Shaping Health Research Articles

Assessing socioeconomic status through dental and associated tissue characteristics: A cross-sectional study for human identification

Abstract Background Dental identification methods are employed to determine a person’s identity in forensic odontology. Additionally, analyzing a person’s teeth can provide insights into their socioeconomic status, which may assist in the process of identification. Our study aimed to assess the correlation between dental health status and SES among individuals, with a focus on identifying predictors of SES based on dental health indicators Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between dental health status and socioeconomic status among 135 individuals. who had visited the Department of Oral Medicine for various forms of dental care. SES was measured according to a modified Kuppuswamy scale. The associations between SES and dental health indicators were analyzed using chi-square tests for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables. Results Dental caries is more common in lower SES groups, attributed to factors like poor nutrition and hygiene. Partial and complete edentulism are also more prevalent in lower SES populations, often due to financial constraints and lack of awareness, leading to extractions rather than restorations. However, urban populations, regardless of SES, show greater utilization of dental restorations, likely due to the concentration of dentists in cities and access to community-based dental camps offering low-cost treatments. Periodontal diseases further reflect SES disparities. Studies show that individuals from lower SES backgrounds report more severe periodontal issues, such as gingival swelling, while higher SES groups report milder symptoms like gingival bleeding, indicating earlier intervention. Conclusion SES plays a vital role in shaping health and lifestyle outcomes. The findings in our study demonstrate the value of incorporating SES indicators, such as education, occupation, marital status, and residence, into forensic investigations to enhance the precision of identification processes.

Coming Up…

Black Psychiatrists of America, Inc. is holding its spring conference, “Shaping Health Equity: Fighting for our Minds,” April 3–6 in Atlanta, Ga. For more information, visit https://blackpsychiatrists.org/bpa‐spring‐conference.

Evoking Brecht’s A Worker’s Speech to a Doctor: developing clinical skills, deepening understanding and promoting action on living and working conditions, or mobilisation for system reform or transformation?

Bertolt Brecht’s 1938 poem ‘A Worker’s Speech to a Doctor’ has been used by health educators to direct attention to the health-threatening effects of adverse living and working conditions. However,...

Assessing socioeconomic status through dental and associated tissue characteristics: A cross-sectional study for human identification.

Dental identification methods are employed to determine a person's identity in forensic odontology. Additionally, analyzing a person's teeth can provide insights into their socioeconomic status, which may assist in the process of identification. Our study aimed to assess the correlation between dental health status and SES among individuals, with a focus on identifying predictors of SES based on dental health indicators. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between dental health status and socioeconomic status among 135 individuals. who had visited the Department of Oral Medicine for various forms of dental care. SES was measured according to a modified Kuppuswamy scale. The associations between SES and dental health indicators were analyzed using chi-square tests for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables. Dental caries is more common in lower SES groups, attributed to factors like poor nutrition and hygiene. Partial and complete edentulism are also more prevalent in lower SES populations, often due to financial constraints and lack of awareness, leading to extractions rather than restorations. However, urban populations, regardless of SES, show greater utilization of dental restorations, likely due to the concentration of dentists in cities and access to community-based dental camps offering low-cost treatments. Periodontal diseases further reflect SES disparities. Studies show that individuals from lower SES backgrounds report more severe periodontal issues, such as gingival swelling, while higher SES groups report milder symptoms like gingival bleeding, indicating earlier intervention. SES plays a vital role in shaping health and lifestyle outcomes. The findings in our study demonstrate the value of incorporating SES indicators, such as education, occupation, marital status, and residence, into forensic investigations to enhance the precision of identification processes.

What role does wealth play in the racial health gap in the United States? Examining differences among African Americans, Latinos, and non-Hispanic Whites.

What role does wealth play in the racial health gap in the United States? Examining differences among African Americans, Latinos, and non-Hispanic Whites.

A Comprehensive Analysis Between Disk Geometry and Posterior Muscle Characteristics Among Degenerative Spine Patients: An Internal Retrospective Review.

