Health Objectives Research Articles

Development of a Predictive Model for Chewing Difficulty Using EuroQol-5 Dimension Among Korean Older Adults.

We aimed to develop a predictive model for chewing difficulty using the EuroQol-5 dimension measure (EQ-5D). We included 6643 individuals aged ≥ 65 years (mean age: 72.6 ± 4.96 years; women: 3761 [56.6%]) who had completed the sixth (2013-2015) and seventh (2016-2018) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The participants were further divided into young-old (65-74 years) and old-old (≥ 75 years) adults. Data from the sixth KNHANES were used to establish an internal validation model (overall, young-old and old-old adult populations were 3472, 2271 and 1201, respectively). Data from the seventh KNHANES were used to establish an external validation model (overall, young-old and old-old adult populations were 3171, 1879 and 1292 participants, respectively). We evaluated chewing difficulty using the EQ-5D (Model 1) and comparative models, subjective oral health status indicators (SOHSI) and objective oral health status indicators (OOHSI). Compared with SOHSI and OOHSI, EQ-5D showed similar predictive utility for chewing difficulty in both the internal and external validation models. Effect sizes, quantified using Cohen's d, indicated that EQ-5D parameters had a moderate impact on the prediction accuracy for chewing difficulties.

Sizzling steaks and manly molds: Exploring the meanings of meat and masculinities in young men’s lives

Eating (red) meat and masculinity are historically and culturally associated, leading to the stereotype “real men eat meat” in western society. Existing literature primarily examines men’ motivations, justifications, and attitudes toward meat consumption; however, there is limited understanding of the themes that emerging adult men associate with their meat consumption and how these themes relate to their masculine identity. This study employed semi-structured interviews with thirty men aged 18 to 29, living in Flanders, Belgium. Through inductive analysis, we identified five meat themes (i.e. the topics men talk about when discussing their meat-eating behavior): “traditional cuisine”, “doing meat”, “fitness”, “taste”, and “meat ethics”. Subsequently, these themes were deductively connected to the frameworks of Wong and Wang’s (2022) model of masculinities and Piazza et al.’s (2015) 4N scale of meat justification to gain insight into the link between masculine identities and meat consumption. Finally, we formulated five “masculine meat identities”: “normative”, “performative”, “embodied”, “hedonistic” and “ethical” meat masculinities. Each identity reflects how men utilize meat, particularly red meat, for communicating and reinforcing their masculine identity, while also serving as a medium for expressing personal and social identities. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how food, especially meat, operates as a means of communicating gender, bridging the disciplines of food and masculinities studies. Moreover, insights obtained from these masculine meat identities provide implications for public health, marketing, and policy. By tailoring strategies that resonate with diverse masculine identities, stakeholders can better align their initiatives with global health and sustainable objectives.

Association between temporomandibular joint dysfunction signs and symptoms, mental health indices, and MRI diagnoses: should we scan patients?

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a common condition; yet multifactorial in nature. Our understanding of the interplay between clinical symptoms in relation to Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and quality of life is limited. Our primary objective was to identify features of TMD contributing to anxiety and depression. Our secondary objective was to determine whether clinical symptoms, baseline characteristics, and mental health outcomes are associated with underlying disease severity, as determined by MRI. A retrospective analysis of 202 TMD patients was performed. Mental health outcomes were quantified using the IMPARTS psychometric questionnaire (Visual Analog Score, VAS; Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment, GAD7;, Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9), and patients were categorised based on temporomandibular joint pathology severity (normal, anterior disc displacement with reduction, anterior disc displacement without reduction and severe degeneration). On multivariable analyses, both higher anxiety (p<0.001) and depression (p<0.001) scores on IMPARTS assessment were associated with worst perceived pain (on VAS). Unilateral joint involvement (OR2.48[95%CI 1.20;5.46],p=0.018), locking (OR4.28[95%CI 1.63;13.63],p=0.006) , and clicking (OR2.14[95%CI1.05;4.60],p=0.006) were significantly associated with increased odds of an abnormal TMJ on MRI, whereas higher anxiety scores (OR0.93[95%CI 0.88;0.99],p=0.006) and male gender (OR0.35[95%CI 0.15;0.79],p=0.012) were significantly predictive of a normal joint morphology on MRI. Our findings support a complex interplay between patient symptomology, mental health outcomes and objective radiologically-defined joint pathology in the TMD patient population.

