Health Promotion Strategies Research Articles

Early assessment of vision-related quality of life predicts long-term spectacle-wear compliance

Non-compliance with spectacle wear undermines global health initiatives aimed at eliminating uncorrected refractive error—a preventable cause of visual impairment—by providing free or affordable spectacles to underserved populations. Non-compliance, however, is often identified too late, delaying effective health promotion strategies. This study evaluates the association between early-assessed vision-related quality of life (QoL) following spectacle correction and long-term compliance in adults. A comprehensive eye examination was conducted on 3052 university students to identify those visually impaired (presenting acuity ≥ Snellen 6/12 in the better eye) due to uncorrected refractive error. After refractive correction, participants achieving a best-corrected visual acuity of Snellen 6/6 completed the National Eye Institute 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) at baseline and within the first week of correction. A 6-month follow-up assessed compliance with spectacle wear. The average baseline NEI-VFQ-25 score improved from 67.35 (± 13.53%) to 90.56 (± 8.45%) with spectacle correction (P < 0.001) in the first week, with individual changes ranging from 2 to 70%. After 6 months, only 54 (47%) out of the 115 eligible participants (58 females; ages 18 to 29) were compliant. Following the adjustment for covariates, the results revealed that gains in NEI-VFQ-25 score below 40 were significantly associated with reduced compliance over the 6-month period (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.06–0.99, P = 0.047). This supports an association between early vision-related QoL and long-term compliance. Scheduling a short follow-up to assess vision-related QoL within the first week after dispensing spectacles may help identify potential non-compliant wearers early, allowing for timely interventions.

Changes in perceived neighborhood social cohesion and self-assessed health: 17-year follow-up of the Dutch GLOBE study.

Prior research has indicated that residents who perceive their neighborhood as more cohesive have better mental and physical health than those with lower perceived neighborhood social cohesion. However, because most studies are based on cross-sectional data, it remains unclear whether improving the perceptions of social cohesion leads to better health over time. This study applied random effects within-between models to examine the within-individual and between-individual associations of perceived neighborhood social cohesion and poor self-assessed health (SAH) in a cohort of Dutch adults with 17-year follow-up. We also tested whether such associations varied by age, educational level, and gender. The results of pooled analyses indicated that higher perceived neighborhood social cohesion was associated with better SAH [odds ratio (OR): 0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65, 0.80], but did not find conclusive evidence that within-individual changes in perceived neighborhood social cohesion were associated with SAH (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.04). We also did not observe any moderating effects for age, educational level, or gender. This study provides some evidence that improving social cohesion in neighborhoods may be a beneficial health promotion strategy.

Empowering Pregnant Women with Health Promotion Strategies to Prevent Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED): Systematic Review

Background: Pregnant women's nutrition is very important for the growth and development of the fetus. Nutrition for pregnant women is very important for the development and growth of the fetus. The application of the concept of a health promotion model strategy as the right strategy to improve and prevent CED is urgently needed. Purpose: To find out changes in the behavior of empowering pregnant women with a strategic model of a health promotion approach to prevent CED. Method: The method used systematic review. Articles were searched using keywords that had been determined by the researcher then the articles were extracted based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thus, found 7 articles suitable for analysis. Results: Changing behavior by empowering pregnant women using health promotion strategies in preventing CED has proven to be very effective. But in its application it becomes a complex thing because of the diversity of cultures in Indonesia. Conclusion: The diversity of community characteristics can affect the application of the model of empowering pregnant women in preventing CED. Several other factors such asbeliefs and environment that are understood also affect the understanding of each individual.

Empowerment and interprofessional collaboration in health promotion centre Murska Sobota

