Fact Sheet Research Articles

Environmental communication strategy against deep-sea tailings disposal in Morowali

Environmental communication movement against Deep-Sea Tailings Placement (DSTP) permit for nickel mine waste of Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) skyrockets in response of DSTP issue. One example of the Non-Government Organization that pushed this movement is Jaringan Advokasi Tambang (JATAM), especially JATAM Sulteng. This movement is crucial considering the increase of nickel mining operations due of ellectronics demand, either for transportation or telecommunication purposes. From our initial observations, we concluded that this movement stands on discourse management of nickel mining, waste mangement and its effects to the environment. Thus, this study was done to discern what environmental communication strategy JATAM Sulteng choose to disseminate informations on the effects of nickel mining and processing of IMIP which also included on how they pushed the movement against DSTP on Morowali sea. This study was done through qualitative descriptive – case study approach. Data were collected through observation on publications, in-depth interview with three informants from JATAM Sulteng and document study. The results shows that the main stratagem choosen was to push the discourse of environmental degradation due to DSTP. The environmental degradation was then connected to the livelihood of the communities surrounding the mine and coastal communities adjacent to the DSTP sites. Supporting strategies for information dissemination also included focus group discussion (FGD), various critical essays, fact sheets and organizational press releases through official websites, mass media and social media, natural resources discussion forums, demonstrations and submission of petitions to the government and nickel extractive industry investors.

YouTube as a Source of Information on Air Pollution: Significance for Community Health.

Air pollution is a pervasive global public health threat. The purpose of this study was to assess the content of 100 widely viewed English language YouTube videos on air pollution using the search term 'air pollution.' Content categories were created using comprehensive fact sheets and were coded as being present or not in each video. Cumulatively, the 100 videos sampled received 32,826,294 views and 303,692 likes, with averages of 328,263 and 3,068 respectively. The majority of videos (n = 72) were created by broadcast or internet-based news, 12 of the videos were created by professionals, 7 were created by a consumer and 9 were created by others. Three kinds of content were featured in a majority (> 50%) of the videos: "sources of pollution," "environmental impacts," and "solutions offered" and the videos covering each of these topics collectively garnered more than 26 million views and 249,000 likes. Independent one-tailed t-tests (α = 0.05) showed an association between covering sources of pollution and the number of views and likes. For both, videos featuring this content had a higher average number of views (467,391.08 vs. 80,924.03, p = .0383) and likes (4,450.78 vs. 647.03, p = .0383). Additionally, videos showing environmental impacts received more views than those that did not (547,901.49 vs. 80,585.43, p = .0373). This research can serve as a starting point to describe information being conveyed about an important global public health problem. Future research is needed to improve understanding about ways to utilize YouTube and other social media for public health education and advocacy to increase consumers' awareness and facilitate the informed decision-making process.

