Public Health Aspects Research Articles

Public Health: Global and International Health findings

This review offers the quintessence of the knowledge necessary for the understanding of what public health represents and the future of public health. It integrates the new legislative and regulatory provisions of the health law, history and regulatory developments. It shows the evolution of the definition of public health, the organization of the hospital and the health system, the main actors and institutions in public health, all in a national and international approach. It is written in a simple, clear and precise structure. It will decipher many aspects of public health through indices and concepts such as clinical epidemiology, clinical reasoning as well as medical decision making, critical analysis of scientific and medical information. It also covers the methodology of experimental and clinical research, the interpretation of a survey, the analysis and use of results, health systems, prevention, health promotion and other important determinants of public health.

Food allergy risks and dining industry - an assessment and a path forward.

Food allergies have increased in prevalence over the last few decades and continue to grow. Consumption of even trace amounts of common foods can cause a rapid allergic reaction (generally within minutes) which can be mild to severe to even life-threatening. Eating at restaurants poses a risk of allergic reactions for those with food allergies due to inadequate, inconsistent labeling of allergens in foods. Here, we review food labeling rules and practices in the restaurant industry and compare and contrast it with food labeling for prepackaged foods. We review global and United States trends, and provide a brief historical overview. The paper describes the key legal and economic motivations behind restaurant food labeling. Next, we describe novel risk-driven policies and new biotechnologies that have the potential to change food labeling practices worldwide. Finally, we outline desirable federal regulations and voluntary information disclosures that would positively impact the public health aspects of restaurant food labeling and improve the quality of life for people with severe food allergies.

Occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 and Risk Assessment in Bovine Milk from the Amazon Region

Aflatoxins (AFL) are fungal metabolites that can contaminate animal feed, causing toxic effects after consumption. Among the AFL, there are reports of the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk, so the objective of this work was to evaluate the AFM1 content in bovine milk samples produced in the State of Amazonas-Brazil. Of the analyzed samples (n=30), 20% were found to be contaminated with AFM1 in the range of 0.093-0.320 μg/kg (Limit of detection= 0.0625 μg/mL). No sample exceeded current Brazilian legislation, but all exceeded the maximum European regulatory limit of 0.05 μg/kg. Risk analysis estimated a daily intake of 5.357 x 10-7 mg/kg body weight/day for men and 6.257 x 10-7 mg/kg body weight/day for women. The MOE result did not indicate concern in public health aspects. On the other hand, the occurrence of AFM1 in the state of Amazonas was observed in an unprecedented way and need further investigation including other dairy products.

Unintended Consequences of COVID-19 Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) for Population Health and Health Inequalities.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, governments around the world have adopted an array of measures intended to control the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, using both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). NPIs are public health interventions that do not rely on vaccines or medicines and include policies such as lockdowns, stay-at-home orders, school closures, and travel restrictions. Although the intention was to slow viral transmission, emerging research indicates that these NPIs have also had unintended consequences for other aspects of public health. Hence, we conducted a narrative review of studies investigating these unintended consequences of NPIs, with a particular emphasis on mental health and on lifestyle risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCD): physical activity (PA), overweight and obesity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco smoking. We reviewed the scientific literature using combinations of search terms such as 'COVID-19', 'pandemic', 'lockdowns', 'mental health', 'physical activity', and 'obesity'. NPIs were found to have considerable adverse consequences for mental health, physical activity, and overweight and obesity. The impacts on alcohol and tobacco consumption varied greatly within and between studies. The variability in consequences for different groups implies increased health inequalities by age, sex/gender, socioeconomic status, pre-existing lifestyle, and place of residence. In conclusion, a proper assessment of the use of NPIs in attempts to control the spread of the pandemic should be weighed against the potential adverse impacts on other aspects of public health. Our findings should also be of relevance for future pandemic preparedness and pandemic response teams.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in different aspects of Public Health

In the next decade of disease surveillance research, innovative and novel techniques are required to utilise massive quantities of complex and multi-dimensional data, effectively. Public health is one of the most significant domains of public governance and artificial intelligence has emerged as an innovative problem-solving technique in this domain. Artificial intelligence is a requirement for the early identification of diseases and disasters in order to prevent high mortality rates and reduce economic burden by timely providing appropriate healthcare. This detection is made possible in this research by identifying patterns in the database. This review shows that the use and development of AI techniques has increased in the field of public health over the past few years and most of the existing studies show a positive impact of AI in the domain of public health. This study is divided into three portions. The first portion reviews the role and potential usage of artificial intelligence in epidemics, since it is very important to timely investigate them and AI has the potential to cope with them. The second part of the review provides a detailed discussion about serious game usage in public health. Serious games are used for the training and rehabilitation of the gamer. The third part deals with the management of public health emergencies including evacuation, causality response, and information processing.

