Health Measures Research Articles

Obesity in Russia: prevalence dynamics and sex and age structure since the end of the 20th century

Introduction. The growing prevalence of obesity in the world and the accumulated scientific data and practical knowledge have prompted the World Health Organization to declare obesity a global pandemic and a worldwide public health crisis. According to research, in 2015, 603.7 million adults and 107.7 million children worldwide were obese, and the overall prevalence of obesity was 12.0 and 5.0 %, respectively, while overweight caused 4.0 million deaths and 120 million lost years of life. The purpose of the study: to assess trends and age and sex structure of obesity prevalence in Russia according to different sources. Materials and methods. We calculated the prevalence of obesity using data from Rosstat (2018–2023) and the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (1994–2022), as well as the structure of obesity by sex and age groups in dynamics, and the structure of obesity by degree (2022). Results. According to the results of calculations based on Rosstat data, the prevalence of obesity among men increased from 17.8 % in 2018 to 20.9 % in 2023, and among women from 24.5 % to 28.6 %, respectively. According to calculations based on data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey, the prevalence of obesity among men increased from 8.5 % in 1994 to 16.6 % in 2022, and among women from 21.1 % to 27.5 %, respectively. After 2012, there was no significant increase in obesity prevalence in any of the age groups, with the possible exception of 15–24-year-old men and women aged 65 and older. The data suggests that the obesity epidemic in Russia has stabilized and the increase in the prevalence of obesity in recent years was largely due to the population aging. Also, Rosstat data show an increase in obesity prevalence during the COVID-19 pandemic from 23.0 % in 2019 to 25.0 % in 2021, while the rate remained at the same level (24.9 %) in 2022. In the structure of obesity calculated on the basis of Rosstat data, obesity of the I degree prevails both among men (80.5 %) and women (68.1 %). Conclusion. The growing prevalence of obesity in Russia, given the associated risks of morbidity and mortality, raises concerns and requires appropriate public health measures.

Cumulative Health Risk from Exposure Load (CHREL): Looking at multi-chemical exposures through the lens of biomonitoring guidance values

Exposure load (EL) is an indicator of multiple chemical exposures based on human biomonitoring data. We used EL methodology and human biomonitoring health-based guidance values (HB2GVs) as exposure thresholds to create a new metric called Cumulative Health Risk from Exposure Load (CHREL). HB2GVs are derived by calculating the concentration of a biomarker consistent with a health protective exposure guidance value. CHREL analysis was conducted using Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) cycle 3 and 4 biomonitoring data. Based on 18 chemicals, more than half of the Canadian population had an estimated CHRELTOTAL of 1 or more, indicative of chemical exposures potentially above selected exposure guidance values. Females had a significantly lower CHRELTOTAL compared to males, 12–19 year olds had a lower CHRELTOTAL compared to older age groups (significant compared to 40–59 year olds), and nonsmokers had a significantly lower CHRELTOTAL than smokers. Small segments of the population had a CHRELLIVER or a CHRELNERV of 1 or more, indicating exposures potentially above guideline levels for chemicals affecting the liver or nervous system. CHRELCANC was calculated based on 6 chemicals with HB2GVs derived for cancer endpoints. At the 10−5 risk level, most people had an estimated CHRELCANC of 3, indicative of multiple chemicals that may exceed negligible cancer risk. The most important contributors to exposures above HB2GVs were inorganic arsenic, mercury, acrylamide, xylenes, benzene and triclosan. Keeping certain assumptions, uncertainties and limitations in mind, the CHREL indicator can be used to obtain a picture of potential cumulative health risks from combined chemical exposures in a population, and as a comparative measure between subpopulations, including vulnerable subgroups.