101 The Burden of Burns: An Analysis of Public Health Measures

Abstract Introduction Accurate analysis of injuries and illnesses is paramount when allocating resources for education, prevention, recovery, and research. Inconsistencies in public health reports and increased lobbying/marketing by medical nonprofits has obscured the perception of burn injury (BI) leading to inequities in healthcare access and funding of reconstruction and research. A primary example of these developments is the frequently referenced and inaccurate BI statistics. Our study aims to compare national references reporting the incidence of BI and the related sequela in the U.S. Methods The American Burn Association Burn (ABA) Injury Summary Report (BISR), ABA Fact Sheet, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting (WISQARS) database, the CDC National Center for Health Statistics’ National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), and the commercially available claims databases were queried for 2020 burn admissions and emergency department (ED) visits. Non-U.S. reports, claims, or analyses were excluded from our review. The costs of BI were reported in U.S. dollars where available. Claims analyses were conducted using ICD-10 BI codes coupled with burn DRG for admission, and CPT for surgical intervention from a commercially available database incorporating managed care, Medicare, and Medicaid payors. Results The ABA Fact Sheet reported 486,000 BI annually. The 2021 ABA BISR data represented burn admissions at approximately 100 burn centers (BC) excluding non-BC, ED, and BC not participating in BCQP. CDC’s WISQARS database reported 3,529 burn-related deaths resulting in 45,135 years of potential years of life lost, 287,926 non-fatal BI from fire/flame and contact with 76.1% of patients treated in ED only and total costs of $42.4B. Mechanisms such as scald, chemical, electrical, radiation, and inhalation injury were not included. The CDC NHAMCS reported 359,000 BI presenting to ED (23% increase from CDC WISQARS). Our analysis from claims databases demonstrated over 698,555 BI as the primary code likely underreporting self-pay/uninsured, military facilities, and endowment or community-based hospitals not submitting claims data. Conclusions Our study demonstrates a large variability in the incidence of BI. Given the increased population noted in the U.S. 2020 census, the true number of BI is likely closer to the claims database suggesting a substantial misunderstanding in the burden of burns. We additionally noted no ICD-10 codes to characterize the sequela of BI limiting our assessment of post-acute burn care challenges. Future efforts to improve CDC reporting policies and new ICD-10 codes capturing BI sequela are essential to improve advocacy and understanding of our patients and their healthcare needs. Applicability of Research to Practice This abstract will help clinicians, patients, and investigators better advocate for population health research in burn injury.

The Burden of Burns: An Analysis of Public Health Measures.

Accurate analysis of injuries is paramount when allocating resources for prevention, research, education, and legislation. As burn mortality has improved over recent decades, the societal burden of burn injuries has grown ambiguous to the public while a scarcity of investigational funding for survivors has led to a gap in understanding lifelong sequela. We aim to compare national references reporting the incidence of burn injuries in the United States. The American Burn Association Burn Injury Summary Report (ABA-BISR), American Burn Association Fact Sheet, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting (WISQARS) database, the CDC National Center for Health Statistics' National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), National Inpatient Sample (NIS), National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), and commercially available claims databases were queried for 2020 or the most recent data available. The BISR estimated 30,135 burn admissions in 2022. The 2016 ABA Fact Sheet reported 486,000 burns presented to US emergency departments (ED). In 2020, CDC's WISQARS database reported 3,529 fatal, and 287,926 non-fatal, burn injuries. The 2020 NEDS reported 438,185 ED visits while the 2020 NIS estimated 103,235 inpatients. The NHAMCS reported 359,000 ED visits for burn injuries in the same period, and an analysis of ICD-10 burn codes demonstrated over 698,555 claims. Our study demonstrates a large variability in the reported incidence of burn injury by the ABA, CDC, national samples, and claims databases. Per our analyses, we estimate that 600,000 individuals annually suffer a burn injury which merits emergent care in the United States.

Lessons Learned From TranslateCovid, a Multilingual Online Resource Hub for Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities and Beyond.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated health disparities among immigrant communities. Delivering accurate information and addressing misinformation on protective measures and vaccination to linguistically disadvantaged groups was critical for mitigating the effects of the pandemic. One group that was especially vulnerable to miscommunication about COVID-19 was non-native English-speaking immigrants. To address these disparities, the Asian American Studies Center and the Fielding School of Public Health at the University of California, Los Angeles, partnered to create a multilingual resource hub, TranslateCovid.org, to disseminate credible and reliable information about COVID-19 safety measures, the science behind the vaccines, and vaccine safety. We identified >1300 verified resources in 60 languages from government, academic, and nonprofit organizations and reposted them on the TranslateCovid website. We also developed public service announcement videos on handwashing, use of face masks, and social distancing in 10 languages and a fact sheet for frequently asked questions in 20 languages. We used a participatory approach to develop strategies for disseminating these resources. We discuss lessons learned, including strategies for forming government, community, and academic partnerships to support the timely development and dissemination of information. We conclude with a discussion on the unique role of universities in promoting equitable access to public health resources among immigrant communities in times of crisis.

