Health Interventions Research Articles

Digital health intervention for children with ADHD to improve mental health intervention, patient experiences, and outcomes: a study protocol

BackgroundAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent childhood psychiatric condition with profound public health, personal, and family consequences. ADHD requires comprehensive treatment; however, lack of communication and integration across multiple points of care is a substantial barrier to progress. Given the chronic and pervasive challenges associated with ADHD, innovative approaches are crucial. We developed the digital health intervention (DHI)—CoolTaCo [Cool Technology Assisting Co-regulation] to address these critical barriers. CoolTaCo uses Patient-Centered Digital Healthcare Technologies (PC-DHT) to promote co-regulation (child/parent), capture patient data, support efficient healthcare delivery, enhance patient engagement, and facilitate shared decision-making, thereby improving access to timely and targeted mental health intervention for children at significant risk for poor outcomes. The present paper will describe our planned protocol to evaluate the efficacy of CoolTaCo via randomized control trial (RCT).Methods/designWe will recruit 60 children (ages 8–12) with ADHD who will be randomized to either immediate (n = 30) or delayed (n = 30) treatment (i.e., a waitlist control group). Among those randomized to immediate treatment, half will be assigned to DHI (delivered via a smartwatch and smartphone application), the other half to an active control treatment as usual (TAU). Unlike the DHI group, the TAU group will receive the smartwatch with no assigned activities, applications, or interventions on the devices. The intervention period will last 16 weeks; after a participant has been in the delayed treatment group for 16 weeks and has completed the post-waiting period assessment, they will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or active control group. Thus, 30 participants will complete the intervention, and 30 will complete the active control, with half of the total sample completing a waitlist period.DiscussionIndividuals with ADHD have complex needs. Despite improvement in outcomes following cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) and pharmaceutical treatment, long-term maintenance is a challenge often not addressed by traditional medical approaches, and, as we described, ineffective approaches to information sharing across points of care create further barriers to progress. Our research will fill a significant gap in translating early treatment investments and gains into long-term, sustainable outcomes.This study was registered as a clinic trial at ClinicalTrials.gov (Digital Health Intervention for Children With ADHD, ID# NCT06456372) on 06/13/2024.

Predictive accuracy of the logit model to determine factors affecting delivery and postnatal care services utilization in Tanzania

PurposeThis paper examines factors affecting the delivery care (DC) and postnatal care (PNC) services utilization in Tanzania using the predictive accuracy of the binary logit model by including DC as among the predictors of PNC utilization.Design/methodology/approachThe study used secondary data from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey (2022) based on a sample of 13,266 women aged 15–49. Binary logit was used to analyze the association between independent variables and each binary dependent variable, followed by a stepwise likelihood ratio test for binary logistic regression analysis to select the most important predictors associated with DC and PNC. Odds ratios were used to predict the likelihood of the occurrence of significant explanatory variables in explaining the outcomes.FindingsThe results showed that the type of place of residence, wealth index, region, highest educational level, husband/partner’s level of education and respondent’s occupation were significant predictors of DC utilization. In contrast, the woman’s age, region, highest educational level, wealth index, DC and husband/partner’s educational level were significant predictors of PNC utilization. Public health interventions are needed to promote and increase the utilization of delivery and postal care services. The targets should be poor women and those residing in rural or remote areas.Originality/valueIncluding DC as a predictor variable (which was not used before) in PNC utilization improved the predictive power of the model and the robustness of the results.

Recommendations for Using Health Service Coverage Cascades to Measure Effective Coverage for Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Services or Interventions.

Recommendations for Using Health Service Coverage Cascades to Measure Effective Coverage for Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Services or Interventions.

The Perceptions of Overweight and Obese Individuals Regarding Weight-Loss Dietary Supplement Advertisements: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Survey

