Health Infrastructure Research Articles

Academic Essay On Equitable Access To Mental Health Services In Brazil

Equitable access to mental health services in Brazil faces complex and interconnected challenges. Among the main issues are regional inequalities, socioeconomic barriers, and the stigma associated with mental disorders. Regional inequality results in significant differences in the quality and availability of mental health services between urban and rural areas. While large cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have advanced infrastructure and qualified professionals, rural areas and urban outskirts suffer from a lack of resources and professionals, limiting access to necessary care. Socioeconomic barriers also play a crucial role. Low-income populations face additional difficulties, such as lack of transportation and inadequate health insurance, which restrict access to mental health services. The lack of information and the stigmatization of mental disorders worsen the situation, discouraging individuals from seeking treatment due to fear of discrimination and prejudice. To address these challenges, it is essential to adopt integrated strategies. Expanding mental health infrastructure in underserved areas and creating integrated care networks are fundamental. Public policies should reduce socioeconomic inequalities by providing financial support and improving transportation. Awareness campaigns about mental health can overcome informational barriers and stigma. Continuous training of health professionals and community participation are also crucial to ensure inclusive and locally adapted care. With a coordinated effort, it is possible to promote more just and comprehensive access to mental health services in Brazil.

Equity And Inclusion For Access To The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS)

The concept of equity in the Unified Health System (SUS) is crucial for ensuring a fair distribution of resources and health opportunities, taking into account the specific needs of different population groups. This principle aims not only to ensure universal access to health services but also to adjust these services to address socioeconomic, geographic, and cultural inequalities. Equity in SUS involves providing additional support to the most vulnerable populations, such as individuals with low income, those living in remote areas, and groups facing cultural and language barriers. Significant challenges include regional disparities, with inadequate health infrastructure in rural and peripheral areas, and socioeconomic inequalities that hinder access to care due to indirect costs and lack of information. To address these challenges, SUS must adopt multifaceted strategies, including increased funding and resources for underserved areas, public policies to reduce socioeconomic inequalities, and investments in transportation and health education. Inclusion in SUS is equally fundamental, requiring the removal of physical and social barriers, the promotion of a culture of respect and cultural competence among health professionals, and the active participation of diverse groups in health policy formulation. Additional strategies involve interinstitutional collaboration, community engagement, and the collection and analysis of disaggregated data to inform targeted policies. These approaches aim to create a fairer and more inclusive health system capable of meeting the needs of the entire Brazilian population

Public health infrastructure and COVID-19 spread: An air transportation network analysis

This study examines the effectiveness of public health infrastructure, specifically hospital and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacities, in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in various US counties. We use the air transportation network to quantify the risk of importing COVID-19-infected passengers to a given county in the United States. Utilizing a dataset that encompasses COVID-19 case rates, healthcare resources, and socioeconomic and transportation-related variables across multiple destination counties, we found that increased availability of hospital and ICU beds is statistically significantly associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19 spread, after controlling for origin county infection rates, travel patterns, and socioeconomic factors. These findings underline the critical role of robust healthcare infrastructure in public health crisis management and suggest targeted policy interventions to bolster healthcare capacity as a viable strategy for mitigating pandemic impacts.

Research and Prevention of Harmful Gases in Special Structures of Urban Deep Drainage Systems

Wastewater remaining in pipes for extended periods can create anaerobic environments, fostering the growth of anaerobic bacteria and producing harmful gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide. Additionally, certain structures within drainage systems, such as drop shafts and vertical shafts, induce turbulent flow, causing the release of dissolved harmful gases, which pose significant risks to public health and urban infrastructure. This study focused on the investigation and analysis of vertical shafts with helical tray structures in drainage systems. Using ANSYS 2021 R2 software, simulations of the shafts were conducted by employing the standard k-ε turbulence model and Eulerian multiphase flow method to simulate the shaft’s operation and obtain various parameters of hydrogen sulfide release. Concurrently, a scale model constructed in the laboratory was used to study and analyze the release of hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in water from this type of structure. Combining the simulation and laboratory experiments, the hydrogen sulfide gas release rate from water in this structure was 0.05–0.4%. This research provides a reference for the study and control of hydrogen sulfide gas release.