The Creative Role of the National Judge in Providing the Civil Protection from the Environmental Damages

The primary objective of the fact sheets about environmental access to justice is to furnish readily available guidelines for initiating a review process before an autonomous judicial institution or an administrative entity. Judges have always been vital in creating and enforcing effective environmental and justice laws. Judges have had to combine principle with practicality when drafting and applying such regulations, and progress has been slow. Critics have criticized them for not adhering to judicial bounds, especially in political conflicts and economic wealth distribution. With UN Environment Programmed support, judges have led efforts to improve environmental legal competency and knowledge sharing. While legal systems vary, certain concerns and their remedies are worldwide. Despite this restriction, international environmental litigation against businesses is possible when serious environmental degradation affects core human rights and interests. Such victims may utilize environmental violations to strengthen their claims.

Implementing a Flipped Classroom Approach in an Introductory Family Science Course

This paper details the redesign and implementation of an introductory Family Science and Human Development (FSHD) undergraduate course. The redesign implemented a flipped classroom approach, grounded in constructivist theory and active learning methods. A flipped classroom approach shifts traditional lecture-based classwork to an application-focused, interactive curriculum. More specifically, it shifts students from being passive learners to active, co-constructors of knowledge. Doing so deepens learning through the centering of students, along with their peers, through meaningful exchanges that help prepare them to work in the field with diverse people and families. While flipped classrooms are becoming increasingly popular, given their link to improved learning outcomes, here we seek to address a gap in the literature concerning its application within FSHD, which is well-suited for such an adaptive, flexible, and dynamic pedagogical approach. We particularly highlight our development and use of podcasts and fact sheets to replace textbooks and in-class activities that promote not only the application of content but also skill development.

Esketamine in resistant depression: a case report

IntroductionMajor depressive disorder is a common psychiatric condition affecting around 264 million people worldwide (WHO: Depression Fact Sheet. [Apr;2021]). Despite pharmacological advances, many patients still do not respond to antidepressant treatment or do so partially. It is estimated that only 50-70% of patients respond to the initial antidepressant treatment according to the STAR-D study. 15% percent of cases do not respond significantly to various pharmacological and psychotherapeutic attempts (Rush AJ et. STAR*D report. al Am J Psychiatry). The current consensus places resistant depression for a practical approach in one that has been treated with two different antidepressant strategies in adequate doses and time and has not been remitted (Souery D et el, Treatment-resistant depression. J Clin Psychiatry 2006). We present a clinical case of a patient with Major Depressive Disorder, resistant to several therapeutic lines, in which intranasal esketamine was initiated.ObjectivesThe main objective is to report the result of treatment with esketamine in a clinical case.MethodsThis work analyze the clinical evolution and reponse of a 62-year-old patient after initiating intranasal esketamine.This is a patient with a single depressive episode, with no personal psychiatric history of interest that, after exhausting several options of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment.Regulated psychotherapy based on cognitive behavioral therapy was carried out along with different pharmacological strategies according to the recommendations of the main clinical guidelines: antidepressant dose increase, antidepressant change, combination of several antidepressants and potentiation with another drug. We measured clinical changes with MADRS Scale (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale) at diferent times.ResultsFrom the fifth administration of esketamine the patient presented a clear improvement. At three months, the score on the MADRS scale improved markedly and at 6 months, the patient reported euthymia.Score MADRS:-Basal 46-3 Months 14-6 Months 1As for the adverse effects, the patient presented in all administrations very mild dizziness.ConclusionsThe use of esketamine is a new therapeutic approach, being fast, safe and well tolerated in patients with depression who do not respond to other treatments (Sapkota A et al. Efficacy and Safety of Intranasal Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults: A Systematic Review. Cureus.2021 Aug 21;13(8)). In our patient has proven to be effective and fast.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

2023 Obesity Fact Sheet: Prevalence of Obesity and Abdominal Obesity in Adults, Adolescents, and Children in Korea from 2012 to 2021.