A qualitative study of knowledge, beliefs and misinformation regarding COVID-19 in selected districts in Zimbabwe

BackgroundLack of appropriate knowledge, incorrect beliefs and misinformation misleads people about the risks they face and how best to protect themselves. A study was conducted to explore the knowledge, beliefs and misinformation regarding COVID-19 in Zimbabwe.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted in September-October 2022 with a purposive sample of religious leaders, women leaders, youth leaders, health workers, village health workers, teachers, traditional healers, transporters, and the general population selected from ten sites across the country. In total there were 128 participants (30 key informants and 98 focus group discussion participants). At each site, 3 key informant interviews and one homogenous focus group discussion were conducted using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion guides, respectively. The data were recorded on audiotapes, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Manual thematic analysis of the data was performed.FindingsThree themes were identified in this study: (1) beliefs about COVID-19, (2) knowledge about COVID-19 (knowledge of origin, definition, transmission, signs and symptoms and recommended preventive measures), and (3) misinformation about COVID-19 (regarding its nature, existence and recommended preventive measures). There was awareness of the origin, transmission, signs and symptoms of COVID-19 among the participants. Participants reported that Zimbabwean communities were conversant with public health measures such as maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, and maintaining hand hygiene. However, misinformation was also observed to have circulated among the communities.ConclusionParticipants demonstrated good knowledge of COVID-19. However, the misinformation circulating in the country calls for the government to establish structures to monitor the legitimacy of information coming through different sources and invest in providing information through trusted sources. In any disease outbreak, the government should engage its citizenry to understand their knowledge, beliefs and any misinformation that might influence adherence to disease preventive measures.

SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS DETERMINING THE HEALTH STATE OF YOUTH STUDENTS IN UKRAINE

One of the bases of sustainable development of mankind is the health of the young generation. The priority of this issue is especially important in the perspective of European integration processes in Ukraine. Youth is an important component of the human resource that every state should take care of. Preserving, restoring and improving the psycho-physiological condition of young people is the key to the survival and further progress of mankind. The purpose of our research is to analyze the importance of individual factors and their combinations that can affect the health of students. Analysis, synthesis and modeling methods were used to study the state of research. The results of our research were carried out with the help of empirical methods: pedagogical observation, questionnaires, interviews, testing, the method of experimental evaluations. Mathematical statistics methods were used to process the research results. This study explores the social and environmental factors affecting the health of university students in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle among youth. The research highlights the role of education in shaping health culture, noting gaps in the current system's approach to instilling necessary attitudes toward health. The study draws on data from student health assessments and reveals a high prevalence of chronic diseases, especially among students from radiation-contaminated areas. The investigation further examines the genetic and immunological markers influencing students' health, finding that prolonged stress, radiation exposure, and physical inactivity significantly impact immune responses. Additionally, the research explores the link between thyroid and lipid metabolism issues and students' exposure to ionizing radiation. The findings suggest that moderate physical activity and immunomodulators may help mitigate stress-induced immunosuppression. The study concludes that addressing these social and environmental health determinants is critical for improving the well-being of Ukrainian youth and calls for tailored physical education programs and preventive health measures.

Optimal time-dependent SUC model for COVID-19 pandemic in India

In this paper, we propose a numerical algorithm to obtain the optimal epidemic parameters for a time-dependent Susceptible-Unidentified infected-Confirmed (tSUC) model. The tSUC model was developed to investigate the epidemiology of unconfirmed infection cases over an extended period. Among the epidemic parameters, the transmission rate can fluctuate significantly or remain stable due to various factors. For instance, if early intervention in an epidemic fails, the transmission rate may increase, whereas appropriate policies, including strict public health measures, can reduce the transmission rate. Therefore, we adaptively estimate the transmission rate to the given data using the linear change points of the number of new confirmed cases by the given cumulative confirmed data set, and the time-dependent transmission rate is interpolated based on the estimated transmission rates at linear change points. The proposed numerical algorithm preprocesses actual cumulative confirmed cases in India to smooth it and uses the preprocessed data to identify linear change points. Using these linear change points and the tSUC model, it finds the optimal time-dependent parameters that minimize the difference between the actual cumulative confirmed cases and the computed numerical solution in the least-squares sense. Numerical experiments demonstrate the numerical solution of the tSUC model using the optimal time-dependent parameters found by the proposed algorithm, validating the performance of the algorithm. Consequently, the proposed numerical algorithm calculates the time-dependent transmission rate for the actual cumulative confirmed cases in India, which can serve as a basis for analyzing the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the parental stress scale's psychometric properties.