Introduction: The negative health consequences of overweight and obesity underscore the importance of weight loss in mitigating these issues. Weight-loss dietary supplements (DS) are highly sought-after by overweight or obese individuals, with widespread advertisements promoting their use. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of overweight and obese individuals regarding weight-loss DS advertisements. Methods: Over a six-week period from 5th April to 17th May 2023, an online pilot cross-sectional study was conducted targeting overweight and obese individuals in Malaysia. The study utilized a convenience sampling method to recruit participants. Results: Of the 146 participants, most were female (82.9%), 53.4% were overweight, and 46.6% were obese. Most respondents believed that weight-loss DS advertisements often contained exaggerated, unverified, and misleading information. Nearly 90% acknowledged that exaggerated advertisement claims might influence consumers, and about 85% believed that people are influenced to buy frequently advertised weight-loss DS. Despite these perceptions, about 40% reported purchasing a weight-loss DS after seeing such a product in an advertisement, while less than 50% of those who purchased weight-loss DS sought information from healthcare professionals. Conclusion: The study found that almost 40% of the respondents had purchased a weight-loss DS after seeing such products being advertised. Individuals with higher income, married people, and older respondents appeared more likely to purchase a weight-loss DS. These findings underscore the necessity for stricter regulatory frameworks and comprehensive consumer education initiatives to protect consumers from misleading information and unethical marketing tactics within the weight-loss DS industry. Implementing targeted public health interventions could further safeguard consumers from the risks associated with exaggerated product claims.

Influences of Perceived Built Environments and Personal Attitudes Toward Walking to the Grocery Store

Encouraging walking to grocery stores can enhance environmental sustainability by reducing vehicle emissions and easing traffic congestion. While research has largely focused on measurable factors like distance and physical accessibility, less attention has been paid to how perceived built environments and personal attitudes affect walking behavior. This study delves into how socio-demographic traits, social influences, and perceived built environments influence walking decisions. The key findings reveal that factors such as ethnicity and income significantly impact decisions to walk, with well-maintained sidewalks enhancing appeal and obstacles like construction serving as deterrents. Positive attitudes towards walking further encourage this behavior, underscoring the need for targeted public health interventions. These insights are crucial for designing communities that support walking, ultimately improving community health and environmental sustainability.

Analytical Examination of the Nutritional Status of Drinking Water Resources: A First Case Application in Africa

Water quality assessment is crucial for public and ecosystem health, yet traditional approaches often overlook the nutritional aspects of drinking water. This study introduces the Drinking Water Nutritional Quality Index (DWNQI) to Africa, presenting its first application in the continent. The research evaluated the nutritional status of drinking water resources in semi-urban areas of Southeast Nigeria, shifting from a contaminant-focused paradigm. Water samples were strategically collected from various drinking water sources. Five key elements (Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+) that play crucial roles in both human health and environmental processes were considered. The DWNQI model revealed a concerning nutritional trend, with DWNQI scores ranging from 9.76 to 78.54 (average 32.02). The analysis showed that 73.33% of samples fell within the “Poor” category, 13.33% in “Marginal,” 6.67% in “Fair,” and 6.67% in “Good” categories, with no samples reaching the excellent range, indicating a low nutritional water quality trend in the area. Sensitivity analysis reveal that Mg2+and Ca2+ exerted the most influence on the DWNQI scores for the studied water samples. Removal of Mg2+ from the index resulted in a 23.77% decrease in the average DWNQI score, while removal of Ca2+ led to a 23.42% decrease. Key recommendations include implementing targeted mineral enrichment programs and developing public health initiatives to address potential mineral deficiencies. This research contributes to environmental sustainability and public health by providing a new perspective of water quality, potentially informing water management policies and guiding public health interventions in African settings and beyond.

Cross-sectional study on urinary metal concentrations in young adult residents of Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Human biomonitoring is crucial for regulatory toxicology, yet data on biomarker concentrations in the UAE are lacking. This study addresses this gap by analyzing urinary concentrations of 16 metals in UAE young adults, assessing correlations with personal characteristics, dietary patterns, and lifestyle habits. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among 144 randomly selected young adults (71 males and 73 females) from Sharjah, UAE, between January and March 2023. Participants provided urine samples, which were analyzed for 16 heavy metals using ICP-OES, and completed detailed questionnaires covering sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, and dietary habits. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics, and linear regression analysis was applied to explore associations between metal concentrations and factors such as gender, dietary habits, and exposure to environmental risks. Non-parametric tests, including the Mann-Whitney test, were used to assess differences by gender. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured before participation. Significant findings include dietary influences on metal exposure, with rice consumption linked to higher metal concentrations. Sex differences were significant, with females showing elevated levels of arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and incense use, were correlated with increased barium and boron levels. This study highlights the significant role of dietary habits, especially the consumption of rice, in metal exposure among young adults in Sharjah. The findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive human biomonitoring to understand environmental exposures and reform public health policies. The gender-specific differences in metal distribution suggest the necessity for targeted public health strategies. The study, however, is limited by its cross-sectional nature and the focus on a specific geographic area, warranting further research for broader generalizability. Future investigations, particularly on the impact of incense exposure on metal levels, are essential for developing comprehensive health interventions and preventive strategies in the UAE.