Understanding health and illness among incarcerated persons in the Slovenian correctional system: A qualitative study

Understanding the perspectives of incarcerated persons on health and illness, as well as the social contexts influencing these perspectives, is important for developing healthcare interventions that effectively address their specific needs and improve overall well-being. The aim of this study was to explore and understand the complex, multi-dimensional experiences of health and illness among incarcerated persons within the Slovenian correctional system. This study employed an interpretative descriptive design. Using purposive sampling, ten incarcerated persons—five females and five males—were invited to individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted in accordance with the interpretative description analytical process. Four major themes were identified: (1) Perspectives on health and illness during incarceration, (2) Healthcare access and self-care during incarceration, (3) Social contacts and their impact on health, and (4) Programmes and activities to enhance well-being. The findings highlighted a shift in perception among participants from a traditional view of health as merely the absence of illness to a more dynamic and holistic understanding, encompassing physical, mental, and social determinants of health. The structured environments within prisons can sometimes paradoxically improve physical health by promoting positive health behaviours, yet they often exacerbate mental health challenges due to restricted freedom and social isolation. The study's implications are significant for policy-making, suggesting that integrated health strategies can significantly improve health outcomes for incarcerated populations, aligning with public health objectives and ensuring better community reintegration.

Phage diversity in One Health.

One Health aims to bring together human, animal, and environmental research to achieve optimal health for all. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that kill bacteria and their utilisation as biocontrol agents in the environment and as therapeutics for animal and human medicine will aid in the achievement of One Health objectives. Here, we assess the diversity of phages used in One Health in the last 5 years and place them in the context of global phage diversity. Our review shows that 98% of phages applied in One Health belong to the class Caudoviricetes, compared to 85% of sequenced phages belonging to this class. Only three RNA phages from the realm Riboviria have been used in environmental biocontrol and human therapy to date. This emphasises the lack in diversity of phages used commercially and for phage therapy, which may be due to biases in the methods used to both isolate phages and select them for applications. The future of phages as biocontrol agents and therapeutics will depend on the ability to isolate genetically novel dsDNA phages, as well as in improving efforts to isolate ssDNA and RNA phages, as their potential is currently undervalued. Phages have the potential to reduce the burden of antimicrobial resistance, however, we are underutilising the vast diversity of phages present in nature. More research into phage genomics and alternative culture methods is required to fully understand the complex relationships between phages, their hosts, and other organisms in the environment to achieve optimal health for all.

Collaborative approaches to health education: perspectives of parents and teachers on self-care and managing common health issues in UK primary schools

BackgroundHealth education in primary schools plays a critical role in equipping children with essential self-care skills, fostering health literacy, and addressing social determinants of health. This study explores the perspectives of parents and teachers on teaching self-care and managing common health issues in UK primary schools. Despite the recognized importance of health education, there is limited research on how self-care education is perceived and implemented in the primary school setting.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 18 participants, including 9 generalist primary teachers and 9 parents from diverse educational and socioeconomic contexts in the West Midlands, East Midlands, Northwest, and London of England. Participants were recruited via social media and professional networks, and interviews were conducted via video conferencing platforms. Data were thematically analysed using NVivo 12 to identify recurring themes related to the delivery and impact of self-care education in primary schools.ResultsTeachers and parents highlighted key self-care topics, including hygiene, managing common illnesses like colds and cuts, and mental well-being. There was a consensus on the importance of self-care education, but views diverged on whether the responsibility should lie primarily with schools, parents, or a collaborative approach. Teachers expressed concerns about their preparedness to teach sensitive topics, citing a lack of training and resources. Socioeconomic and religious contexts further influenced perceptions, with participants emphasising further importance of school-led self-care education for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Strengths were identified in current self-care education efforts, particularly in practical lessons that empower children with age-appropriate skills.ConclusionsThis study highlights the critical need for comprehensive and collaborative health education in primary schools to promote health literacy and reduce health disparities. Enhancing teacher training, integrating self-care topics into the primary curriculum, and fostering stronger partnerships between schools and families are essential to improving the quality and consistency of self-care education. Policymakers should consider implementing mandatory health education training in teacher education programs and providing ongoing professional development to support teachers. By addressing these gaps, schools can play a pivotal role in preparing children for lifelong health management, reducing the burden on healthcare services, and supporting public health objectives.

