Comprehensive Prevention Strategy Research Articles

Infection Prevention Measures for Service Recipients in Postpartum Care Homes

<p>產後護理之家服務對象，包括產後未滿二個月產婦及出生未滿二個月嬰兒。又嬰兒出生後來自母親的抗體逐漸消退，且免疫力尚未達到成熟階段，感染疾病風險高及可能嚴重併發症，因此對於服務對象入住機構內健康管理、包括疾病監測、疑似感染及適當隔離等，防範於未然及有效感染控制措施至為重要，各項感染管制訂定如：陪住家屬及訪客管理，遵守政府規範防疫政策；服務對象之配膳、飲食衛生、哺餵、哺育器材清消，飲用水衛生安全、供水設施等措施並落實執行，維護產婦、嬰兒及工作人員等之健康，建構優質安全環境，提升照護品質。機構管理者及工作人員應瞭解基本的感染預防及管制策略，確實執行應用，避免機構內感染及群聚事件，且配合衛生主管機關評鑑及感染管制查核督導，強化各項感染管制措施，共築完善防疫網。</p> <p> </p><p>Postpartum care homes provide services to mothers and infants in the first 2 months after birth. During this time, antibodies from the mother gradually diminish in infants, whose immunity is insufficiently mature, placing them at high risk of contracting diseases and developing serious complications. Therefore, adhering to and implementing strict infection control measures is crucial. For service recipients of health management in postpartum homes, infectious disease monitoring, isolation precautions, rules for managing family members and visitors, disease control regulations, meal preparation and feeding hygiene, access to cleaning and disinfection equipment, and regular cleaning and disinfection of water supplies are all critical measures for improving service quality and creating a high-quality and safe care environment. Institutional managers and staff must understand basic infection prevention and control strategies and carefully implement them to avoid infections and cluster incidents in postpartum homes. They must also cooperate with health authorities for institution accreditation, infection control inspection, and supervision to strengthen infection control measures and create comprehensive epidemic prevention strategies.</p> <p> </p>

Community-based prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

The Annual Report on Cardiovascular Health and Diseases in China (2022) intricate landscape of cardiovascular health in China. This is the third section of the report with a specific focus on community-based prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This section of the report underscores the importance of initiatives outlined in the "Healthy China 2030 Plan," emphasizing the comprehensive prevention and control strategy for chronic diseases. A key aspect of this plan involves the establishment of national demonstration areas aimed at comprehensive prevention and control of chronic diseases. By 2020, 488 such areas had been set up across China, surpassing the initial target and covering a significant proportion of counties and districts. The report highlights the successful implementation of these strategies in Lishan district, Anshan city, where demonstration areas for comprehensive prevention and control of chronic diseases were launched in 2013. Over the course of seven years, the number of healthy units increased substantially, leading to improvements in managing risk factors for CVD among residents. Significant reductions in prevalence rates of overweight, obesity, smoking, passive smoking, and drinking were observed, along with the development of healthier behaviors among residents. Similarly, Qiaokou district in Wuhan City, designated as a national demonstration area in 2014, implemented comprehensive public health promotion initiatives. Notably, special clinics for hypertension intervention were established, contributing to an increase in self-reported rates of hypertension, a slight decrease in prevalence, and a remarkable improvement in the control rate among treated patients. Overall, these efforts underscore the effectiveness of community-based approaches in driving positive health outcomes and advancing the comprehensive prevention and control of chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, in China.