The Effectiveness of Remote Exercise Rehabilitation Based on the "SCeiP" Model in Homebound Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: Randomized Controlled Trial.

While exercise rehabilitation is recognized as safe and effective, medium- to long-term compliance among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) remains low. Therefore, promoting long-term adherence to exercise rehabilitation for these patients warrants significant attention. This study aims to investigate the impact of remote exercise rehabilitation on time investment and related cognitive levels in homebound patients with CHD. This study utilizes the SCeiP (Self-Evaluation/Condition of Exercise-Effect Perception-Internal Drive-Persistence Behavior) model, alongside WeChat and exercise bracelets. A total of 147 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention in the cardiovascular department of a grade III hospital in Jiangsu Province from June 2022 to March 2023 were selected as study participants through convenience sampling. The patients were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received an exercise rehabilitation promotion strategy based on the "SCeiP" model through WeChat and exercise bracelets, while the control group followed rehabilitation training according to a standard exercise rehabilitation guide. The days and duration of exercise, levels of cardiac rehabilitation cognition, exercise planning, and exercise input were analyzed before the intervention and at 1 month and 3 months after the intervention. A total of 81 men (55.1%) and 66 women (44.9%) were recruited for the study. The completion rate of exercise days was significantly higher in the experimental group compared with the control group at both 1 month (t145=5.429, P<.001) and 3 months (t145=9.113, P<.001) after the intervention. Similarly, the completion rate of exercise duration was significantly greater in the experimental group (t145=3.471, P=.001) than in the control group (t145=5.574, P<.001). The levels of autonomy, exercise planning, and exercise input in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group at both 1 month and 3 months after the intervention (P<.001). Additionally, the experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in both process anxiety and outcome anxiety scores (P<.001). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences in the trends of cognitive function related to cardiac rehabilitation between the 2 patient groups over time: autonomy, F1,145(time×group)=9.055 (P<.001); process anxiety, F1,145(time×group)=30.790 (P<.001); and outcome anxiety, F1,145(time×group)=28.186 (P<.001). As expected, the scores for exercise planning (t145=2.490, P=.01 and t145=3.379, P<.001, respectively) and exercise input (t145=2.255, P=.03 and t145=3.817, P<.001, respectively) consistently demonstrated superiority in the experimental group compared with the control group at both 1 and 3 months after the intervention. Interestingly, we observed that the levels of exercise planning and exercise input in both groups initially increased and then slightly decreased over time, although both remained higher than the preintervention levels (P<.001). The remote health intervention based on the "SCeiP" model effectively enhances exercise compliance, exercise planning, exercise input, and cognitive levels during cardiac rehabilitation in patients with CHD. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300069463; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=192461.

Exploring Postpartum Depression among Mothers in Dhaka's Slum Areas: A Qualitative Study

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major public health problem, especially in low-income communities with inadequate access to mental health care. This study investigates the incidence, experiences, and risk factors for postpartum depression among mothers in Dhaka's slum regions. Using a qualitative technique, we conducted in-depth interviews with 31 mothers aged 18 to 35 who had recently given birth and lived in various Dhaka slum neighborhoods. Interviews centered on their emotional well-being, social support networks, and impediments to mental health care. Thematic analysis identified a number of important variables that contribute to PPD, including as limited access to healthcare services, financial stress, marital abuse, and a lack of social support. The problem was made worse by the cultural stigma associated with mental health and parenting, which discouraged many mothers from getting treatment. Many participants said they felt alone, overburdened, and guilty of their emotional problems; others didn't know that their sensations may be connected to a health issue. The results highlight the need for community-based support networks and focused mental health interventions to address the particular difficulties experienced by new moms in urban slums. This study underlines the need of integrating mental health services into maternity healthcare in resource-constrained settings to promote overall maternal wellbeing and minimize the burden of postpartum depression.

Facilitators to implementing preventive health interventions for adolescents in the emergency department: A multicenter qualitative analysis.