Bulgaristan'da Birinci Basamak Sağlık Hizmetlerinde Reformlar - Geçmiş, Bugün, Gelecek

The health of any nation, and the Bulgarian one in particular, is extremely important for the economy, security and development of the country. Unlike other European countries, due to defects in the structure and functioning, the Bulgarian health system could not achieve satisfactory final results in a number of important aspects of public health. One part of the essential problems includes high rates of morbidity, mortality, wide spread of health risk factors, and on the other - insufficient satisfaction of medical professionals (doctors, nurses, support staff) and patients. This, combined with the changes in the political administration of Bulgaria, led to a decision for a radical reform in the health care system. Conditionally, the changes can be divided, according to their nature, into 6 large groups: 1) Reforms leading to democratization of the system; 2) Reforms related to liberalization; 3) Reforms in the status of primary care practices; 4) Reforms in the organization, construction and structure of the system; 5) Reforms in financing and payment methods; 6) Reforms in the management of the primary care system and practices. The purpose of this review article is to present the theoretical framework, grounds and goals for the reform of the health care system in Bulgaria carried out in the past, with a focus on primary care and the current state. The health of any nation, and the Bulgarian one in particular, is extremely important for the economy, security and development of the country. Unlike other European countries, due to defects in the structure and functioning, the Bulgarian health system could not achieve satisfactory final results in a number of important aspects of public health. One part of the essential problems includes high rates of morbidity, mortality, wide spread of health risk factors, and on the other - insufficient satisfaction of medical professionals (doctors, nurses, support staff) and patients. This, combined with the changes in the political administration of Bulgaria, led to a decision for a radical reform in the health care system. Conditionally, the changes can be divided, according to their nature, into 6 large groups: 1) Reforms leading to democratization of the system; 2) Reforms related to liberalization; 3) Reforms in the status of primary care practices; 4) Reforms in the organization, construction and structure of the system; 5) Reforms in financing and payment methods; 6) Reforms in the management of the primary care system and practices. The purpose of this review article is to present the theoretical framework, grounds and goals for the reform of the health care system in Bulgaria carried out in the past, with a focus on primary care and the current state.

The Development of Diagnostic and Vaccine Strategies for Early Detection and Control of Human Brucellosis, Particularly in Endemic Areas.

Brucellosis is considered one of the most serious zoonotic diseases worldwide. This disease affects both human and animal health, in addition to being one of the most widespread zoonotic illnesses in the Middle East and Northern Africa. Human brucellosis generally presents in a diverse and non-specific manner, making laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis critical to the patient's recovery. A coordinated strategy for diagnosing and controlling brucellosis throughout the Middle East is required, as this disease cannot be known to occur without reliable microbiological, molecular, and epidemiological evidence. Consequently, the current review focuses on the current and emerging microbiological diagnostic tools for the early detection and control of human brucellosis. Laboratory assays such as culturing, serology, and molecular analysis can frequently be used to diagnose brucellosis. Although serological markers and nucleic acid amplification techniques are extremely sensitive, and extensive experience has been gained with these techniques in the laboratory diagnosis of brucellosis, a culture is still considered to be the "gold standard" due to the importance of this aspect of public health and clinical care. In endemic regions, however, serological tests remain the primary method of diagnosis due to their low cost, user-friendliness, and strong ability to provide a negative prediction, so they are commonly used. A nucleic acid amplification assay, which is highly sensitive, specific, and safe, is capable of enabling rapid disease diagnosis. Patients who have reportedly fully healed may continue to have positive molecular test results for a long time. Therefore, cultures and serological methods will continue to be the main tools for diagnosing and following up on human brucellosis for as long as no commercial tests or studies demonstrate adequate interlaboratory reproducibility. As there is no approved vaccine that prevents human brucellosis, vaccination-based control of animal brucellosis has become an important part of the management of human brucellosis. Over the past few decades, several studies have been conducted to develop Brucella vaccines, but the problem of controlling brucellosis in both humans and animals remains challenging. Therefore, this review also aims to present an updated overview of the different types of brucellosis vaccines that are currently available.