Abstract Background Health promotion centres (HPCs) were introduced in Slovenian primary health care centres to provide interventions against risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). HPCs integrate a multidisciplinary and community-based primary care approach to the prevention of NCDs and provide free lifestyle intervention programmes. This study aims to explore the perspectives of health care professionals on promoting health of local community members, as well as their perceptions of interprofessional collaboration in HPCs. Methods Two group discussions were conducted with a total of 11 health care professionals at the HPC Murska Sobota. Data collection was accompanied by a dual role interpreter in accordance with the principles of cross-language qualitative research. The data was transcribed, semantically translated and thematically analysed. Results Health care professionals emphasize the importance of health-related empowerment of individuals for the success of health promotion activities and therefore for the improvement of individuals’ quality of life. This is based on shared decision-making, self-management and educational measures in a combination of population- and individual-based approaches. The need for efficient interprofessional communication, characterized by a flat hierarchy, is stressed. Structured cooperation with other health care facilities, as well as close collaboration with communities and local media, are described as crucial for reaching all individuals and promoting health equity. Conclusions Interprofessional collaboration, health-related empowerment of individuals and collaboration with local communities are fundamental for the success of health promotion activities, achieving health equity and preventing NCDs. Understanding how these activities are implemented from the health care professionals’ perspective can help other health facilities developing and improving local health promotion strategies. Key messages • Slovenian health care professionals see interprofessional collaboration as fundamental for the implementation of health-promotion strategies. • Health-related empowerment of individuals and collaboration with local communities play an important role in achieving health equity in health promotion activities.

User technology for AI-supported objective measurement of Work-related Quality of Life (MI-LQ)

Abstract Background Understanding and enhancing job satisfaction is crucial for improving Work-Related Quality of Life (WrQoL) in today’s office work environments. Our work uses multimodal data collection and analysis techniques to objectively assess WrQoL, thus mitigating respondent bias and survey fatigue. Leveraging machine learning (ML) and automated methods measuring WrQoL presents a promising approach in public health research, particularly concerning stress-related health outcomes. Methods Through a systematic literature search of 9,242 publications to identify WrQoL indicators, we selected over 100 publications for data extraction. A base model, including workload, commute, overtime, valence, and arousal was formulated. To amass a wide data set, Objective measurement tools (computers, smartphones, and wearables) complemented by questionnaire data. This data will inform ML algorithms to predict individual WrQoL indicators. Developed as an input/output data platform, an app-prototype will objectively assess WrQoL, facilitating a field study with office workers to refine the model. A mobile app prototype serves as a user interface and data relay for WrQoL metric analysis. Results Our research develops instruments for measuring WrQoL using smartphones, wearables, and specialized trackers for heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, alongside a software prototype for keyboard and mouse tracking for workload assessment of valence and arousal. Fitness trackers with photoplethysmography functionality are favored for HRV assessment. Conclusions The systematic search identified influences on WrQoL, translated into measurable indicators in a base model. Leveraging user tech for assessment and a ML and mobile app framework, this approach facilitates objective WrQoL determination. By presenting the relationship between digital service use and WrQoL indicators, this methodology promises new insights, informing stress and burnout prevention strategies within public health initiatives. Key messages • Progressive approach: ML-driven WrQoL assessment offers promising avenues for stress prevention in workplace health research. • Methodological Advancement: The novel framework for WrQoL assessment using digital tools contributes to effective workplace health promotion strategies, with potential for tailored interventions.

2.G. Practice session: Africa and Europe: peer-to-peer HIS assessments for NCD, mental health and injuries surveillance

Abstract Public health surveillance is the basis for evidence-informed decision-making and health (systems) research, globally. Without robust data, public health challenges cannot be tackled. NCDs, mental health conditions and injuries (NCDI/MH) are among the biggest global public health challenges. Their risk and protective factors, including social, political and commercial determinants of health, transcend borders and require multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder and long-term responses. Since 2006, comparable national data on NCDI/MH are being collected in Europe on the basis of European Core Health Indicators (ECHI) and the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS). Currently, EU and WHO EURO are working together to set up a new Health Information Network. At EU level, a sustainable health information infrastructure is still lacking, despite extensive preparations in EU-funded projects. Part of these project activities were health information system (HIS) assessments, applying the WHO EURO Support tool to strengthen health information systems for peer-to-peer assessments. In the African region, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), founded in 2017, made NCDI/MH prevention and control a strategic priority. In 2021, it launched its first continental NCDs, Injuries Prevention and Control and Mental Health Promotion Strategy (2022-26) under which the organization supports its Member States. At the 3rd International Conference on Public Health in Africa (Zambia, Nov. 2023), Africa CDC presented a continental Guidance to strengthen NCDI/MH surveillance. The Guidance was developed in collaboration with Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and is based on desk reviews, surveys and national HIS assessments. Both Europe and Africa performed HIS assessments to strengthen NCDI/MH surveillance; standardized tools from WHO EURO and from the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) were used and adapted to fit peer-to-peer approaches and regional contexts. This workshop will present and discuss methodological approaches, experiences and lessons learned, thereby initiating knowledge exchange across continents. The presentations will address the following points: - From top-down to peer-to-peer: methods &amp; tools used in HIS assessments - From paper to practice: the importance of site visits in HIS assessments - From educated guesses to evidence: outcomes of HIS assessments at country level - From evidence to action: translation of HIS assessment outcomes into HIS improvements - From pilot to scale-up: challenges, lessons learned, sustainability of HIS developments To our knowledge, this workshop is the first one at the EPH to bring together practitioners in HIS strengthening for NCDI/MH from Africa and Europe. The workshop offers a unique opportunity to engage with the audience and to explore options for international collaboration. Key messages • Interregional collaboration helps reduce health information inequalities, facilitating better global management of high burden health challenges, such as NCDs, mental health conditions and injuries. • Peer-to-peer HIS assessments in Africa and Europe strengthen NCDI/MH surveillance. They build evidence for policy advice, research and health education and add the benefit of forging expert networks.

