Negative Health Effects Research Articles

A Scoping Review of the Respiratory Effects of Red Tide in Humans.

Algal blooms of Karenia brevis produce brevetoxins that lead to the natural phenomenon of red tide. Beyond monitoring the red tide concentration and forecasting future outbreaks, uncertainty exists in the field when examining these toxins in relation to physiologic aspect of humans. Contaminated air that results from outbreaks of K. brevis leads to inhalation of aerosolized brevetoxins, which directly impact the human respiratory system. This scoping review focused on the respiratory effects of red tide and was conducted by using a comparative method between 2 researchers. Relevant abstracts were collected, and full-text articles were reviewed by using PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL Complete, and BioMed Central databases. Thirty articles were included in the final analysis and categorized by study design, location, and number and age of participants, and were also divided into assessment by respiratory effects, exposure, measurements of K. brevis, and asthma. The research indicates that respiratory health issues exist and can be compounded with exposure to red tide, specifically upper respiratory symptoms. Both symptomatic issues and pulmonary function tests were of concern when individuals were subjected to brevetoxin exposure. Even low levels of K. brevis resulted in negative respiratory health effects. Red tide is common in many areas of the world. The toxins released can cause adverse respiratory effects in humans. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the scholarly literature focused on the respiratory system and red tide produced by K. brevis.

Correlation Between Diverse Smoking Habits and the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes: A Comparative Analysis.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent metabolic illness that arises as a result of a complex interplay between genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices. The precise mechanisms elucidating the association between smoking and the onset of DMremain incompletely understood, despite the proposal of several ideas. The objective of this study ‎was to conduct a comparative analysis of blood glucose levels, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, insulin hormone levels, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) ‎levels in diabetic patients who smoked and those who did not. The study included a total of 320 volunteers divided into four groups, with each group consisting of 80 volunteers. The first group served as the control group and consisted of ‎healthy individuals. The remaining three groups consisted of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, categorized based on their smoking habits. The second ‎group comprised T2DM patients who did not smoke, the third group consisted of T2‎DM patients who smoked cigarettes, and the fourth group included T2DM patients ‎who smoked e-cigarettes.‎At recruitment, data on age, fat %, waist circumference (cm), and body mass index (kg/m2) was collected. Biochemical markers measured were fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, insulin, and HOMA-IR‎ levels. The findings demonstrated a statistically significant increase (P<0.001) in the levels of each parameter, particularly among patients with T2DM who engaged in e-cigarette smoking, compared to the control group.‎ It was found that engaging in dual smoking, which involves the use of both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, was associated with a higher likelihood of elevated HbA1c levels and other negative health effects. When it comes to the management of diabetic patients, abstaining from smoking and participating in smoking cessation programs, for patients who smoke, should be the essential approaches. It was found that dual smokingled to a higher likelihood of elevated HbA1c levels and this association was most pronounced among male individuals, those who were physically inactive, and thoseclassified as obese. Further studies should be conducted on the detrimental health consequences associated with e-cigarettes, with a particular focus on enhancing the awareness of healthcare professionals and their patients of the potential risks. This is particularly significant due to the prevailing perceptionthat e-cigarettes are inherently "safe".

Issue of recreational use of sildenafil

Introduction and purposeErectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Sildenafil is one of the most popular medications used to treat ED, but in recent years, there has been a growing trend of recreational use of this drug, particularly among younger individuals, which can lead to numerous negative health consequences. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the recreational use of sildenafil, especially among younger individuals.State of knowledgeSildenafil primarily affects the smooth muscle of the blood vessels in the corpora cavernosa, facilitating the achievement and maintenance of an erection. The most common side effects of sildenafil include headaches, dizziness, facial flushing, nausea, muscle pain, and nasal congestion. A relatively rare but potentially severe side effect of sildenafil is priapism. It is noted that those using sildenafil recreationally often have multiple sexual partners, as the drug helps them prolong sexual encounters. Studies show that sildenafil is used by groups that should have no problem achieving sexual satisfaction. The use of the drug in combination with alcohol and other substances is noticeable.ConclusionsRecreational use of sildenafil appears to be an increasingly common behavior among young men who do not have difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection. There are no studies yet that specifically examine the recreational use of sildenafil among women. It is necessary to conduct further research to better understand the prevalence of this phenomenon and to identify the factors that predispose individuals to engage in recreational use of sildenafil.