The 2023 Obesity Fact Sheet aims to present an updated overview of obesity prevalence across all age groups, including children and adolescents. This study included individuals aged ≥20 years (n=16,941,423 in 2021) who underwent health checkups provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service between 2012 and 2021. The prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was standardized by age and sex using data from the 2010 population and housing census. For children and adolescents (6 to 18 years) (n=884 in 2021), we used the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2012 to 2021), and obesity was defined by the corresponding sex- and age-specific body mass index percentile of 95th or greater based on the 2017 Korean National Growth Chart for Children and Adolescents. The overall prevalence of obesity in 2021 is 38.4% (49.2% in men and 27.8% in women), which is a 1.27-fold increase from 30.2% in 2012. The prevalence of obesity has increased across all age groups, particularly among those aged 20, 30, and 80 years. The prevalence of class III obesity substantially increased from 0.35% (men) and 0.42% (women) in 2012 to 1.21% and 0.97% in 2021, with 3.46- and 2.31-fold increases, respectively. This increase was particularly pronounced in young adults. The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has surged from 9.7% in 2012 to 19.3% in 2021, with a greater increase among boys. Our study provides information on the current status of obesity prevalence based on the 2023 Obesity Fact Sheet, emphasizing the urgency of implementing timely strategies to reverse this increasing trend.

Patient Education and Decision Support for Long-Acting Injectable HIV Antiretroviral Therapy: Protocol for Tool Development and Pilot Testing with Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Medical Case Management Programs in New York.

Long-acting injectable (LAI) HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) presents a major opportunity to facilitate and sustain HIV viral suppression, thus improving health and survival among people living with HIV and reducing the risk of onward transmission. However, realizing the public health potential of LAI ART requires reaching patients who face barriers to daily oral ART adherence and thus can clinically benefit from alternative treatment modalities. Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part A medical case management (MCM) programs provide an array of services to address barriers to HIV care and treatment among economically and socially marginalized people living with HIV. These programs have demonstrated effectiveness in improving engagement along the continuum of care, but findings of limited program impact on durable viral suppression highlight the need to further innovate and hone strategies to support long-term ART adherence. This study aims to adapt and expand Ryan White MCM service strategies to integrate LAI ART regimen options, with the larger goal of improving health outcomes in the populations that could most benefit from alternatives to daily oral ART regimens. In 3 phases of work involving patient and provider participants, this study uses role-specific focus groups to elicit perceptions of LAI versus daily oral ART; discrete choice experiment (DCE) surveys to quantify preferences for different ART delivery options and related supports; and a nonrandomized trial to assess the implementation and utility of newly developed tools at 6 partnering Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part A MCM programs based in urban, suburban, and semirural areas of New York. Findings from the focus groups and DCEs, as well as feedback from advisory board meetings, informed the design and selection of the tools: a patient-facing, 2-page fact sheet, including frequently asked questions and a side-by-side comparison of LAI with daily oral ART; a patient-facing informational video available on YouTube (Google Inc); and a patient-provider decision aid. Implementation outcomes, measured through provider interviews, surveys, and service reporting, will guide further specification of strategies to integrate LAI ART options into MCM program workflows. The study was funded in late April 2021 and received approval from the institutional review board in May 2021 under protocol 20-096. Focus groups were conducted in late 2021 (n=21), DCEs ran from June 2022 to January 2023 (n=378), and tools for piloting were developed by May 2023. The trial (May 2023 through January 2024) has enrolled >200 patients. This study is designed to provide evidence regarding the acceptability, feasibility, appropriateness, and utility of a package of patient-oriented tools for comparing and deciding between LAI ART and daily oral ART options. Study strengths include formative work to guide tool development, a mixed methods approach, and the testing of tools in real-world safety-net service settings. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05833542; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05833542. DERR1-10.2196/56892.