LEVERAGING DIGITAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES: ADMINISTRATIVE STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING PUBLIC HEALTH OUTCOMES IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

Integrating digital health technologies in public health systems has shown potential to enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities. However, the differential impact of varying regional infrastructure and policies remains less explored. Objectives: This study investigates the impact of digital health technologies on improving public health outcomes in underserved communities. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted across three major cities in Punjab (Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan), targeting underserved urban and rural populations. Three hundred healthcare administrators, policymakers, and digital health professionals from public and private healthcare settings participated. Data collection involved structured surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus groups. The geographical analysis assessed the variation in digital health adoption across different cities, factoring in urbanization levels and local infrastructure availability. The statistical analysis of the study variables was done using the SPSS 26 software, where multivariate regression analysis was conducted, and geographical mapping of health outcomes was also done. Results: Studies performed on the feedback revealed critical regional differences. In Lahore, which has an excellent urban setting and governmental policies covering telemedicine, the increase was 65% (p < 0. 01), while in Faisalabad and Multan, where internet facilities are not very strong and facing problems regarding funding, the increase was 50 and 45%, respectively. Reducing chronic disease management hospital readmissions was found to be 35% in Lahore and Faisalabad and 28% in Multan, signifying that digital health infrastructures influence patient outcomes. The administrative strategies, including policy changes, provider training, and other related programs, were found to have made quite a significant contribution, the contribution of which was estimated to be around 70%, the result being the coefficient of changes in the success of the implementation of the digital health notion (r = 0. 74, p < 0. 001). Conclusion: Lahore is also the beneficiary of digital health adoption, while the rural areas in Faisalabad and Multan need more investment in infrastructure and digital health literacy programs to realize comparable benefits.

Potentially pathogenic bacteria in the plastisphere from water, sediments, and commercial fish in a tropical coastal lagoon: An assessment and management proposal

Microplastics in aquatic ecosystems harbor numerous microorganisms, including pathogenic species. The ingestion of these microplastics by commercial fish poses a threat to the ecosystem and human livelihood. Coastal lagoons are highly vulnerable to microplastic and microbiological pollution, yet limited understanding of the risks complicates management. Here, we present the main bacterial groups, including potentially pathogenic species, identified on microplastics in waters, sediments, and commercial fish from Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (CGSM), the largest coastal lagoon in Colombia. DNA metabarcoding allowed identifying 1760 bacterial genera on microplastics, with Aeromonas and Acinetobacter as the most frequent and present in all three matrices. The greatest bacterial richness and diversity were recorded on microplastics from sediments, followed by waters and fish. Biochemical analyses yielded 19 species of potentially pathogenic culturable bacteria on microplastics. Aeromonas caviae was the most frequent and, along with Pantoea sp., was found on microplastics in all three matrices. Enterobacter roggenkampii and Pseudomonas fluorescens were also found on microplastics from waters and fish. We propose management strategies for an Early Warning System against microbiological and microplastic pollution risks in coastal lagoons, illustrated by CGSM. This includes forming inter-institutional alliances for research and monitoring, accompanied by strengthening governance and health infrastructures.

Unveiling the Lasting Impact: A 15-Year Follow-Up of Short-Term Surgical Mission Experiences

