Global Health Initiatives Research Articles

Self-Efficacy and Life Satisfaction in Adolescence: Testing the Presumed Role of Individualism–Collectivism

Previous studies suggest a positive association between self-efficacy and subjective well-being. However, these investigations depend on the dichotomy between East Asian and Western cultures, often without directly examining the influence of cultural orientation. This raises questions: How do the psychological benefits of adolescent self-efficacy vary across countries, and to what extent does this variance relate to countries’ cultural orientations? To address these questions, the current study analyzed a sample of 15-year-old students across 66 countries ( N = 427,584) drawn from the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data. As expected, we found that higher self-efficacy was related to better life satisfaction among adolescents in every country studied. Notably, the beneficial role of self-efficacy varies based on cultural context: The relationship between self-efficacy and adolescent life satisfaction is stronger in individualistic than collectivistic countries. These findings suggest that cultural environment is important for understanding adolescent social-psychological well-being and potentially offer broader implications for global mental health initiatives.

Neuropsychology and Politics Collide in the 2024 US Presdiential Election: Pitfalls of attacks on age, language, and memory.

Public perception of dementia has emerged as a key factor in the 2024 United States presidential election. The first televised presidential debate (27 June 2024) evoked a groundswell of concern about the neuropsychological health and political viability of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. A rapid erosion of public support ensued, culminating in the collapse of the reelection campaign the following month. Political attacks on the cognitive fitness of world leaders create dissonance for clinical neuroscientists. We are ethically prohibited from remotely diagnosing public figures. Yet, we are also citizens with the right to feel and express personal concerns. In this commentary, I will address an often-uneasy relationship between politics and neuropsychology with a focus on the history and rationale for ethical guidelines such as the Goldwater Rule. I will also discuss lessons learned from recent events in the 2024 US election cycle about neurological health literacy (e.g. How is dementia diagnosed?) and broader impacts of age-based political attacks on global public health initiatives that target stigma reduction and improved early detection of dementia.

Global burden of metabolic diseases, 1990–2021

BackgroundCommon metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), have become a global health burden in the last three decades. The Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) data enables the first insights into the trends and burdens of these metabolic diseases from 1990 to 2021, highlighting regional, temporal and differences by sex. MethodsGlobal estimates of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths from GBD 2021 were analyzed for common metabolic diseases (T2DM, hypertension, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and MASLD). Age-standardized DALYs (mortality) per 100,000 population and annual percentage change (APC) between 1990 and 2021 were estimated for trend analyses. Estimates are reported with uncertainty intervals (UI). ResultsIn 2021, among five common metabolic diseases, hypertension had the greatest burden (226 million [95 % UI: 190–259] DALYs), whilst T2DM (75 million [95 % UI: 63–90] DALYs) conferred much greater disability than MASLD (3.67 million [95 % UI: 2.90–4.61]). The highest absolute burden continues to be found in the most populous countries of the world, particularly India, China, and the United States, whilst the highest relative burden was mostly concentrated in Oceania Island states. The burden of these metabolic diseases has continued to increase over the past three decades but has varied in the rate of increase (1.6-fold to 3-fold increase). The burden of T2DM (0.42 % [95 % UI: 0.34–0.51]) and obesity (0.26 % [95 % UI: 0.17–0.34]) has increased at an accelerated rate, while the rate of increase for the burden of hypertension (−0.30 % [95 % UI: −0.34 to −0.25]) and hypercholesterolemia (−0.33 % [95 % UI: −0.37 to −0.30]) is slowing. There is no significant change in MASLD over time (0.05 % [95 % UI: −0.06 to 0.17]). ConclusionIn the 21st century, common metabolic diseases are presenting a significant global health challenge. There is a concerning surge in DALYs and mortality associated with these conditions, underscoring the necessity for a coordinated global health initiative to stem the tide of these debilitating diseases and improve population health outcomes worldwide.