Parental stress can affect the ability of parents to cope with the challenges of raising children. The result can be a negative cycle within the family dynamic, which in turn can interfere with children's development and emotional regulation. Among the many instruments available to assess parental stress, the Parental Stress Scale (PSS) deserves particular mention. To our knowledge, there are currently no systematic reviews evaluating the psychometric properties of the PSS. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the psychometric properties of the PSS using the COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) methodology and to conduct a meta-analysis. A thorough literature search was conducted from different databases. A meta-analysis to test the generalisability of PSS internal consistency across its component factors was performed. A total of 20 validation studies of the PSS were identified. Based on the COSMIN methodology, this instrument receives an 'A' rating, meaning that it is considered to be a cross-sectional instrument with the necessary scientific evidence for the assessment of the construct of parental stress. The meta-analysis testing the generalisability of its internal consistency yielded satisfactory results across the different factors. Future research should focus on those psychometric properties of the PSS that have not been studied as extensively, such as reproducibility, responsiveness, measurement error, and measurement invariance.

Validation of the Dutch Infant Crying and Parent Well-Being Screening Tool in Parents of Infants Less than 12 Months of Age

To evaluate reliability and validity of the Dutch version of the Infant Crying and Parent Well-Being (ICPW) tool in identifying parents struggling with infant crying in the first year of life. The original ICPW tool was translated into Dutch following established guidelines. The internal consistency and criterion validity of the Dutch ICPW tool were evaluated using a cross-sectional design. The translated ICPW tool and validated questionnaires on parental depression, stress, anxiety, and parenting balance were presented to parents of infants under 12months during child health care visits and online. The survey was completed by 488 parents, 400 mothers and 88 fathers. Of these, 172 participated after a child health care visit and 316 via online platforms. The Dutch ICPW showed satisfactory internal consistency (α=0.69) and excellent criterion validity with parental mental health measures (r=0.53-0.85). ICPW scores demonstrated positive correlations with parental depression, stress, and anxiety levels, and a negative correlation with parenting balance. Both mothers and fathers with a positive ICPW screen (≥3) reported significantly higher levels of parental mental health issues compared with those with a negative screen (P<.001). The ICPW was positive in 32% of the parents (n=155), with consistent total scores regardless of the infant's increasing age (r=-0.024, P=.59). The ICPW tool exhibited a strong negative predictive value (93%) for diagnosing postpartum depression. The Dutch ICPW tool is a reliable and valid screening instrument for identifying parents struggling with infant crying.

A Population-Based Study of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Responses to Vaccination in Manitoba.

Understanding variables that influence antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccination within a population can provide valuable information on future vaccination strategies. In this population-based study, we examined the antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccination in Manitoba using residual serum specimens collected between January 2021 and March 2022 (n = 20,365). Samples were tested for spike and nucleocapsid IgG against SARS-CoV-2 using clinically validated assays. We assessed the impacts of multiple factors on post-vaccination antibody titres including type of vaccine, age, sex, geographic location, number of doses received, and timing of vaccination. Our investigation demonstrated that vaccination with one dose of Moderna mRNA-1273 elicited higher anti-spike IgG titres overall compared to Pfizer BNT162b2 vaccination, while one dose of Pfizer BNT162b2 followed by a second dose of Moderna mRNA-1273 exhibited higher titres than two doses of Pfizer BNT162b2 or Moderna mRNA-1273, irrespective of age. Age and time post-vaccination had considerable effects on antibody responses, with older age groups exhibiting lower anti-spike IgG titres than younger ages, and titres of those vaccinated with Pfizer BNT162b2 waning faster than those vaccinated with Moderna mRNA-1273 or a combination of Pfizer BNT162b2 and Moderna mRNA-1273. Antibody titres did not appear to be affected by sex or geographic location. Our results identify how factors such as age and type of vaccine can influence antibody responses to vaccination, and how antibody titres wane over time. This information highlights the importance of tailoring vaccine regimens to specific populations, especially those at increased risk of severe COVID-19 and can be used to inform future vaccination strategies, scheduling of booster doses, and public health measures.

