, Shira Goldenberg
Summary: This study evaluates the engagement of sex workers in community participation in Vancouver, Canada, and finds that participation in community activities is associated with a lower risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among sex workers. The study provides initial quantitative evidence on community participation among sex workers in Canada and calls for the expansion of community participation through linguistically diverse community spaces, anti-stigma initiatives, and decriminalization to reduce barriers faced by racialized sex workers and support the occupational health and rights of all sex workers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR EQUITY IN HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bronwyn McBride, Kate Shannon, Jennie Pearson, Andrea Krusi, Melissa Braschel, Shira M. Goldenberg
Summary: This study explores how seeing regular clients can impact sex workers' occupational safety, particularly in a criminalized setting. The findings suggest that seeing mostly regular clients is associated with reduced risk of workplace sexual violence and client condom refusal. It is important to remove criminalization of clients in order to enable sex workers to effectively screen clients, support HIV/STI prevention, and advance sex workers' human rights.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Stefanie Machado, Elmira Tayyar, Nicole S. Berry, Ruth Lavergne, Mei-ling Wiedmeyer, Andrea Krusi, Shira Goldenberg
Summary: This qualitative study aimed to explore how migration experiences influence the needs, desires, and expectations of im/migrant women regarding healthcare in the context of British Columbia, Canada. The interviews with 33 im/migrant women conducted from December 2018 to January 2020 revealed that traumatic experiences during migration increased the demand for healthcare, inadequate prior information about the health system contributed to negative experiences, and comparative healthcare experiences in different places shaped future healthcare expectations.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Bronwyn McBride, Kate Shannon, Jennie Pearson, Melissa Braschel, Andrea Krusi, Jennifer McDermid, Shira M. Goldenberg
Summary: Globally, criminalization has led to the exclusion of sex workers from occupational protections, which has been worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interruptions in community services for sex workers during the pandemic have resulted in adverse changes in their working conditions, including increased workplace violence or fear of violence. Sustainable funding for community organizations is urgently needed to ensure the occupational safety of sex workers during and beyond the pandemic.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jennifer McDermid, Alka Murphy, Bronwyn McBride, Sherry Wu, Shira M. Goldenberg, Kate Shannon, Andrea Krusi
Summary: This study examines the impact of Canada's criminalization of clients in the sex industry on the occupational health and safety of sex workers. The findings suggest that such criminalization policies hinder the ability of sex workers to negotiate safer working conditions, increase the risk of robbery and assault, and contribute to feelings of shame and aggression by clients. The study argues for the urgent need to decriminalize sex work in order to protect the well-being and human rights of all individuals involved.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shira M. Goldenberg, Jennie Pearson, Sarah Moreheart, Hannah Nazaroff, Andrea Krusi, Melissa Braschel, Brittany Bingham, Kate Shannon
Summary: Based on a large-scale study of female sex workers in Vancouver, Canada, it was found that less than half of them had undergone HIV/STI testing in the past 6 months. The study also revealed that Women of Color and Black women had lower odds of recent HIV/STI testing. Therefore, scaling up community-based, sex worker-led, and tailored services is recommended to address the disparities and promote safe engagement in services for racialized sex workers.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sylvia Machat, Bronwyn McBride, Alka Murphy, Minshu Mo, Shira Goldenberg, Andrea Krusi
Summary: The criminalization of sex work increases the risk of violence and lack of workplace protections for sex workers. However, New Zealand has decriminalized and regulated sex work through OHS guidelines. This study used the New Zealand Guide to Occupational Health and Safety in the Sex Industry as a framework to examine the lived-experiences of indoor sex workers in Metro Vancouver. The findings highlight the shortcomings of end-demand criminalization in providing OHS support, including safety training, right to refuse services, and access to justice. The study emphasizes the need for full decriminalization and the development of OHS guidelines designed by and for the sex industry.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Stefanie Machado, Sajedeh Zaki, Reyna Villasin, Nicole S. Berry, Ruth Lavergne, Mei-ling Wiedmeyer, Andrea Kruesi, Shira Goldenberg
Summary: This study aims to explore the impact of immigration on young women's experiences of pregnancy, motherhood, and marriage. Through qualitative interviews with young immigrant women, it was found that immigration shapes their experiences in terms of health, social, legal, and economic factors. These impacts include ineligibility for health insurance, inability to prevent pregnancy, workplace discrimination, demanding caregiving roles, and unsafe home environments. Recommendations include decoupling immigration status from health insurance, providing accessible childcare and maternity benefits for all, and funding community-based efforts toward dismantling structures of patriarchy.
SSM-QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Stefanie Machado, Argentina E. Servin, Teresita Rocha Jimenez, Shira Goldenberg
Summary: Increased migration and immigrant inequities underscore the need for experiential global public health teaching. This study evaluated student perspectives on a migrant health field course and found that students highlighted personal growth and reflexivity, professional development opportunities, and benefits and drawbacks of the immersive course design. Tri-national learning and an interdisciplinary, cross-cultural learning model allowed for deeper understandings of globally relevant and complex issues. Reflexive learning, bridging classroom-based learning with field experiences, and learning about community-engaged research were identified as valuable aspects of the course.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH PROMOTION AND EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Jennie Pearson, Kate Shannon, Andrea Krusi, Melissa Braschel, Jennifer McDermid, Brittany Bingham, Shira M. Goldenberg
Summary: The study reveals the economic inequities faced by sex workers, particularly Indigenous women, in accessing COVID-19 income supports. Non-injection drug use was associated with higher odds of accessing income supports, while Indigenous women faced reduced odds. The findings emphasize the need for low-barrier and culturally-safe structural supports to safeguard the health, safety, and dignity of sex workers.
SOCIAL SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Stefanie Machado, Mei-ling Wiedmeyer, Sarah Watt, Argentina E. Servin, Shira Goldenberg
Summary: Studies show that there are inequalities in immigrant/im/migrant women's access to SRH services in Canada, mainly focused on maternity care and sexual health screenings. Determinants include health system navigation and service information, experiences with health personnel, culturally safe and language-specific care, social isolation and support, immigration-specific factors, discrimination and racialization, and gender and power relations.
JOURNAL OF IMMIGRANT AND MINORITY HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Teresita Rocha-Jimenez, Carmen Fernandez-Casanueva, Jose R. Suarez-Lopez, Maria Luisa Zuniga, Noe Crespo, Sonia Morales-Miranda, Shira M. Goldenberg, Jay G. Silverman, Kimberly C. Brouwer
Summary: This study examines the mental health of substance-using migrants at the Mexico-Guatemala border, finding that recent rural-urban and short-term migrants are more likely to experience major depressive symptoms. International migrants, on the other hand, are less likely to have these symptoms.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)