Working on new applications: Use of economic evaluation in burden of disease estimates

Abstract Burden of disease (BoD) analyses provide policy-makers with useful evidence to prioritise policy responses to major public health threats. Increasingly, however, epidemiological data alone is not considered as sufficient to inform decisions, particularly when funding is allocated within a single government approach and different sectors compete for a larger share of the overall budget. Similarly, other funders, such as charities and foundations, may want to prioritise budget allocation between health and non-health objectives. In all these cases, traditional BoD analyses need to be complemented by economic evaluations. In its simplest form, the economic component may mean adding an assessment of the healthcare costs caused by the diseases in the study. A more comprehensive, though still with limitations, approach is to use monetary values to measure the extent to which individuals are willing to exchange their income - which can be spent on other things - for the health outcomes they experience. Finally, in its most advanced and comprehensive form, analyses can include assessments of a number of relevant dimensions, such as those in the OECD’s Better Life Index. The latter approach is also consistent with, and its results support the implementation of, a health in all policies approach. This presentation will look at traditional and innovative approaches that can be used to add an economic dimension to BoD analyses. After introducing the rationale and key methodological issues of each approach, the presentation will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each methodology and will identify areas where their use can be beneficial in guiding the decision-making process. Examples of the use of these methodologies in real-world analyses will also be presented to support the theoretical part of the discussion.

Changing the environment: Removing HFSS items in prominent areas of stores in Nottinghamshire

Abstract This study examines the change in exposure to high-fat, salt, or sugar products (HFSS) after the implementation of a policy restricting the placement of HFSS items in prime locations in England that came into legislation in October 2022. 132 observations were conducted in 2022 and 2023, using a food environment survey. Supermarkets (SM), chain convenience stores (CSS), and independent convenience stores (ICS) were observed in the highest and lowest socioeconomic districts (SED) in Nottinghamshire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse changes in exposures in prime locations by product category, the policy’s inclusion criteria, the Food Standard Agency’s Nutrient Profile Score (NPS), and the Nova classification. Exposure defined as is the presence of a product at a prime location in stores. A decrease in exposure to restricted products in both SED in SM and CCS was observed. No notable changes were observed in the ICS due to their exemption from the policy. In all SM, the observed exposure to products restricted by the policy was reduced from 39% to 14%. The study found that the policy was successful in reducing exposure to high-sugar products such as biscuits and chocolate. NPS and NOVA showed that exposure rates were notably higher in less healthy and ultra-processed food (UPF) categories compared to the exposure to products restricted due to the policy’s exemption criteria. Exposure to alcohol products increased after the policy’s implementation, with a 20-percentage point increase in alcohol exposure in all SM checkout areas. The study suggests that the policy may have narrowed the differences in environments between the SEDs, highlighted by the findings in the ICS, whereby exposure to less healthy products was higher in the lower SED. The policy also created an opportunity for the alcohol industry to increase its exposure. Shortfalls in the policy’s design were identified through the use of the NPS and Nova classification system. Key messages • Despite the equitable outcomes in socioeconomic districts, loopholes in policy design allow the alcohol industry to exploit prime locations and undermine health objectives. • Policy success is evident in HFSS reduction; however, continued exposure to HFSS items exempt from the policy, and UPF products highlight policy design flaws that undermine health objectives.

