Public Health Aspects Research Articles

Lived experiences of people with chronic kidney disease on maintenance dialysis: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies

AimChronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has emerged as a global public health concern. People with the most advanced stage of CKD require renal replacement therapies, either dialysis (the focus of this study) or a kidney transplant. Research on CKD has primarily focused on its clinical, epidemiological, and public health aspects. However, studies exploring the lived experiences of individuals on dialysis and the key factors influencing these experiences are limited, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. Therefore, this study aims to synthesize the existing literature on the illness experience of people living with CKD who are on maintenance dialysis across different country contexts.MethodsAdhering to PRISMA and PiCO guidelines for systematic review, we identified original studies published between 2000 and 2024, focusing on the lived experience of patients with CKD on dialysis, across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. A thematic analysis was conducted based on two frameworks: Michael Bury’s biographical disruption model of chronic illness, and the framework on internal and external factors affecting self-care.ResultsA total of 59 studies were included, and the following key themes were identified: 1) disrupted biographies among people on dialysis, which included: (a) diagnosis and initiation of dialysis, (b) disabling physical symptoms and functional limitations, (c) impaired socio-occupational functioning, (d) uncertainty and psychological distress, and (e) changes in self-image and identity; and 2) biographical repair, which included: (a) coping with CKD and dialysis, (b) coping styles, and (c) coping strategies. The key internal factors influencing the lived experiences were personal beliefs and misconceptions about CKD, feelings of shame and guilt, financial constraints, and spirituality. The external factors included family and social support, information and treatment received from the clinical team, social stigma, availability and quality of dialysis services, and access to health insurance.ConclusionsThis review deepens our understanding of the lived experiences of individuals undergoing maintenance dialysis across diverse settings and illuminates the internal and external factors that shape these experiences. Our findings emphasize the necessity of a holistic and person-centred approach to dialysis care and highlight the need to make dialysis services more accessible and affordable in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices Regarding Menstrual Hygiene among Students

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a critical aspect of public health, especially for adolescent students. This study investigates the knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among students. Menstrual hygiene is a critical aspect of health and well-being, yet it remains a taboo topic in many cultures, affecting the knowledge, perceptions, and practices of individuals, particularly students. This study aims to explore and analyze the knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among students. Through a comprehensive literature review and a structured survey, this research investigates the awareness levels, cultural and societal influences, and hygiene practices adopted by students during menstruation. The findings reveal significant gaps in knowledge, influenced by socio-cultural norms and educational disparities, which impact the perceptions and practices of menstrual hygiene. The study highlights the need for improved educational interventions and policy changes to promote better menstrual hygiene management, ensuring a healthier and more supportive environment for students. The implications of this research extend to public health policies, educational curricula, and community programs aimed at enhancing menstrual hygiene awareness and practices among the youth. Findings suggest that while there is a general awareness of menstrual hygiene, significant gaps persist in knowledge and practices, often exacerbated by cultural taboos and inadequate resources. The study highlights the need for comprehensive education programs and improved facilities to support menstrual health, ultimately advocating for policies that address these gaps to enhance the quality of life and educational outcomes for female.

A Study on Pharmacovigilance in the Hospitalized Pediatric Patients at Tertiary Care Hospital

Pharmacovigilance is a critical aspect of public health, aiming to detect, assess, understand, and prevent adverse effects and other drug-related issues. It plays a pivotal role not only in the development phase of medications but also in post-marketing surveillance, ensuring ongoing safety and efficacy. In India, the Pharmacovigilance Programme (PvPI) spearheaded by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) aims to safeguard public health by collating and analyzing data to inform regulatory interventions and communicate risks to healthcare professionals and the public. The classification of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) based on types and severity provides a framework for understanding and managing these occurrences. Additionally, factors predisposing individuals to ADRs, such as drug-related, social, patient-related, and disease-related factors, are crucial considerations in pharmacovigilance efforts. Furthermore, understanding drug interactions, including pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions, combined toxicity, additive effects, synergistic effects, and antagonistic interactions, is essential in optimizing therapy and minimizing risks to patients. Overall, pharmacovigilance is indispensable in ensuring the rational use of medicines and optimizing patient outcomes while safeguarding public health. KEYWORDS: Pharmacovigilance, Pediatric, PvPI, Adverse drug reaction.