INDONESIA’S EFFORT TO MEET WHO RECOMMENDATION ON EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING 2012-2023

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) provides policy recommendations related to exclusive breastfeeding that can be adopted by UN member states. In Indonesia, the government has issued a policy to support exclusive breastfeeding based on WHO recommendations. Objectives: To describe effort in exclusive breastfeeding governance in Indonesia from 2012 to 2023 according to WHO recommendations. Method: This research uses a descriptive qualitative methodology and relies on a literature review from a variety of sources, including books, journals, articles, websites, and more, to gather information about Indonesia's efforts to meet the WHO recommendations about exclusive breastfeeding from 2012 to 2023. Results: It showed that there were efforts in the community due to applied policies, such as the provision of lactation rooms in public facilities, the formation of Breastfeeding Support Groups, the training of breastfeeding counselors, and the establishment of the PelanggaranKode website to continue to support the exclusive breastfeeding program. Conclusion: There are efforts indicating that government policies are not yet optimal. Recommendations for future research should be more specific by exploring strategies for effective advocacy and policy change to support breastfeeding, as well as evaluating the impact of global health initiatives and programs that promote breastfeeding

Role of magnesium sulfate in pregnancy: A comprehensive review of benefits and risks

Magnesium sulfate is a versatile therapeutic agent in maternal-fetal medicine, and its use during pregnancy has led to various clinical scenarios. This comprehensive review examines the multifaceted role of magnesium sulfate, addressing its benefits and potential risks. The mineral compound is limited for its efficacy in preventing and managing preeclampsia and eclampsia, providing neuroprotection for preterm infants, delaying preterm labor, and offering potential advantages in maternal and fetal health. However, its administration is complex, encompassing a range of maternal and fetal side effects and long-term implications. The decision to utilize magnesium sulfate during pregnancy necessitates a balanced assessment of its advantages and disadvantages, underscored by patient-centered care and shared decision-making. Future research and practice guidelines include pursuing personalized medicine, optimal dosing and administration, long-term follow-up, global health initiatives, and ethical considerations. The evolving landscape of research and emerging insights will continue to enhance maternal care and contribute to improved health outcomes for pregnant women and their infants.

Folklore and Disability: An Important—and Too Often Overlooked—Factor in Global Health and International Development Efforts

Abstract In this paper, I argue that the field of folklore and folklorists can—and should—make more of a contribution to global health and international development efforts and should be more involved in conversations about social justice and human rights. Drawing on my invited comments at the webinar sponsored by the Fellows of the American Folklore Society entitled “Interrogating the Normal: Folkloristic Engagements with Disability,” held on March 25, 2022, I provide some examples of research that my colleagues and I have undertaken where we have brought folklore and oral history approaches to disability-related global health and international development initiatives. I discuss how this knowledge has broadened our ability to ask and answer important questions. Based on my own experience, applied folklore can provide insight and generate new questions that can improve the lives of persons with disabilities. I encourage folklorists to seek out and undertake future collaborations with researchers and community groups working to improve health and well-being around the world.

Burden and trends of infectious disease mortality attributed to air pollution, unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene, and non-optimal temperature globally and in different socio-demographic index regions