Leveraging epidemiological data for the development of interventions to promote healthy nutrition and physical activity among adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds

Abstract ePro-Schools is a public health initiative designed to promote healthy nutrition and physical activity among adolescents from socially disadvantaged backgrounds using a targeted e-health intervention to be deployed in the school context. A central theme of ePro-Schools is its robust cross-sectoral collaboration, involving stakeholders from academia, healthcare, education, and local communities. This cooperative approach not only enhances the intervention’s relevance and efficacy but also ensures its cultural, social, and economic adaptability to the needs of the target population. The project embodies a truly interdisciplinary effort, integrating insights from epidemiology, behavioural science, public health, and digital technology to innovate and improve health promotion strategies. This presentation will explore how data from epidemiological studies, such as the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, are used to support the development of the ePro-Schools intervention. Utilizing high-quality epidemiological data, the project identifies key determinants of physical activity, dietary habits, and sedentary behaviour amongst adolescents growing up in low-SES contexts, allowing to craft tailored strategies to promote healthier lifestyles within this vulnerable population.

9.B. Scientific session: Promoting health in the digital age: a room to improve health literacy and digital health literacy?

Abstract The workshop aims to explore innovative approaches to promoting health literacy and digital health literacy and their impact on individual and community health outcomes at different stages of life. This initiative is driven by the recognition that digital platforms and tools offer unprecedented opportunities to improve population health through health education and behavior change. The workshop will feature a dynamic and interactive format starting from plenary sessions in which speakers will provide insights into digital health promotion best practices and their outcomes, offering diverse perspectives. The added value of organizing this workshop lies in its comprehensive approach to integrating digital tools into health prevention strategies, particularly for addressing childhood smoking. By examining innovative digital interventions, the workshop provides a platform for sharing insights and strategies that leverage technology to promote healthier lifestyles among youth. This is increasingly pertinent as digital platforms become central in the daily interactions of young people. The coherence between the presentations revolves around the theme of enhancing digital health literacy as a preventive measure against health issues. The first presentation sets the stage by exploring digital tools that educate and engage young people about the dangers of smoking. The subsequent session builds on this by assessing the current state of digital health education and literacy, emphasizing the need for curriculum integration and better training for educators to support these initiatives effectively. Finally, the meta-analysis presentation ties everything together by evaluating the effectiveness of these digital interventions across various demographics, offering evidence-based recommendations for tailoring health literacy programs to diverse needs. Together, these presentations form a cohesive narrative on the critical role of digital literacy in health prevention, illustrating a clear pathway from educational content to educational infrastructure, and culminating in broad-based intervention strategies that can be adapted to different settings and populations. This coherence enhances the workshop’s impact, providing attendees with a well-rounded understanding of how digital tools can be harnessed to foster long-term health improvements from an early age. Live Q&amp;A sessions will encourage dialogue between speakers and attendees, enhancing the learning experience. By combining expert knowledge with interactive discussions, the workshop aims to share insights needed to implement effective digital health promotion strategies. Key messages • The role of health literacy and digital health literacy in improving health outcomes demands that the efficacy of the most effective strategies be evaluated. • Digital tools offer opportunities for innovative health promotion approaches and tools.