The global burden of HIV

The global burden of HIV remains a formidable challenge, affecting millions. Despite significant progress in understanding, treatment, and prevention , HIV/AIDS continues to exert a substantial impact on personal and public health, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the prevalence is highest. HIV not only poses a direct threat to the well-being of individuals but also contributes to social and economic disparities. Approximately 38 million people worldwide are living with HIV, with millions unaware of their status. Stigma and discrimination still hinder testing, starting and staying on treatment. Access to antiretroviral therapy has improved, yet disparities persist, with marginalized communities often facing barriers to essential health care services. Efforts to reduce new HIV infections and transmission include comprehensive prevention strategies, education, and increased access to testing and treatment. Addressing social determinants, reducing stigma, and ensuring equitable access to health care remain crucial to reach the ambitious goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

Defending Our Future: A Clarion Call for Action Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Over the past few decades, there has been a notable rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), presenting a significant challenge to worldwide public health. The abuse and over-exploitation of antimicrobial agents have expedited this crisis, jeopardizing the effectiveness of treatments for common infections and undermining progress in modern-day medicine.2 To prevent the imminent disaster, combined efforts must be made at local, national, and international levels to fight against AMR through comprehensive prevention strategies. Most importantly, raising awareness

Unveiling the shadows - Substance use among para-athletes: A qualitative study with Swiss elite para-athletes

Background Despite the growth of para-sport, little research has been conducted on psychotropic substance use among Swiss elite para-athletes (McDuff et al., 2019; Rice et al., 2016; Weber et al., 2022). This study is among the first to explore this under-researched area, focusing on athletes’ perceptions and mental health concerns related to substance use. Methodology Adopting a qualitative research design, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with fifteen (N = 15) active Swiss adult elite para-athletes from nine different summer and winter sports. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the interview data, focusing on athletes' perceptions and experiences related to substance use (Guest et al., 2012). Findings On the one hand, an increase in athletic level and professionalisation seem to leave little room for the use of substances that could be detrimental to athletic performance. On the other hand, the results suggest that stress, negative emotions, physical pain, and a background of substance use may be positively associated with substance use in elite para-athletes (Lardi et al., in preparation). Conclusion The findings suggest a need for targeted interventions and support systems within athletic federations. Proposed measures include the development of comprehensive prevention strategies, regulatory frameworks, and treatment programs tailored to the unique needs of para-athletes. This study contributes valuable insights into substance use among Swiss elite para-athletes, advocating for specialized interventions to support athlete well-being.

Mini-review] The Global Impact and Management of Foodborne RNA Viruses

This Mini-review addresses the significant health implications of foodborne RNA viruses, such as norovirus and hepatitis A, which are major contributors to global foodborne illnesses. These viruses are typically transmitted via the oral-fecal route and can contaminate food during production, processing, and handling. Characterized by their robust, non-enveloped structure and high genetic variability, they present unique challenges in control and prevention. This paper summarizes their prevalence, transmission, and risk factors, emphasizing the importance of stringent hygiene and food safety measures. It also discusses the necessity for comprehensive preventive strategies throughout the food supply chain and the critical role of surveillance and monitoring systems. The following Mini-review aims to enhance understanding and guide the development of effective interventions for mitigating the risk of foodborne RNA virus outbreaks.

The Links Among Cumulative Ecological Risk and Smartphone Addiction, Sleep Quality in Chinese University Freshmen: A Two-Wave Study.

While previous research has highlighted the influence of family, school, and peer factors on smartphone addiction and sleep quality, the cumulative effects of these risk factors and their underlying causal relationships remain poorly understood. Therefore, based on the cumulative risk model and the bioecological model of human development, this study examined the longitudinal associations between cumulative ecological risk and smartphone addiction and sleep quality. A survey was conducted among 653 Chinese university freshmen (mean age 18.56) at two distinct time points, with a 6-month interval. The initial assessment focused on family, school, and peer risk factors, while the subsequent assessment focused on smartphone addiction and sleep quality. Approximately 63.71% of university freshmen were found to be at risk of exposure. Compared to other risk-exposure groups, the group with no-risk exposure exhibited the lowest scores for smartphone addiction and sleep quality. The relationships between cumulative ecological risk and smartphone addiction and sleep quality displayed a linear pattern and a discernible "gradient effect". Smartphone addiction was identified as a fully mediating factor in the link between cumulative ecological risk and sleep quality, with a mediating effect value of 0.08 (representing 44.44% of the total effect). University freshmen face various risks associated with their families, schools, and peers. The cumulative ecological risk can, directly and indirectly, impact sleep quality by influencing smartphone addiction. Given the observed "gradient effect" of cumulative ecological risk on smartphone addiction and sleep quality, it is imperative to adopt comprehensive risk prevention strategies to mitigate the impact of each risk factor.

