Behavioral Factors Research Articles

Feature importance and model performance for prediabetes prediction: A comparative study

ObjectivesPrediabetes is a significant health condition that elevates the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other associated complications. This study aims to (1) explore the potential of machine learning models to improve the prediction of prediabetes, (2) compare the performance of various machine learning models with traditional regression methods, and (3) identify the most influential demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors associated with prediabetes. MethodsThis study utilized data from the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and employed comprehensive data preprocessing techniques. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess correlations between features and prediabetes risk. Feature importance was quantified using Adjusted Mutual Information values. Multiple machine learning models, including Random Forest, K Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Neural Network, and Logistic Regression, were used for prediction. The best model was selected and validated through cross-validation to ensure robustness. ResultsSignificant associations were observed between prediabetes and key predictors such as cholesterol levels, BMI categories, hypertension status, age groups, and income categories. Among the models tested, Random Forest demonstrated the highest accuracy and robustness, outperforming traditional regression models. ConclusionsThis study highlights the potential of machine learning to enhance prediabetes prediction and underscores the importance of identifying high-risk individuals for early intervention. The findings contribute to population health strategies by integrating advanced analytical methods with public health data.

Characterising healthy Australian oral microbiomes for ‘super donor’ selection

ObjectivesAmong healthy people, we understand very little about the sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dental hygiene behaviours that shape their oral microbiota. This study investigates how sociodemographic, lifestyle and dental hygiene behaviours shape oral microbiota diversity and composition in an Australian population to better inform healthy oral microbiota donors for Oral Microbiota Transplantation (OMT). MethodsThe study comprised 93 healthy people who underwent comprehensive oral examinations and questionnaires to assess their health status. Participants were excluded if they had any active systemic or oral disease. All completed a questionnaire containing information on socio-economic, lifestyle, behavioural, and oral health factors. Supragingival plaque was collected, and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) amplicon sequencing was used to analyse microbial composition. Associations between the core microbiome, alpha- (within-sample), beta-diversity (between-sample) and an individual's co-variates were tested for statistical significance. A redundancy analysis (RDA), multivariate adonis, differential abundance and correlation analysis were performed to characterise which factors drive the variation in the healthy oral microbiome. ResultsStreptococcus and Corynebacterium were the most prevalent and abundant genera among healthy Australians. The alpha and beta diversity were higher among unemployed non-Australian-born students who consumed low carbohydrates, fat, and sugar and had not visited the dentist for over 12 months. Additionally, beta diversity was significantly higher among daily flossers who abstained from fluoride treatment and had high salivary pH, although no single factor explained more than 4% of the total variation (R2= 0.042). Alloprevotella, Lachnosporacea, and Parvimonas were significantly abundant among non-Australians who did not visit the dentist within a year. The RDA analysis revealed associations between microbiome composition and factors such as high carbohydrate, sugar, and fat consumption, low fibre intake, and regular dental checks among Australian-born individuals. ConclusionThese findings indicate that alpha and beta diversity of the oral microbiome varied significantly with sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors, including non-Australian birthplaces, unemployment, diet, and infrequent dental visits. Clinical SignificanceThese findings underscore the importance of considering diverse sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors in oral health management. Before microbiome transplantations, clinicians should account for individual characteristics that may be beneficial for shaping and maintaining optimal oral microbiome diversity and health.