A retrospective Cohort Study. The aim of this study is to investigate the associations between posterior muscle health characteristics and disk geometry parameters between L1 and S1. Paralumbar muscle changes have been associated with clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between disk geometry and paralumbar muscle changes has not been defined. Axial T2 MRI was analyzed for paralumbar muscle measurements, and lateral radiographs were analyzed for disk geometry parameters in patients with disk degeneration. Associations between disk shape and muscle health at each individual lumbar level were evaluated using a partial correlation controlling for age and sex. Demographic data were compared between the listhesis groups, and an ANCOVA analysis controlling for significant demographic parameters was conducted to evaluate differences in muscle characteristics. In all, 435 patients were included (age: 55.6±15, BMI: 29.5±6, 60.9% female, 41.3% White). Muscle health median characteristics were CSA/BMI=140, LIV=13, and Goutallier Classification of 1. Partial correlations between focal disk parameters and muscle health controlling for age and sex showed moderate significant positive associations between focal lordosis and lumbar indentation value (LIV) at every level L1-S1 (mean r=0.264 between L1 and L5, P<0.001), weak positive association between focal lordosis and CSA/BMI (mean r=0.113 at L2-L5, P <0.03), and weak negative associations between disk height and Goutallier Classification (mean r=0.158 at L1-L5, P<0.03). Listhesis at L4-S1 was stratified, and ANCOVA controlling for sex and age demonstrated no significant association between S and R groups and CSA/BMI, LIV, or Goutallier classification (P>0.1). Posterior muscle health was significantly associated with disk shape, especially disk height and disk lordosis, with larger and more lordotic disks being associated with better muscle health. Disk listhesis was not significantly associated with muscle quality when controlling for demographic characteristics, and no differences in muscle health parameters were observed in patients with spondylolisthesis versus retrolisthesis. Overall, the results highlight important associations between lumbar compensation, disk geometry, and posterior muscle health.

Why health care students say “no” to geriatric care: insights from the theory of planned behavior

ABSTRACT The aging population is increasing rapidly in the United States, yet there is a shortage of health care workers to provide services and support for older adults, along with health profession students expressing limited interest in this field. Understanding the factors influencing health profession students’ intention to work with older adults is crucial for addressing this workforce shortage. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study surveyed 244 health profession students at a mid-sized public comprehensive university in the Southeast. Structural equation modeling showed a good fit with χ2 = 625.981, df = 340, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.918, RMSEA = 0.059, SRMR = 0.064, and TLI = 0.908. The results indicated that attitudes and subjective norms play critical roles in shaping health profession students’ intention toward geriatric care. The findings highlighted that educational interventions should focus on improving attitudes toward older adults while leveraging social influence to enhance the desirability of geriatric careers. Future research should explore longitudinal changes in health profession students’ attitudes and continue to develop and evaluate targeted interventions on students’ career intentions.

Assessing socioeconomic status through dental and associated tissue characteristics: A cross-sectional study for human identification

Background Dental identification methods are employed to determine a person’s identity in forensic odontology. Additionally, analyzing a person’s teeth can provide insights into their socioeconomic status, which may assist in the process of identification. Our study aimed to assess the correlation between dental health status and SES among individuals, with a focus on identifying predictors of SES based on dental health indicators Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between dental health status and socioeconomic status among 135 individuals. who had visited the Department of Oral Medicine for various forms of dental care. SES was measured according to a modified Kuppuswamy scale. The associations between SES and dental health indicators were analyzed using chi-square tests for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables. Results Dental caries is more common in lower SES groups, attributed to factors like poor nutrition and hygiene. Partial and complete edentulism are also more prevalent in lower SES populations, often due to financial constraints and lack of awareness, leading to extractions rather than restorations. However, urban populations, regardless of SES, show greater utilization of dental restorations, likely due to the concentration of dentists in cities and access to community-based dental camps offering low-cost treatments. Periodontal diseases further reflect SES disparities. Studies show that individuals from lower SES backgrounds report more severe periodontal issues, such as gingival swelling, while higher SES groups report milder symptoms like gingival bleeding, indicating earlier intervention. Conclusion SES plays a vital role in shaping health and lifestyle outcomes. The findings in our study demonstrate the value of incorporating SES indicators, such as education, occupation, marital status, and residence, into forensic investigations to enhance the precision of identification processes.