Developing computationally efficient optimal control strategies to eradicate Rubella disease

The threat of Rubella virus disease looms large, posing significant risks to public health and emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive prevention, control, and awareness strategies. We conducted an extensive analysis of a newly developed SEITR deterministic model for the lethal Rubella virus disease. The main objective of our study is to gain deep insights into the disease dynamics and devise an optimal control strategy for the model, utilizing vaccination and treatment as preventive measures. We employed various mathematical techniques to establish the positivity and bounded nature of solutions. The value of threshold parameter is computed using the next-generation method to anticipate future dynamical behavior of the epidemic. The local and global stability of the equilibrium points was successfully assessed. Additionally, we utilized the well-known Non-Standard Finite Difference (NSFD) method to obtain numerical solutions for the Rubella model. A numerical analysis is carried out to assess the efficacy of a constant treatment strategy, and the results are presented through graphical illustrations. The developed model is subjected to sensitivity analysis and the most sensitive parameters are identified. In addition, the bifurcation nature of the model is examined. Subsequently, an optimal control problem is introduced for the model, aiming to determine the best time-dependent strategies for treatment and vaccination. The main goal is to reduce the number of individuals infected within the human population and the cost of controls. Designed optimal control problem and its corresponding optimality conditions of Pontryagin type have been derived. An important aspect of this study is the utilization of the NSFD method, implemented backward in time, to solve the optimal control problem, as opposed to other conventional methods. Numerical simulations were carried out to assess the impact of the applied controls on the dynamics of all classes, both before and after optimization.

Mini-review] The Global Impact and Management of Foodborne RNA Viruses

This Mini-review addresses the significant health implications of foodborne RNA viruses, such as norovirus and hepatitis A, which are major contributors to global foodborne illnesses. These viruses are typically transmitted via the oral-fecal route and can contaminate food during production, processing, and handling. Characterized by their robust, non-enveloped structure and high genetic variability, they present unique challenges in control and prevention. This paper summarizes their prevalence, transmission, and risk factors, emphasizing the importance of stringent hygiene and food safety measures. It also discusses the necessity for comprehensive preventive strategies throughout the food supply chain and the critical role of surveillance and monitoring systems. The following Mini-review aims to enhance understanding and guide the development of effective interventions for mitigating the risk of foodborne RNA virus outbreaks.

Role of vitamins A, C, D, E in cancer prevention and therapy: therapeutic potentials and mechanisms of action.

Cancer, a leading global cause of mortality, arises from intricate interactions between genetic and environmental factors, fueling uncontrolled cell growth. Amidst existing treatment limitations, vitamins have emerged as promising candidates for cancer prevention and treatment. This review focuses on Vitamins A, C, E, and D because of their protective activity against various types of cancer. They are essential as human metabolic coenzymes. Through a critical exploration of preclinical and clinical studies via PubMed and Google Scholar, the impact of these vitamins on cancer therapy was analyzed, unraveling their complicated mechanisms of action. Interestingly, vitamins impact immune function, antioxidant defense, inflammation, and epigenetic regulation, potentially enhancing outcomes by influencing cell behavior and countering stress and DNA damage. Encouraging clinical trial results have been observed; however, further well-controlled studies are imperative to validate their effectiveness, determine optimal dosages, and formulate comprehensive cancer prevention and treatment strategies. Personalized supplementation strategies, informed by medical expertise, are pivotal for optimal outcomes in both clinical and preclinical contexts. Nevertheless, conclusive evidence regarding the efficacy of vitamins in cancer prevention and treatment is still pending, urging further research and exploration in this compelling area of study.