State of oral health in the Portuguese population and associated psychological and social aspects

Abstract Background Oral diseases are a global public health challenge and remain among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases. This study aims to characterize the self-assessment of oral health state, degree of edentulism, oral rehabilitation and the quality of life, namely chewing capacity, and the associated psychological and social aspects in the Portuguese Population. Methods Data were collected by telefone survey, on the 2nd half of 2018 and 1st half of 2019, using the Portuguese population representative, ECOS panel. Descriptive statistics, as well as prevalence estimates, were obtained with weighting for age, sex, region and sample design, for 95% confidence intervals. The modified F-statistic, a variant of the 2nd order Rao-Scott chi-square adjustment, was used to test the bivariate analyses. Results For 53% of the population, the health status of the mouth was perceived as Good or Very Good, for 37% Fair and, in 11% of cases as Bad or Very Bad. It is estimated that around 76% of the population has good oral hygiene habits, approximately 26% have all of their teeth and 8% the total absence of teeth. It is estimated that only around half (49%) underwent rehabilitation using, in the vast majority of cases (78,5%), removable prostheses. It is estimated that 32% of its users have difficulty chewing hard foods and, of these, around 20% have great difficulty or are unable to chew at all. Psychological discomfort due to oral health was higher in the Portuguese population when compared to the European population (17% vs 7 %), psychological limitations due to the appearance of teeth or dentures were equally higher (7% vs 4%), as were social limitations (8,8% vs 4%). Conclusions The oral health panorama in Portugal remains bleak, so strengthening the application and deepening of the national oral health promotion program should constitute a priority aspect in the development of public policies in the country Key messages • Integrating oral health into general health promotion strategies and assessing oral health needs to include psychological and social aspects in the Portuguese Population. • Strengthening the strategies that have been developed in the context of health promotion, prevention and early treatment of oral diseases in Portugal.

Important intergenerational transmission of knowledge in promotion of well-being and cultural identity in Greenland

ABSTRACT The “Kinguaariit Inuunerissut” (KI) camps, meaning “generations in well-being” in Greenlandic, was a pilot initiative designed to enhance cultural identity and intergenerational connections through culturally relevant activities. The outcomes of the KI-camps have informed the development of a broader KI-concept aiming at tailoring and implementing elements from KI-camps into early childhood education services, after-school programmes, and schools. In this paper we present the results from three workshop held in January 2024 in Sisimiut, Greenland where 28 older participants and 28 professionals were asked about essential knowledge and skills to be passed down to younger generations. The focus was on songs, storytelling/myths, the spiritual world, animals, plants, skills in nature/home, and handicrafts. Results shows that older people and professionals agree on the importance of passing down cultural knowledge through all the different categories and support the need to integrate these elements into educational programmes to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen community cohesion. The findings will guide the integration of intergenerational activities into municipal institutions and contribute to culturally relevant health promotion strategies in Greenland.

Psychological flexibility and celiac disease in adolescents: Understanding adherence and well-being for enhanced care. A rapid narrative review

Abstract Background Psychological flexibility (PF) has been approached as a mediator between health conditions and outcomes by promoting positive responses and healthier behavior repertoires. Purpose This rapid narrative review examines studies exploring the role of PF in influencing celiac disease outcomes among adolescents, with a particular focus on adherence to dietary management practices. Method Online databases were searched for studies exploring possible connections between PF, celiac manifestation, and management presented by adolescents. Selected articles have entered the analysis to highlight whether PF mediates or affects celiac-related outcomes in adolescents. Conclusions Adolescents demonstrate a greater capacity to organize their daily routines effectively while adhering to gluten-free diets. However, the emphasis on PF can significantly impact their social interactions. Although there is much research to be conducted on this possible connection, there are still primary assumptions that support the idea that PF can also be a factor in helping adolescents with celiac disease navigate the challenges of their illness and maintain a quality of life. Healthcare professionals can find value in incorporating elements from supporting therapies, health literacy programs, and health promotion strategies. Furthermore, insights from the review suggest the importance of standardizing interventions and measurements including counseling practices at the primary care level.

Association between Obesity and Dental Caries in Adults: An analysis of WHR, and DMFT score.