IntroductionResident interest in global surgery has increased over recent years. Incorporating short-term surgical missions (STSMs) into training improves Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competencies and aids in understanding of global health infrastructure. We aim to investigate the impact of STSM participation during residency on the desire for participation after residency, and barriers in doing so. MethodsEighteen general surgery residents who participated in STSM with the International Surgical Health Initiative from 2009 to 2017 were surveyed. An 18-question survey encompassing demographics, mission-specific data, ACGME competencies, current perspectives, barriers, and areas for improvement was distributed. ResultsThe group averaged 5.4 y out of residency and 89% (n = 16) completed the survey. Mean age was 38.5 y with a female predominance (62.5%). During residency, 10 (62.5%) participated in ≥ two STSMs and six (37.5%) participated in one STSM. On average, each resident performed 24 cases per mission. All reported that after their resident STSM experience, they were more inclined to participate as an attending. Twenty-five percent (n = 4) participated in STSMs after residency. Vacation, scheduling, and family factors were ranked the highest barriers. All ACGME competencies were felt to be significantly improved by STSMs. ConclusionsThis is the first long-term follow-up study of general surgery residents who participated in STSMs confirming that resident involvement increases desire for continued participation. Although 100% of residents wanted to participate as attendings, only 25% were successful in doing so. While operative experience is salient in surgical residency, there are other valuable experiences to be gained. Further work should focus on enhancing experiences and mitigation of barriers to continued participation in global humanitarian initiatives.

Bridging the Gap: Reducing Health Inequities in Access to Preventive Health Care Services in Rural Communities in the Philippines.

We used an implementation science framework to investigate perceived health inequities in preventive health care initiatives in rural communities in the Philippines. We also identified health equity-focused quality improvement strategies. Three health care providers and 12 barangay clinic patients were interviewed. Patient interviews showed that social determinants of health, respect, and attitudes toward health care providers affected patient empowerment to engage in self-management for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Health care providers identified six challenges in managing NCDs: (a) inefficient work processes; (b) staffing shortages; (c) insufficient access to low-cost medications; (d) inadequate primary preventive health education from the schools; (e) health care not considered a priority; and (f) lack of local government support. Inadequate preventive health care and education intensify health access and resource inequities in rural communities in the Philippines. A multi-sectoral plan may improve rural health infrastructure and education toward improving health care access and decreasing care disparities.

Evaluating urban population carrying capacity of Surat: probability-satisfaction approach

With around 36% of urbanisation, Indian cities are becoming saturated because of increased migration. This results in excessive utilisation of natural resources and physical infrastructure. Given its limited resources and infrastructure, it is important to evaluate an urban area’s true population carrying capacity. It helps planners and policymakers in managing cities better. This paper shows an estimation of the urban population carrying capacity of Surat City using the probability-satisfaction method with the help of factors like water treatment, solid waste management, employment, and hospital beds, which cover physical as well as social factors. Analysis shows the population carrying capacity of Surat City at different probability-satisfaction levels and compares it with the current scenario. Some important results are that when the probability-satisfaction level changes from acceptable to ideal level, Surat City’s health infrastructure has a maximum population carrying capacity of 112.1 to 102.2 million simultaneously and solid waste management has the lowest population carrying capacity, which is 4.7 to 3.9 million simultaneously. Also, it is observed that factors such as healthcare, wastewater treatment, and green area show less rigidness, while factors such as wastewater treatment, road area, and electricity show more rigidness in increasing carrying capacity.