Rapid and eco-friendly microextraction procedure based on green hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent for simultaneous determination of five sex hormones from cosmetic samples

Hormones, which are among the endocrine disruptors, are used in many fields and their use in cosmetic products has recently attracted considerable attention. Despite the negative health consequences, there is no detailed guidance that limits the use of these endocrine disruptors. This study aimed to develop a green hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (HDES)-based microextraction method for the detection and quantification of sex hormones (progesterone, β-estradiol, estrone, ethinylestradiol, and testosterone) in different cosmetic products. The best value for extraction recovery was obtained by using DL-menthol and dodecanoic acid as green HDES in a 4:1 mole ratio. Optimization parameters such as HDES volume, pH, sample volume, centrifugation time, mixing type, and mixing time were investigated for cosmetic samples to be used as real samples. Furthermore, the extraction recovery values ranged from 85.7 % to 101.3 % and the detection limit was between 2.33–3.30 ng mL−1. Additionally, three different greenness methods, namely ComplexGAPI, AGREEprep, and BAGI, were used to evaluate how green the proposed method is in this study. The microextraction procedure developed in this study was successfully applied to five different cosmetic samples that will be used as real samples to detect and determine sex hormones.

Bleaching Agents: A Review of Their Utilization and Management

Exposure to disinfectants, cleansers, and bleaching chemicals irritates the eyes, respiratory systems, and skin, triggering asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Bleach, as the major constituent of cleansers, when used improperly or mixed with other indoor cleaning agents, produces harmful halogenated volatile organic compounds. This manuscript assesses the influence of excessive exposure to disinfectants, including bleaching agents, when used against infectious conditions related to SARS-COVID-19 and its management. The use and impact of different bleaching agents in cleansing and their associated problems have been analyzed and presented in this review. This analysis focuses on the conventional and post-pandemic approach towards bleaches. Usage of bleaching agents increased by a staggering 20.4% and 16.4% from January to March 2020 compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019. Mounting use of bleaching agents during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in negative health effects like asthma, eye irritation, and skin allergies. An approximately 42% rise in poisoning cases, including a few deaths, has been associated with exposure to harmful chemicals involving bleaches during the recent pandemic. Bleaching agents are the primary sources of hazardous indoor pollutants; therefore, despite their importance in disinfection, their utility must be substantiated based on legal guidelines, disposal, and remedial measures. Thus, conducting future occupational exposure assessment studies for bleach hazard management is crucial.

"It Isn't What I Had to Do, It's What I Get to Do": The Experiences of Black Family Caregivers Managing Dementia.

Black family caregivers of persons with dementia experience high levels of stress that can negatively affect caregiver health outcomes and reduce caregiving capacity. However, Black caregivers tend to report low levels depressive symptoms or other negative health effects. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to identify factors that contribute to resilience among Black family caregivers. Using the rigorous and accelerated data reduction (RADaR) technique to complete thematic analysis, a team of five coders examined transcript data from three focus groups of Black current and former family caregivers (n = 17) of persons with dementia. We identified three primary factors that contributed to caregiver resilience including access to supportive environments, adaptability, and planning skills. Caregiver resistance to reporting depressive symptoms may be attributed to the strong Black woman schema. Findings from this study may be used to develop future culturally responsive interventions that support caregivers and promote family health.