The relationship between obesity and dental caries in adults presents inconsistent findings in current literature, which necessitates further research to clarify this relationship. This study aimed to examine the association between obesity and dental caries in adults using a nationally representative sample. This study employed data of US adults aged &gt; 20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) pre-pandemic cycle. Obesity was defined using the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Dental caries were assessed using the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores. Most participants were categorized as individuals with obesity based on the WHR (74.5%) or BMI (72.7%). A significant difference in the DMFT scores and missing teeth was observed between individuals with normal weight and individuals with obesity. After adjusting for the sociodemographic variables, individuals with obesity had a 0.11 higher DMFT score (95% CI: -0.01-0.23). A significant association was observed between the WHR and DMFT scores when age was excluded from the model, demonstrating a higher coefficient of 0.17 (95% CI: 0.05-0.30). A positive association was observed between obesity and dental caries in the US adult population. However, age was found to be a confounding factor in this relationship. This study highlights the relationship between oral and general health, advocating healthcare providers for an integrated health promotion strategy, through comprehensive campaigns addressing obesity, diet, lifestyle, and dental health, aiming for raising awareness and a more effective public health strategy.

Global Research Trends in Physical Activity Barriers: A Study on Men

In this study, bibliometric properties of studies on physical activity barriers in men were analyzed using the Biblioshiny interface in R programming language. According to the results of the analysis, a total of 867 articles were published in 397 journals between 1992 and 2024. A great majority of the related studies were produced by American authors and institutions in the USA. The keywords frequently used by the authors were physical activity, exercise, barrier, health, male, and adult. In recent years, the most studied trend topics related to physical activity barriers in men were mellitus, health benefits, university students, stigma, glycemic control, time, and facilitator urban. The present study indicated that there is a need for both individual and institutional studies on physical activity barriers in men. The research results showed that there were still significant gaps in understanding physical activity barriers specific to men. Understanding these gaps is crucial for developing effective interventions, creating targeted health promotion strategies, and informing public health policy. This conclusion suggests that while we have a growing body of research on physical activity barriers in men, there is still much research to be conducted in terms of developing a comprehensive understanding and effective interventions to address these barriers.

Diurnal patterns of accelerometer-measured physical activity and sleep and risk of all-cause mortality: a follow-up of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES)

BackgroundPhysical activity and sleep are established modifiable lifestyle factors, but the optimal time of the day of these behaviours for health is unknown. This study examined the independent and joint associations of diurnal patterns of physical activity and sleep with all-cause mortality.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 6,673 participants who have attended the accelerometer assessment in the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Diurnal patterns of accelerometer-measured physical activity and sleep were identified using K-means clustering analysis. All-cause mortality was ascertained from the accelerometer measurement to December 31, 2019 (median follow-up 6.8 years). Survey-weighted Cox proportional hazard models were performed to estimate the independent and joint associations of diurnal patterns of physical activity and sleep with all-cause mortality.ResultsDiurnal patterns identified were: early-morning (32.4%), midday (42.5%), and late-afternoon (25.1%) for physical activity; and irregular sleep (37.4%), morning lark (33.6%), and night owl (29.0%) for sleep. After adjusting for volume of physical activity, sleep duration and other potential covariates, the early-morning physical activity pattern (hazard ratio 1.36, 95% confidence interval 1.13–1.64) and irregular sleep pattern (1.42, 1.01–1.99) were independently associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality, compared with midday physical activity and morning lark sleep patterns, respectively. In addition, participants with the combined pattern of early-morning physical activity and irregular sleep had higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with midday physical activity combined with a morning lark sleep pattern (1.92, 1.33–2.78). Several sociodemographic differences were observed in the strength of these associations.ConclusionsWearable activity-rest monitoring data showed that peak physical activity in the early morning and irregular sleep diurnal patterns are associated with increased mortality risk, and the combination of these patterns further exaggerated the risk. Public health program should acknowledge that the diurnal patterns of physical activity and sleep, in addition to their duration and frequency, may play a crucial role in lifestyle-based health promotion and management strategies.

The Concept of Health, From Definition to Measurement and the Implications of the Reserves-Based Model for Nursing in France.

To discuss a reserves-based model of Health, recently developed in the literature, defining Health and moving from conceptual considerations to methods of measuring Health, applicable to nursing practice and research. Discursive paper. A discursive paper critically synthesising a reserves-based model of Health for conceptualising and operationalising Health, with reference to key Health theories from nursing science and social epidemiology. In the reserves-based model of Health, Health was defined as the ability to maintain/restore physical, socioemotional, cognitive and physiological health reserves in order to adapt and self-manage to life's challenges. Health was measured by the sum of indicators of deterioration of health reserves. The reserves-based model of Health defining Health through the prism of adaptation reinforces the holistic vision of Health, appropriate to nursing practice, based on the interconnectedness of the whole person and the whole system. This reserves-based model of Health is likely to modify nursing practices. Nursing diagnosis of patient adaptation could be implemented, in order to offer support care adapted to the patient's capacity to adapt, enabling health promotion strategies to be developed. Nursing research on health reserves is a future promising direction to act on individuals' capacity to adapt.