Adolescents frequently use the emergency department (ED) to meet their health care needs, and many use the ED as their primary source of care. The ED is therefore well situated to provide preventive health care to large numbers of adolescents. The objective of this multicenter qualitative analysis was to identify factors that influence the implementation of preventive health care interventions for adolescent patients in the ED. We conducted semistructured interviews with ED health care providers (HCPs) from five academic pediatric EDs in distinct geographic regions. We developed an interview guide to explore HCP attitudes and beliefs related to implementing preventive health interventions in the ED. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded by three investigators. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used as a guide to code and analyze interview data. We collaboratively generated themes that represent factors that are perceived to facilitate the implementation of preventive health interventions for adolescent patients in the ED setting. We conducted 38 interviews (18 pediatric emergency medicine attendings/fellows, 11 registered nurses, five nurse practitioners, or and four physician assistants). We generated 10 themes across the five CFIR domains: innovation characteristics (designing interventions to promote adolescent engagement), inner setting (integrating interventions into ED workflow and scope, minimizing provider burden), outer setting (involving the community, aligning with departmental and institutional missions), individuals (identifying champions), and implementation process (involving key stakeholders early, having patience, and targeting all patients to reduce stigma). Factors facilitating implementation of preventive health interventions for adolescent patients in the ED encompassed multiple CFIR domains, elucidating how the delivery of preventive health interventions for this patient population in the ED requires considering numerous factors comprehensively. These data suggest methods to enhance and facilitate implementation of preventive health interventions for adolescents in the ED.

Applying arts to health interventions and health research in Ghana: a scoping review.

This review documents arts applied to health interventions and health research in Ghana, examines evidence of their impact on health outcomes, and identifies research and practice gaps. Eight databases (MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Humanities International Complete, Scopus, African Journals Online and PsycINFO) were searched for articles published between 2000 and 2022. Following screening, seventeen articles reporting sixteen eligible studies were selected. Ten art forms (including comedy, music, theatre) were applied to eight health conditions (including HIV/AIDS, mental illness, COVID-19). Most studies involved artists and artist-researchers. The majority of studies were cross-sectional. Impact was reported on health education, illness management and community health development. Some studies engaged with health policy communities, but none reported impact on health policy change. Creative arts have a reported measurable impact on selected health outcomes in Ghana. Participatory arts-based projects have the greatest potential for sustainable and transformational social health impact.

Health Behavior Study in Natural Disaster Vulnerability in Palu City (Case Study of Tondo Huntap, Palu City)

Background: The strengthening of health behavior intentions in disaster mitigation poses an urgent challenge to be addressed. There is a need to enhance health behavior preparedness in facing disaster threats, considering that the city of Palu is located in an earthquake-prone zone and has a history of being affected by earthquakes. This research aims to study health behavior and mental health in relation to disaster vulnerability, based on a case study of Huntap in the Tondo area, Palu City, Central Sulawesi, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) approach. Method: The type of research used is a mixed-method approach with a sequential explanatory model. Data collection utilizes questionnaires and observation sheets, supplemented by interview methods in the qualitative approach. Result: This study shows that the chi-square test results indicate a significant relationship between attitude, subjective norms, behavioral control, and mental health (&lt;0.05) with health behavior. Meanwhile, in-depth interviews revealed barriers to health behavior, such as respondents' attitudes towards preparedness efforts and inadequate access to information and health workers. There is a pressing need for mental health interventions to improve preparedness. Moreover, there is a need for mental health interventions to improve mental health in promoting disaster preparedness efforts. Conclusion: This study concludes that mental health related to disaster vulnerability among the Huntap Tondo community is still lacking, which will impact disaster preparedness. Mental health interventions are essential to enhance preparedness and reduce disaster-related losses. Therefore, mental health interventions are needed to enhance preparedness for disasters and take action to reduce disaster losses and damage.

US Cancer Mortality Trends Among Asian and Pacific Islander Populations

Cancer is the leading cause of death among Asian American individuals and the second leading cause of death among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people. To evaluate longitudinal cancer mortality trends from 1999 to 2020 among Asian American and Pacific Islander populations in the US by demographic characteristics. This cross-sectional study used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database to obtain age-adjusted cancer death rates among Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals of all ages between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2020. Data were analyzed from January 12 to March 19, 2024. Age, sex, cancer type, and US census regions. Trends and average annual percent changes (AAPCs) in age-adjusted cancer-specific mortality (CSM) rates for non-Hispanic Asian American and Pacific Islander populations were estimated by cancer type, age, sex, and region using Joinpoint regression. Between 1999 and 2020, 305 386 Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals (median [IQR] age, 69.5 [58.5-79.2] years; 51.1% male) died of cancer in the US. Overall, the CSM rate decreased by 1.5% annually. Men experienced a greater CSM rate decrease (AAPC, -1.8%; 95% CI, -2.2% to -1.3%) compared with women (AAPC, -1.1%; 95% CI: -1.2% to -1.0%). For women, death rates decreased for most cancer types but increased for uterine (AAPC, 2.5%; 95% CI, 2.0%-3.0%) and brain and central nervous system (AAPC, 1.4%; 95% CI: 0.7%-2.1%) cancers. Colorectal cancer mortality rates increased among men aged 45 to 54 years (AAPC, 1.3%; 95% CI, 0.5%-2.1%). Liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer mortality increased for both men and women in all US census regions, uterine cancer mortality increased in all regions for women, and pancreatic cancer mortality increased in the Midwest for both men and women. Although these findings show an overall decrease in CSM among Asian American and Pacific Islander populations, specific cancer types exhibited increased mortality rates, with further disparities by sex and age. Targeted, culturally adapted clinical and public health interventions are needed to narrow disparities in cancer mortality.