BackgroundEnvironmental factors greatly impact infectious disease-related mortality, yet there's a lack of comprehensive global studies on the contemporary burden and trends. This study aims to evaluate the global burden and trends of infectious disease mortality caused by air pollution, unsafe water, poor sanitation, and non-optimal temperature across Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions from 1990 to 2019.MethodsThis observational study utilized data from the Global Burden of Diseases Study to examine mortality rates from infectious diseases attributed to environmental risk factors between 1990 and 2019, including air pollution, unsafe water, sanitation, handwashing facilities (UWSH), and non-optimal temperatures. Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) were utilized to present infectious disease mortality, and its trajectory influenced by environmental risk factors over the years. Nonlinear regression was conducted to explore the association between the SDI and ASMRs across regions from 1990 to 2019.ResultsIn 2019, global infectious disease deaths linked to air pollution, UWSH, and non-optimal temperature reached a startling 2,556,992. Disease mortality varied widely across SDI regions, with the highest number of deaths due to air pollution and UWSH in Low SDI regions, and deaths from non-optimal temperature primarily in High SDI regions. Age disparities emerged, with children under five and the elderly most affected. However, an increasing mortality trend was observed among seniors (65–69, 75–79, and over 80) in High SDI regions due to enteric infections linked to UWSH. Globally, a consistent decrease in ASMR was seen from 1990 to 2019 for all diseases connected to these factors, except for respiratory infections linked to non-optimal temperature.ConclusionsOur study underscores the significant impact of air pollution, UWSH, and non-optimal temperatures on global infectious disease mortality, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. It's important to tackle these challenges with targeted interventions aiming to enhance environmental quality, improve water and sanitation systems, and control extreme temperatures. In addition, international cooperation is essential for bridging regional disparities and driving global public health initiatives forward, thereby helping achieve Sustainable Development Goals more effectively.

Form and functioning: contextualising the start of the Global Financing Facility policy processes in Burkina Faso

ABSTRACT Background Burkina Faso joined the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF) in 2017 to address persistent gaps in funding for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH-N). Few empirical papers deal with how global funding mechanisms, and specifically GFF, support resource mobilisation for health nationally. Objective This study describes the policy processes of developing the GFF planning documents (the Investment Case and Project Appraisal Document) in Burkina Faso. Methods We conducted an exploratory qualitative policy analysis. Data collection included document review (N = 74) and in-depth semi-structured interviews (N = 23). Data were analysed based on the components of the health policy triangle. Results There was strong national political support to RMNCAH-N interventions, and the process of drawing up the investment case (IC) and the project appraisal document was inclusive and multi-sectoral. Despite high-level policy commitments, subsequent implementation of the World Bank project, including the GFF contribution, was perceived by respondents as challenging, even after the project restructuring process occurred. These challenges were due to ongoing policy fragmentation for RMNCAH-N, navigation of differing procedures and perspectives between stakeholders in the setting up of the work, overcoming misunderstandings about the nature of the GFF, and weak institutional anchoring of the IC. Insecurity and political instability also contributed to observed delays and difficulties in implementing the commitments agreed upon. To tackle these issues, transformational and distributive leaderships should be promoted and made effective. Conclusions Few studies have examined national policy processes linked to the GFF or other global health initiatives. This kind of research is needed to better understand the range of challenges in aligning donor and national priorities encountered across diverse health systems contexts. This study may stimulate others to ensure that the GFF and other global health initiatives respond to local needs and policy environments for better implementation.

Public perceptions of the brand image of nursing: Cross-cultural differences between the United States and China

BackgroundMeasures of public opinion regarding nursing’s brand image are needed to identify and correct perceptions that are incongruent with the breadth and scope of contemporary nursing practice. Misperceptions of nursing’s influence may serve to minimize or disregard nursing’s unique contributions to addressing the Social Determinants of Health which are foundational for improving the health of global populations. PurposeTo compare public perceptions of the brand image of nursing between China and the US and determine whether sociodemographic variables influenced factors between the two countries. MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was distributed among members of the Chinese and US public. Perceptions of nursing’s brand image were assessed through the original Nursing Brand Image Scale-Public Version in the US (NBIS-P©) and when translated to Chinese (NBIS-P-C©). Descriptive statistics and multi-group confirmatory factor analyses were used to compare perceptions of the brand image of nursing and to examine the influence of demographics. FindingsThe reliability of the Chinese version of the NBIS-P-C© was confirmed by this study. Age and gender did not influence public perceptions of nursing’s brand image in either China or the US. Instead, educational attainment was the significant demographic variable and positively correlated with the public’s perceptions of nursing in both countries (p<.05). Public respondents with lower educational attainment scored both the traditional nursing factor “Caregiver Virtues/Attributes” (eg. Trusted, Caring, Nurturing/Mothering) and the factor “Lack Authority/Identity” (eg. White Cap/Uniform, Subservient, Female) higher, while scoring the factor for “Leadership” (eg. Decision Makers, Influential, Leaders) significantly lower than those with higher educational levels. ImplicationsA disparity exists between nursing’s contemporary contributions to healthcare and the public’s limited understanding of the diverse leadership roles all nurses provide, across a variety of settings, and in global public health initiatives. The virtuous traits of the nurse are perceived most directly and immediately by the public while their roles as autonomous decision makers and leaders are less (or not at all) visible. Enhancing the accuracy and visibility of a strong brand image could advance public perceptions of nurses as experts and leaders in nursing science, thus paving the way for nurses to more effectively direct and influence the health of the public, particularly those with lower educational attainment who represent some of the most vulnerable populations. Targeted interventions that incorporate the educational level of the public offer a foundational opportunity for the nursing profession to correct inaccurate and outdated stereotypes that prevent nurses from achieving their desired brand image as influential leaders. Such campaigns could also be used to inform policy, guide strategic planning, and transform the future direction of the nursing profession.