The Effect of PM10 Pollutant Levels on the Postneonatal Mortality Rate: Application of the AirQ+ Model in Istanbul, Türkiye

Background: Air pollution is one of the major environmental risk factors for health. Children are vulnerable to the negative health consequences of air pollution. We aimed to determine the effect of PM10 levels on postneonatal mortality in Istanbul, the most populous city in Türkiye. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the relationship between PM10 levels and postneonatal deaths occurring in Istanbul, Türkiye in 2015-2019 was examined. PM10 levels for Istanbul were calculated by taking the average of daily PM10 measurements between 01.01.2015 and 31.12.2019, made available from Istanbul Air Quality Monitoring Stations. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel 2016 and AIRQ+ 2.2.3 software. Results: If the PM10 value in Istanbul province had been reduced to 20 μg/m3, the limit value recommended by the WHO; in 2019; 36(19-61) postneonatal infant deaths could have been prevented; 7.73% (3.98-12.95) of postneonatal infant deaths were attributed to PM10. During this period, the PM10 value in Istanbul was above the limit value recommended by WHO, the European Union and Turkish legislation. Conclusion: Infant mortality due to air pollution is an important public health problem.

Unwanted Online Sexual Solicitation Among Young People in a Swedish Psychiatric Sample: Occurrence and Associations with Depression and Anxiety

ABSTRACT Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) is a ubiquitous societal problem with negative health consequences. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric (CAP) patients are burdened with more violence exposure than other groups, but more work is needed to chart their exposure to TFSV specifically and to understand how it relates to their mental health. In this study, we aimed to investigate the occurrence of unwanted online sexual solicitation (UOSS) in a young Swedish psychiatric sample. We also aimed to measure the associations between psychiatric symptoms and exposure to UOSS, offline sexual harassment, cyberbullying, and offline bullying. We also aimed to analyze possible differences between boys and girls. Our results show a high occurrence of UOSS (48.61%), which is higher than in the general population. UOSS was significantly higher among girls (57.31%) than boys (20.59%), but boys in the CAP group were burdened with more UOSS victimization than boys in general. Co-occurrence of UOSS with other types of offline and online harassment was substantial. UOSS, together with age and offline sexual harassment, predicted anxiety and depressive symptoms among both girls and boys. UOSS also showed a significant interaction effect with gender, suggesting that boys exposed to UOSS suffer higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than girls exposed to UOSS. Preventing and treating mental health difficulties needs to consider contextual circumstances such as exposure to sexual violence online.

Multiple relocation cases in disaster-related deaths after the Fukushima nuclear accident

IntroductionRelocation after a disaster often has negative health effects on vulnerable people, particularly older adults. However, little is known about the number of repeated evacuations and relocations after disasters among those experienced disaster-related deaths. This case series aimed to summarize the secondary problems and mortality risks in patients involved in relocation after disasters.MethodsWe analyzed and summarized the data on 520 disaster-related deaths in Minamisoma City, a municipality near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, focusing on the number of relocations. Herein, we describe the cases of three individuals over 80 years old, who died after eight or more relocations, which were certified as disaster-related deaths.ResultsWe discuss following three cases, which are (1) a female patient in her 90s who had a stroke and was completely disabled, (2) a female patient in her 80s whose cancer was detected later due to her failing to see her family doctor, and (3) a male patient in his 80s whose regular postoperative treatment was disrupted following cancer recurrence.DiscussionOur findings indicate that evacuation led to the worsening of chronic diseases and eventually to post-disaster death. Prolonged wide-area evacuation and repeated relocation likely interrupted the continuum of care and led to the failure of adequate care provision. To reduce the loss of human life, it is necessary to review the number of wide-area evacuations and relocations over the medium to long term after large-scale disasters, including nuclear disasters, which may occur in the future. Simultaneously, it is important to establish a medical system at the evacuation site so that disaster victims can continue to receive medical care even after evacuation or relocation.

Loneliness Trajectories in U.S. Military Veterans: A 3-Year Longitudinal Study of Risk and Protective Factors.