Social, Cultural and Economic Analysis of Post-Pandemic Public Health (COVID-19) in the Case of Peru: an Evaluation of Approaches to Promote Health and Well-Being Within the Framework of the SDG

Objective: To examine the social, cultural, and economic consequences of the pandemic on public health in Peru, recognizing challenges and possibilities to strengthen the system, given that the pandemic aggravated existing inequalities, disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups, such as rural communities and individuals living in poverty, an evaluation of approaches to promote health and well-being within the framework of the SDG. Theoretical framework: This research analyzes the way in which the pandemic has impacted several aspects of public health in the country, in a post-COVID-19 pandemic scenario that showed and aggravated the already existing weaknesses in the Peruvian health system, marked by its fragmentation and restrictions in infrastructure and human resources. Method: A qualitative approach based on a documentary review and critical analysis was used for the development of the research. Research implications: Lack of access to high-quality health services and unfavorable living conditions contributed to an increase in COVID-19 incidence and mortality in these groups. In cultural terms, distrust of the official health system and inclination towards traditional medicines impacted the community reaction to the virus. In economic terms, the pandemic severely impacted the middle class, decreasing its magnitude from 43.6% in 2019 to 24% in 2020, canceling out a decade of economic progress. Results and discussion: The infodemic, or excess of information, including rumors and misinformation, made it difficult to implement effective public health strategies. In addition to job losses and reduced incomes, they restrict access to health services, intensifying pre-existing inequalities. Originality/Value: To enhance public health in Peru after the pandemic, it is crucial to address social inequalities.

Mothers’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Vaccination: A Sociological Study in District Dera Ghazi Khan

Vaccination is aspect of public health that is considered the most cost-effective in reducing the prevalence of life-threatening disease. Therefore, it is important to have a sufficient amount of knowledge, a positive attitude, and correct practice regarding vaccinations. So present study has been designed to actually find out the mothers’ Knowledge, attitude, and practice about the expanded program on Immunization (EPI) Vaccination in district D.G Khan. The main objectives of the study are; (i) to identify the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondent; (ii) to assess the knowledge of mothers regarding childhood vaccination; (iii) to assess the perception of respondents about the availability and difficulty of EPI vaccination in the local study area; (iv) to suggest some recommendation’ to improve the accessibility of general care and encourage peoples for immunization activities and to enhance the parental level of knowledge for a positive attitude, and correct practice regarding vaccinations. In this regard, a survey was conducted, and data was collected through a multistage sampling technique from 200 mothers in tehsil Taunsa. The results showed that the majority 70.0% of the mothers possessed education up to matric; (SSC); 76.0% of respondents were of age group 20-30 years; 55.0% had 1 to 3 children; 58.0% of respondents were housewives; 93.5% mothers had knowledge about EPI vaccination; 89.0% said that difficulty of EPI vaccination is caused by lack of public awareness; 91.5% mentioned that availability of EPI vaccinations is important for parents;92.5% mentioned that availability of EPI vaccinations necessary for children;92.0% said that availability of vaccinations was caused to protect the children healthy life; 90.5% accessibility of general care encourage people for immunization. Results also showed a significant relationship between the availability of vaccination vs life protection of children; the Presence of doctors and paramedical staff vs adoption of vaccination and accessibility of general care vs immunization activities among people. Research suggested that the government should start an awareness program for the mothers regarding complete knowledge of EPI as well as ensure the availability of vaccination in hospitals i.e. DHQs, THQs, RHCs & BHUs for better child-mother health.

Retrospective research: identifying and conducting phylogenetic analyses on four Orf virus strains isolated in Yunnan province between 2021 and 2023-revealing their significance and characteristic features.

Contagious Eczema (CE), caused by ORFV, impacts sheep and goats globally, with severe symptoms and economic losses. The ORFV situation in Yunnan, China, was unclear before 2021-2023 study. Eleven scab samples from goats on small farms in three Yunnan municipalities were collected. Four ORFV strains were isolated and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, cytopathic effect observation, and PCR. Phylogenetic analyses of ORFV011 and ORFV059 genes showed significant results. For ORFV011, the nucleotide similarity of the four strains to D1701 strain was 98.4-99%. For ORFV059, it was 97.2-97.9% with OV-SA00 strain. These findings suggest gene rearrangements and interactions among strains during Yunnan's ORFV outbreak, forming a unique evolutionary lineage. Our study is the first comprehensive one on Yunnan's ORFV prevalence with in-depth phylogenetic analysis. It has important implications. In vaccine development, understanding genetic variances helps create better vaccines. For disease control, customized strategies like targeted quarantine and disinfection can be designed based on strain characteristics. From a public health aspect, as CE is zoonotic, closely monitoring ORFV in goats aids in predicting and preventing human infections, thus being significant for protecting goats against CE in Yunnan.