Assessment of the pathogen genomics landscape highlights disparities and challenges for effective AMR Surveillance and outbreak response in the East African community

The East African Community (EAC) grapples with many challenges in tackling infectious disease threats and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), underscoring the importance of regional and robust pathogen genomics capacities. However, a significant disparity exists among EAC Partner States in harnessing bacterial pathogen sequencing and data analysis capabilities for effective AMR surveillance and outbreak response. This study assesses the current landscape and challenges associated with pathogen next-generation sequencing (NGS) within EAC, explicitly focusing on World Health Organization (WHO) AMR-priority pathogens. The assessment adopts a comprehensive approach, integrating a questionnaire-based survey amongst National Public Health Laboratories (NPHLs) with an analysis of publicly available metadata on bacterial pathogens isolated in the EAC countries. In addition to the heavy reliance on third-party organizations for bacterial NGS, the findings reveal a significant disparity among EAC member States in leveraging bacterial pathogen sequencing and data analysis. Approximately 97% (n = 4,462) of publicly available high-quality bacterial genome assemblies of samples collected in the EAC were processed and analyzed by external organizations, mainly in Europe and North America. Tanzania led in-country sequencing efforts, followed by Kenya and Uganda. The other EAC countries had no publicly available samples or had all their samples sequenced and analyzed outside the region. Insufficient local NGS sequencing facilities, limited bioinformatics expertise, lack of adequate computing resources, and inadequate data-sharing mechanisms are among the most pressing challenges that hinder the EAC’s NPHLs from effectively leveraging pathogen genomics data. These insights emphasized the need to strengthen microbial pathogen sequencing and data analysis capabilities within the EAC to empower these laboratories to conduct pathogen sequencing and data analysis independently. Substantial investments in equipment, technology, and capacity-building initiatives are crucial for supporting regional preparedness against infectious disease outbreaks and mitigating the impact of AMR burden. In addition, collaborative efforts should be developed to narrow the gap, remedy regional imbalances, and harmonize NGS data standards. Supporting regional collaboration, strengthening in-country genomics capabilities, and investing in long-term training programs will ultimately improve pathogen data generation and foster a robust NGS-driven AMR surveillance and outbreak response in the EAC, thereby supporting global health initiatives.

Examining Opportunities Offered Outside of Home Country in Physical Therapy Education: Considering the Colonial History of Global Health.

Increasingly, PT programs in the United States are providing educational experiences outside of the home country (OHC) where faculty and students engage in global health initiatives. It is important to consider that the field of global health has its historical roots in colonialism, which has led to inequities and injustice. Those who are engaged in this work must assist in reversing this colonial legacy. The purpose of this position paper is to present the colonial history of global health, to provide context, and to spark critical reflection among PT educators about how OHC experiences are developed and configured. As a profession, we must educate ourselves about the history of global health and critically reflect on OHC engagements to ensure that we support equity and justice. We must start by grounding our OHC experiences in health equity and justice. This should be done by considering the colonial history of global health and the privileges we hold as members of academic institutions in the United States. Why we offer OHC experiences in PT education should be investigated and clear to both faculty and students. Excluding this colonial history and its impacts risks perpetuating the historical harms to the health and well-being of the populations we claim to be serving.