Loneliness is a significant public health concern associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes in older adults. This study examined the nature and correlates of predominant loneliness trajectories in a nationally representative sample of older U.S. military veterans. Participants included 2,441 veterans (mean age = 63, 8% female, 80% white) from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, a 3-year longitudinal cohort study. Growth mixture modeling (GMM) was used to identify distinct trajectory classes of loneliness based on self-reported ratings. Multinomial logistic three-step regression analyses examined potential psychosocial risk and protective factors associated with loneliness trajectories. GMM revealed three distinct loneliness trajectories: Low-decreasing loneliness (61.2%), moderate-increasing loneliness (31.6%), and high-increasing loneliness (7.2%). Being married/partnered and perceiving greater purpose in life emerged as protective factors against elevated levels of loneliness. Worse cognitive functioning was a risk factor for the moderate-increasing loneliness trajectory, while greater psychological distress and more adverse childhood experiences were risk factors for the high-increasing loneliness trajectory. Nearly 40% of older U.S. veterans exhibited trajectories characterized by moderate to high levels of loneliness, with both groups showing increases over time. Targeted interventions that promote social connectedness, enhance purpose in life, and address mental health concerns and early life adversities may help mitigate the negative health consequences associated with chronic loneliness in this vulnerable population.

Prevalence and assessment of sleep-disordered breathing in head and neck cancer patients: a systematic review.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a very common and underdiagnosed condition in head and neck cancers (HNC) patients. If untreated, SDB can lead to negative health consequences. The identification of SDB in HNC patients is crucial to ensure appropriate treatment and to improve outcomes. The purpose of the study was to investigate the incidence of coexisting SDB in HNC patients and to evaluate methods of assessing SDB in the population. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Database, the Web of Science, and Scopus was performed for studies related to SDB in HNC patients. In total, 1713 articles were identified. 19 articles were selected for qualitative synthesis. The studies involved 584 subjects. The prevalence of SDB ranged from 57 to 90% before cancer treatment and from 12 to 96% after. When using an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) cut-off ≥ 5/h to diagnosis SDB, the prevalence of SDB was 57-90% before cancer treatment and 12-94% after treatment. Sleep studies using polysomnography are the most commonly used assessment tools, but thresholds for diagnosis have been inconsistent. There is a high prevalence of SDB in HNC patients. However, the diagnostic and thresholds methods used for detecting SDB vary widely. To determine the accurate prevalence of SDB, prospective, systematic studies of SDB in unselected cohorts of HNC participants are required.

Assessing the psychobiological demands of high-fidelity training in pre-hospital emergency medicine

BackgroundIndividuals who provide critical emergency care mount rapid psychobiological responses when faced with an incident. These responses are adaptive and ensure resources at time of demand; however, frequent activation with minimal opportunity for recovery can have negative consequences for health and wellbeing. Monitoring individuals in real emergency situations would provide an understanding of their stress responses during the provision of critical care; however, this presents logistical challenges. An alternative is to assess individuals during high-fidelity training scenarios. This is the first comprehensive assessment of psychobiological responding during continuous high-fidelity training in pre-hospital emergency medicine.MethodsA sample of doctors and paramedics (N = 27) participated during 10 days of training and a weekend of no activities. Training involved the acquisition of human factors, non-technical and surgical skills, and their application in complex high-fidelity scenarios including road-traffic accidents, firearms incidents, and swift water rescue operations. On each day participants reported levels of state, cognitive, and somatic anxiety, and self-confidence following waking and before sleep, and their anticipated (at wake) and experienced (before sleep) demands of the day. Saliva samples were obtained each day for assessment of diurnal cortisol indices and the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR). Garmin smartwatches were worn throughout for the collection of heart rate and HRV-derived stress.ResultsThere were significant (p < 0.001) differences across days for state, cognitive, and somatic anxiety; self-confidence; anticipated and experienced demands; aggregated measures of heart rate and HRV-derived stress; levels of cortisol at waking (p = 0.002) and for the CAR (p < 0.001). Measures of psychobiological responding during training were distinct from the weekend and the highest levels of psychobiological responding occurred on days characterised by greater anticipated and experienced demands.DiscussionThis high-fidelity training is typical of the day-to-day requirements of emergency services and these observations are representative of functioning during real-life critical care emergencies. Increased responding during times of demand is adaptive; however, frequent and sustained responding increases allostatic load and is a contributor to burnout. As burnout is a significant concern in emergency medicine, this study identifies patterns of responding and recovery that may impact upon longer-term health and wellbeing.

