Promotion Programs Research Articles

Burden and Predictors of Diabetic Nephropathy in an Adult With Diabetes Mellitus Patients on Follow up at Ambo University Referral Hospital Central Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing evidence of Diabetic Nephropathy in adult patients with long-standing diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa, data on its burden and correlates in adult African patients with diabetes are limited. We, therefore, undertook this study to determine the burden and predictors of Diabetic Nephropathy n an adult population with diabetes in Hospital. OBJECTIVE: We, therefore, undertook this study to determine the burden and predictors of Diabetic Nephropathy n an adult population with diabetes in Hospital. METHODS: A Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August, 2023 and a systematic random sampling method used to recruit participants. A total of 4,300 diabetics are under observation. The interviewer used structured questionnaires to gather data from the study subjects. For data entry and analysis, Epi Data version 3.1.1 and SPSS version 25 were used. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done after descriptive statistics. 95% confidence intervals (CI) and crude and adjusted odds ratios were presented. RESULTS: Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) was documented in population was 24.9% from the 369 participants (95%; CI 23.37– 26.43) participants among the study). Male sex [AOR = 2.215; 95% CI: 1.34, 3.45, p = 0.002], physically inactive [AOR = 1.983; 95% CI: 1.05, 3.70), P = 0.034], dyslipidaemia [AOR: 1.98, CI: 1.009, 3.5), P = 0.024] and poor controlled glycemia [AOR= 2.70; 1.40, 5.2), P = 0.003] were significant determinants for the development of Diabetic Nephropathy. Therefore, it is advised that healthcare professionals pay close attention to patients who have recognized related factors during follow-up in order to reduce the likelihood of DN. CONCLUSION: Among DM patients, sex, physical inactivity, dyslipidaemia, and poor glycemic control were discovered to be the predictors of diabetic nephropathy. By enhancing programs for health information, education, and promotion, diabetes management should be better equipped to achieve glycaemic control and prevent diabetic nephropathy. Male sex, sedentary lifestyles, dyslipidemia, and patients with poor glycemic control need to receive more attention.

Evaluator's alignment as an important indicator of adequacy of the criteria and assessment procedure for recognizing the good practice in public health.

Public health interventions aim to reduce the burden of chronic non-communicable diseases. Implementing evidence-based interventions that are proven to be successful and effective is widely recognized as the best approach to addressing public health challenges. To avoid the development and implementation of less effective or successful or even harmful practices, clear criteria for the assessment of practices, that consider different dimensions of the interventions in public health, are needed. The main aim of the research was to test our Criteria and assessment procedure for recognizing good practices in the field of public health by estimating the consistency between the evaluators and thereby gaining insight into the adequacy and reliability of the criteria as well as to check how the evaluators understand the criteria and methodology and if it is properly used in assessing the interventions. The assessment of the interventions took place from 2021 to 2022. The individual evaluator's scores on the scale from 1 to 5 for each specific sub-criterion were collected, which was followed by a panel discussion to reach a final score for each sub-criterion. The inter-rater agreement was measured using percent overall agreement and Fleiss' kappa coefficient. We found moderate inter-rater agreement on the level of the assessment criteria group. The lowest agreement was observed for the effectiveness and efficiency sub-criteria group, which also received the lowest scores from the evaluators. Challenges identified with the scoring process were due to the descriptive 1 to 5 scale and the varying specificity of the criteria. The results showed that studying consistency between evaluators can highlight areas for improvement or adjustment in the assessment criteria and enhance the quality of the assessment instrument. Therefore, such analysis would be useful part of both newly and well-established health promotion and prevention program registries.