2023 Diabetic Kidney Disease Fact Sheet in Korea.

To investigate the prevalence, incidence, comorbidities, and management status of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and diabetes-related end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in South Korea. We used the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2019 to 2021, n=2,665) for the evaluation of prevalence, comorbidities, control rate of glycemia and comorbidities in DKD, and the Korean Health Insurance Service-customized database (2008 to 2019, n=3,950,857) for the evaluation of trends in the incidence and prevalence rate of diabetes-related ESKD, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors use for DKD, and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and mortality according to DKD stages. DKD was defined as albuminuria or low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in patients with diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of DKD was 25.4% (albuminuria, 22.0%; low eGFR, 6.73%) in patients with diabetes mellitus aged ≥30 years. Patients with DKD had a higher rate of comorbidities, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and central obesity; however, their control rates were lower than those without DKD. Prescription rate of SGLT2 inhibitors with reduced eGFR increased steadily, reaching 5.94% in 2019. Approximately 70% of DKD patients were treated with RAS blockers. The prevalence rate of diabetesrelated ESKD has been steadily increasing, with a higher rate in older adults. ASCVD and mortality were significantly associated with an in increase in DKD stage. DKD is prevalent among Korean patients with diabetes and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, which requiring intensive management of diabetes and comorbidities. The prevalence of diabetes-related ESKD has been increasing, especially in the older adults, during past decade.

Recruiting non-respondents for a conversation about reasons for non-response: A description and evaluation

The decline in survey response rates has become a significant concern in survey research. To address this issue and gain a deeper understanding of non-participation, a research approach was pursued involving semi-structured interviews with non-respondents, guided by survey theories and practical experiences from Statistics Netherlands (SN). Experienced SN interviewers visited 2763 addresses of individuals who initially did not respond to a survey request from one out of six different SN surveys. Non-responding individuals were given another opportunity to participate in a SN survey immediately at their doorstep or by scheduling an appointment. In case of refusal, interviewers presented the option to engage in a qualitative interview study led by the University of Groningen (UG). However, despite concerted efforts by interviewers, none could successfully convince non-respondents to participate in the UG interview study about survey experiences. The inclusion of personal information on a form, particularly those requiring a signature, led to increased refusals and privacy concerns. An evaluation during an expert meeting with SN interviewers suggested three potential strategies for future recruitment efforts: exploring a collaborative approach between SN interviewers and UG researchers, considering incentives, and developing a tailored fact sheet for the UG study to enhance its relevance to potential respondents.

Effectiveness of the Pasifika Women's Diabetes Wellness Program (PWDWP): Protocol for a Pilot Intervention and Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.