Excess dietary sugar and its impact on periodontal inflammation: a narrative review.

Sugar is omnipresent in the current food environment and sugar consumption has drastically risen over the past century. Extensive evidence highlights the negative health consequences of consuming excess dietary sugars, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AHA) to devise guidelines to restrict sugar intake. According to the WHO's Global Oral Health Status Report of 2022, oral diseases and severe periodontitis are a massive public health problem, and dietary sugars are a modifiable risk factor. We conducted a literature review using key databases to summarise the health effects of excessive sugar consumption and their potential role in periodontal inflammation. Available evidence suggests that excess dietary fructose and sucrose can cause low-grade systemic inflammation; and induce dysbiosis in both gut and the oral microbiota. Also, dietary sugar is potentially addictive and hypercaloric and its overconsumption can lead to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other risk factors for periodontal inflammation. Hence, an unbalanced diet with excess dietary sugars holds the potential to initiate and aggravate periodontal inflammation. In the modern food environment that enables and facilitates a high-sugar diet, adopting a diverse diet and restricting sugar intake according to WHO and AHA guidelines seem beneficial to systemic and periodontal health. Since clinical evidence is limited, future research should study the effectiveness of dietary interventions that control sugar consumption in preventing and managing the global public health problem of periodontal inflammation.

Consequences of acute and long-term excessive iodine intake: A literature review focusing on seaweed as a potential dietary iodine source.

Macroalgae, also called seaweed, are becoming more widespread as food in Western diets. Seaweed can accumulate iodine, an essential nutrient for humans. However, some species of seaweed may contain very high amounts of iodine, and therefore, iodine has been identified as one of the major hazards in the seaweed food chain. Macroalgae may be consumed regularly, though many consumers report eating macroalgae only occasionally. The aim of this paper is to explore possible health consequences of excessive iodine intake according to long-term (chronic) or occasional (acute) excessive exposure to iodine, relating to a regular (chronic) or occasional (acute) seaweed intake, respectively. Furthermore, through a modeling exercise, we add different amounts of seaweed to the diet in a population group to explore the possible safe amounts that can be added without exceeding excessive iodine intakes and risking detrimental health effects. Chronic excessive iodine intakes were associated with several negative health outcomes at variable doses in various studies. For acute excessive iodine exposure, negative health effects seemed to be associated with higher iodine exposures. However, the research on this topic was limited. The chronic and acute iodine exposures needed to result in negative health outcomes may easily be ingested by macroalgae consumption. Adding seaweed to the diet must be done thoughtfully to avoid the risk of exceeding thresholds for excessive iodine intake.

Chitosan–sodium Tripolyphosphate–CuO Biopolymer–nanocomposite as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Water Splitting