Public health in Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic: global health governance, migrant labour, and international health crises

Any book on the topic of ‘public health in Asia during the COVID–19 pandemic’ must tick three boxes. It must be ambitious in scope; discuss the political, sociological and economic aspects of public health (not just the science of public health) at the national level; and examine Asia's role in global health governance. This book does indeed tick all three. In addition, it has some strong highlights. The edited volume brings together 15 chapters, which are arranged into four themes: health policies in Asia; Asia's role in global health governance; national-level responses of Asian countries; and the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic on migrants’ health in Asia. The contributors include scholars of Asia area studies, International Relations (IR), economics, political science and public policy. The three editors are specialists in IR, global health and the politics of modern China. For context, the reviewers are specialists in health systems, public health and global health. We welcome other disciplines analysing health questions, especially as they shed light on social determinants and political economy dimensions, using IR theory to resolve global health commons problems, such as pandemics. These perspectives from other disciplines are especially welcome given the paucity of literature on the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic in Asia, from regional and interdisciplinary approaches. Therefore, we commend the book's three main strengths. First, there is a strong initial focus on the political and international relations in the context of past pandemics, such as the SARS outbreak in 2003 and the development of the International Health Regulations legal instrument in 2005. This focus is helpful because public health teaching tends to focus more on questions of epidemiology, science and the clinical impact of pandemics. Consequently, public health knowledge often downplays the international political, social and economic drivers and impacts. Second, the book demonstrates in-depth knowledge about the current governance structures, especially when applying the lenses of political science, IR and political economy to the study of pandemics. This is testament to the skills of the contributors and editors. Third and last, this book has an entire section on migrant health, which remains under-researched and under-discussed despite its importance to equity, justice and general public health common sense.

DAMPAK INDUSTRI TERHADAP KUALITAS HIDUP MASYARAKAT DI SEKITAR KAWASAN INDUSTRI DI KABUPATEN MOROWALI

Industry is one of the pillars of strategic economic growth and can directly have a positive or negative impact on various aspects. This study discusses the influence of the presence of the industry in Morowali Regency on the quality of life of the community which is assessed from environmental and public health aspects. This research is combined research (Mixed Method) using primary and secondary data which is analyzed using several analytical tools, including Spatial Analysis, and descriptive analysis to describe the quality of life of each indicator based on secondary data and public perception, as well as the Renk Kendall Correlation Test with SPSS (Statistical Package for The Social Sciences) program to describe the impact of industry on people's quality of life. Based on the analysis, it is known that the industry has an impact on the quality of life of the community around the industry. This is evidenced by the results of the correlation, namely the value of the correlation coefficient between noise and quality of life reaches 36%. While the condition of river water with quality of life has a correlation coefficient of 16.6%, a significant correlation also occurs with quality of life with traffic flow, which is 22.65%.

Peer facilitators’s role to support pregnant women in utilizing HIV services during the COVID-19 pandemic

<p>Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence on pregnant women in Indonesia is estimated around 0.3%. The prevention of mother-to-child disease transmission (PMTCT) program has been implemented nationally since 2008, though, less than 50% of the total pregnant women each year get an HIV test and only 18% of those who are HIV positive get antiretroviral (ARV) treatment until now. COVID-19 pandemic, occurred since 2019, has brought significant changes to public health aspects including the utilization of HIV services. This study is aimed to determine factors influencing the PMTCT program services utilization during pandemic. This study used mix method approach with quantitative approach using a cross-sectional study design (174 HIV mothers from six provinces in Indonesia) and qualitative approach with in-depth interviews of 13 informants consisting of HIV mothers, health workers, program holders and peer facilitators. The results showed the HIV services utilization during pandemic was 52.3%. The most influenced factor was peer facilitators support (POR 2.96; 95% CI=1.45-6.03), HIV mothers who did not receive assistance from peer facilitators had 2.96 times chance of not utilizing the services compared to them who received. It requires to strengthen cooperation between health services and peer facilitators to support HIV mothers in accessing HIV services.</p>