Meat and the future of sustainable diets-Challenges and opportunities.

The British Nutrition Foundation convened a roundtable event in January 2024 entitled 'Meat and the Future of Sustainable Diets: Turning Challenges into Opportunities', bringing together multi-sector stakeholders to discuss the social, nutritional, public health and environmental aspects of meat consumption within a sustainable food system. Participants explored the challenge of the complexity of balancing nutrition and planetary goals, emphasising the need to navigate trade-offs between various dimensions of sustainability. Whilst recognising the global nature of the issue, the roundtable primarily focussed on a UK perspective. The discussion highlighted the urgency of transforming the food system to achieve net zero, whilst ensuring broader environmental benefits, nutritional adequacy and dietary and health equity across all life stages. Concerns about poor dietary patterns, particularly among vulnerable groups were raised, with participants stressing the need for policies that promote healthy, sustainable and equitable diets without worsening inequalities. These policies should also enhance livelihoods and community wellbeing, foster resilience and support local economies. On the supply side, participants called for better data within the agri-food system, particularly at the farm level. They advocated for a multidimensional, holistic approach that goes beyond greenhouse gas emissions to encompass wider environmental impacts and whole-farm benefits, such as enhancing soil health, promoting biodiversity, improving water management, supporting nutrient cycling and boosting farm-level resilience through diversified cropping systems. Roundtable participants acknowledged existing recommendations to reduce meat consumption for both environmental reasons, such as land use and greenhouse gas emissions, and health concerns, as evidence links red, particularly processed, meat consumption with increased colorectal cancer risk. Given the variation in meat consumption globally and even locally between individuals, the discussion explored the potential of targeted campaigns to reduce high meat intake, along with the role of public food procurement and the food industry in decreasing processed meat consumption. The consensus was that dietary changes must be framed within the context of a balanced diet and broader sustainability concerns. Despite some differing viewpoints on implementation, participants agreed that transitioning to healthier, more sustainable diets is a priority. Collaboration across the entire food chain, from farm to fork, with investment in innovation, robust data collection and research, alongside policy support, was emphasised as essential to achieving this goal.

Decision support tools for water reuse: a systematic review.

This article provides a comprehensive review of decision support tools for water reuse (DST4WR), focusing on microbiological risk assessment (MRA), life cycle analysis (LCA), life cycle cost (LCC), and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). A systematic review of 35 articles published between 2020 and 2024, plus one from 2019, was conducted. The studies were categorised based on the DST4WR applied, with each tool discussed individually. MRA tools assess public health risks in different case studies. LCA identifies key environmental indicators, and its integration with LCC facilitates comprehensive cost analysis. MCDA, applied in various case studies, uses criteria like environmental, social, economic, technical, public health, and functional aspects. Integrating DST4WR tools identifies synergies and trade-offs between criteria, aiding informed decision-making. Combining MRA, LCA/LCC, and MCDA is especially beneficial, as each tool provides a distinct perspective. Using these tools together offers a holistic view of water reuse management, ensuring that all relevant factors are balanced. This approach enhances decision-making and builds stakeholder confidence and acceptance by transparently addressing public health, environmental, economic, and social concerns.