Background: Fossil fuels have been used extensively as primary energy sources, which has resulted in nearly depleted reserves, a contaminated environment, and a variety of negative health effects globally. Hydrogen has been proposed by researchers as an effective “carbon neutral” fuel. Large-scale hydrogen production through electrochemical water splitting necessitates the use of inexpensive, extremely effective, and earth-abundant electrocatalysts. Method: In this study, chitosan–sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles are combined with CuO nanostructures to produce chitosan–TPP–CuO (CT/CuO) nanocomposite. Chitosan–TPP nanoparticles were first synthesized using the ionic gelation method. These nanoparticles were then extracted, and CuO was synthesized in situ in polymer nanoparticles using a simple chemical precipitation method. Chitosan and CuO are abundantly available and are environmentally beneficial materials. The porous structure and open channels within the chitosan polymer matrix host the CuO nanostructures, which promote electrolyte penetration, mass transport, and charge transfer, while the metal-oxide nanostructures act as catalytic centers. The structural and morphological properties of the CT/CuO nanocomposite were investigated using XRD, HRSEM, and HRTEM. The band gap and functional groups in the material were measured by UV–Vis DRS and FTIR methods, respectively. Elemental analysis was conducted utilizing EDS, HRSEM, and XPS. Thermal characteristics of the CT/CuO nanocomposite were investigated using TG-DTA and DSC methods. Electrochemical techniques were used to investigate the activities of HER and OER. Results: The XRD examination of the CT/CuO nanocomposite revealed semi-crystalline chitosan peaks and a monoclinic CuO structure. HRSEM and HRTEM pictures indicated that chitosan–TPP nanoparticles and CuO nanostructures were evenly spread and clustered to create a nanoparticulate matrix. UV–Vis DRS indicated that the CT/CuO nanocomposite had a direct band gap of 1.702 eV. The FTIR and XPS studies revealed the various bonds and oxidation states of the nanocomposite. Thermal analyses demonstrated that the inclusion of CuO increased the thermal stability of the CT/CuO nanocomposite. CT/CuO nanocomposite exhibited excellent OER and HER activity, requiring a low overpotential of 444 mV and 379 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and -10 mA cm−2, respectively. Conclusion: Biopolymer metal-oxide nanocomposites could potentially be used as electrocatalysts in water splitting, energy conversion, storage devices, sensors, and several other fields.

Glycaemic sugar metabolism and the gut microbiota: past, present and future.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, have reached epidemic proportions worldwide. The global increase in dietary sugar consumption, which is largely attributed to the production and widespread use of cheap alternatives such as high-fructose corn syrup, is a major driving factor of NCDs. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of sugar metabolism and its impact on host health is imperative to rise to the challenge of reducing NCDs. Notably, fructose appears to exert more pronounced deleterious effects than glucose, as hepatic fructose metabolism induces de novo lipogenesis and insulin resistance through distinct mechanisms. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated an intricate relationship between sugar metabolism and the small intestinal microbiota (SIM). In contrast to the beneficial role of colonic microbiota in complex carbohydrate metabolism, sugar metabolism by the SIM appears to be less beneficial to the host as it can generate toxic metabolites. These fermentation products can serve as a substrate for fatty acid synthesis, imposing negative health effects on the host. Nevertheless, due to the challenging accessibility of the small intestine, our knowledge of the SIM and its involvement in sugar metabolism remains limited. This review presents an overview of the current knowledge in this field along with implications for future research, ultimately offering potential therapeutic avenues for addressing NCDs.

Heavy Metal Identification in Water Resources and the Surrounding Environment of the Cirasea Riparian Zone, Indonesia

The Cirasea River can provide water for both the Bandung basin and agricultural irrigation. Intensive agriculture, industry, and land use changes could have an impact on water quality. The purpose of this study is to look at the origins of heavy metals in riparian water resources. Heavy metal analysis was performed on 13 groundwater and river water samples. Heavy metals in water sources were compared with sediment and soil. The samples were analyzed for heavy metals using an AAS instrument. The research method employs statistical, geographical, and heavy metal pollution index (HPI). The HPI for river water was 131, whereas groundwater was 93. River water with an HPI value of more than 100 is highly polluted, indicating that it is unsafe for human consumption and has negative health consequences. Data verification with heavy metals in sediments reveals the presence of heavy metals coming from geogenic circumstances in various locations in the upstream area. Heavy metals in downstream areas result from geological factors and anthropogenic activities in the surrounding area. The long-term effects of heavy metal pollution along the riparian zone will become apparent. More research is needed on communities that depend on groundwater supplies along the Cirasea watershed.

Supportive-leadership training to improve social connection: A cluster-randomized trial demonstrating efficacy in a high-risk occupational context.