Increasing awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing and addressing stigma may improve STI testing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth: Evidence from the Next Generation Youth Wellbeing Study

ObjectiveTo quantify the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing in relation to sociodemographic, behavioural, and health related factors, and patterns in sexual health service (SHS) use and non-use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter Aboriginal) youth. MethodsThe analyses included N=198 sexually active 16-24-year-olds from Central Australia, Western Australia, and New South Wales participating in the Next Generation Youth Wellbeing Study. Modified Poisson regression estimated age-sex-adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) for ever testing for STIs. ResultsApproximately 55% of the participants ever tested for STIs. Over 44% of the participants ever accessed SHS; perceived irrelevance (50%) and embarrassment (15%) were the main reasons for not accessing SHS. STI testing was higher among: 21–24-year-olds (68.75% vs 37.04% among 16–17-year-olds, PR: 1.82; confidence interval 1.23–2.67); those with high/very-high psychological distress (63.39% vs 44.55% among low/moderate group, 1.50;1.16–1.94); and those who lived in ≥3 houses in the past five years (65.43% vs 48.11% among those who lived in 1–2 houses, 1.33;1.04–1.70). ConclusionsSTI testing should be offered to sexually active Aboriginal youth at every opportunity. Implications for public healthSexual health messages should further promote the benefit of regular STI testing and where to access free SHS among Aboriginal youth.

Enterobacteriaceae community dynamics in sleepy lizards: Richness, prevalence and co‐occurrence over time

AbstractAnimal gut microbiomes can be very diverse, and enteric bacteria can profoundly affect the physiology of their host. The gut microbiome can be related to host health and digestion, which ultimately contribute to host body condition. However, we have a limited understanding of the co‐occurrence patterns of gut bacteria in their host, and how co‐occurrence and bacterial diversity change over time. This notion is especially important to animals living in groups as bacteria can transmit through social interactions. We investigated the co‐occurrence patterns of gut bacteria in a lizard host. We repeatedly collected cloacal swabs from 87 sleepy lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) from two different study sites over their activity season. We determined the richness and prevalence of 82 enteric bacterial strains and used a probabilistic model to investigate their co‐occurrence. At both study sites, richness and prevalence generally increased over time. We suggest that the lizards acquire strains throughout their activity season by moving through the landscape and inspecting conspecific scats. Lizards continuously tongue‐flick while moving, and thereby ingest bacteria when they move through areas where other animals defaecated. Temperature, rainfall and diet change seasonally, influencing lizard activity, and may influence the observed increase in enterobacterial richness and prevalence. Further, albeit with some exceptions, most strain pairs did not occur significantly more often or less often than expected by chance. This finding shows a lack of structured co‐occurrence, which may imply that most bacterial strains did not facilitate or inhibit each other. The absence of a co‐occurrence pattern could also be driven by random encounters of bacteria shed by other lizards within the habitat. Our results suggest that behaviour (movement patterns, tongue‐flicking), activity patterns and environmental factors collectively drive the temporal pattern of the gut bacterial community in sleepy lizards and potentially other wild reptiles.

PrEP Use in a US National Sample of Trans Men and Other Transmasculine People Who Have Sex With Men: A Longitudinal Analysis

Introduction: Efforts to improve pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among gay men, transgender women, and Black cisgender women are evident across the United States, responding to epidemiologic data showing a disproportionate HIV burden in these communities. However, transgender men and other transmasculine people who have sex with men (TMSM)—those assigned female at birth who identify otherwise and have sex with cisgender men—are often excluded from these statistics. This community has unique vulnerabilities and prevention needs. National HIV prevention and planning has yet to include transgender men as a group with increased vulnerability to HIV seroconversion. This study follows a cohort of TMSM to characterize PrEP use longitudinally. Methods: Using data from a prospective US national cohort of TMSM not on PrEP, we analyzed annual PrEP uptake, discontinuation, and other HIV prevention measures over 24 months. We also used generalized estimating equations modeling to assess demographic, healthcare access, gender-affirming, and behavioral factors associated with PrEP uptake over time. Results: Our cohort of 196 TMSM was demographic and regionally diverse. 29% of our sample reported uptake of PrEP in 24 months, with about one-third of users discontinuing within 1 year. Health insurance, having had lower surgery, used post-exposure prophylaxis, or recently having a sexually transmitted infection were associated with increased odds of PrEP use. Conclusion: We found low uptake of PrEP and high discontinuation rates in a US national sample of TMSM over 24 months, despite significant need for HIV prevention. It is vital to increase efforts and investments to support this neglected community.