Food Safety Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior of Employees in Star Grade Hotels: Reference to Western Province of Sri Lanka

Food safety is a critical aspect of public health that significantly impacts various sectors, particularly the hospitality industry. Despite the high importance of food safety in the tourism sector, instances of foodborne illnesses continue to occur, posing health risks and threatening the industry's economic contributions. In a quantitative approach, this study investigates the relationships between food safety knowledge, attitude, and behavior among employees in the above three-star hotels in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to examine the measurement and struc-tural models. The study was conducted using the convenient sampling method and data was collected from 51 respondence working in the kitchen departments of above 3-star hotels in Western province, Sri Lanka. The findings reveal a strong positive correlation between attitude and behavior, emphasizing that fos-tering a positive attitude through training and awareness campaigns can signifi-cantly enhance food safety behaviors. Conversely, the relationship between knowledge and behavior is found to be slightly negative and statistically insig-nificant, suggesting that knowledge alone does not directly influence behavior. However, a moderate positive relationship between attitude and knowledge indi-cates that a positive attitude can facilitate the acquisition and retention of food safety knowledge. This study contributes to the broader understanding of food safety in the hospitality sector and offers practical recommendations for policy and training interventions to mitigate foodborne illnesses and enhance the repu-tation and sustainability of hotels.

Factors associated with the occupational balance in caregivers of people with dementia: A cross-sectional study from the ATENEA project

BackgroundOccupational balance (OB) has been associated with health indicators in informal caregivers (CGs) such as well-being and subjective health. Consequently, maintaining an adequate OB could be crucial to providing adequate care without becoming overwhelmed, converting the condition of caregivers into an important aspect of public health as the ageing population increases. However, little is known about the factors influencing OB in CGs. Thus, this study aimed to explore the associated factors with the OB in CGs of persons with dementia.MethodsWe cross-sectionally analysed data from 134 CGs and the individuals with dementia. We assessed CGs’ OB using the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ). Simultaneously, several sociodemographic, clinical, and caregiving-related variables including CGs’ burden and psychological distress were assessed. The association between the CGs’ OB and those factors was explored through robust multiple linear regression.ResultsFirstly, CGs that presented secondary education exhibited a decrement of 5.41 (CI95% = -10.62, -0.41; p-value = 0.03) OB points. Moreover, CGs with higher education experienced a more pronounced OB reduction (β = -7.74; 95%CI = -12.19, -3.29; p-value = < 0.001). Secondly, those CGs that were retired showed an OB increment of 5.52 (CI95% = 1.14, 9.38; p-value = 0.01). Thirdly, receiving assistance with household chores was associated with an OB increase of 5.80 (CI95% = 2.21, 9.38; p-value = 0.001). Fourthly, and regarding clinical measures, CGs experiencing overload or psychological distress were associated with an OB points decrement of 7.87 (CI95% = -12.51, -3.23; p-value = 0.001) and 9.17 (CI95% =-13.51, -4.84; p-value < 0.001), respectively. Finally, 1% increment in the Disability Assessment for Dementia obtained from the individuals with dementia was associated with an increment of 0.11 (CI95% = 0.04, 0.18; p-value = 0.002) OB points.ConclusionsThis study identified several associated factors with the OB of CGs of persons with dementia. Specifically, we remarked that the CGs’ education, employment status, household chores assistance, overload presence, psychological distress symptoms and the functional level of the person with dementia who cared for were important variables that should be considered when evaluating OB or creating OB-related interventions in CGs.

Social Representation of Mental Health Disorders in the Italian Big Brother VIP Edition.

Despite the revolutionary impact of new media, television remains a socially shared reference point for media functions, e.g., information, entertainment, and hybridized genres. Through its simplified knowledge and scripts, television reduces cognitive asymmetry between experts and the public on general and specific topics, thus having a critical role in constructing social representations. This work examines two (apparently) distant realities, i.e., mental health as a fundamental aspect of public health and popular and "light" entertainment formats like reality shows. In the past, researchers investigated media representation of mental illness in general terms alongside other types of programs, e.g., coming-of-age, dramedy television series, and children's television programs. This study examines how depression is discursively constructed and socially represented in a case that shook the Italian public opinion, i.e., a Big Brother VIP cast member with depression symptoms. The critical discourse analysis, focusing on positioning and representations about depression, enabled us to emphasize that (1) knowledge about depression is poorly defined and participants' reactions are mostly immature and clumsy, and (2) mass media can play an essential role in creating more mindful and complete knowledge about mental health.