The high, and still rising, rate of loneliness is a threat to public health (Office of the Surgeon General, 2023), with negative mental and physical health consequences (e.g., Holt-Lunstad, 2021). Given that loneliness is a risk factor for poor mental health, efforts to address loneliness are urgently needed. Workplaces can facilitate an employee's social connection through supervisor support training, which can help mitigate loneliness. Among occupational groups, the military is at higher risk for mental health disorders, suicide, and loneliness (Fikretoglu et al., 2022; Naifeh et al., 2019). This study evaluated the efficacy of an evidence-based supportive-leadership training intervention targeting active-duty U.S. Army platoon leaders and targeting both proactive support behaviors that help bolster employee social connection and responsive support behaviors, including destigmatizing mental health. Ninety-nine platoon leaders (69.7% of eligible leaders) completed the 90-min training that consisted of both in-person and computer-based components. Using a cluster-randomized controlled trial design, intervention effects were tested using an intent-to-treat approach and revealed a significant effect, whereby loneliness of service members whose leaders were randomized to the intervention group (N = 118) was significantly reduced compared to loneliness reports for service members in the control group (N = 158). Additionally, service members with higher baseline loneliness were more strongly and positively impacted by the supervisor training, reporting higher levels of supportive behaviors from their leaders at 3 months postbaseline. In sum, these results suggest how workplaces, especially those that are considered high-risk occupations, and their leaders play a critical role in a national strategy to address Americans' well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Addressing India’s alcohol misuse crisis: The urgent need for screening and brief intervention to bridge the healthcare gap

India faces a significant challenge with alcohol misuse, as evidenced by the national survey revealing that 57 million out of 160 million persons with alcohol use exhibit harmful or dependent patterns, necessitating professional assistance. The Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health (2018) indicates a rising per capita alcohol consumption in the Southeast Asian Region, with India contributing substantially. To address this, implementing policies and programs to curb hazardous alcohol use is crucial. Despite a shortage of mental health professionals in India, they remain the primary caregivers for those with alcohol-related issues. Only one in five individuals with problematic alcohol use can access professional help. I argue for adopting Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) to bridge this healthcare gap. SBI is a concise, structured counseling approach that proves effective and scalable. It can be delivered by various healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, counselors, and paramedics. Hence, it can be seamlessly integrated into primary care, emergency, and nonclinical settings. The efficacy of SBI extends to electronic formats, providing a scope of expansion through telehealth. The WHO advocates SBI by its SAFER initiative aimed at reducing negative alcohol-associated health and social consequences. SBI is effective across age groups, including adolescents and young adults, constituting most of India’s population. Emerging evidence suggests that SBI is acceptable, feasible, and effective in the Indian context. Universal or targeted SBI can be a pivotal tool in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (2030) and global commitments for noncommunicable diseases, fortifying efforts to prevent and treat alcohol misuse.

Use of the value-focused thinking methodology to understand health care waste management under the perspective of occupational and environmental health

The increasing generation of healthcare waste has greatly accelerated the concern about its potential negative environmental and public health effects. In this sense, the application of decision-making methods and techniques at a strategic level has become increasingly indispensable for the management of health units. This article aimed to understand the challenges in healthcare waste management (HCWM), the main mechanisms of action and values. The Value-Focused Thinking methodology was used to evidence important gaps and propose improvements in the context of decision on occupational safety and environmental protection, leading to the creation of alternatives not seen previously and guaranteeing the good ideas would be converted into actions. The structure was developed by semi-structured questionnaires, observation lists and interviews, conducted to expose the values of the main stakeholders (managers, health professionals, and cleaning professionals) of 10 public health units selected in Caruaru (Brazil). As a result, the investigation evidenced four fundamental goals for the decision context: improvement in work and environmental safety; improvement in HCWM practices; improvement in resource management; strengthening of the stakeholder communication network. From the analysis of the attributes associated with the fundamental goals, it was possible to identify actions that should be implemented with a higher priority and, in the short term, aiming at obtaining positive results, especially in the management practices and the safe management of health waste. The study resulted from an investigation that awakened the participants about aspects little questioned in everyday life. Implementing actions to segregate and recycle materials, with data monitoring and sharing, will increase the population's trust and the environment's and professionals' safety. The alternatives derived from the VFT method consider the perspectives of key stakeholders in HCWM, helping decision-makers and policymakers develop more assertive and grounded management strategies.