0806 The Effect of a Sleep Promotion Program in Adolescents with Insufficient Sleep: A Randomized Controlled Trial

0806 The Effect of a Sleep Promotion Program in Adolescents with Insufficient Sleep: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Differential effect by chronic disease risk: A secondary analysis of the ChooseWell 365 randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveWhether employees’ health status is associated with the effectiveness of workplace health promotion programs is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine if the effect of a workplace healthy eating intervention differed by baseline chronic disease status. MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial conducted September 2016 to February 2018 among US hospital employees to test the effect of a 12-month behavioral intervention (personalized feedback, peer comparisons, and financial incentives) on diet and weight. Participants were classified as having chronic disease (yes/no) based on self-reported hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, stroke, pre-diabetes, diabetes, cancer or another serious illness. BMI was measured at study visits and calories purchased were measured from cafeteria sales data over 24 months. Mixed models with random effects assessed heterogeneity of treatment effects by chronic disease. ResultsParticipants (N = 548) were mostly female (79.7 %) and white (81.2 %); 224 (40.9 %) had chronic disease. Among those with chronic disease, intervention participants reduced caloric intake by 74.4 [22.3] kcal more than control, with a smaller difference between intervention and control (−1.9 [18.7] kcal) (three-way p-interaction = 0.02). The effect on BMI for those with chronic disease (0.47 [0.21] kg/m2) indicated weight stability among intervention participants and weight gain among controls while the effect (−0.56 [0.18] kg/m2) for those without chronic disease was the opposite (three-way p-interaction < 0.01). ConclusionsThose with chronic diseases had greater reductions in calories purchased and gained less weight. Employers with limited resources for health promotion might consider tailoring programs to employees at highest risk.

The Inquiring Mind Youth: Analysis of a Mental Health Promotion and Stigma Reduction Pilot Program for Secondary Students

The Inquiring Mind Youth: Analysis of a Mental Health Promotion and Stigma Reduction Pilot Program for Secondary Students

Pocket money and the risk of dental caries and oral pain in children

BackgroundTooth decay affects 40–90 % of children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), contributing to adverse consequences, including oral pain, difficulty focusing in school, lifelong dental problems, and overall lower quality of life. Few studies have examined the relationship between pocket money given to children, their purchase of sugary snacks and drinks with that money, and the risk for tooth decay. MethodsThis secondary cross-sectional analysis utilized data which were collected in 2014 as part of an oral health promotion program in rural El Salvador. A convenience sample of 279 children and their mothers who participated in the program were recruited to complete an interview with trained community health workers, and children received a dental examination from trained and licensed Salvadoran and U.S. dentists. Only children with teeth (primary, mixed, or permanent dentition) were included in this analysis; as such, children ranged in age from 6 months through 14 years. Descriptive, multivariate logistic regression, and Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial analyses were used to identify associations between pocket money given to children and three oral health outcomes: number of decayed, missing/extracted due to decay, and filled teeth (dmft for primary teeth and DMFT for permanent teeth); presence of deep decay; and occurrence of oral pain. ResultsOverall, almost two-thirds of children received daily pocket money with which over 70 % purchased unhealthy snacks/drinks; 83 % of children had tooth decay, with a mean dmft/DMFT of 6.0. After adjusting for covariates, receiving pocket money was associated with 0.18 (95 % CI: 0.05–0.54) times the odds of having zero-dmft/DMFT (i.e., being cavity-free) (p = 0.002). Among children with at least one decayed tooth, receiving pocket money was associated with 1.22 (95 % CI: 1.01–1.53) times the expected dmft/DMFT count (p = 0.04), 3.39 (95 % CI: 1.59–7.22) times the odds of deep decay (p < 0.001), and 2.66 (95 % CI: 1.24–5.70) times the odds of oral pain (p = 0.007) compared to children who did not receive pocket money. ConclusionInterventions to reduce the prevalence and severity of tooth decay should include nutrition and oral health education for children and families—including addressing pocket money and healthy vs. unhealthy purchases—in schools, communities, and primary health clinics; school programs to provide healthy foods and beverages for children; and enforcement of policies to prohibit the sale of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks in and around schools.

Sexual health literacy level and its related factors among married medical sciences college students in an Iranian setting: a web‑based cross‑sectional study.