STRATEGIES FOR THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF HYPERTENSION IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Hypertension is a prevalent chronic condition that can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney failure. The prevalence of hypertension is especially high in rural communities, where factors such as limited access to health care, lack of health information and socioeconomic conditions can contribute to a lack of control of the disease. Prevention and control strategies tailored to these communities are crucial to reducing the burden of hypertension and improving the overall health of the rural population. This brief explores effective strategies for the prevention and control of hypertension in rural communities, highlighting innovative approaches and associated challenges. The aim of this paper is to review and analyze strategies for the prevention and control of hypertension in rural communities. It aims to identify the main interventions that have proved effective, discuss approaches adapted to the needs and resources of rural communities, and address the challenges faced in implementing these strategies. This is a literature review, using qualitative and quantitative assumptions, using the PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The health descriptors “Hypertension”, “Hypertension Management in Rural Areas”, “Telemedicine”, “Community Interventions” and “Rural Health Policies” were used to refine the research. The time frame covers the years 2018 to 2022. The focus is to promote a comprehensive understanding of best practices and areas that need more attention to improve the management of hypertension in rural contexts. Preventing and controlling hypertension in rural communities requires a multifaceted approach that takes into account the particularities of these areas, including barriers to accessing healthcare, resource limitations and specific cultural needs. Education is key to preventing hypertension. Awareness programs about risk factors, the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring and lifestyle changes can have a significant impact. Community initiatives such as workshops, lectures and local media campaigns can help raise awareness of hypertension and promote healthy habits. Improving access to healthcare is crucial for hypertension control in rural areas. This can include the implementation of mobile health units, telemedicine and partnerships with health organizations to provide regular medical services and blood pressure monitoring. Community screening programs and regular consultations can help identify and treat cases of hypertension early. Interventions that encourage a healthy diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and low in sodium, as well as regular physical activity, are essential for the prevention and control of hypertension. Nutritional education programs and the promotion of community physical activities, such as walking groups or sports, can be effective in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Thus, many people with hypertension also have other health conditions, such as diabetes or obesity. Integrated strategies that address hypertension alongside other health conditions can improve overall outcomes. This includes chronic disease management programs that provide support for managing multiple health conditions simultaneously. Involving the community in the planning and implementation of prevention and control strategies can increase the acceptance and effectiveness of interventions. Community groups, local leaders and non-governmental organizations can play an important role in promoting health programs and mobilizing resources. The effective implementation of hypertension control strategies in rural communities faces several challenges. Barriers can include a lack of adequate health infrastructure, a shortage of health professionals, limited access to medicines and treatments, and cultural factors that can affect the acceptance of interventions. In addition, logistical and financial difficulties can limit the ability to implement and maintain health programs in remote areas. Therefore, the approach to preventing and controlling hypertension in rural communities must be adapted to the specific needs and characteristics of these areas. Effective strategies include community education and awareness, improving access to health care, promoting a healthy lifestyle and integrated management of comorbidities. Involving the community and overcoming challenges related to infrastructure and resources are critical aspects for the success of these strategies. With a multifaceted and collaborative approach, it is possible to reduce the prevalence and impact of hypertension in rural communities, promoting better health and an improved quality of life for their inhabitants.

Influence path of work-family conflict on primary care physicians' resignation intention: Data from a Chinese cross-sectional survey.

Primary care physicians and their teams are the leading force in constructing primary medical services, undertaking the critical responsibility of residents' essential health, and also related to realizing the national health goal. However, primary care physicians generally have a high turnover rate due to problems such as high work pressure, low salary levels, and limited career development. Therefore, exploring primary care physicians' resignation intentions plays a vital role in promoting the construction of primary care physicians' health service system. This study explores the factors influencing the resignation intentions of primary care physicians, specifically examining the roles of work-family conflict, job satisfaction, professional identity, and emotional exhaustion. By understanding these dynamics, the research aims to inform strategies that can enhance the stability and effectiveness of primary care services, ultimately contributing to the improvement of public health infrastructure and achieving national health goals. This investigation will utilize structural equation modeling to analyze the interrelationships among the identified variables, thereby providing a comprehensive framework for addressing the high turnover rates among primary care physicians. This study uses the work-family conflict, job satisfaction, professional identity, and emotional exhaustion scales. The data comes from a cross-sectional survey in Zhejiang Province, China, in 2022. Using SPSS 27 and Mplus8.3 software to analyze 1205 primary care physicians and their team members, the selected cases all answered the relevant questions of resignation intention. The potential relationship among work-family conflict, job satisfaction, professional identity, emotional exhaustion, and family doctor resignation intention was explored by constructing structural equations. Work-family conflict can directly and positively affect primary care physicians' resignation intention (β = -0.546, p < 0.001). The results of the mediation model found that job satisfaction, professional identity, and emotional exhaustion were significantly related to work-family conflict, and primary care physicians' resignation intention has a significant mediating effect. It mainly includes six intermediary approaches: one is through the independent intermediary effect of job satisfaction; the second is through the independent intermediary effect of professional identity; the third is through the chain intermediary effect between Job satisfaction and professional identity; the fourth is through the intermediary effect of Job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion chain intermediary; fifth is through the chain intermediary of professional identity and emotional exhaustion; sixth is through the complex chain intermediary of job satisfaction, professional identity, and emotional exhaustion. Primary care physicians have a high score in resignation intention, which deserves continuous attention. Relevant department can help primary care physicians balance work and family roles, provide them with appropriate resources and rewards, as well as a good working environment and career development opportunities, to improve their job satisfaction and professional identity and reduce emotional exhaustion, thereby reducing the risk of resignation intention.