Predictors of climate change literacy in the era of global boiling: a cross-sectional survey of Egyptian nursing students

BackgroundClimate changes have led to health and environmental risks, so it has become essential to measure climate change literacy among the entire population, especially nursing students. The significant role of nursing students in raising public awareness and future healthcare roles emphasizes assessing the predictors of climate change literacy among nursing students.AimsThis study seeks to identify the predictors of climate change literacy among nursing students in A Multi-Site Survey.DesignA multi-site descriptive cross-sectional study adheres to the guidelines outlined in A Consensus-Based Checklist for Reporting Survey Studies collected for five months, from the 1st of July 2023 to November 2023. The study participants comprise 10,084 nursing students from all 27 governments in Egypt. The researcher used the Predictors of Nursing Students’ Climate Change Literacy scale in this study. Data was collected, with 25 min average time to complete. Backward multiple linear regression was used to identify these predictors.ResultsIn the current study, nursing students demonstrated a moderate understanding of climate science (mean score 14.38), communication and advocacy skills (mean score 14.41), and knowledge of adaptation and mitigation strategies (mean score 13.33). Climate health impacts (mean score 17.72) emerged as the domain with the highest level of knowledge. No significant differences in climate literacy were observed across diverse student backgrounds (all p-values were > 0.05). Perceived faculty knowledge of climate change positively correlated with all four domains of climate literacy and emerged as a significant predictor in multiple linear regression analyses (all p-values were < 0.001).Implication.While our findings highlight significant predictors of climate literacy, it is essential to recognize that these results identify associations rather than causal relationships. Based on these associations, it is recommended that nursing professionals be equipped with comprehensive knowledge of climate adaptation strategies to better advocate for and implement effective public health measures.

National stakeholder consultation on how to measure care home residents' quality of life.

The Developing research resources And minimum data set for Care Homes' Adoption and use or DACHA study aims to create a prototype minimum data set combining residents' information recorded by care homes with their data held in health and social care data sets. The DACHA minimum data set will contain information on quality of life. Internationally and in the UK, there is no consensus on collecting information on quality of life in a standardised format equivalent to the consensus for health measures. This paper describes an online consultation with stakeholder representatives about how to measure the quality of life of residents in UK older-adult care homes, for inclusion in the DACHA minimum data set. We drew on principles of the Delphi technique, identifying participants knowledgeable about living, working in and visiting care homes, and preference scoring. We used a bespoke online research engagement platform (Thiscovery, www.thiscovery.org, Cambridge, UK) to engage the participants. Participants included care home staff and managers, old age specialists (clinical/research), commissioners/providers/regulators, primary care professionals, relatives/family carers of care home residents. The consultation is complementary to DACHA's research and patient and public involvement and engagement activities, which have involved people living in care homes; thus, care home residents were not included in this consultation. The first round asked 30 participants to rank the most important principles and domains to consider when measuring quality of life in care homes. Responses to round 1 informed the selection of quality of life measures that round 2 (September 2022) participants were asked to report their familiarity with and confidence in a range of outcome measures all of which met the criteria identified as important in round 1. Recruitment was extended in round 2, and 72 individuals participated. Based on the rankings and the qualitative feedback in round 2, we included four of the shortlisted quality of life outcome measures in DACHA's prototype minimum data set for care homes. The qualitative feedback suggested a shared understanding across the different representative groups about the strengths and limitations of the selected measures. This work makes an important contribution, understanding the opportunities that quality of life measures pose for different stakeholder groups as regular users of care home resident data. In future DACHA work, interviews and focus groups will collect further data about the perceptions of care home staff who completed measures during the pilot study and about the usefulness of the data collected via these measures. The quality-of-life section of the DACHA minimum data set can contribute to informing similar care home data sets internationally. This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme as award number NIHR127234.

Resurgence of dengue in the Philippines.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly influenced the epidemiological landscape of various infectious diseases such as dengue. Dengue is an endemic disease in the Philippines, which showed a significant decline in the number of cases beginning in March 2020 due to the stringent public health measures implemented to curb COVID-19 cases. However, the easing of these restrictions subsequently led to a resurgence in dengue cases, as reported by the World Health Organization, with a notable increase compared to previous years. As the country navigates towards a post-pandemic phase, addressing the resurgence of dengue requires sustained efforts in vector control, surveillance, and healthcare preparedness. This article underscores the critical need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to mitigate the resurgence of dengue while managing the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reviewing the Pillars of Immunization: Essential Vaccines and Their Public Health Benefits.