Foresight diet quality: current trends and future problems

Abstract Current evidence suggests that several aspects of diet quality is globally suboptimal. While increasing animal-based products could exert certain benefits against undernutrition in developing countries, the preference of mass-produced low-quality meat-products over other animal-based ones (i.e., milk, dairy, and eggs) and their overall excessive consumption in spite of plant-based ones has been deemed responsible, at least in part, of the rise of non-communicable diseases. The industry-led response to the growing need of animal-food alternatives may not necessarily meet the health objectives of a natural vegetable source against highly processed products rich in chemical additives. Research in this area is growing producing mixed results, while adoption of plant-based dietary patterns seems less and less equivalent to be synonymous of a healthy nor sustainable choice. In this presentation, data on the current state of evidence on global food consumption, dietary patterns, as well as the relation between level of food processing and health will be provided.

The wisdom layer: how to support evidence-informed policymaking

Abstract One of the returning challenges faced by public health scientists is bridging the ‘evidence-policy gap’-the disparity between identifying public health issues and implementing policies to address them. Despite the extensive literature documenting the challenges of promoting evidence-informed policymaking, opportunities for researchers to exchange experiences and learn from each other’s failures are limited. This presentation seeks to: (a) analyze key concepts in evidence-informed policymaking, based on the health information pyramid; (b) identify obstacles and facilitators in the translation of knowledge into actionable policy; and (c) present both successful and unsuccessful examples from our initiatives to influence health policy in Belgium. Specifically, we will discuss the concrete impact of the Belgian Health Status Report and the role this report plays in the development of actionable health objectives for Belgium. We will also cover the role of healthybelgium.be in governing and monitoring the health status of the Belgian population by discussing why this website has been recognized by WHO Europe as a model of good practice in evidence-informed policymaking.

Could We Prevent Tobacco Products in Young Populations?

The well-documented detrimental effects of tobacco on children and adolescents make it imperative to prevent tobacco use in young populations, which is a critical public health objective. Youth are particularly susceptible to nicotine’s addictive properties, and they are more susceptible to developing an addiction to tobacco products if they begin using them at a young age, according to research. The reduction of tobacco use among young people can be achieved by implementing evidence-based strategies, including increasing the minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco products, increasing taxation on these products, restricting marketing aimed at youth, and facilitating comprehensive school-based prevention programs, etc. Furthermore, prevention initiatives may be further bolstered by initiatives to encourage smoke-free environments and offer access to smoking cessation resources. In order to effectively prevent tobacco use in young populations and promote healthier outcomes for future generations, it is necessary to target various levels of intervention and involve multiple sectors, including healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, and community leaders.

7.Y.2. Solidarity and public health teaching and practice in the age of new normal