Engaging the Youth: Strategies for Involving Young People in Combating Neglected Tropical Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa

vThis research explores the critical role of youth engagement in addressing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) through innovative strategies and collaborative efforts. The study highlights how young people can serve as effective advocates for NTD awareness, leveraging technology and social media to disseminate information and mobilize community action. By examining successful youth-led health initiatives in various public health domains, the research underscores the potential of youth to drive change and foster sustainable health interventions. Additionally, the study identifies the challenges young advocates face, including systemic barriers and societal perceptions that may hinder their participation in public health advocacy. Key recommendations for governments, NGOs, and communities are provided, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive policies, offering mentorship and funding, and encouraging volunteerism among youth. This research article calls for prioritizing youth as critical stakeholders in the fight against NTDs, advocating for their empowerment and active involvement in shaping health policies and interventions. By harnessing the energy and creativity of young people, stakeholders can foster a more effective and equitable approach to tackling NTDs and improving health outcomes in affected communities. Keywords: Neglected tropical diseases, youth, advocacy, health.

Self-management of everyday female health: The role of self-care agency, patient-centered communication, and technology features in the intention to adopt period-tracking apps.

Self-management of everyday female health: The role of self-care agency, patient-centered communication, and technology features in the intention to adopt period-tracking apps.

Perspectives of education in the field of health security– reflections in the light of the results of own research

A school that responds to the challenges of the future, cares for the safety of students, and ensurespsychosocial well-being are the requirements for modern education. The Ministry of National Educationassumes that the main area of educational policy in 2025 will be activities in the field of health education ofstudents, and in particular care for their physical and mental health. The aim of the article is to draw attention to the challenges for education in the field of health safety, and especially health education. The authors assumed that health education is an important element in the process of ensuring the desired level of health safety. Health safety includes both the prevention of health threats, as well as their control and ensuring lasting health support for society. Assuming that the key goal of these activities is to protect people's health and life, the process of shaping health safety cannot be devoid of educational activities. The publication presents selected results of research conducted among students of purposefully selected fields of study. The study used the diagnosticsurvey method, and the aim of the research was to identify students' opinions on various aspects of safety, with particular emphasis on health security. The study was conducted in the context of a health crisis (COVID-19 pandemic), which further highlighted the essence of the issues addressed. The results showed that students are aware of the changes and consequences brought about by the global health crisis. At the same time, students’ interest in introducing a subject in the field of health security to the study program should be described as only moderate, even though they appreciate the essence of this area of education and connect it with the concept of sustainable development.

The effect of a social network-based intervention on adherence to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and HIV viral suppression among Kenyan fishermen.

Social networks may play a vital role in shaping health behaviors, including engagement in HIV prevention and treatment. We evaluated the impact of an HIV status-neutral, social-network-based HIV self-testing and linkage intervention on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence and HIV viral suppression among men working alongside Lake Victoria, Kenya. Cluster-randomized controlled trial. After a census of fishermen, distinct social networks with highly socially-connected men were identified, "promoters" per network were recruited, and networks were randomized to study arms. Promoters distributed HIV self-tests kits to fishermen in their network and encouraged linkage and retention in prevention and care (intervention) or distributed vouchers redeemable for routine HIV testing (control). We report the tertiary outcomes of a) PrEP adherence, measured via a urine tenofovir assay among PrEP users, and b) viral load among PLHIV. We conducted a logistic regression to evaluate the intervention's association with PrEP adherence and viral suppression. Of 733 baselined, 339 linked to clinics: 62 initiated PrEP, 25 were already on PrEP, and 166 were living with HIV. Urine tenofovir was detected among 12 of 70 participants who gave urine samples (14% control vs. 19% intervention), and 43 of 166 participants on antiretroviral therapy had detectable viral loads (40.2% control vs. 35.7% intervention). There were no significant differences by arm in urine tenofovir levels nor viral suppression. A social network-based, status-neutral intervention that increased men's testing and linkage was not associated with PrEP adherence nor viral suppression. An adequately-powered study is necessary to evaluate whether social-network-based interventions can improve these outcomes.