Sexual behavior factors that influence the incidence of HIV/AIDS in men's groups’ male sex

Introduction: HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health problem in the world, including in Indonesia. The disease is spread through various pathways, but one of the groups most vulnerable to infection is Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM). This study aims to analyze the influence of sexual behavior on the incidence of HIV/AIDS in the Men Having Sex with Men (MSM) group. Research Methodology: This type of research is quantitative research with a case-control research design. The population in this study consisted of cases and a control population. The population of cases in this study were all groups of Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) who had undergone an HIV test with positive (+) HIV test results and had taken ARV treatment at the Kendari City Regional Hospital for the last 6 (six) months and were domiciled as many as 349 people. Result: The results of the study showed that there was an influence of condom use (OR = 7.154), number of sexual partners (OR = 21,000), anal sex (OR = 7.042), and oral sex (OR = 3.367) on the incidence of HIV/AIDS in the Men Sex Men group. Conclusion: The conclusion is that the sexual behavior of using condoms, number of sexual partners, anal sex, and oral sex are risk factors for the occurrence of HIV/AIDS in the group of men having sex with men. Therefore, individuals in this group need to receive education about the risks, as well as effective prevention methods, such as consistent condom use, routine HIV testing, and open communication with sexual partners.

Investigating behavior, attitude and intention towards waste segregation in tier II cities of India using theory of planned behavior

India's rapid urbanisation and waste rise make sustainable waste management challenging. Present study utilizes theory of planned behavior (TPB) to identify issues related to behavioral adaptations in waste segregation among the households’ procedures in Jaipur and Indore cities of India. 448 respondents from each city were selected using convenience sampling. A self-designed questionnaire containing 30 items corresponding to attitude (AT), Perceived Behaviour Control (PBC), Subjective norms (SN) and Intention (IN) was used. The demographic profile of the respondents was also collected, and its analysis revealed nearly uniform distribution of the sample population. No significant effect of any of the demographic parameter was noted on either of the attributes. Respondent’s city showed significant influence on all the 4 attributes due to drastic variations recorded in the responses for each determinant. SN had the biggest impact on IN, although all three hypotheses were validated and showed significantly beneficial impacts. The proposed model was a very good fit. Further, comparison of model for both cities revealed that only 2 attributes i.e. AT & SN in case of Jaipur and AT & PBC in case of Indore had significant positive effect on waste sorting intentions. The findings of this study provide a comprehensive comparison between two distinct cities, emphasizing how various behavioral factors contribute to changes in intention within diverse contexts. The key concerns that are highlighted based on the responses of residents from different cities could be used to prepare a roadmap for improving sensitivity towards waste segregation among Indian population.

Parental support and influencing factors for school-age children's healthy movement behavior: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Optimizing healthy lifestyles in children requires parental support for healthy movement behaviors. This study analyzed factors influencing parental support for school-age children's movement activities. Methods: This study employed an analytic descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach, involving a sample of 355 mothers with school-age children. The independent variables included family, child, and environmental factors, whereas the dependent variable was parental support for healthy movement behaviors, as assessed through a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using binary logistic regression with backward elimination. Results: The factors that significantly influenced parental support for their children's engagement in light physical activities included the children's own level of participation in such activities (OR=2.52, 95% CI=0.76-6.67). Factors affecting support for moderate to vigorous activities were maternal exercise habits (OR=3.37; 95% CI=1.18-9.65), children's sports habits (OR=5.18; 95% CI=1.64-16.26), and the presence of personal gadgets (OR=0.45, 95% CI=0.23-0.86). Parental support for preventing sedentary behaviors was influenced by parental knowledge (OR=2.33; 95% CI=1.34-4.05), mother's sleep duration (OR=2.46; 95% CI=1.27-4.75), and gadgets (OR=0.55; 95% CI=0.31-0.95). Factors affecting support for adequate sleep included children's light activities (OR=3.42; 95% CI=1.27-9.23) and their ownership of personal gadgets (OR=0.44; 95% CI=0.24-0.79) Conclusions: Parental support is influenced by the knowledge and physical activity habits of both mother and child, as well as gadget use and maternal sleep patterns. Pediatric nurses can enhance this support through health education focused on promoting healthy movement behaviors within families.