Evaluating municipal solid waste management with a confidence level-based decision-making approach in q-rung orthopair picture fuzzy environment

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management is a critical aspect of urban planning and public health. As societies strive towards environmental sustainability and socio-economic development, robust techniques to transform waste into energy become paramount. Assessment of waste-to-energy (WTE) techniques is based on a spectrum of criteria that are often vague and imprecise. The current study addresses this multi-criteria group decision-making problem of assessing and evaluating WTE methods for MSW management using q-rung orthopair picture fuzzy (qRPF) numbers. The study proposes an innovative combination of the Defining Interrelationships Between Ranked-criteria (DIBR) and Compromise Ranking of Alternatives from Distance to Ideal Solution (CRADIS) methods. The criteria are assessed using the recently developed DIBR method, while the alternatives are assessed using a popular distance-based method, namely CRADIS. Moreover, new confidence level-based aggregation operators for qRPF numbers are proposed and used to aggregate fuzzy data, while a novel triangular divergence-based distance measure is proposed and used to modify the existing CRADIS method. The results show that anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis are the two most preferred WTE methods for MSW management. An extensive comparative analysis demonstrates the applicability of the proposed methodology, while an exhaustive sensitivity analysis confirms the proposed method’s stability. The results of Spearman’s correlation coefficient validate the model’s practicality. The findings of this research yield significant insights beneficial to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers alike. By implementing sustainable waste management strategies, municipalities can improve recycling rates, minimize landfill use, and promote a cleaner, healthier environment for urban populations.

Developing a structured framework to address vaccination barriers for Newly Arrived Migrants in EU/EEA

Abstract Background Access to vaccination is a critical aspect of public health, particularly for newly arrived migrants (NAMs) in European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries. Despite this, significant barriers exist, necessitating urgent attention. This study addresses the pressing need to improve vaccination coverage for NAMs by developing a General Conceptual Framework (GCF) to understand and overcome system barriers and analyzing possible strategies. Methods starting from a theoretical conceptualization, the study employed a mixed-method approach, incorporating literature review and qualitative research. The GCF was formulated based on key components of the vaccination process. Barriers and solutions were identified through a non-systematic literature review and qualitative investigation. The GCF served as a guide for study activities, facilitating data integration. Results The study outlines a structured GCF comprising five interconnected steps in the vaccination process: entitlement, reachability, adherence, achievement, and evaluation of vaccination. Barriers and solutions identified through literature review and qualitative research are presented. Strategies to enhance professional knowledge, accessibility, adherence, coverage, and intervention evaluation are proposed. Recommendations include proximity strategies, provider training, migrant-sensitive approaches, and robust data collection. Conclusions Equitable access to vaccination is paramount for public health, particularly for vulnerable populations like NAMs in EU/EEA countries. The development of the GCF represents a crucial step towards understanding and addressing barriers to vaccination access. Implementation of recommended strategies can significantly improve vaccination outcomes for NAMs, ultimately contributing to the overall health and well-being of these communities.

Leveraging Social Marketing to Increase Vaccination Rates: A Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction Vaccinations are crucial for protecting individuals from preventable diseases, serving as a cornerstone of public health, safeguarding entire populations. Low vaccination rates can have devastating consequences, leading to outbreaks of preventable diseases. Social marketing has had an increasing role to play in public health. This systematic review seeks to investigate social marketing effectiveness in boosting vaccination adherence. Methods A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library, using keywords “social marketing”, ‘campaigns”, “vaccination”, “vaccination uptake”. The search was limited to English-language studies, including studies discussing social marketing campaigns and its impact on vaccination uptake. Prior to inclusion, the studies were evaluated for relevance and applicability to the research question. Included studies were analysed for methodology, sample size, data collection methods, and key findings. Results Of 198 articles identified, 26 studies met inclusion criteria. All studies reported demonstrable improvement in vaccination adherence and hence higher vaccination rates with the use of social marketing campaigns. Targeted messaging on social media allows communication to be tailored to specific demographics and address their unique concerns. Community engagement combats vaccine hesitancy by dismantling misinformation and rebuilding trust. Additionally, these campaigns leverage social influence and mobilise communities to cultivate pro-vaccine attitudes. By addressing personal choice, knowledge gaps, and hesitancy, social marketing paves the way for greater vaccination uptake. Conclusions Social marketing has been proven to be an effective tool in promoting vaccination adherence in public health. As vaccination remains a critical aspect of public health, the continued use of social marketing interventions is essential for improving vaccination rates and ultimately enhancing overall population health. Key messages • Social marketing campaigns lead to higher vaccination rates across various populations. • By addressing vaccine hesitancy, social marketing paves the way for increased vaccination uptake.