Mental health and sleep in the post-COVID-19 era among Thai undergraduate students

The purpose of this study was to examine mental health problems and sleep quality among undergraduate students in the post-COVID-19 era, as well as related factors. This cross-sectional study involved 627 undergraduate students from Chiang Mai University in northern Thailand between October and December 2022. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire that included the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The study found that 57.9% of participants experienced mental health problems (95% CI: 54.0–61.8), 32.2% experienced depression (95% CI: 28.5–35.9), and 68.1% reported poor sleep quality (95% CI: 64.4–71.8). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that medical conditions, relationships with family members, relationships with friends or other people, having problems while studying at university, and self-perceived COVID-19 impact score were all associated with mental health problems and poor sleep quality (p < 0.05). Depression was associated with the field of study, relationships with family members, relationships with friends or other people, having problems while studying at university, and self-perceived COVID-19 impact score (p < 0.05). The findings highlight a significant occurrence of poor sleep and mental health issues, including depression, among undergraduate students in the post-COVID-19 era, underscoring the need for ongoing mental health monitoring and interventions to mitigate negative outcomes.

The impact of exposure to green or bluespace on dietary intake and food choices among adults—A systematic literature review

AbstractExtensive research has shown that spending time in natural greenspaces has a positive impact on health. However, there is limited evidence regarding potential factors that may influence these effects. This review aimed to assess the strength of the evidence and potential impact of exposure to green and bluespaces on dietary outcomes in adults. Inclusion criteria for the review were based on the PICO criteria. Following PRISMA guidelines, an initial search of five databases was conducted: CINAHL, GreenFILE, AMED, Medline, and PubMed, accessed on 14th June 2021 and augmented by an updated rerun in January 2024. All studies used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross‐Sectional Studies for quality assessment. Due to heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was conducted to evaluate the relationships between the included studies. Four observational studies that reported diet‐related outcomes were included in the review, and participants within the studies ranged from 554 to &gt;350,000 participants. Other health outcomes, including physical activity and obesity, were also reported. Two studies found that dietary patterns were not correlated with exposure to greenspace. Due to the small number of articles retrieved and the paucity of evidence, the findings must be interpreted cautiously. In conclusion, further research is essential to clarify the intricate mechanisms involved in greenspace‐related health benefits. Additionally, investigating the specific greenspace attributes influencing adult dietary intake and food choices is warranted. When devising public health interventions, it is crucial to account for the substantial health advantages associated with various socioeconomic groups.

Pesticides and prostate cancer incidence and mortality: An environment-wide association study.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States, yet modifiable risk factors remain elusive. In this study, the authors investigated the potential role of agricultural pesticide exposure in prostate cancer incidence and mortality. For this environment-wide association study (EWAS), linear regression was used to analyze county-level associations between the annual use of 295 distinct pesticides (measured in kg per county) and prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates in the contiguous United States. Data were analyzed in two cohorts: 1997-2001 pesticide use with 2011-2015 outcomes (discovery) and 2002-2006 use with 2016-2020 outcomes (replication). The reported effect sizes highlight how a 1-standard-deviation increase in log-transformed pesticide use (kg per county) corresponds to changes in incidence. Analyses were adjusted for county-level demographics, agricultural data, and multiple testing. Twenty-two pesticides showed consistent, direct associations with prostate cancer incidence across both cohorts. Of these, four pesticides were also associated with prostate cancer mortality. In the replication cohort, each 1-standard-deviation increase in log-transformed pesticide use corresponded to incidence increases per 100,000 individuals (trifluralin, 6.56 [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.04-8.07]; cloransulam-methyl, 6.18 [95% CI, 4.06-8.31]; diflufenzopyr, 3.20 [95% CI, 1.09-5.31]; and thiamethoxam, 2.82 [95% CI, 1.14-4.50]). Limitations included ecological study design, potential unmeasured confounding, and lack of individual-level exposure data. The results of this study suggest a potential link between certain pesticides and increased prostate cancer incidence and mortality. These findings warrant further investigation of these specific pesticides to confirm their role in prostate cancer risk and to develop potential public health interventions.