Third National Registry of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Mexico (RENAPREC III-2022)

In Mexico, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) as an interdisciplinary intervention with therapeutic impact in patients with heart disease is growing. There is the need to know actual conditions of CR in our country. The objective of this National Registry is to follow-up those existing and new CR units in Mexico through the comparison between the two previous registries, RENAPREC-2009 and RENAPREC II-2015 studies. This is a descriptive study focused on diverse CR activities such as assistance training, and certification of health professionals, barriers, reference, population attended, interdisciplinarity, permanence over time, growth prospects, regulations, post-pandemic condition, integrative characteristics, and scientific research. Data were collected from 45 CR centers in the 32 states, 75.5% are private practice units, 67% are new, 33% were part of RENAPREC II-2015, and 17 have continued since 2009. With a better distribution of CR units along the territory, the median reference of candidates for CR programs is 9% with a significant reduction into tiempo of enrollment to Phase II admission (19 ± 11 days). Regarding to previous registries, the coverance of Phases I, II, and III is 71%, 100%, and 93%, respectively; and a coverance increases in evaluation, risk stratification, and prescription, more comprehensive attendance and prevention strategies. CR in Mexico has grown in the past 7 years. Even there is still low reference and heterogeneity in specific processes, there are strengths such as interdisciplinarity, scientific professionalization of specialists, national diversification, and an official society that are consolidated over time.

Association between vitamin D status, physical performance, sex, and lifestyle factors: a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling Kosovar adults aged 40years and older.

Vitamin D status and its association with age-related decline in physical performance and strength have already been highlighted in various ways, but data on the situation in developing countries are scarce. This study aimed to investigate vitamin D status, its association with muscle mass and function, and other potential determinants such as age, sex, lifestyle factors (physical activity, dietary behavior), self-perceived health status, medication intake, education and financial situation in adults from Kosovo. This cross-sectional study included 297 participants (54.5% women), aged ≥ 40years. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration, hand grip strength and physical performance tests, body composition, vitamin D dietary intake and knowledge were assessed. The interaction between serum 25(OH)D status, lifestyle factors and muscle traits was investigated. Vitamin D deficiency (< 50nmol/L) was observed in 47.5% of the total population, of whom 14.7% of them were severely deficient (< 30nmol/L). No associations were found between 25(OH)D concentration and age. Daily dietary intake ofvitamin D was low (1.89 ± 0.67µg) and 87.6% of individuals did not take vitamin D supplements. However, vitamin D supplementation was the only variable that added statistical significance (p < 0.05) to the prediction of vitamin D status (3.8%). On the other hand, age, medication intake and vitamin D level contributed significantly to the overall regression model, explaining 24.9% of the 30-s chairstand performance as an indicator of lower-body strength endurance. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among community-dwelling adults in Kosovo and low serum 25(OH)D has been associated with low muscle strength. This implies an urgent need for the development of comprehensive prevention strategies, focusing on pharmacological (supplementation) but alsoon non-pharmacological strategies such as education, foodfortification or lifestyle advices.

Prediction of mechanical response of hexagonal honeycomb SPS blast wall under explosive loading: In-depth review and empirical formula

Despite comprehensive prevention strategies, offshore operations consistently grapple with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) challenges. Though explosions on offshore structures are rare, their devastating impact cannot be understated. Blast walls, functioning as pivotal passive barriers, play a crucial role in protecting the topsides of these structures by dissipating explosive energy. Sandwich panel structures (SPS), with their lightweight attributes, enhanced bending rigidity and exceptional energy absorption, are a cost-effective countermeasure. This study introduces a groundbreaking design guideline, anchored in the LS-Dyna nonlinear finite-element method (NLFEM), tailored for hexagonal SPS offshore blast walls under explosive strains. Our rigorous numerical simulations, encompassing 450 varied scenarios, meticulously evaluated an array of geometric configurations and explosive strengths (spanning from 1 kg to 3 kg of TNT). From these simulations, crucial parameters affecting maximum mid-span plate deflection were discerned. In addition to these simulations, our research offers in-depth technical reviews, shedding light on the nuances of the subject. An empirical formula was subsequently formulated to anticipate this deflection, corroborating its efficacy by FE simulation outcomes. This work provides invaluable guidance for refining early-stage offshore blast wall design.