Sexual health literacy (SHL) leads to the development of personal ability, understanding, evaluation and use of information related to sexual health. The purpose of this study was to assess the sexual health literacy level and its related factors among married college students at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (MAZUMS). A web-based cross-sectional online study was conducted on married college students at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences between January and November 2020. All students were included in the study by census, and the study method was explained by telephone. If they agreed to participate in the study, the online link to the questionnaire, including sociodemographic and clinical information and Sexual Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (SHELIA), was emailed. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26 was used for data analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression tests were used to assess factors related to sexual health literacy. The sample consisted of 277 male and 123 female students. Sexual Health Literacy Level and all subscales are at the sufficient level (66.1-88). Among the participants, 20.5% had limited sexual health literacy. Multivariate analysis found factors related to sexual health literacy among students: economic status (OR 0.03; 95% CI 0.0-0.55) and faculty (OR 0.07; 95% CI 0.01-0.52) is related to decrease and subscription to social media for sexual health (OR 3.27; 95% CI 1.53-7.01), information source of channels and cyberspace (OR 3.23; 95% CI 1.41-7.39), educational level (OR 16.39; 95% CI 2.16-32.70), Internet search information source (OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.00-3.64) is related to increase, were statistically significant factors. In Iran, medical sciences college students, who constitute a significant portion of the country's population, are responsible for sexual health education. Government agencies, with the collaboration of all stakeholders, should develop policies and programs for implementing and evaluating integrated and comprehensive sexual health literacy promotion programs for them.

IMPACT OF FADAMA III ADDITIONAL FINANCE II ON YIELD AND INCOME OF FARO-44 RICE FARMERS BENEFICIARIES IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

The study was carried out to examine the impact of fadama III additional finance II on yield and income of faro-44 rice farmers beneficiaries in Taraba State, Nigeria. A Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 500 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency distribution and percentages) and inferential statistics (Gini coefficient). The findings of the study revealed that more days was expended in faro-44 rice weeding days per hectare with mean of 5.0 and 8.0 hours worked/day. The average number of tractors owned by the fadama users’ association (FUA) farmers was 2 with value of N3,129,079.63. The major inputs intervention received by the respondents were 5 kg seeds, wet season = 10 kg seeds all at N10,000/20 kg bag ((dry season), 2 bags of NPK fertilizer and 4 bags of NPK fertilizer at N7,000/50 kg bag in dry and wet season respectively, followed by a bag of Urea fertilizer in dry season and 2 bag of Urea fertilizer at N9,000/50 kg bag in wet season. Similarly, the respondents also received 4 liters of herbicides each in dry season and wet season. The result further revealed that the yield (kg/ha) in dry season increased from 3,675 kg before intervention to 6,156 kg after intervention representing 59.69% increase and with mean difference of 2,481 kg significant at P&lt;0.01. Similarly, yields in wet season by the faro-44 rice farmers has a mean difference of 1,679 kg compared to mean difference of 2,481 yield in dry season. Consequently, income from dry season harvest (N/ha) increased by 40.77% representing Naira value from N787,375.00 to N1,720,400.00 for before and after fadama AF-II intervention. Similarly, income from wet season harvest only increased by 4.63% with wet season mean income difference of N315,189 compared to the dry season mean income difference of N933,025 implying that the respondents realized more income in dry season faro-44 rice farming than wet season in Taraba State, Nigeria. The study concluded that fadama III additional finance II project intervention had positive impact on yield and income of the respondents and faro-44 rice farming yielded more in dry season than wet season. It is recommended that farm inputs at subsidized rate should be made timely available, there should be further collaboration through the State fadama office with National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to clear more land, rice promotion programmes like training on modern rice production techniques, new varieties of seeds in order to be technically efficient should also be promoted and farmers should be encouraged to form cooperatives to benefit more from such laudable fadama AF-II intervention and enjoy economies of scale.