Type 2 diabetes poses public health challenges for Māori and Pasifika communities in Australia. The women of these communities face a greater burden from type 2 diabetes-related mortality and comorbidities. Lifestyle modification behaviors through previous women's wellness programs have been shown to reduce the risk of developing complications in established type 2 diabetes. The Pasifika Women's Diabetes Wellness Program (PWDWP) pilot study, co-designed with Māori and Pasifika communities, was aimed at addressing late hospital presentations from diabetes-related complications. This study (1) examines the efficacy of women with type 2 diabetes in the intervention group for improved glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) clinical levels and diabetes self-management compared with the control group from baseline (T0) to week 12 (T1) and week 24 (T2; postintervention) and (2) assesses the cultural adaptability, acceptability, and feasibility of the pilot intervention for future studies. This study uses a quasiexperimental design that involves a 24-week intervention. We recruited 50 Māori and Pasifika women with type 2 diabetes (25 in the intervention group from the south side of Brisbane and 25 in the control group from the north side of Brisbane) using participatory talanoa methodologies. The intervention group participated in face-to-face and virtual whānau education workshops (5 weeks) and had access to individual coaching and virtual support delivered by trained Māori and Pasifika health professionals and community health workers. The control group received usual care with their identified health provider. Both groups received copies of the PWDWP journal, fact sheets, and a health check passbook with tailored motivational text messages. An advisory committee was set up to oversee the program implementation, including protocols of engagement, health checks, and data collection in community settings. The quantitative data were collected at T0, T1, and T2 with HbA1c as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes measured changes in diabetes self-care and body composition (eg, BMI, waist circumference). Qualitative data will ascertain the program's feasibility and cultural adaptability using talanoa focus groups. This pilot study was approved by the Queensland University of Technology Human Ethic Research Committee (5609) and began in January 2023 after participant recruitment between July 2022 and December 2022. The final data collection including the health check, focus group, and survey data was completed in November 2023, and data analysis and reporting are expected to conclude in 2024. This study provides a blueprint for PWDWP. Collaborative partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders are crucial for program success and suggest a potential model for targeting diabetes management for Māori and Pasifika communities, emphasizing the need for culturally relevant interventions. The findings will have significant implications for policymakers and practitioners when developing and implementing public health initiatives, particularly for communities with unique cultural nuances. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12622001100785p; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=384470&isReview=true. DERR1-10.2196/55435.

Advanced detection of coronary artery disease via deep learning analysis of plasma cytokine data.

The 2017 World Health Organization Fact Sheet highlights that coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death globally, responsible for approximately 30% of all deaths. In this context, machine learning (ML) technology is crucial in identifying coronary artery disease, thereby saving lives. ML algorithms can potentially analyze complex patterns and correlations within medical data, enabling early detection and accurate diagnosis of CAD. By leveraging ML technology, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions and implement timely interventions, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and potentially reducing the mortality rate associated with coronary artery disease. Machine learning algorithms create non-invasive, quick, accurate, and economical diagnoses. As a result, machine learning algorithms can be employed to supplement existing approaches or as a forerunner to them. This study shows how to use the CNN classifier and RNN based on the LSTM classifier in deep learning to attain targeted "risk" CAD categorization utilizing an evolving set of 450 cytokine biomarkers that could be used as suggestive solid predictive variables for treatment. The two used classifiers are based on these "45" different cytokine prediction characteristics. The best Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUROC) score achieved is (0.98) for a confidence interval (CI) of 95; the classifier RNN-LSTM used "450" cytokine biomarkers had a great (AUROC) score of 0.99 with a confidence interval of 0.95 the percentage 95, the CNN model containing cytokines received the second best AUROC score (0.92). The RNN-LSTM classifier considerably beats the CNN classifier regarding AUROC scores, as evidenced by a p-value smaller than 7.48 obtained via an independent t-test. As large-scale initiatives to achieve early, rapid, reliable, inexpensive, and accessible individual identification of CAD risk gain traction, robust machine learning algorithms can now augment older methods such as angiography. Incorporating 65 new sensitive cytokine biomarkers can increase early detection even more. Investigating the novel involvement of cytokines in CAD could lead to better risk detection, disease mechanism discovery, and new therapy options.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Suicide.ca, Quebec's Digital Suicide Prevention Strategy Platform: Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study.