Global Analysis of RTS, S/AS01 Malaria Vaccine Acceptance Rates and Influencing Factors: A Systematic Review.

Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, with Plasmodium parasites transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite historical efforts, malaria continues to affect millions worldwide, particularly in tropical regions. This systematic review aimed to assess the acceptability of the RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine among diverse populations. A comprehensive search strategy was employed across databases such as Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar, and Medline. Studies were included based on specific criteria, including observational and cross-sectional designs involving adults. Data extraction and analysis were conducted meticulously, encompassing key variables related to vaccine acceptance rates and influencing factors. Analysis of 18 studies involving 18,561 participants revealed an overall malaria vaccine acceptance rate of 87.51%, ranging from 32.26% to 99.30%. Significant variations were observed based on demographics, with Ghana and Nigeria reporting high acceptance rates. Factors influencing acceptance included knowledge levels, past vaccination experiences, community preferences, and engagement in malaria prevention behaviors. Concerns about adverse reactions and regional disparities were noted as potential barriers to acceptance. This review highlights the importance of understanding public perceptions and concerns regarding malaria vaccines to enhance vaccine coverage and uptake. Tailored communication strategies, advocacy efforts, and targeted education interventions are crucial for addressing misconceptions and increasing vaccine acceptance. Policy recommendations should consider demographic and regional factors to ensure effective implementation of malaria vaccination programs, ultimately contributing to global malaria prevention efforts and public health initiatives.

Global Health Initiatives: International Physician-to-Physician Consultation Programs

PurposeThe goal of this article is to provide technical and operational blueprints for two successful global telehealth programs. MethodsThe authors designed a physician-to-physician consultation program to provide subspecialty expertise to physicians in war-torn Ukraine. Leveraging secure web applications, telehealth platforms, and image-sharing platforms, the authors repeatedly iterated upon infrastructure and workflows, which in turn facilitated the development of a parallel international program for US Department of State (DOS) employees and families. The authors provide descriptive statistics and metrics of both programs’ successes and failures and detail iterative improvements with workflow visuals. To measure the added value of subspecialty imaging consultation, two radiologists performed a retrospective comparative review of the DOS program imaging reports, comparing the initial report to the consult report in consensus, measuring diagnostic report agreement, and rating the clinical impact of identified discrepancies on a three-point scale (mild, moderate, or major). Bivariate analyses using χ2 tests were conducted to assess associations between diagnostic discrepancies and patient or imaging factors. P values <.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. ResultsThe Ukraine program (May 2022 to August 2023) provided 114 patient consultations with 77 subspecialty radiology consults, >50 WhatsApp chats, and >1,000 messages exchanged, with a 92% overall consult request response rate. The DOS program (November 2022 to July 2023) provided 275 consultations with 70 subspecialty radiology consults and a 36% to 38% rate of alternative diagnoses, with 20% rated as incurring moderate or major clinical impact. Bivariate analyses demonstrated no significant patient or imaging association with diagnostic disagreements (P > .05 for all). ConclusionsGlobal telehealth infrastructure and multiple applications and platforms can be optimized in a workflow to provide efficient, high-level clinical and imaging consultation services across the globe.