Health literacy disparities in Thai university students: exploring differences between health science and non-health science disciplines

BackgroundHealth literacy (HL) in Thailand remains a significant issue, with a large portion of the population demonstrating limited HL, and limited research exists on specific determinants among Thai university students. Some culture shapes health decision-making and HL disparities within this group, highlighting the need to evaluate HL comprehensively. This study aims to assess and compare HL levels among health science and non-health science students, and identify key predictors associated with HL.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,647 Thai university students, comprising 676 health science and 971 non-health science students, recruited through multi-stage stratified random sampling. Data were collected using validated questionnaires that measured sociodemographic characteristics, academic background, lifestyle behaviors, and HL levels across three sub-domains, including healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion. Statistical analyses included univariable and multivariable regression models, with significance set at p-value < 0.05.ResultsHealth sciences students demonstrated significantly higher HL scores across all sub-domains compared to non-health sciences students. Limited HL was found in 12.6% for health science students, and 28.4% for non-health science students. Key predictors of overall HL included gender, income, faculty of study, and lifestyle-related health behaviors. Female students showed higher total HL (β = 1.41; 95% CI: 0.62, 2.21), as did those with higher income (β = 1.28; 95% CI: 0.76, 1.80). Students enrolled in health sciences programs had higher HL scores (β = 2.86; 95% CI: 2.07, 3.64). Lifestyle behaviors also correlated with HL, with non-smoking (β = -0.58; 95% CI: -1.03, -0.13), no alcohol consumption (β = -0.45, 95%CI: -0.89, -0.01), and regular physical activity (β = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.66). Consumption of sweet foods/drinks was inversely related to HL scores (β = -0.87; 95% CI: -1.49, -0.26).ConclusionsHL among Thai university students varies significantly by sociodemographic factors, academic background, and lifestyle behaviors. Health sciences students exhibited stronger HL skills, underscoring the importance of integrating health education into non-health sciences curricula. Targeted HL interventions are recommended for non-health sciences students, males, and individuals from lower-income backgrounds to enhance health decision-making and reduce HL disparities. These findings have implications for policy and practice, emphasizing the integration of HL modules into university curricula, health promotion campaigns, and the provision of accessible health services to foster an inclusive and health-literate student population.

Adaptation and Psychometric Assessment of the Turkish Version of the Perceived Access to Health Care Questionnaire: Validity and Reliability Analysis.

Background/Objectives: Access to health services is a fundamental element of social welfare and individual quality of life. This study aimed to fill gaps in the Turkish literature regarding the assessment and perception of access to health services and to introduce a valid and reliable measurement tool for this purpose. Methods: This methodological cross-sectional study was conducted in Istanbul with 639 adults aged 18-65 years. Linguistic and cultural appropriateness were evaluated, and validation was assessed through known group validity using sociodemographic factors. Convergent and divergent validity analyses were performed. Reliability was examined using alpha coefficients and 27% percentile discrimination. A secondary confirmatory factor analysis provided the overall score for the scale. Results: The scale was validated on four factors, and seven items were removed during refinement, resulting in a final twenty-three-item scale. Internal consistency was robust, with alpha coefficients of 0.899 for acceptability and affordability, 0.825 for availability, 0.773 for accommodation, 0.892 for awareness, and 0.943 for overall access. Perceived access to health services was significantly correlated with age, beliefs in easy access to health, and satisfaction with outpatient care. Conclusions: The validated scale provides a reliable tool for measuring perceptions of access to health services, which is essential for shaping health policies and practices. Comprehensive assessments using such tools can help discern nuanced distinctions between perceived and actual access.

Goal alignment and unintended consequences of accountable care: How the structure of Oregon’s Medicaid coordinated care model shapes health plan-clinic partnerships

Goal alignment and unintended consequences of accountable care: How the structure of Oregon’s Medicaid coordinated care model shapes health plan-clinic partnerships

Whose assets? Individual and household income and savings and mental health in a longitudinal cohort.

Whose assets? Individual and household income and savings and mental health in a longitudinal cohort.