The Imperative of a Comprehensive One Health Approach for Mosquito-Borne Disease Control in Indonesia

This review provides information on the importance of a comprehensive one-health approach for controlling mosquito-borne diseases in Indonesia. Despite the use of various control methods, Indonesia still faces numerous challenges and threats to its public health. The One Health paradigm offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the complexity of mosquito-borne diseases in Indonesia. Understanding the linkages between human, animal, and environmental health enables a deeper understanding of disease dynamics and facilitates the development of comprehensive strategies for disease prevention, control, and eradication. Important points that must be implemented immediately and receive attention from policymakers include strengthening vector surveillance and monitoring systems, strengthening vector control strategies in various sectors, increasing human health and behavioral capacity, effective communication and collaboration, and increasing infrastructure capacity and resource allocation. The sooner these issues are resolved, the more likely the goal of a mosquito-borne disease-free Indonesia can be achieved.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Tanzania. A Narrative Review of Epidemiology and Disease Trend.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is on a rapid rise in Tanzania, driven by lifestyle modifications, nutritional changes, and increased obesity rates. This article reviews the epidemiology, and disease trends of type 2 diabetes in Tanzania and explores the economic implications and challenges in care, including policy, education, and healthcare systems. The study employs a narrative literature review from research articles, local healthcare reports, surveys, and public health records. It evaluates the economic impacts, healthcare capabilities, and patient behaviors in managing type 2 diabetes in Tanzania. The economic burden of diabetes in Tanzania is increasing due to direct healthcare costs, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life, placing significant pressure on the already resourcelimited healthcare system. Treatment dropout rates are alarmingly high, and healthcare providers' knowledge of diabetes is insufficient. Insulin and metformin availability are critically low. Cultural norms and dietary habits pose substantial barriers to effective disease management. The growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Tanzania presents a significant public health crisis, necessitating comprehensive strategies for prevention, early detection, and effective disease management. Priorities should include enhancing healthcare infrastructure, increasing public investment, improving healthcare education, and tackling socio-cultural barriers to disease management.

Eliminating mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus: practice and progress in Baoan, a national pilot district of China

BackgroundWhile mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant challenge in China, research investigating the effectiveness of the September 2017 pilot program to eliminate MTCT of HIV, syphilis, and HBV is limited. Baoan district, which has a higher-than-average rate of hepatitis B infection among pregnant women and strong support from the government, was one of six national pilot districts selected for the program. Therefore, this study aims to assess the progress and implementation of the elimination of MTCT of HBV in Baoan district over a period of 5 years.MethodsData was collected from the national information system for the prevention of MTCT, registration forms, and follow-up forms of pregnant women and their live births from 2018 to 2022. Joinpoint models were used to analyze changing trends over time, calculating annual percentage change (APC) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze risk factors for HBV MTCT.ResultsFrom 2018 to 2022, the coverage of HBV screening during pregnancy increased from 98.29 to 99.55% (APC = 0.30, P = 0.012). The coverage of HBV early screening within 13 gestational weeks increased from 40.76 to 86.42% (APC = 18.88, P = 0.033). The prevalence of maternal HBV infection declined by an APC of − 3.50 (95% CI -6.28 ~ − 0.63). The coverage of antiviral therapy among high-risk pregnant women increased from 63.59 to 90.04% (APC = 11.90, P = 0.031). Coverage for timely administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin, hepatitis B birth dose vaccine, and three-dose hepatitis B vaccination remained consistently above 97.50%. The coverage of post-vaccination serological testing (PVST) in high-risk infants was 56.15% (1352/2408), and the MTCT rate of HBV was 0.18%. Mothers with high-school education or below (OR = 3.76, 95% CI 1.04 ~ 13.60, P = 0.04) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positivity (OR = 18.89, 95% CI 1.98 ~ 18.50, P = 0.01) had increased MTCT risk.ConclusionsThe implementation of comprehensive prevention strategies in Baoan district, including screening, treatment, and immunoprophylaxis, has proven effective in maintaining the MTCT of HBV at an extremely low level. However, it remains crucial to raise public awareness, specifically on the importance of improving the coverage of PVST for infants exposed to HBV.