Exploring Rajaswala Paricharya: A Holistic Ayurvedic Perspective on Women's Well-being

Within Ayurveda, menstruation is viewed as a natural physiological process regulated by Doshas, necessitating specific lifestyle adjustments known as Rajaswala Paricharya to maintain women's health and potentially safeguard the well-being of future generations. Despite its intrinsic importance, contemporary awareness and adherence to Rajaswala Paricharya have waned, partly due to the dissemination of misinformation by media and menstrual product manufacturers. While global health initiatives prioritize adolescent reproductive health and sanitation, they often overlook the traditional practices advocated by Ayurveda. Ayurvedic practitioners play a crucial role in advocating for Rajaswala Paricharya to fortify female reproductive health, aiming to prevent Dosha imbalances, Ama formation, and fortify Agni. By encouraging adherence to these guidelines, women may experience reduced menstrual symptoms and better navigate the physiological and psychological changes associated with menstruation. Furthermore, the integration of modern scientific research could provide empirical validation for the efficacy of Rajaswala Paricharya, reinforcing its significance in contemporary women's health practices. Thus, fostering a positive perception and adherence to Rajaswala Paricharya is paramount for empowering women and promoting holistic well-being.

Inhibition of the Naja naja venom toxicity by polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Leucas aspera methanolic extract.

Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Developing effective treatments can make a significant contribution to global health efforts and public health initiatives. To reduce mortality due to snakebite, there is an immediate need to explore novel and effective treatment methodologies. In that context, nanoparticle-based drug delivery is gaining a lot of attention. Hydrophilic nanoparticles are suitable for the delivery of therapeutic peptides, proteins, and antigens. The present investigation is aimed at evaluating the anti-ophidian potential of the methanolic extract of the ethno-medicinal herb Leucas aspera (Willd.) loaded within chitosan nanoparticles (CNP-LA), against the Indian cobra (Naja naja) venom enzymes. For this purpose, nanoparticles were prepared using the ionic gelation method to enhance the efficacy of the extract. The physicochemical and structural features of nanoparticles were investigated using dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. It was found that CNP-LA has an average size of 260nm with a polydispersity index of 0.132 (PDI) and zeta potential of 34.7 mV, with an encapsulation efficiency of 92.46%. The in vitro release study was performed at pH 5.0 and 7.4. Furthermore, in vitro studies indicated that CNP-LA inhibited the phospholipase A2, hemolytic, and caseinolytic activities of Naja naja venom with the percentage inhibition of 92.5%, 83.9%, and 94.5%, respectively. This is the first report on the application of herbal methanolic extract loaded within chitosan nanoparticles for neutralizing snake venom enzymes with increased efficiency.

THE SPARŚA PROJECT: BUILDING A COMPREHENSIVE MENSTRUAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT INTERVENTION IN NEPAL

This article addresses the pervasive silence around menstrual health management (MHM) in Nepal, emphasizing its impact on women's rights. Despite being a natural process, menstruation remains taboo, perpetuating gender discrimination and restricting women's empowerment. This study examines the lack of sufficient menstruation-related targets in international development agendas and focuses on Nepal's cultural norms concerning this issue that affect women's behaviour, health, and social participation. The paper advocates for a comprehensive understanding of women's experiences and preferences to design effective MHM interventions. It explores various strategies, including campaigns against practices like Chhaupadi, presents findings from a field survey and introduces the Sparśa project - a women-led social enterprise offering biodegradable pads to counteract menstrual discrimination across Nepal. The article emphasises the historical neglect of menstrual-related needs, resulting in adverse effects like school absenteeism and social marginalization. It highlights the crucial role of coordinated efforts and fostering knowledge-sharing to implement more impactful and comprehensive interventions in the field of MHM. The research highlights the Sparśa project's potential to transform societal perceptions of menstruation, break the silence, and contribute to women's rights. It offers insights into the challenges faced by Nepali women and provides valuable considerations for global menstrual health initiatives.