Investigating the Determinants of Dengue Outbreak in Oman: A Study in Seeb.

This study investigates the key factors contributing to the dengue outbreak in Oman. Data on climate (e.g., temperature, humidity, wind pace), population traits (e.g., populace density), and vector dynamics (e.g., mosquito density) within the Seeb district of Oman from 2022 to 2023 were gathered. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was performed to study which variables affect dengue outbreaks. The results indicate that climatic factors significantly affect the dengue vector (β = -0.361, p < 0.001) but do not directly impact the dengue outbreak. Population characteristics, however, have a more substantial impact on dengue transmission, with a total effect (β = 0.231, p = 0.002) being relatively higher than that of the vector itself (total effect: β = 0.116, p < 0.001). Even with ongoing vector intervention efforts, the study underscores the need to include innovative public health interventions when considering environmental and demographic factors. More advantageous surveillance and focused interventions in excessive-threat regions are essential to mitigate the effect of dengue in Oman.

The Evolving Role of Pharmacists in Healthcare: A Systematic Review of Clinical, Community, and Digital Health Interventions

The Evolving Role of Pharmacists in Healthcare: A Systematic Review of Clinical, Community, and Digital Health Interventions

The Socio-Economic Situation of a Population as a Determinant of Childhood Obesity: Answers from Big Data

Big data tools are currently a major tool for assessing population changes. There is a causal relationship between low economic levels and a higher prevalence of conditions associated with malnutrition and obesity. One of the causes of low income in different areas could be a higher unemployment rate and a confluence of people who are migrating for economic reasons. Objective: To assess in a child population the effect of the unemployment rate, average income and immigration rate as a possible effect of increasing the prevalence of malnutrition associated with childhood obesity. Material and methods: Data collected from computerized clinical history episodes, studying the variables of sex, age, weight, height, of a pediatric population (year 2022), comparing it with the average income of their residential district, unemployment rate and immigration rate. Use of big data methods for the study of variables. Using the Cole-Green LMS algorithm with penalized likelihood, implemented in the RefCurv 0.4.2 software (2020), which allows managing large amounts of data. The hyperparameters have been selected using the BIC (Bayesian Information Criterion). To calculate population deviations from the reference, the reference was taken as being above 1.5 standard deviations from the average according to age. Results: 66,975 computerised episodes of children under 16 years of age and a total of 1,205,000 variables studied. The data and comparative graphs between districts of the population studied are represented with respect to the variables analysed. There are significant differences, with an increase in the rate of overweight in those areas with lower economic income and higher unemployment and immigration rates. Big data technology allows for more efficient population studies, selecting populations most in need of health intervention, optimizing scarce health resources.

Top-funded companies offering digital health interventions for the prevention and treatment of depression: a systematic market analysis

BackgroundDigital innovations can reduce the global burden of depression by facilitating timely and scalable interventions. In recent years, the number of commercial Digital Health Interventions for Depression (DHIDs) has been on the rise. However, there is limited knowledge on their content and underpinning scientific evidence. This study aimed to: (i) identify the top-funded companies offering DHIDs and (ii) provide an overview of their interventions, including scientific evidence, psychotherapeutic approaches and use of novel technologies.MethodsA systematic search was conducted using two venture capital databases to identify the top-30 funded companies offering DHIDs. In addition, studies related to the DHIDs’ were identified via academic databases and hand-searching. The methodological quality of the publications was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.ResultsThe top-30 funded companies offering DHIDs received a total funding of 2,592 million USD. Less than half of the companies produced any scientific research associated with their DHIDs, with a total of 83 publications identified. Twenty-five publications were randomised control trials, of which 15 reported moderate-to-large effects in reducing depression symptoms. Regarding novel technologies, few DHIDs incorporated the use of conversational agents or low-burden sensing technologies.ConclusionsFunding received by top-funded companies was not related to the amount of scientific evidence provided on their DHIDs. There was a strong variation in the quantity of evidence produced and an overall need for more rigorous effectiveness trials. Few DHIDs used automated approaches such as conversational agents, limiting their scalability.