Vaccination has lowered, across the globe, morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases. It is considered one of the basic principles of preventive health measures. The World Health Organization’s Expanded Programme on Immunization defined vaccinations that are required and their tremendous benefits to public health, which are discussed in this review article. These involve the vaccinations taken against most communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, polio, measles, rubella, pneumococcal diseases, rotavirus, human papillomavirus, tuberculosis, Haemophilus influenzae type B, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. The article points out that quite a number of vaccinations have been proven effective and safe and if administered, could prevent serious disease, disability, and death. For example, vaccination against measles has been rated to be vital in the containment of outbreaks within nonimmune populations, while the DTP vaccine is paramount in decreasing the cases of pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria. The effect of vaccination can be exemplified by the dramatic decrease in the occurrence of serious bacterial contagion in children since the introduction of conjugate vaccines against Hib and pneumococcus. Notwithstanding these successes, there are persistent obstacles, such as vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and inequities in access to vaccines, all heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The article discusses the global impact of vaccination efforts under siege and appeals for further public health efforts toward the attainment of these goals.

A development and implementation of a preconception counseling program for black women and men in the southeastern United States: a pilot protocol.

Racial/ethnic disparities in maternal mortality rates represent one of the most significant areas of disparities amongst all conventional population perinatal health measures in the U.S. The alarming trends and persistent disparities of outcomes by race/ethnicity and geographic location reinforce the need to focus on ensuring quality and safety of maternity care for all women. Despite complex multilevel factors impacting maternal mortality and morbidity, there are evidence-based interventions that, when facilitated consistently and properly, are known to improve the health of mothers before, during and after pregnancy. The objective of this project is to test implementation of pre-conception counseling with father involvement in community-based settings to improve cardiovascular health outcomes before and during pregnancy in southeastern United States. This study has two components: a comprehensive needs and assets assessment and a small-scale pilot study. We will conduct a community informed needs and assets assessment with our diverse stakeholders to identify opportunities and barriers to preconception counseling as well as develop a stakeholder-informed implementation plan. Next, we will use the implementation plan to pilot preconception counseling with father involvement in community-based settings. Finally, we will critically assess the context, identify potential barriers and facilitators, and iteratively adapt the way preconception counseling can be implemented in diverse settings. Results of this research will support future research focused on identifying barriers and opportunities for scalable and sustainable public health approaches to implementing evidence-based strategies that reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in the southeastern United States' vulnerable communities. Findings will demonstrate that preconception counseling can be implemented in community health settings in the southeastern United States. Furthermore, this study will build the capacity of community-based organizations in addressing the preconception health of their clients. We plan for this pilot to inform a larger scaled-up clinical trial across community health settings in multiple southeastern states.

Impact of Public Health and Social Measures on Cosmetic Treatments in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Multi-Center Study Combined With a Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Public health and social measures (PHSMs) are considered the most effective approaches for controlling epidemic diseases. This study aimed to explore variations in the time-dependent characteristics of and public preferences for cosmetic treatments during and after the implementation of PHSMs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical records from six medical institutions were extracted retrospectively. Time-series analyses were conducted to reveal the variations in characteristics in volume and proportion of cosmetic treatments according to PHSMs. A cross-sectional study was conducted with online questionnaire designed for the general population during and after the implementation of PHSMs. A total of 141 033 records were included in this retrospective study. The implementation of PHSMs led to extremely low treatment volumes; compared with the increases in private hospitals, the treatment volumes in public hospitals exhibited earlier and more significant increases, even higher than pre-PHSM levels (p < 0.05), which mainly contributed to the increase in plastic surgery volumes during and after the implementation of PHSMs. The differences in the anxiety state, self-perceived appearance, and cosmetic treatment intentions of the participants were illustrated during and after PHSMs. We further demonstrated the participants' decisions on cosmetic treatments after the implementation of PHSMs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The immediate effects and aftereffects of PHSMs on cosmetic treatments were different in public and private hospitals. Furthermore, as PHSMs guided the adjustment of cosmetic treatments in the post-COVID-19 era, the intention to undergo cosmetic treatment during PHSMs was associated with the anxiety states and preferences of the population.