In 2017, the Quebec government assigned the Association québécoise de prévention du suicide (AQPS) to develop a digital suicide prevention strategy (DSPS). The AQPS responded by creating a centralized website that provides information on suicide and mental health, identifies at-risk individuals on the internet, and offers direct crisis intervention support via chat and text. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of suicide.ca, Quebec's DSPS platform. This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. The study population comprised internet users from Quebec, Canada, who visited the suicide.ca platform between October 2020 and October 2021. Various data sources, such as Google Analytics, Firebase Console, and Customer Relation Management data, were analyzed to document the use of the platform. To understand the profile of suicide.ca users, frequency analyses were conducted using data from the self-assessment module questionnaires, the intervention service's triage questionnaire, and the counselors' intervention reports. The effectiveness of the platform's promotional activities on social media was assessed by examining traffic peaks. Google Analytics was used to evaluate the effectiveness of AQPS' strategy for identifying at-risk internet users. The impact of the intervention service was evaluated through an analysis of counselors' intervention reports and postintervention survey results. The platform received traffic from a diverse range of sources, with promotional efforts on social media directly contributing to the increased traffic. The requirement of a user account posed a barrier to the use of the mobile app, and a triage question that involved personal information led to a substantial number of dropouts during the intervention service triage. AdWords campaigns and fact sheets addressing suicide risk factors played a crucial role in driving traffic to the platform. With regard to the profile of suicide.ca users, the findings revealed that the platform engaged individuals with diverse levels of suicidal risk. Notably, users of the chat service displayed a higher suicide risk than those who used the self-assessment module. Crisis chat counselors reported a positive impact on approximately half of the contacts, and overall, intervention service users expressed satisfaction with the support they received. A centralized digital platform can be used to implement a DSPS, effectively reaching the general population, individuals with risk factors for suicide, and those facing suicidal issues.

Preferred format and strategies for seeking and trusting online health information: a survey of cardiology outpatient attendees across three New Zealand hospitals.

Introduction The volume and quality of online health information requires consumers to be discerning. Aim This study aimed to explore consumer Internet use for health information, preferred format and what factors helped them to trust the source. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016-2017 with adults attending three cardiology outpatient clinic sites using a short paper-based survey. The survey included questions regarding online health information use and perceived trustworthiness with opportunities for free text responses. Survey data were summarised with key questions adjusted by age group, gender and ethnicity using logistic regression. Results Of the 708 respondents (51% women, 66% aged 45-74 years, 16% Māori, 12% Pacific), 73% had sought health information online (64% in the previous 12 months), commonly for medication side effects, their health condition and self-help. Most (65%) were successful, although Pacific respondents reported a lower likelihood of search success compared to Europeans. Younger age groups were more concerned about information quality. Fact sheets (80%) were the most popular format and for all ethnic groups, followed by short videos (31%) and discussion groups (23%). Trusting online information required many strategies with 72% wanting health professionals to recommend websites. Discussion Online health information seeking is a norm for consumers, with simple fact sheets being the preferred format to build knowledge and skills. With the rising tide of misinformation, health portal providers need to offer accurate and easy-to-read fact sheets in their suite of formats and health professionals need to support consumers guiding them to trusted websites.

An Update on Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units: Activities and Impacts, 2015–19

ObjectivePediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) address health concerns impacting children and their families related to environmental hazards by providing consultation and education to families, communities, and health care professionals. This analysis evaluated the productivity of the national PEHSU program. MethodsPEHSUs reported data on services provided to US communities between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2019. Descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis are presented. ResultsDuring this period, 6102 consultations and 4644 educational outreach activities were recorded. PEHSU faculty and staff published 462 articles, reviews, book chapters, fact sheets, commentaries, short informational pieces, and other materials between 2014 and 2019. These included 190 articles in scientific peer-reviewed journals and 29 textbook chapters to increase professional capacity in pediatric and reproductive environmental health. Lead, other metals, substances of abuse, pesticides, mold, and air pollution were frequently reported as agents of concern and educational topics. Requests for an overview of pediatric environmental health and outdoor pollutants were other frequently reported topics. ConclusionsPEHSUs work to decrease harmful exposures and improve children’s health. They serve as expert resources for families, health care professionals, and communities on health effects related to environmental exposures. Data show the breadth and depth of concerns addressed and demonstrate the productivity and impact of this national program.