Integrating health in urban planning curriculum across Indian planning institutes

Urban planning significantly influences the physical and health profile of urban environments. This paper explores the critical nexus between urban planning and public health, emphasizing the urgent need to integrate health considerations into the urban planning curriculum in India. Current urban planning courses often overlook public health aspects, resulting in a disconnect that could hinder the ability of urban environments to meet the health and well-being needs of their populations. Through a comprehensive review and analysis of curriculum data from selected Indian institutions of national importance—including the School of Planning and Architecture, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, and National Institute of Technology, Bhopal—this study identifies significant gaps in the inclusion of health-related content in urban planning education. The analysis reveals a low occurrence of health-related themes within the planning curriculum, with essential topics like public health history, environmental health, and health impact assessments seldom addressed. To bridge these gaps, the paper suggests incorporating mandatory health-focused courses, such as Health Impact Assessments and public health fundamentals, into the curriculum. It also recommends interdisciplinary collaboration with public health professionals to enrich planning education. By restructuring the curriculum to include more comprehensive health-related education, future urban planners can be better equipped to create healthier and more sustainable urban environments, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes in rapidly urbanizing spaces. This research not only sheds light on current educational inadequacies but also proposes actionable steps towards a more holistic integration of health and urban planning disciplines.

Public Services in the Field of Basic Health for Mothers and Children in Talawaan District, North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi Province

Maternal mortality rate and infant mortality rate are an indication of the low level of population welfare. Likewise, the high disparity in socio-economic levels - rich and poor, between regions and between urban and rural areas. Therefore, health services for mothers and children are the main priority in health development. The government at all levels of government has established and implemented health programs for mothers and children. However, it has not provided a good impact on the aspect of basic public services. Health services for mothers and children through integrated service posts are more visible at the village level and require serious attention from the government because they are very far from health service centers such as regional hospitals. Therefore, this study was conducted to describe and explain basic public health services for mothers and children in Talawaan District, North Minahasa Regency. This study is considered important from the aspect of public health and related to strengthening social capital in the superior fields of social humanities, arts and culture as well as the development and strengthening of institutional systems, health policies, and community empowerment in the superior fields of health and medicine in the Sam Ratulangi University research strategy plan. Data were collected through interviews with the Head of the Health Service and Health Center, Posyandu officers and pregnant mothers and those with toddlers. Observations were made by looking directly at basic health services in Talawaan District. Secondary data were collected during health service activities and conducting electronic searches on Google Scholar and ResearchGate. The analysis was carried out based on the stages of reduction, interpretation, drawing conclusions and verification/triangulation. The research findings that public services in the field of basic health are accessible, acceptable, fair and safe for mothers and children but are not yet fully efficient and effective in their implementation. The concept found from this study is that the community needs basic health services for mothers and children that are easy to access and accept, fair to all levels of society and medically safe. While the principles of efficiency and effectiveness are more about the interests of the organization in the use of resources and achieving goals.

Current Opinion in Clinical Management of Human Cystic Echinococcosis in the Liver

Cystic echinococcosis remains a serious and threatening disease in countries on all continents where it is endemic. It is a zoonosis that continues to be neglected, despite all the efforts of the teams working on it and the WHO. Therefore, it is never too much to remember the clinical management of this disease in humans. This is what we intend in this manuscript. The disease is caused by the larval stages of cestodes (tapeworms) of the genus Echinococcus found in the small intestine of carnivores, which infects humans due to accidental ingestion of eggs of these parasites. The most frequent and most widespread across all continents is cystic echinococcosis, caused by Echinococcus granulosus (sensu lato). The annual incidence of CE can range from less than 1 to 200 per 100,000 inhabitants in various endemic areas. In China and Central Asia, the population risk is more than 40 million people, with a mortality rate of about 2% - 4%. Objectives: One of the objectives of this manuscript is to recall the parasite cycle and the form of contamination, a very important public health aspect, and draw attention to this neglected zoonosis that affects millions of people, particularly in the countries of Central Asia, the Mediterranean basin and South America. Last but not least, we intend to draw attention to the correct nomenclature in relation to the terms that define the disease, the different stages, and the proper designations, particularly with regard to therapeutic modalities. Method: The manuscript also aims to describe the form of contamination of the disease, the diagnostic methods, in particular the use of ultrasound, and the therapeutic modalities, some of which, particularly the invasive ones, must be carried out in Centres dedicated to the study and treatment of this zoonosis. Conclusion: Despite these important data and the socioeconomic impact Echinococcosis remains a neglected disease. Given this situation, all forms of echinococcosis remain serious public health threats, particularly in South America, the Mediterranean basin, and Central Asia, which must deserve the attention of the states of these continents and the WHO.