"Life mapping" exploring the lived experience of COVID-19 on access to HIV treatment and care in Malawi

Background The COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi exacerbated, existing public health challenges including access to HIV treatment and care services. “Life Mapping,” a component of the Citizen Science community-led project in Malawi, documented the lived experiences and perspectives of people living with HIV in the context of COVID-19. Methods Citizen Science Life Maps is a three-year qualitative, longitudinal project utilizing collaborative and participatory research methods through digital storytelling to document peoples’ daily lives. Twenty participants living with HIV were recruited between 2022 and 2023 in two central regional districts of Malawi and two urban areas. The participants were given mobile smart phones to document the impact of COVID-19 on HIV prevention and treatment services, HIV treatment literacy, mental health and the COVID -19 vaccine. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results Access to HIV prevention and treatment slowly recovered yet introducing multi-month anti- retroviral dispensing raised concerns. In the absence of mental health care services, participants were resourceful in seeking alternative ways to deal with mental health. However, state sponsored violence in relation to COVID-19 public health measures impacted negatively not only on mental well-being but also on HIV treatment adherence. Whilst most recognized the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine, especially for people living with HIV, myths, misinformation, and conspiracy theories around the vaccine persisted especially religious themed misinformation. Conclusions The relationship between misinformation and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is complex and medical and scientific approaches may not be sufficient to prevent misinformation. Fear and misinformation are likely attributed to global uncertainty during the pandemic and the speed at which vaccines were developed with minimal opportunity to prepare global communities.

A microbial symphony: a literature review of the factors that orchestrate the colonization dynamics of the human colonic microbiome during infancy and implications for future health

Since the advent of new sequencing and bioinformatic technologies, our understanding of the human microbiome has expanded rapidly over recent years. Numerous studies have indicated causal links between alterations to the microbiome and a range of pathological conditions. Furthermore, a large body of epidemiological data is starting to suggest that exposure, or lack thereof, to specific microbial species during the first five years of life has key implications for long-term health outcomes. These include chronic inflammatory and metabolic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and obesity, with the effects lasting into adulthood. Human microbial colonisation during these first five years of life is a highly dynamic process, with multiple environmental exposures recently being characterised to have influence before the microbiome stabilises and resembles that of an adult at 3-5 years. This short period of time, known as the window of opportunity, appears to “prime” immunoregulation for later life. Understanding and appreciating this aspect of human physiology is therefore crucial for clinicians, scientists, and public health officials. This review outlines the most recent evidence for the pre- and post-natal environments that order the development of the microbiome, how these influences metabolic and immunoregulatory pathways, and their associated health outcomes. It also discusses the limitations of the current knowledge base, and describes the potential microbiome-mediated interventions and public health measures that may have therapeutic potential in the future.

A Mixed Methods Analysis of Long COVID Symptoms in Black Americans: Examining Physical and Mental Health Outcomes.

While several reports confirm that long COVID is associated with poorer health, few studies explore how long COVID directly impacts the lives of Black Americans who experienced higher mortality rates early in the pandemic. Even fewer studies utilize both quantitative and qualitative methods to identify pertinent long COVID symptoms. The current study, therefore, sought to identify points of overlap and divergence when comparing qualitative vs. quantitative descriptions of long COVID experiences among Black adults in the United States. We analyzedcross-sectional surveys collected from the AmeriSpeak panel through the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago. This panel includes a probability-based sample of adults across the UnitedStates. Respondents completed online surveys between April and June 2022. We compared outcomes among participants who reported experiencing post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (i.e., long COVID) to those who reported experiencing SARS-CoV-2 without long COVID. Nearly all qualitative responses focused on matters of physical health like prolonged coughing, cardiovascular concerns, troubled breathing, fatigue, headaches, memory loss, and bodily pains. Quantitative results, however, showed that Black adults living with long COVID reported significantly more anxiety, depressive symptoms, and hopelessness. Persons with long COVID were also significantly more likely to report experiencing psychosis, suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts within the last year. Black adults with long COVID experienced worse outcomes across all mental health measures. Despite the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency expiration in May 2023, urgent efforts are still required to not only treat both the physical and mental health needs of persons living with long COVID, but to effectively prevent the spread and transmission of COVID-19.