Plantocratic patriarchal culture, violence against women and girls and the failures of the global health system: an interview with Marsha Hinds Myrie and Anya A. A. Lorde

ABSTRACT Like other parts of the world, women and girls in the Commonwealth Caribbean (CC) experience high and escalating rates of physical and sexual violence. The interview presented outlines some factors that underscore the gendered disparities of violence against women in the Caribbean as well as how healthcare responses are not developed for marginalised women and girls. The interview explores the invisibility of women and girls within healthcare and broader national healthcare structures responses through case details analysis of a Barbadian strategic litigation case. The interview calls for transdisciplinary approaches to analysing the effectiveness of the global health system that make space for not just traditional research approaches but also lived experiences ‘from below’ and input of advocates and activists. Despite Barbados being a signatory to a range of global health initiatives to improve healthcare responses to gender-based violence, the country does not have a formalised, comprehensive national plan to inform prevention and intervention measures. The interview shows the connections between plantocratic patriarchal culture (PPC) and the existing gaps that cause harm to women and girls who experience various types of gendered violence.

Current Perspectives on Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological and neurodevelopmental disorder with an idiosyncratic genetic base. ADHD presents various characteristics, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Over the period, ADHD leads to noticeable functional disability. A five- to ten-fold progressed risk of disorder development is observed in the populations with familial history of ADHD. The abnormal structure of the brain in ADHD results in altered neural mechanisms, such as cognition, attention, and memorial function. The mesolimbic, nigrostriatal, and mesocortical pathways in the brain get affected by the deterioration of the levels of dopamine. The hypothesis of dopamine in ADHD and its etiopathology suggests that detained attention and impaired arousal functions are due to reduced levels of dopamine. The quickest way to improve strategical treatment is by clarifying the etiological aspects of ADHD and identifying the underlying mechanisms of pathophysiology, which will assist in exploring the biomarkers for better diagnosis. The implementation of life course theory is a very important research principle announced by Grand Challenges in Global Health Initiative (GCMHI). Long-term research is needed to define the progression of ADHD. Interdisciplinary collaborations promise a great future for research innovations in ADHD.

Exercise Physiology: A Review of Established Concepts and Current Questions

Exercise physiology is the science that studies the processes of physical activity and their impact on the body. It usually requires a multidisciplinary approach with a team of experts because of the multiple physiological systems involved. At the cellular level, exercise can trigger a cascade of events that involve metabolic pathways, muscle recruitment and conditioning, neuromuscular adaptations, and optimization of energy production. On a systematic level, this has involved the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal system, the peripheral and central nervous systems, and even the endocrine system to improve adaptation to meet the demands of exercise, improving strength and endurance with the goal of maximizing performance. This field, which began largely with a focus on the kinetics of oxygen consumption and the relationship between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, has expanded with technological advancements such as wearable devices, advanced imaging techniques, and genomics, which has allowed for a greater appreciation of the physiologic responses of exercise at the level of molecular and cellular interactions. Recently, this science has evolved into the study of overall health promotion and disease prevention to meet individual fitness needs and goals. This philosophy, which is captured by the motto “Exercise is Medicine”, has been adopted as a Global Health Initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite the advancements in technology and impactful, large-scale studies, a variety of questions, such as how physical activity interacts with aging to affect physical and cognitive function, how inactivity influences acute and chronic disease states, and how we maximize human performance in extreme conditions like microgravity environments, remain. The purpose of this review is to present and discuss established concepts, controversial topics, and unanswered questions within exercise physiology that have allowed this field to become a science that embraces the overall well-being of individuals.

Exploring factors influencing attitudes towards COVID-19 prevention measures and compliance with behavioral guidelines

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of how individual traits, political ideologies, and media perceptions influence attitudes and behaviors toward COVID-19 prevention measures. It highlights the significant positive impact of individual-level collectivism and uncertainty avoidance on adherence to these measures, emphasizing the effectiveness of public health communications that resonate with collectivist values and offer clear, structured guidance. The research also reveals a negative correlation between conservative political ideology and compliance with COVID-19 prevention, suggesting that political affiliations significantly shape public health responses. Additionally, the study examines the role of media, showing that favorable views towards traditional media correlate with better compliance. These findings underline the importance of tailored health communication strategies that consider psychological, social, and political factors. This study also points to the necessity for further research to explore these dynamics more deeply across different cultural contexts, enhancing the efficacy of global public health initiatives.