SASLT guidelines: Update in treatment of hepatitis C virus infection, 2024.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been a major global health concern, with a significant impact on public health. In recent years, there have been remarkable advancements in our understanding of HCV and the development of novel therapeutic agents. The Saudi Society for the Study of Liver Disease and Transplantation formed a working group to develop HCV practice guidelines in Saudi Arabia. The methodology used to create these guidelines involved a comprehensive review of available evidence, local data, and major international practice guidelines regarding HCV management. This updated guideline encompasses critical aspects of HCV care, including screening and diagnosis, assessing the severity of liver disease, and treatment strategies. The aim of this updated guideline is to assist healthcare providers in the management of HCV in Saudi Arabia. It summarizes the latest local studies on HCV epidemiology, significant changes in virus prevalence, and the importance of universal screening, particularly among high-risk populations. Moreover, it discusses the promising potential for HCV elimination as a public health threat by 2030, driven by effective treatment and comprehensive prevention strategies. This guideline also highlights evolving recommendations for advancing disease management, including the treatment of HCV patients with decompensated cirrhosis, treatment of those who have previously failed treatment with the newer medications, management in the context of liver transplantation and hepatocellular carcinoma, and treatment for special populations.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of "5E" Comprehensive Injury Prevention Strategy for Fall Prevention Among the Rural Elderly - Six Pilot Villages, Yunnan Province and Chongqing Municipality, China, 2018-2023.

The mortality rate and disease burden associated with falls among the elderly in China are on the rise. Interventions can play a crucial role in preventing and managing falls. The application of the "5E" injury prevention strategy led to a decrease in both the occurrence of falls and the likelihood of subsequent falls. Regular physical activity and maintaining a positive outlook were identified as protective measures against falls, while sleep issues and hearing impairment were found to increase the risk of falling. The group-based comprehensive intervention strategy is crucial as it offers an innovative intervention model and empirical evidence for decreasing fall rates among elderly individuals living in rural areas.

Global Surge in Adolescent Obesity: A Growing Crisis

Obesity is a rapidly growing global epidemic, marked by the excessive accumulation of body fat that significantly increases the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Far from being merely the result of poor lifestyle choices, obesity is now understood as a complex, multifactorial disease influenced by a combination of genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and physiological processes.[1] The condition is primarily driven by a prolonged imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure, leading to sustained weight gain. The rising prevalence of obesity underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and management strategies that not only address the biological underpinnings of the disease but also the broader social and environmental factors contributing to this public health crisis. Early intervention and the use of practical diagnostic tools such as body mass index and waist circumference are crucial in identifying at-risk individuals and implementing effective treatment plans to mitigate the severe health impacts of obesity.

Poverty and cancers: A brief review

Poverty has been an important social determinant of health, including cancer. The poverty trap of cancer diagnosis and treatment owing to catastrophic expenditure and subsequent poor outcomes is well documented in the literature. This article aims to explore the role of poverty, leading to biological changes responsible for an increased risk of carcinogenesis. The role of poverty-causing cancers could open the avenues for more comprehensive prevention and control strategies, and subsequent policy implications, in high-burden and poverty-stricken regions in the country.