Task-shifting of prolonged exposure for primary care (PE-PC) for PTSD in a semirural setting in South Africa: A pilot implementation study.

Implementation science (IS) has received increased attention as it provides a means to bridge the know-do gap to implement evidence-based interventions in real-world settings. Against this backdrop, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a global mental health concern (Koenen et al., 2017), especially in low- and middle-income countries characterized by limited trained health professionals, infrastructure, and limited access to evidence-based mental health care (Chen et al., 2017). Over the last 3 decades, effective trauma-focused psychotherapies (TFPs) for PTSD have been developed (Hamblen et al., 2019). Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) is a first-line TFP for PTSD (Hamblen et al., 2019), yet the dissemination and implementation of PE have been limited to specialty care settings in developed or industrialized countries (Booysen & Kagee, 2020). Implementation science provides an opportunity for disseminating and implementing TFPs like PE in low- and middle-income countries. This article describes mixed-method data from a pilot implementation study of an abbreviated version of PE, known as prolonged exposure for primary care (S. A. M. Rauch, Kim, et al., 2023), in a semirural city in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Importantly, prolonged exposure for primary care shows a significant reduction in PTSD when provided by lay counselors and good feasibility and acceptability. In addition, we reflect on the barriers and facilitators related to implementation research within a low-resourced community, namely, (a) training lay counselors, (b) cultural diversity, and (c) mental health literacy. Mental health literacy is proposed as an essential component to consider in implementation science, especially in low-resourced communities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Childhood Cancer Survivorship Passport Challenges in the European Health Data Space.

Innovation in cancer therapy has increased childhood cancer survival rates. However, survivors are still at risk of developing late effects. In the digital transformation of the health sector, the Survivorship Passport (SurPass) can support long-term follow-up care plans. Gaps in seamless connectivity among hospital departments, primary care, combined with the time of health professionals required to collect and fill-in health data in SurPass, are barriers to its adoption in daily clinical practice. The PanCareSurPass (PCSP) project was motivated to address these gaps by a new version of SurPass (v2.0) that supports semi-automatic assembly from organizational Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems of the treatment summary data using HL7 FHIR, to create SurPass, and to link it to regional or national digital health infrastructures in six European countries. In this paper we present the methodology used to develop the SurPass technical implementation strategy with special focus on the European Health Data Space (EHDS). The recently provisionally approved EHDS regulation instruments a digital health data ecosystem with opportunities for cost-effective SurPass implementation across Europe. Moving forward, a European HL7 FHIR SurPass Implementation Guide along with synthetic data sets, and validation tools can enrich the European Electronic Health Record Exchange Format (EEHRxF) with use cases on health & wellness of childhood cancer survivors.