군인가정 자녀에 대한 국내 연구 동향 분석

The purpose of this study is to analyze the trends in research on military children in Korea and to suggest directions for promoting and supporting related research. To understand the overall trends in this field, the study addresses the following research question: “What are the trends in military children research in Korea?” A systematic literature review was conducted, focusing on previous studies concerning military children in Korea. Through this process, 56 articles were selected for in-depth review and analyzed according to research period, research field, methodology, subject population, research region, and variables or factors examined. The results of the analysis are as follows. The research on military children in Korea began in 1982, with a continuous stream of publications appearing from 2008 to 2022. The majority of studies were conducted within the social sciences, with a strong preference for quantitative research methods. Elementary school students were the most frequently studied population. Geographically, the research was concentrated in the Chungcheongbuk-do region. Commonly studied variables included academic, emotional, behavioral, social, family, and environmental factors, with family and environmental factors appearing most frequently. The 179 studies reviewed addressed variables primarily related to home environment, adjustment, school transfers, and parenting. This study is significant as it provides academic and policy implications by systematically reviewing research trends in the context of limited trend analyses on military children in Korea, and it highlights the need for a more diverse range of studies to support the healthy development of military children.

Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Change Before and After the COVID-19 Epidemic: Using Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2018-2021

Objectives: In this study, we aim to investigate changes in the prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome before and after the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using data from the 2018-2021 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and 21,159 people were selected for analysis. SPSS version 29.0 program was used to analyze data, and frequency analysis and chi-square test were performed to determine the frequency and ratio of demographic and health behavioral factors before and after the COVID-19 epidemic, and the distribution of metabolic syndrome prevalence. The risk of occurrence by metabolic syndrome prevalence factor was analyzed through logistic regression. Results: As a result of the study, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased after the COVID-19 epidemic, and among the five diagnostic criteria, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, and HDL-cholesterol, excluding blood pressure, increased significantly. In addition, the risk of metabolic syndrome was 1.16 times higher after the COVID-19 epidemic compared to before, and even after controlling for variables such as demographic factors, it was significantly higher at 1.14 times compared to before. Conclusions: Through this study, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased during the COVID-19 epidemic due to changes in lifestyle habits, such as decreased activity. If times like the COVID-19 epidemic repeat in the future, we recommend adding and promoting measures that can help manage chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome when creating national action guidelines to prevent infectious diseases.

Impact of Human Psychology on Investment Decision-Making: A Study of Mutual Fund Investors

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of cognitive factors such as Herd, Representativeness, Availability, Mental Accounting, Conservatism, Familiarity, Anchoring, and Overconfidence biases on mutual fund investment decision making. Methodology: The study used quantitative methods to evaluate behavioral factors effect on mutual fund investments. 592 questionnaires were distributed to retail investors in Karnataka using the snowball sampling technique. Of these, 543 responses were received, and 520 were valid, achieving an 87% response rate. Findings: The result of the study revealed that cognitive factors such as herd behavior, representativeness, availability, mental accounting, conservatism, familiarity, anchoring, and overconfidence biases have a significant impact on the investment decision-making of mutual fund investors. The R-squared value of 0.616 indicates that 61.67% of the variation in investment decision-making can be explained by these cognitive factors.