Abstract This workshop will address the concept and topic of solidarity as it pertains to public health (PH). The objectives of the workshop are: • To explore what is understood by solidarity in the context of PH; • To consider the PH scenarios in which solidarity may be an important construct; • To consider how solidarity is understood by PH experts and practitioners, and • To profile investigate how solidarity is represented in educational and training programme in PH. Solidarity is a social determinant of health. It is proven as a crucial factor in achieving PH objectives such as: compliance with vaccination campaigns; donations of bodily samples to biobanks; or refraining from polluting. It can be defined as a cost taken upon oneself for the sake of a group with which one identifies (Prainsack and Buyx 2017). As PH is about achieving health objectives through public participation, solidarity can be seen as the kernel of PH practice. In an era with emerging PH threats, from pandemics to climate crises, the importance of understanding the many meanings and uses of solidarity is essential to PH practitioners. There is much more in solidarity than meets the eye. Solidarity is largely a mystification of a collective identity, a boundary-making mechanism that draw the line between ‘us’ and ‘them’, and most importantly, it is the generator of what is understood as ‘public’. Facing increasing challenges in PH, solidarity is a concept to be thoroughly apprehended. Is there one solidarity, or rather multiple solidarities? What are the referent publics of different solidarities and how do they interact? Can be a global solidarity? Is solidarity a normative or descriptive concept? Is solidarity the outcome or the generator of pro-social behaviour. These are questions that will be discussed in this round table workshop session. Curious to learn about PH views on solidarity, we conducted structured interviews with PH experts to ascertain views on solidarity as a key concept in PH; whether the concept should be incorporated into PH education programme, and if so, how best to do that. Preliminary findings suggest that all interviewees agreed that solidarity is a key concept in PH but when asked to define solidarity, provided diverse answers. They acknowledged that solidarity should be taught in different stages of PH education, but admitted that it rarely appears in current curricula. Many interviewees stated that solidarity may be culturally and politically determined and should be discussed through case studies and guest lectures as well as theory. The added value of this workshop is to raise awareness about the importance of the concept of solidarity and its importance in PH education and training programmes. The workshop will run as a Round table discussion, in which each panellist will make a short presentation on a specific subject, which will then be discussed between panel members and audience. Key messages • Solidarity is considered a key concept for the practice of public health, yet has been constantly contested as too vague and even too political. • Presenting key challenges facing the teaching of solidarity as competence in public health; its conceptual ambiguities and cultural differences and the different uses of solidarity as a value and tool. Speakers/Panelists Farhang Tahzib Faculty of Public Health, Haywards heath, UK Mary Codd University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland Alison Mc Callum University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK Hagai Boas Van Leer Jerusalem Institute, Jerusalem, Israel

Enhancing preparedness by developing robust implementation

Abstract In EUVABECO, a goal is defined as a public health objective that motivates a vaccination practice. A vaccination practice encompasses specific methods or approaches used in vaccination efforts, while a tool refers to a tangible resource or software developed to support the implementation of these practices. EUVABECO is undertaking a series of structured activities from January 2024 until mid-2026. These include mapping innovative practices, deriving requirements for tools and validation plans, developing implementation plans, and facilitating their adoption by European MS. The project will also evaluate, validate, and verify these plans to ensure their efficacy and sustainability. EUVABECO’s methodology is informed by the Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC) framework, utilizing the V-model to ensure a strong linkage between the development and testing phases, thereby guaranteeing a cohesive workflow. Each implementation plan developed will feature comprehensive policy recommendations and a workplan that covers the necessary organizational, technical, legal, and ethical aspects required for the tool’s deployment. Additionally, these plans will include tailored strategies to enhance the tool’s functionality during outbreaks, criteria for verifying implementation effectiveness, and financial considerations critical for supporting adoption. The implementation plans will undergo a rigorous validation process to assess their suitability, transferability, and sustainability across MS. The ultimate goal is to disseminate validated plans whilst ensuring a parallel multistakeholder engagement approach to ensure MS are actively involved in key project phases, thus, facilitating rapid uptake of said plans across EU MS and a transformation of the vaccination ecosystem across Europe.

Co-planning as a public health tool: the Milan Health Protection Agencies’s Local Gambling Plan

Abstract Issue/problem Gambling represents a public health, social, and economic problem. Lombardy Region, according with national and regional law, has approved the Regional Plan for the prevention and contrast of Pathological Gambling. The Health Protection Agencies (HPA) of the Metropolitan City of Milan, as the other HPAs, implemented the Local Gambling Plan, based on a context analysis and in synergy with all the actors involved. Description of the problem Since 2019, the Milan HPA’s Local Gambling Plan has been implemented through collaboration with non-profit entities (TSEs), which are involved via public tendering. The implementation of the new Italian ‘Code of the Third Sector’ changed the TSEs engagement modalities. For this reason, a complex co-planning process has been initiated in order to increase the level of active citizenship and to enhance public health, in line with horizontal subsidiarity principle. Results The Co-planning procedure promoted the integration among local health services, non-profit entities and municipalities with the aim of gambling prevention and contrast, ensuring the continuity of prevention programs and the involvement of local stakeholders in addressing a public health issue. During the co-planning, 9 working groups were established to define objectives, project actions, monitoring and evaluation methods, ensuring the common interest of all actors involved. Lessons For the health and social system, the co-planning procedure becomes an opportunity to translate what is foreseen by the regulations into local actions. It allow the active participation of local stakeholders involved into the co-construction and achievement of public health objectives and the promotion of communities’ empowerment. Key messages • Co-planning is both a process and a tool for local welfare. • Co-planning involved multiple actors, among which the public institution that ensures satisfaction of health needs through governance actions.