Global, regional, and national burden of HIV-negative tuberculosis, 1990–2021: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a major infectious disease with significant public health implications. Its widespread transmission, prolonged treatment duration, notable side effects, and high mortality rate pose severe challenges. This study examines the epidemiological characteristics of TB globally and across major regions, providing a scientific basis for enhancing TB prevention and control measures worldwide.MethodsThe ecological study used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. It assessed new incidence cases, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and trends in age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs), mortality rates (ASMRs), and DALY rates for drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB), multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) from 1990 to 2021. A Bayesian age-period-cohort model was applied to project ASIR and ASMR.ResultsIn 2021, the global ASIR for all HIV-negative TB was 103.00 per 100,000 population [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 92.21, 114.91 per 100,000 population], declining by 0.40% (95% UI: − 0.43, − 0.38%) compared to 1990. The global ASMR was 13.96 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 12.61, 15.72 per 100,000 population), with a decline of 0.44% (95% UI: − 0.61, − 0.23%) since 1990. The global age-standardized DALY rate for HIV-negative TB was 580.26 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 522.37, 649.82 per 100,000 population), showing a decrease of 0.65% (95% UI: − 0.69, − 0.57 per 100,000 population) from 1990. The global ASIR of MDR-TB has not decreased since 2015, instead, it has shown a slow upward trend in recent years. The ASIR of XDR-TB has exhibited significant increase in the past 30 years. The projections indicate MDR-TB and XDR-TB are expected to see significant increases in both ASIR and ASMR from 2022 to 2035, highlighting the growing challenge of drug-resistant TB.ConclusionsThis study found that the ASIR of MDR-TB and XDR-TB has shown an upward trend in recent years. To reduce the TB burden, it is essential to enhance health infrastructure and increase funding in low-SDI regions. Developing highly efficient, accurate, and convenient diagnostic reagents, along with more effective therapeutic drugs, and improving public health education and community engagement, are crucial for curbing TB transmission.Graphical

Dyplomacja Chińskiej Republiki Ludowej w okresie pandemii COVID-19 wobec państw Afryki

DIPLOMACY OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA TOWARDS AFRICAN COUNTRIES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC COVID-19 pandemic has been a real challenge and severe test of International Relations. It has been also a chance to gain or lose points in inter-power rivalry in Africa, which is full of contradictions. On the one hand, rich in human and natural resources, including energy ones. On the other hand, full of poverty, poor infrastructure (including health infrastructure), internal conflicts and political and economic instability what have a bad influence on the world economy and security. China, which nowadays is perceived as one of the most aggressive competitors in Africa, seems to conduct highly consistent policy towards this continent without any break, even in time of COVID-19 pandemic. This paper is an attempt to analyse Chinese activities in Africa at that time in context of global competition in this area and to evaluate how much they can influence China’s position there. Thus, after a brief historical background, it presents the most significant formal events and declarations between both partners, along with Chinese “mask and vaccine diplomacy” towards Africa from early 2020 until the beginning of 2023. The elements like soft power actions were especially under consideration in this analysis as these ones that are the most effective in the contemporary global policy, or at least equally fruitful as hard power.

Assessment of the Indian Public Healthcare Delivery System and Its Comparison with Public Healthcare Delivery of Global Nations Based on Their Gross Domestic Products Potential as Criteria: A Comparative Study

Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the Indian public healthcare delivery system and compare it with other countries based on their gross domestic product (GDP) classification. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted to assess the Indian healthcare delivery system and the GDP among global nations based on their GDP potential as criteria. The data from 24 high-, middle-, and low-income countries were gathered from the World Bank from year 2018 to 2021. The parameters included GDP, GDP per capita, total number of population, and healthcare delivery system. The data were collected from various electronic sources of the World Health Organization, the International Monetary Fund, and the US Census Bureau’s international data, National Health Profile 2021. The collected data were compiled and tabulated. The descriptive analysis was done using Microsoft Excel version 2016 and SPSS version 20. Results: India ranks in the high-income group based on the GDP, whereas when ranked based on GDP per capita, it drops down to the lower-middle-income group. This lag may be because of a larger population and lack of priority in public health delivery. In terms of overall expenditure, India spends US$63 million in total health expenditure, of which only US$20 million is spent by the government sector. On the other hand, the United States holds the highest rank with US$10,921 million of total health expenditure, of which US$5,552 million spent by the government sector and US$5,368 million by the private sector. Conclusion: The Indian healthcare delivery system is suffering from a shortage of public health workforce and infrastructure. In the last decade, India has seen remarkable economic development, particularly in terms of the GDP growth rate. Unfortunately, this progress does not accompany with the Indian healthcare delivery system. Still there is a shortage in public health workforce and infrastructure. India should prioritize the expenditure in healthcare delivery.