The functions of veterinary epidemiology in public health

This paper aims to describe the core functions of veterinary epidemiology in public health to understand the ultimate objective of preventing, mitigating, or eliminating zoonotic diseases in susceptible populations. However, the ideas came from a variety of sources. The field of veterinary medicine has significantly contributed to many aspects of public health, including human and environmental wellness, animal welfare, comparative and basic medical study, and the mitigation of zoonotic illness. Veterinary epidemiology, one of the disciplines that make up veterinary public health, is particularly concerned with disease surveillance, response, and prevention. In the veterinary study, epidemiological methods examine diseases' dynamics, prevalence, and causes in populations of interest. The ability to better comprehend hazards and how to prevent widespread sickness is now possible for veterinary epidemiologists. Veterinarians can help advance public health studies and policies by employing various methodological approaches and collaborating with networks of expert epidemiologists in the field.

A systematic literature review on mHealth related research during the COVID-19 outbreak

PurposeUsing smart mobile devices, called mobile health (mHealth), facilitates providing health services, speeds up the process and reduces the costs and complications of direct services. Also, mHealth has many capabilities and applications in epidemic and pandemic outbreaks. This study aimed to systematically review the mHealth adoption researches in epidemic/pandemic outbreaks and provide some suggestions for future research for tackling for COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachThe results produced in this study are based on the literature analysis of 36 articles on mHealth adoption. To find the relevant studies; searches were done in PubMed, Google, Web of Science and Scopus by related keywords during 2020–2022. After selecting the studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, data were collected by using PRIZMA methods for systematically reviewing the literature.FindingsOf the 727 retrieved studies, 36 studies related to mHealth services during the pandemic situation were included. This has been performed by collecting data including demographic details, methodological details, limitations and significance of relationships between the constructs from the available articles based on the mHealth services. All studies emphasized the positive effect of mHealth for usage in epidemic/pandemic outbreaks.Research limitations/implicationsThe main applications of mHealth for epidemic/pandemic outbreaks included public health aspects, data management, educational programs, diagnosis as well as treatment. mHealth is an appropriate method for encountering epidemic/pandemic outbreaks due to its extensive applications. In the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19, mHealth is one of the best choices to use in the patient-physician relationship as Tele-visits, using in fever coach, providing real-time information for healthcare providers, population monitoring and detecting the diseases based on data obtained from different locations. These findings will help the mHealth providers to design their services accordingly.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the researchers and academicians by providing relevant information regarding the mHealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first time initiative to explore the research questions and future research direction for the researchers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Based on this, we present a comprehensive and actionable research agenda and practical implications.

Urban Green Spaces in Brazil: challenges and opportunities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, urban green spaces were considered less prone to contagion, and thus people adopted them as alternative sites for improving mental health. The One Health concept advocated by health organizations worldwide supports the idea that the well-being of urban residents is strongly linked with physical activity in green areas. As the world grapples with the physical and mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, it becomes clearer that access to urban green spaces is a human rights issue. This study compared previously-mapped urban green spaces in five metropolitan regions in Brazil with the results of an extensive survey of municipal managers concerning possible increase in demand of population for green spaces. Urban green spaces of over 625 m2 were mapped in 117 municipalities, the total area of 4170 km2 representing 37.4% of the urban spaces analyzed in the five metropolitan regions. Out of these 117 municipalities, 49 had data available concerning demands of green spaces in the pandemic context. Overall, 20 municipalities (representing all five metropolitan regions) stated that there was an increase in visitation in urban green spaces, and 13 more indirectly suggested possible demands. When sustainability transitions are understood as geographical processes that happen in concrete places, urban green spaces then represent real locations where sustainable transitions can begin. The unequal distribution of these spaces also brings into consideration a social justice perspective, as well as aspects of public health that involve climate change resilience and epidemiological risk (SDG 11).

Geographic information systems applications in India's public health are we moving towards the right direction?

Governments worldwide focus particularly on digital healthcare sensors for leveraging data and technology like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to improve governance and service delivery. Geoinformatics technology can help with epidemiological research and outbreak response, minimizing the health consequences in communities beforehand, during, and then after epidemic episodes. We can all agree that location and time play a crucial role in carrying out an efficient public health response. Since location information is essential for every stage of planning, response, and recovery, GIS helps the location-based support of public health preparedness programmes like support for decisions, resource allocation, communication and collaboration, and civic participation. GIS scales to situations ranging from adverse weather to pandemics. Public health professionals can coordinate their efforts with those of other organizations and external stakeholders due to maps and apps. The public health preparedness community may achieve significant strides by incorporating GIS data, models, communication and engagement centres, and location-centric apps. GIS technology can help with this efficient method for gathering data, performing analysis, where they are most needed, interacting with decision-makers, and finally achieving health equity can be created with the aid of a location-based strategy. During COVID-19, this reality was disseminated more extensively through the news media and the national, state, and local governments. This paper evaluates the application of GIS in the Indian public health system and the various aspects of public health where GIS may emerge as a game-changer for future policy decisions.