Driving policy changes: RISE-Vac lessons learnt and recommendations

Abstract The RISE-Vac project consortium applied evidence-based public health methods to collate, assess, and analyze all the evidence generated through project activities, including literature review and prospective data collection on quantitative and qualitative aspects of vaccine services implementation in prison settings. A multi-sectorial and inter-disciplinary group of experts was set-up including health professionals, statisticians, social scientists and people with lived experience from civil society organisations, health services, prison administrations, academia and international agencies. A set of recommendations, advice, and policy options on how to increase vaccine uptake, targeted to people in prison and using a citizen-centred approach, were developed and tailored to specific needs profiles of different prison population subgroups. Vaccinations to be considered in prison settings were grouped according to target population and/or public health objective into: Seasonal vaccinations and vaccination during outbreak; Childhood life-course vaccinations (booster doses); Vaccinations for cancer prevention; Vaccination for older population groups and people with chronic conditions. In consideration of the diversity of the countries participating in the project, their epidemiological context and available resources and infrastructures, a multi-tiered approach for the development and implementation of models for vaccination services implementation in prison settings was devised, encompassing core vaccinations, such as HBV, Flu, COVID-19 and tetanus, as well as expanded vaccination offer to respond to enhanced health needs and to promote equity of health outcomes, including e.g. HPV vaccination.

Community members’ perspective on social accountability in the health system: a cross- sectional study from Tanzania

Introduction: Social accountability initiatives are considered a way to address inefficiencies and improve overall health system performance. Tanzania has introduced Health Facility Governing Committees (HFGCs) to improve social accountability of the health system. However, information on how communities perceive these committees is lacking. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and social determinants of the HFGCs accountability from the community perspective in Tanzania. Methods: The research employed a cross-sectional survey design in two Tanzanian districts (Handeni and Mbarali) selected for their contrasting health performance. Data collection took place from July to October 2022, involving 1184 households in 31 villages/mitaa. The study measured social accountability through a set of six questions, focusing on community support, sensitization, feedback, trust, engagement, and overall accountability of HFGCs. Socio-demographic data such as sex, age, education, occupation, type of health facility and district were also collected and analyzed using linear regression to identify factors influencing perceptions of accountability. Results: The findings revealed a low prevalence of social accountability as measured by the variables of community awareness and engagement with the HFGCs. Only a small percentage of respondents felt adequately informed or involved in the activities of these committees. Social determinants such as higher education levels and certain occupations, such as business and retirement and those living in Handeni district, correlated positively with a better perception of social accountability. Conclusion: The study highlights significant challenges in the operational effectiveness of HFGCs in Tanzania, with a notable disconnect between these bodies and the communities they serve. Despite the theoretical framework for social accountability, actual community engagement remains low, impacting the overall efficacy of health governance at the local level. Future research should focus on improving community awareness and participation in these committees to improve their functionality and accountability, thereby aligning with national health objectives and local needs.

Patient-Centric In Vitro Fertilization Prognostic Counseling Using Machine Learning for the Pragmatist.