Prevalence of early childhood caries post covid-19 pandemic in Mumbai among children aged 3-5 years: A cross-sectional pilot study

This cross-sectional pilot study aims to investigate the prevalence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) among children aged 3 to 5 years in Mumbai City, Maharashtra, following the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 91 children were included in the study, with ECC prevalence assessed through standardized examinations and dmfs scoring. Simple random sampling was employed, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. The study found a high prevalence of ECC (63.74%) among the study population, with no significant gender-based differences observed in ECC occurrence or severity. Despite similar ECC prevalence rates between boys and girls, the overall burden of ECC underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and preventive measures. The findings highlight the pressing oral health challenge faced by young children in urban settings post-pandemic and emphasize the importance of comprehensive oral health promotion programs and equitable access to preventive oral healthcare. Addressing modifiable risk factors and integrating oral health services into primary healthcare systems are essential steps toward improving oral health outcomes for children in Mumbai and similar urban environments.

Human Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies for Psychiatric Disorders: The Current Progress and Future Directions.

With the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and the limitations of the diagnostic scheme and treatment options of these disorders, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies play a significant role in uncovering the pathological basis of psychiatric disorders and potentially using biological markers in clinical settings. The use of MRI in clinical research has grown over the past three decades, and current MRI research continues to provide an avenue to guide the development of diagnostic approaches and therapeutic solutions. However, the current shortcomings of MRI studies derive not only from technical limitations (i.e., the range of contrasts that MRI probes or sensors can create) but also from confounding factors in the current methodological approaches of case-control studies for psychiatric disorders. Thus, by reviewing the recent literature on MRI research on psychiatric disorders, we explain the current progress and limitations of brain MRI methodologies used to study psychiatric disorders. We consider the growing use of cross-disorder methods to identify shared and disease-specific pathological features across psychiatric disorders. In addition, we need to outline healthy developmental and aging changes of the brain and investigate the disorder difference as a deviation of the trajectory. Although these methods have provided us with new insights, the demarcation between psychiatric disorders based on a definitive set of pathologies remains limited. This challenge of disease stratification is further complicated by the presence of multiple different sets of disorder pathologies within a single disorder and the different progressive timelines of different disorders. As such, we introduce the ongoing research projects in Japan, namely, the Brain Mapping by Integrated Neurotechnologies for Disease Studies (Brain/MINDS) and the Strategic International Brain Science Research Promotion Program (Brain/MINDS Beyond). These collaborative research initiatives across Japan use neuroimaging and travel-subject harmonization to conduct nationwide MRI studies capable of providing large-scale coherent results, which may address the current limitations of MRI psychiatric disorder research.

From Dual Commitment to Job Performance: Do Not Turn a Blind Eye to CO-OCB And Job Complexity

By utilizing social change theory and consistency theory, the commitment of employees to both the parent firm and local operations can effectively boost change-oriented organizational citizenship behavior (CO-OCB) and work outcomes. The study aims to examine the relationship between dual commitment and job performance via CO-OCB, and tests the moderated mediating effect of job complexity. Data was acquired by a questionnaire survey from a total of 304 employees and 22 supervisors employed in beauty enterprises in Taiwan during two different time periods. The results showed that dual commitment affects job performance through CO-OCB. Meanwhile, job complexity moderates the mediating effect of CO-OCB on the relationship between employees’ organizational commitment to local operation and job performance. The contribution to the theory and practice of this research is that dual commitment and CO-OCB can indeed bring great improvement to work efficiency and outcomes for employees in order to maintain customer satisfaction when the parent company has promotional programs to execute. Dual commitment being divided to discuss in this study effectively breaks away from current studies on only single organization and the results provide better advice for the beauty industry to focus on dual commitment, CO-OCB, and job complexity for improving work efficiency and performance. Given the intense competition, it is imperative to incorporate cross-cultural management and longitudinal investigations in future endeavors to conduct more thorough examinations.