Developing a data-driven predictive model for substance abuse prevention among youth using behavioral analytics

Substance abuse among youth presents a critical public health challenge, necessitating innovative approaches for early intervention and prevention. This study proposes the development of a data-driven predictive model that leverages behavioral analytics to identify youth at risk of substance abuse. The model utilizes data from multiple sources, including social media activity, school performance records, and mental health screenings, to analyze behavioral patterns that may indicate a predisposition toward substance misuse. The core methodology integrates machine learning algorithms to process and analyze large datasets, uncovering correlations between specific behaviors and the likelihood of substance abuse. Predictive features such as changes in social engagement, academic performance fluctuations, and indicators of emotional distress are identified and incorporated into the model to enhance its accuracy. By applying supervised learning techniques, the model is trained to recognize patterns in historical data, allowing it to make predictions about future substance use risks. Furthermore, the model's design emphasizes real-time monitoring and adaptability, enabling health professionals and educators to receive timely alerts and intervene early when behavioral warning signs are detected. The application of behavioral analytics in this context offers a more proactive, personalized approach to prevention, targeting at-risk individuals before they develop harmful substance use habits. In addition to its predictive capabilities, the model also provides actionable insights into effective intervention strategies. By identifying the most influential behavioral factors, it informs tailored prevention programs that address specific risk behaviors among youth. These findings can support policymakers and healthcare providers in developing data-driven, evidence-based prevention initiatives that better allocate resources to high-risk populations.

Drug Use among a Moroccan Sample of College Students

Introduction: the pressures that college students face and the sensitivity of their age put them at a significant risk of developing drug use-related problems. Objective: this study aims to evaluate some of the associated factors with drug use behavior among a sample of Moroccan college students. Method: the study included 1147 students (703 females and 444 males) with a mean age of 20 (SD = 2.6) who completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Arabic version of the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT). Results: the results demonstrated that it identifies gender, alcohol consumption, smoking, gambling, and medication for depression, anxiety, and sleep problems as potential risk factors of drug use behavior. Discussion and conclusions: more research is required on college students' drug use, and intervention strategies must be developed.

Empirical analysis of car-following behavior: Impacts of driver demographics, leading vehicle types, and speed limits on driver behavior and safety

Car-following behavior is the most fundamental and common driving behavior and is crucial for road safety and traffic efficiency. Traffic flow dynamics are greatly affected by this behavior, and driver-related factors in car-following behavior have been identified as a key cause of rear-end crashes. Despite extensive research on car-following behavior, a gap remains in understanding how this behavior manifests itself in culturally diverse driver populations and heterogeneous driving conditions. The aim of this study was to empirically investigate the effects of individual characteristics, leading vehicle types, posted speed limits and deceleration rates of the leading vehicle on car-following behavior. To this end, the car-following behavior of 61 participants was investigated in eight different scenarios involving a motorbike, sedan, SUV, and truck as the leading vehicle under two different speed limits, i.e., 50 km/h and 80 km/h in a driving simulator environment. The results showed that considerable variations in car-following behaviors exist depending on gender, age, driving experience, educational levels, and the type of leading vehicle, as well as speed limits and deceleration rates. The risk of rear-end crash was found to be higher at the lower speed limit and with a two-wheeler (motorbike) as the leading vehicle. Additionally, females were identified as a having higher crash risk than males. In summary, this study provides valuable insights that could be applied to enhance road safety, such as tailoring targeted training materials for high-risk groups and informing policy decisions. Incorporating these insights into model calibration can lead to more accurate and realistic simulations that capture the complexities of real-world driving scenarios.