Gene and transcript expression patterns, coupled with isoform switching and long non-coding RNA dynamics in adipose tissue, underlie the longevity of Ames dwarf mice.

Our study investigates gene expression in adipose tissue of Ames dwarf (df/df) mice, whose deficiency in growth hormone is linked to health and extended lifespan. Recognizing adipose tissue influence on metabolism, aging, and related diseases, we aim to understand its contribution to the health and longevity of df/df mice. We have identified gene and transcript expression patterns associated with critical biological functions, including metabolism, stress response, and resistance to cancer. Intriguingly, we identified genes that,despite maintaining unchanged expression levels, switch between different isoforms, impacting essential cellular functions such as tumor suppression, oncogenic activity, ATP transport, and lipid biosynthesis and storage. The isoform switching is associated with changes in protein domains, retention of introns, initiation of nonsense-mediated decay, and emergence of intrinsically disordered regions. Moreover, we detected various alternative splicing events that may drive these structural alterations. We also found changes in the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that may be involved in the aging process and disease resistance by regulating crucial genes in survival and metabolism. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we have linked four lncRNAs with 29 genes, which contribute to protein complexes such as the Mili-Tdrd1-Tdrd12 complex. Beyond safeguarding DNA integrity, this complex also has a wider impact on gene regulation, chromatin structure, and metabolic control. Our detailed investigation provides insight into the molecular foundations of the remarkable health and longevity of df/df mice, emphasizing the significance of adipose tissue in aging and identifying new avenues for health-promoting therapeutic strategies.

Overcoming Barriers to Childhood and Adolescent Vaccination: Opportunities in Precision Health Promotion

Abstract Background Vaccination remains one of the greatest success stories in public health as cost-effective interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases at the population level. However, the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges to the immunization sector. Uptake of routine childhood and adolescent vaccinations was forestalled by challenges related to pandemic lockdowns/quarantine, reduced patient-provider interactions, parental reluctance to seek preventative services, poor access to health services, and loss of income and/or health insurance. Compared to pre-pandemic estimations, the pandemic era brought a consequential decline in coverage of all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This study sought to address suboptimal adolescent vaccine delivery systems and bolster uptake in the post-pandemic era with the introduction of precision health promotion strategies centered around the use of Personal Health Libraries (PHL). Methods Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), and semantic web technologies to integrate contextual knowledge (i.e., clinical, biomedical, and SDoH data) with patient preferences, proposed PHL platforms could aid in generating personalized evidence-based recommendations useful to both care provider promotion of vaccination and mitigating patient and caregiver hesitancy. The proposed application stands to provide customized digital health interventions by 1) facilitating remote knowledge acquisition, exchange, and visualization of the benefits of on-time vaccination, 2) improving health information-seeking behaviors to reduce hesitancy, 3) bolstering patient reminder and recall systems for follow-up and series completion, and 4) learning usage patterns to incorporate end-user preferences to empower patients, promote best practices, and enable them to make informed health decisions. Results The proposed PHL would serve as an ecosystem to manage and deliver tailored vaccine-related information to inform health decision-making regarding ACIP-recommended immunizations. Such a resource could administer health education and promotion that addresses common misconceptions regarding vaccination, alleviate safety, efficacy, and side effect concerns, and deliver evidence-based support of vaccines as primary protective measures (i.e., cancer prevention). Conclusion The use of PHL would enable rapid and real-time collection and interpretation of patient data beyond the traditional clinical setting, supplying care providers with tools for optimal vaccination recommendation to bolster uptake in the post-pandemic era. Moreover, the application would enable patients and caregivers to readily access vital health information and play a crucial role in addressing the obstacles encountered when seeking accurate and dependable vaccine-related information.