Evaluation of the population-level impacts of the LiveLighter® obesity prevention campaign from 2012 to 2019 based on serial cross-sectional surveys

BackgroundHalting and reversing the upward trend in obesity requires sustained implementation of comprehensive, evidence-based strategies at the population-level. The LiveLighter® program targets adults using a range of public education strategies, including mass media campaigns, to support healthy lifestyle changes to attain or maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic disease. LiveLighter® has been implemented in Western Australia (WA) since 2012 and, to our knowledge, includes the longest running adult-targeted mass media campaign for healthy weight and lifestyle promotion and education globally. This evaluation assessed the impact of LiveLighter® on WA adults’ knowledge, intentions and behaviours as they relate to healthy eating and body weight from 2012 to 2019.MethodsLiveLighter® mass media campaigns, which are TV-led and aired statewide, depict genuine, graphic imagery of visceral fat around internal organs to raise awareness about the link between excess body weight and chronic diseases; demonstrate how unhealthy food and drink consumption can contribute to unhealthy weight gain; and recommend healthy alternatives. Cross-sectional telephone surveys were conducted at baseline and following each campaign phase with an independent, randomly selected sample of WA adults aged 25 to 49 years (n = 501 to n = 1504 per survey) to assess their knowledge of the link between excess body weight and chronic diseases, and their intentions and behaviours related to healthy eating and weight. Multivariable logistic regression models were undertaken to assess differences in responses between baseline and each post-campaign survey.ResultsCompared to baseline, there were significant increases in the proportion of respondents reporting knowledge of excess body weight as a risk factor for certain cancers and type 2 diabetes, intentions to eat more fruit and vegetables and drink less sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) in the next seven days, and the proportion of respondents who reported meeting guidelines for daily vegetable intake. Reported consumption of SSBs significantly decreased.ConclusionsLiveLighter® is associated with improvements in knowledge of the health risks associated with excess body mass, increased vegetable intake and reduced SSB consumption in WA adults. These findings support the use of sustained, well-designed healthy lifestyle promotion and education programs as part of a comprehensive obesity prevention strategy.

Designing a Community-Based Health Promotion Program for Older Adults Based on Perceived Usefulness, Service Experience, Perceived Value, and Behavioral Intention

ABSTRACT Improving nutritional intake contributes to maintaining the health and quality of life of the older population and reducing individual and societal healthcare costs. We collaborated with two community service hubs and a public health center in Taipei’s Daan District to develop a personalized community-based health and nutrition program using service design. The design was validated through a model encompassing perceived usefulness, service experience, perceived value, and behavioral intention, analyzed using PLS-SEM modeling on 76 individuals. The results showed bidirectional influences among these factors. This study provides practical recommendations for formulating public health policies and health promotion programs for older adults.

Assessment of the general health status of children in Turkey: A community-based cross-sectional study.

This study aims to assess the general health status and factors affecting the general health status in the 0-14 age group in Turkey. This cross-sectional study was conducted using the Turkish Statistical Institute Turkey Health Survey 2022 micro data set. This study included 7019 participants. Household heads described the general health status of 91.3% of children and the dental and gum status of 82.4% of children as very good or good, and 9.2% of children had any chronic disease. Although the median breastfeeding duration was 15 months, there is statistical significant association between sex and general health status (p = 0.014) and sex and duration of breastfeeding (p = 0.006). A statistical difference was found between duration of breastfeeding and general health status (p = 0.009) and dental and gum status (p = 0.001). In 2022, the majority of children in Turkey had very good or good general health and dental and gum status. More than a third of children were breastfed for less than 12 months. Considering the possibility of neglecting oral and dental health problems, it is recommended to prioritize oral and dental health literacy trainings and to continue breastfeeding promotion programmes.