Shaping health behavior and social connectedness during COVID-19 through media adaptation strategies in Indonesia

Shaping health behavior and social connectedness during COVID-19 through media adaptation strategies in Indonesia

Pandemic Times and Health Care Exclusion: Attitudes toward Health Care Exclusion of Undocumented Immigrants

Context: Most of the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States are excluded from government health care programs. Yet, health care inequities pose significant dangers to all members of society during a pandemic. This project explores to what extent undocumented immigrants, in the context of a pandemic, can be seen as deserving of access to government health care programs. Methods: The project's first survey experiment explores whether work ethic can affect perceptions of undocumented immigrants as deserving of government health care programs. The second survey experiment tests to what extent appeals to fairness and self-interest, during a pandemic, shape health care deservingness attitudes. Findings: The results show that respondents view undocumented immigrants as less deserving of health care than citizens, even when undocumented immigrants have a solid work history. The second survey experiment, however, shows that appeals to fairness and self-interest trigger substantial increases in support for undocumented immigrants among both Republicans and Democrats. Conclusions: The results suggest that while undocumented immigrants are seen as less deserving of access, appeals to fairness and self-interest can trigger increased support.

Determinants of pregnant women’s knowledge about antenatal care and compliance with pregnancy check-ups at Poasia Health Center

Overview: This study investigates the relationship between knowledge and attitudes about Antenatal Care (ANC) and the completeness of ANC visits among pregnant women in the service area of Poasia Health Center, Kendari City. It aims to identify factors influencing adherence to the recommended ANC schedule, a crucial aspect of maternal and fetal health. Body of Knowledge: Guided by Green and Kreuter’s health behavior theory and Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior, this study underscores knowledge and attitudes as key predisposing factors in shaping health behaviors. Knowledge equips individuals with the information necessary for informed decision-making, while attitudes influence the intention to act. Despite their importance, external factors such as perceived barriers, social support, and behavioral control also play a role in determining health behavior outcomes. Methods: The study used a descriptive-analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. Fifty respondents were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected and analyzed using the Chi-Square test to explore the relationship between the variables of knowledge, attitudes, and ANC visit completeness. This method facilitated a better understanding of how these factors interact to influence health behaviors. Results: The results showed a significant relationship between knowledge and the completeness of ANC visits (p = 0.012), with respondents possessing good knowledge more likely to complete ANC visits. Conversely, no significant relationship was found between attitudes and ANC visits (p = 0.073), suggesting that positive attitudes alone are insufficient to ensure adherence. Recommendation: To improve ANC adherence, interventions should include comprehensive education to enhance knowledge, strengthened family and community support systems, and the use of technology-based reminders. Health centers should conduct regular program evaluations and implement targeted strategies to address barriers, emphasizing the risks of incomplete ANC visits to ensure maternal and fetal health.

Understanding literature reviews: a guide for enhancing nursing practice globally.

Literature reviews are essential in nursing for integrating research into practice, informing clinical guidelines and shaping health policy. They comprehensively synthesise the available evidence, supporting nurses in making informed decisions that improve patient care. It is therefore crucial when researchers are selecting the method most appropriate for investigating their clinical questions that they understand the different types of literature review. To explore the characteristics, strengths and limitations of narrative, systematic and scoping reviews, as well as highlight their significance in nursing practice globally. Narrative reviews provide broad, flexible overviews of topics; however, they lack methodological rigour, which can potentially result in bias. Systematic reviews provide high-quality, reliable evidence by using a structured approach to synthesising data from multiple studies; this makes them valuable for clinical decision-making and the development of guidelines. Scoping reviews map the scope of research onto emerging topics, identifying gaps and future research priorities, though they do not typically assess the quality of included studies. Literature reviews are vital tools for nurses worldwide. Understanding the differences between types of literature review enables nurses to effectively use the one most appropriate to their needs. This is essential for evidence-based practice, informs clinical and policy decisions, and supports high-quality patient care, as well as contributing to nurses' professional development. Nurses who engage with literature reviews can stay informed about the latest research, improve patient outcomes and participate in the advancement of nursing knowledge globally.