Quality and Influences of Natural and Anthropogenic Factors on Drinking Water in Rural Areas of Southern Chile

Water quality is a fundamental aspect of public health and environmental sustainability. In rural areas, the physicochemical and microbiological quality of drinking water depends not only on hydrogeological conditions but also on anthropogenic activities carried out on the surface of the basin. This study aimed to identify natural and anthropogenic influences related to the quality of drinking water in rural areas of southern Chile. In order to perform this, six rural drinking water systems were evaluated. A total of two types of catchment sources (groundwater and surface water) that were located in a longitudinal gradient were used, where coverage and sequences of rocks and soils could be differentiated. The results show that the water delivered by the majority of rural drinking water systems studied was of good quality, meeting the standards of Chilean and international regulations. No fecal coliforms or Escherichia coli were recorded. In addition, we recorded that turbidity, color, pH, concentration of total dissolved solids and fecal coliforms showed significant differences between groundwater and surface water. We also recorded that in two groundwater systems, iron and manganese levels slightly exceeded the regulations, endangering the acceptability of the water. These increases can be related to the natural origins of the metals, linked to the presence of oxides in Andisol- and Utisol-type volcanic soils.

Has school nursing progressed since 2018? A systematised review

The aim of the study is to identify progress in two key areas of practice in the school nursing profession: sexual and mental health, between 2018 and 2023. A systematised review of published articles was undertaken for the period 2018 to 2023 related to school nursing on the topics of sexual and mental health. The systematised review used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Coding and thematic analysis was undertaken according to Braun and Clarke's guide to thematic analysis. The scope was limited to peer-review publications between 2018 and 2023. CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases were searched. Eight publications met the criteria: six on sexual health, one on mental health, and one hybrid study. The study concludes that there is a paucity of current school nursing literature on the topics of sexual and mental health. Only one study describes a new initiative: use of a text-messaging service. Progress in school nurse innovations has stalled. Erosion of the public health aspects of the school nurse role to fill gaps in service has led to reactive and ineffective practice.

Navigating the changing landscape of transplant research: Trends, topics, and gender disparities

BackgroundTransplantation is a rapidly evolving field, reflecting advances in medical science and changing healthcare needs. This study aims to elucidate shifts in research focus over a decade, providing insights into emerging trends in transplant research. MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive analysis of 9,250 articles published in five high-impact transplant journals from 2012 to 2021. Article titles were processed to extract keywords using R Studio (v. 4.3.0). STATA 18 was used for t-tests and logistic regressions, with significance set at p ​< ​0.05. ResultsEmerging topics over the decade included outcomes and survival, surgical innovations, and lung transplantation. There was a downward trend in research on immunosuppression, genetics, and immunology. Over the decade, the odds of women's first authorship were higher for subjects such as public health, pediatric transplantation, infectious diseases, renal transplantation, and psychological aspects. Similarly, there were lower odds for women as first authors on surgical innovations, organ preservation, living donor transplantation, liver and lung transplantation, and multiorgan transplantation. Senior women authors had higher odds of publishing on the same topics as first author, plus immunology, kidney and heart transplantation. There were lower odds that a woman would be last author of regenerative medicine and xenotransplantation. Over the decade, there were higher odds of funding for research published on xenotransplantation, regenerative medicine, and immunology. Living donor, infectious diseases, and liver transplantation had lower odds of being funded over time. ConclusionThis cross-sectional study highlights the dynamic nature of transplant research, underscoring the importance of continuous observation of trends to anticipate future directions and needs in the field. The emergence of new focal areas, especially those related to technological advancements and social issues, reflects a broader trend in medical research responding to evolving challenges and opportunities. Notably, women's authorship was more prevalent in public health but less in surgical innovation. These insights can guide future research priorities, funding allocation, and clinical practices in transplantation.