Family roots, green shoots: exploring the impact of work–family interpersonal capitalization on employee green behavior

Purpose This study aims to explore the influence of extra-workplace factors, specifically work−family interpersonal capitalization, on employee green behavior. Based on the conservation of resources theory, the research sought to understand how resources gained from positive family interactions spill over into the workplace, enhancing green behavior. In addition, the study investigated the mediating role of relational energy and the moderating effects of work green climate and environmental self-accountability, providing a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms involved. Design/methodology/approach This study used a multiwave field study combined with an experimental study to investigate the impact of work−family interpersonal capitalization on employee green behavior. Data were collected in several phases to capture changes over time and to understand causal relationships. The multiwave design allowed for observing the dynamic interplay between family and work domains, while the experimental component provided controlled conditions to validate the findings. This approach ensured robust and comprehensive analysis, integrating both real-world and experimental data. Findings The study revealed that work−family interpersonal capitalization significantly enhances employee green behavior. Relational energy emerged as a crucial mediator in this relationship. Furthermore, the study found that both work green climate and environmental self-accountability positively moderated the relationship between relational energy and green behavior. Notably, the interaction of work green climate and environmental self-accountability further strengthened this relationship, ultimately influencing the indirect effect of relational energy on employee green behavior. These findings highlight the complex interplay between personal and organizational factors in promoting sustainable practices at work. Originality/value This study provides valuable insights into the spillover effects from family to work, emphasizing the importance of considering “nongreen” factors in understanding employee green behavior. By identifying relational energy as a key mediator and uncovering the moderating roles of work green climate and environmental self-accountability, the research contributes to the broader literature on environmental sustainability and organizational behavior. The findings suggest practical implications for organizations aiming to foster green behavior, highlighting the potential of enhancing family−work interactions and cultivating a supportive green work environment.

Penyuluhan Mengenai Pentingnya Posyandu untuk Bayi dan Balita di Posyandu Mawar Indah RW 07 KP. Cikatuncar Kelurahan Kotabaru Kota Tasikmalaya

Based on the record owned by the cadre, there are currently 97 babies and toddlers. However, the attendance rate of mothers and toddlers at the Mawar Indah Posyandu (integrated health service post) averages only 35% each month. This low attendance rate attracted researchers to initiate a community counseling program with goals to increase awareness and participation among mothers of infants and toddlers in the area. The approach to community empowerment adopted in this study is centered on a public health education campaign, highlighting the critical role of Posyandu in supporting the growth and development of infants and toddlers. The initiative included key steps starting with presenting the benefits of Posyandu for children's growth and developments, engaging participants in a discussion session, and providing door prizes as incentives. The result of the outreach program is attended by 28 mothers along with their children. However, at this level of attendance achieved an average at 28.8%, falling short of the defined success indicators and lower than the previous rate. This outcome was influenced by several factors as outlined in H.L. Bloom’s theory, including environmental factors, individual behavior, healthcare services, and genetic predispositions. The findings indicate that despite efforts to increase awareness and participation, the involvement of mothers with infants and toddlers in the area remains insufficient. Contributing factors include environmental, behavioral, and healthcare service factors. To achieve more optimal results, improvements in these aspects are essential to increase maternal participation in Posyandu programs.

Life satisfaction and risk of dementia over 18years: an analysis of the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center dataset.

Life satisfaction predicts lower risk of adverse health outcomes, including morbidity and mortality. Research on life satisfaction and risk of dementia has been limited by a lack of comprehensive clinical assessments of dementia. This study builds on previous research examining life satisfaction and clinically ascertained cognitive impairment and dementia. Participants (N = 23070; Meanage = 71.83, SD = 8.80) from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center reported their satisfaction with life at baseline. Incident dementia was ascertained through clinical assessment over up to 18years. Life satisfaction was associated with about 72% lower risk of all-cause of dementia, an association that remained significant accounting for demographic (age, sex, race, ethnicity, education, marital and living status), psychological (depression), clinical (obesity, diabetes, hypertension), behavioral (current and formersmoking), and genetic risk (APOEϵ4) factors. The association was not moderated by demographics, depression, andAPOEε4 status groups. The association was similar when cases occurring in the first five years were excluded, reducing the likelihood of reverse causality. Life satisfaction was also linked to specific causes of dementia, with a reduced risk ranging from about 60% to 90% for Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia to > 2-fold lower risk of Lewy Body and frontotemporal dementia. Older adults who were satisfied with their lives were also at 61% lower risk of incident mild cognitive impairment and at 22% lower risk of converting from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Being satisfied with one's life is associated with a lower risk of dementia. Improving life satisfaction could promote better cognitive health and protect against dementia.