Associations between cognitive function and lifestyle in community-living older people: a correlational study

BackgroundPrevious studies have examined relationship between cognitive function and lifestyle; however, the nature of this relationship is expected to vary in diverse cultural and low-income setting where lifestyle practices differ from those in high-income countries.AimThis study aims to investigate the correlation between lifestyle factors and cognitive function among individuals aged 60 years and older in 2021.MethodsThis cross-sectional, Community-based study involved 300 older adults from comprehensive urban health centers in Khorramabad, Iran, selected through stratified cluster sampling. Data were collected using the demographic information questionnaire, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Lifestyle Questionnaire. Data management and analysis were performed using SPSS (version 22) and independent t-tests, Pearson's correlation coefficient, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis were used. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe study included 156 males (52%) and 144 females (48%). Findings revealed a significant correlation between cognitive function and lifestyle (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that physical health, environmental health, exercise, accident prevention, and avoidance of medication exerted the most significant positive effect on cognitive function. Conversely, social health exhibited a notable negative influence on cognitive function. (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe results suggest that specific aspects of lifestyle, such as physical health, accident prevention, and avoidance of medication are associated with cognitive function in older adults. Consequently, lifestyle promotion programs may enhance cognitive function and improve the quality of life among older adults.

Determinants of Oral Hygiene Status among Adolescents in Jember, Indonesia

Background: Oral health problems affected 55.6% of adolescents aged 10-14 in Indonesia. This can be prevented by maintaining oral hygiene. Many physical and psychological changes happen in the adolescent phase, and more attention is needed to maintain oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is influenced by various factors, including demographic and socioeconomic factors. Objectives: This study aimed to determine factors associated with oral hygiene among adolescents in Jember, Indonesia. Method: There were 409 students from eight different junior secondary schools in Jember Regency as participants in this study. The sample was obtained using the cluster random sampling method. Data on oral hygiene as a dependent variable was collected through the OHI-S examination. Data on sex, school, ethnicity, mother and father education, father and mother employment, monthly income, and number of children as independent variables was gathered from questionnaires and students' data from the school database. First, a univariate Spearmen test was run for all independent variables (p&lt;0.05). The significant variables were then analyzed using multiple regression to determine factors associated with oral hygiene (p&lt;0.05). Results: The average OHI-S score was 2.53, which was categorized as moderate. Multivariate analysis results showed that females were more likely to have better OHIS-S scores than males (B=-0.716; p=0.000); ethnic Javanese were more likely to have better OHI-S scores than Maduranese (B=0.293; p=0.004); and middle-income students more likely have better OHI-S than low-income students (B=-0.307; p=0.003). Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that adolescents' socioeconomic background is associated with their oral hygiene. This suggests the need to give more attention to a new model of oral health promotion programs targeting gender, ethnicity, and lower-income groups.

Evaluation of knowledge and practice of pediatricians about Early Childhood Caries in Tehran, Iran

background: Despite efforts for improvement of oral health in the world during recent years, dental caries remained one of the most common chronic diseases in the childhood. One of the most important factors that can play a significant role in the success of oral health promotion programs is the adherence and collaboration of non dental staff of pediatric health providers such as pediatricians.&#x0D; Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate pediatricians' knowledge and practice regarding oral health and its related factors.&#x0D; Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2020, 90 pediatricians that were working in Tehran city participated. A newly designed valid and reliable questionnaire comprised of three sections of demographics (8 questions), knowledge (30 questions) and practice (8 questions) was provided to the participants. The knowledge questions consisted of five domains about primary teeth (8 questions), dental visits (3 questions), dental caries determinants (8 questions), eating habits (7 questions), and fluoride (4 questions). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22. The significance level was considered to be less than 0.05 (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Results: The participants (n=90) had an average age of 45.96 ± 9.75 years (ranged 30-76 years) and 60 percent of them were women. The mean of their knowledge score was 20.10 ±4.45 (out of a maximum 30) and for the practice, it was 15.51 ± 3.49 (out of a maximum 24). Receiving oral health training courses during education period was significantly associated with the higher knowledge of the physicians (r = 0.20, p = 0.04). Furthermore, interest in learning (r = 0.20, p = 0.04) and presence of dentists among their relatives and friends (r = 0.21, p = 0.03) were significantly related to better oral health practice of the studied pediatricians. There was no difference in pediatricians’ knowledge and practice according to age and gender.&#x0D; Conclusion: In general, the knowledge and practice of pediatricians about oral health and prevention of dental caries for their patients was not satisfactory. The associations between higher knowledge and practice with recieving the oral health training courses during education period, interest in learning and other motivations such as presence of a dentist among relatives, casts light on the importance of training such professional health staff to promote oral health in the childhood.