Korea Hypertension Fact Sheet 2023: analysis of nationwide population-based data with a particular focus on hypertension in special populations

BackgroundThe Korea Hypertension Fact Sheet 2023, presented by the Korean Society of Hypertension, offers an overview of the prevalence and management of hypertension, along with recent trends.MethodsData for the Fact Sheet were derived from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 1998 to 2021, and the National Health Insurance Big Data from 2002 to 2021.ResultsAs of 2021, hypertension affected 28.0% of Korean adults aged 20 and older, totaling approximately 12.3 million individuals, with 5.3 million (43.5%) aged 65 or older. Among those with hypertension, awareness stood at 74.1%, treatment rates at 70.3%, and control rates at 56.0%. Over the years, the number of hypertension diagnoses increased from 3.0 million in 2002 to 11.1 million in 2021. During the same period, the utilization of antihypertensive medications rose from 2.5 million to 10.5 million, with treatment adherence also improving from 0.6 million to 7.8 million individuals. In 2021, the predominant antihypertensive drug class was angiotensin receptor blockers (75.1%), followed by calcium channel blockers (61.7%), diuretics (23.4%), and beta blockers (15.3%). Notably, 60.2% of all antihypertensive prescriptions involved combination therapy with at least two classes of antihypertensive medication. There was a positive trend towards stricter blood pressure control targets (systolic/diastolic blood pressure < 130/80 mmHg) among elderly hypertensive patients, as well as those with diabetes, obesity, and high-risk hypertension. However, this trend declined in individuals aged 80 years or older and those with chronic kidney disease in recent years.ConclusionIn Korea, hypertension management is making strides, yet the total number of hypertensive individuals is rising. Effectively addressing the growing population of elderly hypertensive patients and the persistently low treatment rates among younger individuals with hypertension is a critical challenge. Additionally, developing more efficient and customized policies for blood pressure control and cardiovascular disease prevention is imperative.

Mapping awareness-raising and capacity-building materials on developmental disabilities for non-specialists: a review of the academic and grey literature.

Most children with developmental disabilities (DD), such as intellectual disabilities and autism, live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where services are usually limited. Various governmental, non-governmental and research organisations in LMICs have developed awareness-raising campaigns and training and education resources on DD in childhood relevant to LMICs. This study aimed to comprehensively search and review freely available materials in the academic and grey literature, aimed at awareness raising, training and education on DD among non-specialist professionals and community members in LMICs. We consulted 183 experts, conducted key-word searches in five academic databases, four grey-literature databases and seventeen customised Google search engines. Following initial screening, we manually searched relevant systematic reviewsand lists of resources and conducted forwards and backwards citation checks of included articles. We identified 7327 articles and resources after deduplication. We then used a rigorous multi-step screening process to select 78 training resources on DD relevant to LMICs, of which 43 aimed at informing and/or raising awareness DD, 16 highlighted specific strategies for staff in health settings and 19 in education settings. Our mapping analysis revealed that a wealth of materials is available for both global and local use, including comics, children's books, flyers, posters, fact sheets, blogs, videos, websites pages, social media channels, handbooks and self-education guides, and training programmes or sessions. Twelve resources were developed for cross-continental or global use in LMICs, 19 were developed for and/or used in Africa, 23 in Asia, 24 in Latin America. Most resources were developed within the context where they were intended to be used. Identified gaps included a limited range of resources on intellectual disabilities, manuals for actively delivering training to staff in education settings and resources targeted at eastern European LMICs: future intervention development and adaptation efforts should address such gaps, to ensure capacity building materials exist for a sufficient variety of DD, settings and geographical areas. Beyond identifying these gaps, the value of the review lies in the compilation of summary tables of information on all freely available resources found, to support their selection and use in wider contexts. Information on the resource content, country of original development and copyright is provided to facilitate resource sharing and uptake.

Citrus Pest Quick Guide: Orangedog

This publication is a brief description of the life cycle and damage of the orangedog. It is one publication in a series of quick guides to citrus pests. Each fact sheet is designed to be a quick reference of citrus pests for both residential and commercial industry audiences.