Although in vitro fertilization (IVF) has become an extremely effective treatment option for infertility, there is significant underutilization of IVF by patients who could benefit from such treatment. In order for patients to choose to consider IVF treatment when appropriate, it is critical for them to be provided with an accurate, understandable IVF prognosis. Machine learning (ML) can meet the challenge of personalized prognostication based on data available prior to treatment. The development, validation, and deployment of ML prognostic models and related patient counseling report delivery require specialized human and platform expertise. This review article takes a pragmatic approach to review relevant reports of IVF prognostic models and draws from extensive experience meeting patients' and providers' needs with the development of data and model pipelines to implement validated ML models at scale, at the point-of-care. Requirements of using ML-based IVF prognostics at point-of-care will be considered alongside clinical ML implementation factors critical for success. Finally, we discuss health, social, and economic objectives that may be achieved by leveraging combined human expertise and ML prognostics to expand fertility care access and advance health and social good.

Spatial variations in health service utilization among migrant population: a perspective on health equity.

As health equity becomes a prioritized goal in global health policy, extensive research has revealed that socio-economic and geographical factors jointly exacerbate barriers to medical service access for both internal and international migrant populations, further accelerating existing health disparities. This study explores healthcare service utilization disparities among internal migrants in China, a population profoundly affected by the country's economic reforms and urbanization since the late 1970s. These transformations have led to significant migratory movements and subsequent healthcare challenges for these populations. Leveraging data from the 2017 China Migrant Dynamic Survey, comprising 169,989 samples across 28 provinces, we introduce a novel metric-the "No Treatment ratio" (NT-ratio). This ratio quantifies the proportion of migrants who, after falling ill, choose not to seek treatment relative to the total migrant population in a given province or region, serving as a critical measure of health risk. Building upon Anderson's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, we adapted the model to better reflect the unique circumstances of migrant populations. The study employs spatial autocorrelation, hotspot analysis, and geodetector techniques to dissect the multifaceted factors influencing healthcare disparities. Our Findings reveal that the NT-ratio is significantly higher in eastern and northeastern China. Key factors influencing the NT-ratio include age, left-behind experiences, health education, and per capita medical resources. In response to these disparities, we recommend optimizing the distribution of medical resource, strengthening tiered diagnosis and treatment systems, and integrating health, education, and social security resources. These measures aim to improve healthcare utilization among migrant populations and reduce health inequities, aligning with global health objectives.

Coriander as a natural antimicrobial for meat products: A One Health perspective review

The demand for safe, high-quality meat products drives the need for effective antimicrobial solutions to combat bacterial contamination, a significant health and economic concern. Synthetic preservatives face increasing scrutiny, leading to interest in natural alternatives such as coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). Known for its culinary and medicinal uses, coriander essential oils, particularly linalool and pinene, exhibit strong antimicrobial properties against a wide range of pathogens. This review examines the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial mechanisms of coriander, and its practical applications in meat preservation through a One Health perspective, which addresses the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Coriander offers unique benefits such as a milder flavor and cost-effectiveness. Despite challenges, including variability in antimicrobial efficacy and sensory impacts, its safety profile and regulatory status support its use. Future research should optimize extraction methods, explore synergies with other preservatives, and evaluate long-term safety and efficacy. Coriander is a viable natural solution for improving food safety and quality in the meat industry, aligning with One Health objectives by promoting sustainable practices and reducing health risks across the food production continuum.

Strong versus weak sustainable development in the blue economy: a study of 15 EU coastal countries

One of the European Union’s environmental and sustainable development objectives is to achieve sustainable marine development, combining the objectives of ocean health and the blue economy. Developing, implementing, and monitoring marine policies requires information on the status and evolution of marine development at the country level, including the extent to which strong sustainable development (i.e., balanced development across socio-economic and environmental dimensions) is being achieved. Here, we provide a comprehensive assessment of progress towards marine development for 15 European Union coastal countries in the Baltic, North, and Atlantic Seas, covering the period 2012–2022 and using information from Sustainable Development Goal 14 to derive our indicator framework. We show that the EU is achieving sustainable marine development, but not comprehensively in all countries. While seven countries achieved sustainable development under both weak and strong sustainability, seven countries developed only under weak sustainability, and one country made no progress under either concept.