“Use what you have: ” Health promotion and economic vitality in a COVID‐19 worksite vaccination initiative

AbstractIn mid‐2021, the CommuniVax Alabama team broadened their community engagement by partnering with the Chamber of Commerce, the Alabama Department of Public Health, and others to bring vaccines to the workplace. Through this collaboration, the team hoped to fortify the state's persistently anemic rate of vaccination. The goals of increasing access to, and convenience of COVID‐19 vaccination were only partially achieved due to human resource and policy challenges and incongruent priorities that resulted from those challenges. The accomplishments, challenges, and suggestions for improvement are outlined to aid future efforts at health promotion and community outreach, especially in jurisdictions with limited extant public health infrastructure.

Burden of 30 cancers among men: Global statistics in 2022 and projections for 2050 using population-based estimates.

Men exhibit higher prevalence of modifiable risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, leading to greater cancer incidence and lower survival rates. Comprehensive evidence on global cancer burden among men, including disparities by age group and country, is sparse. To address this, the authors analyzed 30 cancer types among men in 2022, with projections estimated for 2050. The 2022 GLOBOCAN estimates were used to describe cancer statistics for men in 185 countries/territories worldwide. Mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs) were calculated by dividing age-standardized mortality rates by incidence rates. In 2022, a high MIR (indicating poor survival) was observed among older men (aged 65 years and older; 61%) for rare cancer types (pancreatic cancer, 91%) and in countries with low a Human Development Index (HDI; 74%). Between 2022 and 2050, cancer cases are projected to increase from 10.3 million to 19 million (≥84%). Deaths are projected to increase from 5.4 million to 10.5 million (≥93%), with a greater than two-fold increase among men aged 65 years and older (≥117%) and for low-HDI and medium-HDI countries/territories (≥160%). Cancer cases and deaths are projected to increase among working-age groups (≥39%) and very-high-HDI countries/territories (≥50%). Substantial disparities in cancer cases and deaths were observed among men in 2022, and these are projected to widen by 2050. Strengthening health infrastructure, enhancing workforce quality and access, fostering national and international collaborations, and promoting universal health coverage are crucial to reducing cancer disparities and ensuring cancer equity among men globally.

The Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Access to Mental Health

Mental health is a pivotal aspect of overall well-being, yet access to mental health services is unevenly distributed across different socioeconomic groups. This study explores the influence of socioeconomic factors—such as income, education, employment status, and housing—on access to mental health care. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative analysis of survey data with qualitative interviews to reveal significant disparities in service utilization. Findings indicate that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face substantial barriers, including financial constraints, stigma, and geographic limitations. The study underscores the persistent nature of these inequalities and highlights the need for targeted policy interventions and systemic reforms. Expanding insurance coverage, reducing stigma, and increasing mental health infrastructure in underserved areas are critical for improving access. Future research should focus on evaluating policy impacts and exploring innovative service delivery models.

Analysing urban local cold air dynamics and climate functional zones using interpretable machine learning: A case study of Tianhe district, Guangzhou

Deterioration of the thermal environment in built-up areas poses a serious threat to human health, comfort, and urban infrastructure, while also increasing energy consumption and carbon emissions. This underscores the need to optimize wind environments as a key mitigation strategy for urban areas. This paper analyzed the effects of human activities and natural factors on local cold air in Tianhe District, Guangzhou, from the perspective of local ventilation systems. The KLAM_21 (Kaltluft Abfluss Modell) was used to simulate local cold air flow and delineate climate functional zones. A random forest model, interpreted with the SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) method, assessed the impact of various factors on local cold air dynamics. The study found that: (1) The northern mountainous area is a crucial cold source; (2) Some open spaces in the built environment fail to function as effective local cold air corridors; (3) High-intensity urban development hinders local cold air transmission; (4) Water bodies are more effective than green spaces in collecting and transmitting local cold air. This study provided technical methods for identifying climate functional zones and understanding local cold air dynamics, as well as theoretical support for the construction of local ventilation systems in urban areas.