Evaluation of low-and middle-income countries according to cardiovascular disease risk factors by using pythagorean fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS methods

BackgroundCardiovascular disease risk factors play a crucial role in determining individuals’ future health status and significantly affect health. This paper aimed to address cardiovascular disease risk factors in low- and middle-income countries using multi-criteria decision-making methods.MethodsIn line with this objective, 22 evaluation criteria were identified. Due to the unequal importance levels of the criteria, the interval-valued Pythagorean Fuzzy AHP (PF-AHP) method was employed for weighting. The TOPSIS method was utilized to rank the countries.ResultsThe application of interval-valued PF-AHP revealed that metabolic, behavioral, and economic factors are more important in contributing to disease risk. Among adults, tobacco use prevalence was identified as the most significant risk factor. According to the TOPSIS method, Lebanon, Jordan, Solomon Islands, Serbia, and Bulgaria ranked highest, while Timor Leste, Benin, Ghana, Niger, and Ethiopia ranked lowest.ConclusionsIdentifying disease risk factors and preventing or reducing risks are crucial in combating cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that countries ranking higher take remedial actions to reduce disease risk.

Social Determinants of Health and Health-Related Social Needs Among Adults With Chronic Diseases in the United States, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2022.

The relationship between social determinants of health (SDOH) and health-related social needs (HRSN) and some chronic diseases at the population level is not well known. We sought to determine relationships between SDOH/HRSN and major chronic diseases among US adults by using data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). We used data from the new Social Determinants and Health Equity (SD/HE) module, conducted in 39 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 territories as part of the 2022 BRFSS. These data yielded a sample of 324,631 adult participants (aged ≥18 y). We examined 12 indicators of SDOH/HRSN and 9 chronic diseases. We calculated weighted prevalence estimates for each SDOH/HRSN measure for each chronic disease and associations between each SDOH/HRSN and each chronic disease. Two-thirds of participants (66.3%) had 1 or more chronic diseases, and 59.4% reported 1 or more adverse SDOH/HRSN. Prevalence estimates for individual SDOH/HRSN measures were generally higher among participants with chronic diseases (except cancer). The more chronic diseases reported, the more likely participants were to have SDOH/HRSN (P < .05 for linear trend). The leading SDOH/HRSN measures associated with each chronic disease varied; however, the most common were mental stress, receiving food stamps or participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, cost as a barrier for needed medical care, and life dissatisfaction. From a treatment and prevention perspective, health care providers should consider the influence of SDOH/HRSN on people with or at risk for chronic diseases. Additionally, human service and public health systems in communities with high rates of chronic disease should consider these findings as they plan to mitigate adverse SDOH.

Consequences of Indoor Pollution in Children in Latin America.

Indoor air pollution represents a major health problem in developing countries. Common sources of contaminants include biomass fuels, dust mites, mold, and insecticides, which are frequently found in Latin American households due to cultural, geographical, and socioeconomic conditions. Additionally, tobacco consumption and e-cigarette use are both frequent in the region and represent another source of air pollution. Furthermore, agriculture plays an important role in Latin American and Caribbean economies, leading to hazardous environmental exposures for people living in rural areas. Children are more vulnerable than adults to the effects of environmental exposures because of various physiological and behavioral factors. The timing of exposure is also relevant, as the developing lungs are more susceptible during certain periods of growth, and early insults may impact future development. Exposure to indoor pollution, both prenatal and after birth, has been associated with an increased risk of health issues in children, such as growth impairment, respiratory infections, asthma, reduced lung function, and development of adult lung diseases (e.g., cancer and COPD). To understand how childhood environmental exposures affect lung development, with potential long-term consequences and increased risk of diseases later in life, is essential for developing effective prevention strategies.