Empowering Underserved Communities in Southern Puerto Rico: A Formal Training Program in Community Health Promotion

Community health promotion offers a potential solution to persistent healthcare challenges, with community health workers playing a pivotal role. The Community Training Institute for Health Disparities (CTIHD) implemented a problem-solving curriculum in Community Health Promotion, integrating a competency-based learning model through two courses: Introduction to Community Health Promotion and Design of an Action Plan for the Promotion of Community Health. Each course comprised ten three-hour sessions, featuring pre/post-tests, evaluations, and a cognitive debriefing. Knowledge change was assessed using pre/post-test scores among 27 community leaders from southern Puerto Rico. Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 demonstrated an overall retention rate of 62.6% and 96.7%, respectively. Although differences in knowledge gained between cohorts and courses weren’t statistically significant, a trend toward increased knowledge was noted. Cohort 1 experienced a 22% knowledge increase in Course 1 and a 24% increase in Course 2. Cohort 2 demonstrated a 41% knowledge increase in Course 1 and a 25% increase in Course 2. The CTIHD’s Community Health Promotion Program has made significant strides in elevating awareness and knowledge, marking a positive step toward reducing health disparities and fostering healthier, empowered communities in southern Puerto Rico.

Economic, Cultural, Social Determinants of Black Women Obesity

Obesity is a widespread problem in the United States, particularly affecting Black communities. It is a public health problem, a long-term, cumulative issue of economic and social justice and inequality for this demographic group. Thus, the key to solving it is to eliminate persistent structural root causes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2022, the prevalence of obesity among African American adults is 49.5%, with Black women having the highest prevalence compared to other racial and ethnic groups. The main purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive literature review that examines the multifaceted factors contributing to obesity among African American women, as well as systematise the determinants related to the economic well-being of the community, social factors, cultural patterns of lifestyle in the community, etc. The analysis revealed a clear inverse relationship between income and obesity among African Americans, with this trend being particularly pronounced among women than men and differing across age groups in black communities. The economic determinants of obesity in Black women are related to the fact that low-income households have limited access to affordable and nutritious food and are regularly exposed to stress related to financial difficulties, with so-called “food swamps” and “food deserts” being common in low-income areas. The social determinants of obesity are related to the fact that Black women face higher levels of racism and sexism than other demographic groups, and unequal social conditions cause structural disparities in health, education and employment. Psycho-social and cultural determinants (cultural norms of body image, social influencers, religion, social networks and family upbringing, etc.) play a key role in the emergence of the problem under study, so Black women often model their eating and physical activity habits by cultural traditions, and those who struggle with overweight may face stigma, social isolation and discrimination. The article makes recommendations for reducing obesity among Black women, which primarily relate to the development of culturally sensitive nutrition education programs, community-based health promotion programs, community-centered food policy advocacy, technology-based health platforms, public-private partnerships for affordable healthy food retail, etc.

Don’t be shame, be game! Responding to HIV and AIDS in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

This article explores the under-examined history of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities responded to HIV and AIDS in the 1980s and 1990s. When HIV emerged as a public health threat in Australia, Indigenous healthcare workers and community leaders developed and delivered health promotion programs that were highly successful in preventing the spread of the virus among their communities. These programs drew on the political principles of self-determination and community control, fought for by the Black activism of the preceding decades. This article follows the story of one healthcare worker, Aunty Gracelyn Smallwood, who was instrumental in advocating for and implementing the grassroots Indigenous response to the virus. A proud Birrigubba, Kalkadoon and South Sea Islander woman and registered nurse, Aunty Gracelyn’s outspoken advocacy took her from her hometown of Townsville all the way to the highest offices of Australia’s AIDS response, where she helped shape and implement a world-leading approach to HIV and AIDS prevention.