‘The coronavirus is a formidable foe’: children’s multimodal articulations of SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 pandemic experiences in China

Objective This study explored children’s post-pandemic articulations regarding the coronavirus along with their lived experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design A qualitative survey featuring drawings, comments, questions and follow-up interviews was employed to gather data from 108 infected children aged 13 to 14 from two middle schools in China. This multimodal approach allowed for a rich capture of the children’s articulations of their pandemic experiences. Results Children’s multimodal articulations conveyed not only the biological features of, but also their emotional reactions to the coronavirus. The pandemic had disrupted children’s lives, making online learning, sleep and screen engagement dominant in their daily routines, while also compounding children’s unhappiness primarily due to restrictions on social interactions. Children associated the coronavirus with biological, medical, psychological and social aspects. Increased sanitisation and hygiene habits featured their pre‐to-post pandemic changes. Furthermore, children exhibited an awareness regarding preventive measures and transmission modes, albeit with certain biases or gaps. Their misunderstandings about recuperative strategies merit clarification. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound and multifaceted impacts on children’s emotional well-being, daily routines, social interactions, education, and health-related behaviors. Children’s multimodal articulations revealed a spectrum of adverse effects caused by the pandemic, calling for targeted health interventions to mitigate these negative effects while also equipping children with resilience and coping skills for navigating future health crises. Incorporating children’s perspectives and experiences into future pandemic preparedness and health promotion strategies is essential for addressing their vulnerabilities and ensuring their overall well-being during public health crises.

Health risks associated with urinary incontinence among older Korean Americans living in subsidized senior housing.

We examined the association of urinary incontinence (UI) with physical, mental, and social health among older Korean Americans living in subsidized senior housing. Data were obtained from surveys conducted in 2023 with older Korean Americans residing in subsidized senior housing in the Los Angeles area (n = 313). UI was measured using a question about the frequency of involuntary urine loss. Physical, mental, and social health risks were assessed with a single item for self-rated health (fair/poor rating), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (probable depression), and the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (isolation from family and friends). Over half of the sample reported UI, with 46.3% experiencing it infrequently (i.e. seldom) and 10.3% frequently (i.e. sometimes or often). UI was significantly associated with physical and mental health indicators; the odds of reporting fair or poor health and having probable depression were 1.94-7.32 times higher among those with either infrequent or frequent UI compared to those without UI. While family isolation was not associated with UI, the odds of being isolated from friends were 2.85 times greater among those with frequent UI compared to those without UI. Our findings confirm the adverse impact of UI on physical and mental health and highlight its unique role in social health. UI-associated social isolation was significant only in relationships with friends, providing new insights into the distinction between isolation from family and friends. These findings enhance our understanding of the health risks associated with UI and inform strategies for health management and promotion within the senior housing context.

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among adolescents and youths aged 10-35 years in sub-Saharan African countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed health systems, especially in sub-Saharan African countries. Vaccination is one of the easily accessible interventions that can help reduce the burden on the health system. However, vaccination coverage remains low in sub-Saharan African countries. The determinants of vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among adolescents and youths remain unknown. Therefore, this study explored the pooled prevalence and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among adolescents and youths in sub-Saharan African Countries. A systematic literature search of Scopus, PubMed Central, PubMed, Embase, African Journal Online, Research 4 Life, Embase, and Google Scholar was performed from 6th May to 31st December 2023, using developed keywords with a focus on sub-Saharan African countries. Twenty-three (N = 23) studies were finally selected for analysis. The pooled prevalence of vaccine acceptance among adolescents and youths was 38.7% (n = 23). The subgroup analysis of the pooled prevalence of acceptance among adolescents was 36.1% (n = 36.1) while youths were 42% (n = 10). At the region level, West Africa had 42.2% (n = 13), East Africa had 39.8% (n = 6), Central Africa had 33% (n = 1), and Southern Africa had 24.2% (n = 3). The determinants of vaccine acceptance were the desire for self-immunity (AOR = 1.97, 95%, CI, 1.083.47, I2 = 94.15%, p < 0.05), receiving Health Officers' information (AOR = 4.36, 95%, CI, 2.28-8.32, I2 = 97.74, p < 0.001), the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine (AOR = 2.14, 95%, CI, 1.14-4.05, I2 = 97.4%, p < 0.05). The odds of having an unconfirmed source of information (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI, 0.10-0.45, I2 = 94.09%, p< 0.001) was responsible for vaccine hesitancy. The findings indicate the low pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and high levels of hesitancy among adolescents and youths in sub-Saharan African countries. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that extensive research is undertaken into age-appropriate health promotion messages and strategies to encourage the uptake of vaccines. PROSPERO ID number CRD42023403071.