‘Flashforward’ mental imagery in adolescents: exploring developmental differences and associations with mental health

Abstract Background: Future events can spring to mind unbidden in the form of involuntary mental images also known as ‘flashforwards’, which are deemed important for understanding and treating emotional distress. However, there has been little exploration of this form of imagery in youth, and even less so in those with high psychopathology vulnerabilities (e.g. due to developmental differences associated with neurodiversity or maltreatment). Aims: We aimed to test whether flashforwards are heightened (e.g. more frequent and emotional) in autistic and maltreatment-exposed adolescents relative to typically developing adolescents. We also explored their associations with anxiety/depression symptoms. Method: A survey including measures of flashforward imagery and mental health was completed by a group of adolescents (n=87) aged 10–16 (and one of their caregivers) who met one of the following criteria: (i) had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder; (ii) a history of maltreatment; or (ii) no autism/maltreatment. Results: Flashforwards (i) were often of positive events and related to career, education and/or learning; with phenomenological properties (e.g. frequency and emotionality) that were (ii) not significantly different between groups; but nevertheless (iii) associated with symptoms of anxiety across groups (particularly for imagery emotionality), even after accounting for general trait (non-future) imagery vividness. Conclusions: As a modifiable cognitive risk factor, flashforward imagery warrants further consideration for understanding and improving mental health in young people. This implication may extend to range of developmental backgrounds, including autism and maltreatment.

Psychometric Properties of Telugu Version of Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for 5-year-old Children.

Only a finite number of standard oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) measures are available for young children. However, instead of using parents as proxies to report a child's oral health status, children's self-reported oral health measures would be more accurate in providing their own perceptions of oral impacts. The study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Telugu version of the scale of oral health outcomes (SOHO-5T) for 5-year-old children in Telangana. The forward-backward translated SOHO-5T was pilot-tested among thirty children. The tested questionnaire was administered to 419 children, followed by a clinical oral examination using dentition status to evaluate dental caries (DC). Children (n = 30) were readministered the same questionnaire after a 2-week interval to test reliability. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were determined by Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation. Correlation with global ratings of oral health questions was done to assess construct validity. Discriminant validity was evaluated based on the presence or absence of DC. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean SOHO-5T score was 4.70, and the mean decayed teeth score was 2.48, with 49.16% of children having DC. Cronbach's α scores and the intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficient for overall SOHO-5T were 0.90 and 0.91, respectively. SOHO-5T also demonstrated good construct validity with a significant positive correlation with global ratings of oral health. SOHO-5T showed good discrimination between the presence (9.43 ± 3.10), or absence (0.14 ± 1.01) of DC. This study shows good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. It also exhibited good construct and discriminant validity. Meghana D, Sukhabogi JR, Doshi D, et al. Psychometric Properties of Telugu Version of Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for 5-year-old Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(8):933-937.

From the Screen to the Streets: Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Public Health Professionals

This qualitative study sought to explore the experiences of public health professionals in Canada who were targets of harassment, abuse, and threatening behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health professionals from across Canada who held responsibility for public health measures in their respective jurisdictions participated in in-depth interviews. Using constructivist grounded theory and constant comparative analysis a cycle of violence was identified. Results revealed that as infections and deaths due to COVID-19 began to rise across the globe, participants engaged in efforts to educate the public through mainstream media and social media. While education efforts were generally positively received at the onset of the pandemic, as collective frustration with public health restrictions rose and misinformation began to proliferate, social media fueled outrage and polarization, and public anger began to focus on public health officials. Harassment, abuse, and threats on social media were followed by threats delivered through telephone and paper mail, and finally direct physical threats and confrontation—which were then glorified and amplified on social media. As reported by others, harassment and abuse were particularly virulent for public health professionals who were women or visible minority individuals. We conclude that the pattern of abuse identified in this study is reminiscent of the cycle of violence previously identified with respect to those who become radicalized on social media. These findings serve as a poignant example from which to develop guidelines for all professionals and researchers at risk of online abuse both in the health sector and beyond.