Risk perception of sun exposure and knowledge of vitamin D among the healthcare providers in a high-risk country: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHigh levels of vitamin D deficiency are commonly reported even in regions with abundant sunshine. This necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the determinants that influence sun exposure practices. As the primary source of health-related knowledge for the general public, the attitude of the healthcare professionals towards sunlight and their awareness related to vitamin D deficiency can be critical in this regard.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,242 physicians, intern doctors, and senior medical students in Bangladesh from October 2019 to February 2020. A pre-tested structured questionnaire (containing twelve close-ended questions) was used. The perceptions of health risks due to sun exposure, and basic knowledge of the physiological and epidemiological aspects of vitamin D deficiency were tested.ResultsAn overall negative attitude towards sunlight in the context of Bangladesh was highlighted – 68% participants thought regular sun exposure would be harmful or very harmful; 26% thought the level of UV radiation was very high; 44% recommended using sunscreen always; skin burns, heat stroke, and cancer were selected as potential consequences of regular sun exposure by 45%, 21%, and 30% respondents respectively. Overall knowledge regarding vitamin D deficiency appeared to be biased towards bone health; other symptoms and associated illnesses not having obvious link to Calcium-metabolism were identified much lesser frequently. Furthermore, ‘sunrise to 10 am’ was identified as the best time to get vitamin D by 69% participants; 60% believed < 30 min of weekly sun exposure would be sufficient for the Bangladeshi population; an only 33% identified that prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in Bangladesh would be 50% or more. Taking vitamin D-rich food was suggested by more respondents over regular sun exposure (43% vs. 33%) as more effective remedial strategy to curb vitamin D deficiency in Bangladesh.ConclusionIn addition to highlighting some crucial knowledge gaps, results from this study provides a comprehensive baseline dataset for knowledge and attitude regarding the public health aspects of vitamin D deficiency among the healthcare providers in Bangladesh, which would be generalizable to other countries with similar socio-demographic context, and will facilitate taking more effective policies worldwide.

COVID-19 in Latin America: A Snapshot in Time and the Road Ahead.

Since its initial detection in Brazil in February 2020, SARS-CoV-2 and the associated COVID-19 pandemic have continued to devastate Latin America. Specific comorbidities, as well as sociodemographic and lifestyle factors that may be more prevalent in underserved areas, have been identified as risk factors for COVID-19 infection or associated adverse outcomes. Dynamics of infections and deaths in Latin America have varied by country and temporally, as has SARS-CoV-2 variant prevalence; however, more recently, the Delta and subsequent Omicron variants have become ubiquitous. Successful pandemic responses have involved robust infection mitigation measures, testing, and smart deployment of healthcare resourcing. While in some Latin American countries up to 90% of the population is fully vaccinated (i.e., 2 doses) against COVID-19, other countries have failed to reach the World Health Organization's 70% target. Continued focus on comprehensive surveillance, strategies to maximize vaccine availability and uptake, and mitigation of collateral damage on other aspects of public health and social services are critical for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. This review summarizes the COVID-19 experience in Latin America, including epidemiology and vaccination. Key learnings and future considerations for the ongoing pandemic response are also discussed.

Key regional aspects of public health of Krasnodar Krai for 2018–2020

BACKGROUND: The regional dimension of public health is one characteristic of public health that reflects the effectiveness of social and economic change in society. The key components of which are health and demographic indicators. The regions current demographic situation is an essential component of comprehensive medical and social research. Health and demographic indicators describe the dynamics, state, and prospects of social and economic changes in health and society as a whole. The increase in the population and labor resources due to migration growth, the increase in mortality rates, the decline in the birth rate, and the aging of the nation presupposes the development and implementation of additional medico-demographic approaches to the strategic development of the region.&#x0D; AIMS: Аnalysis of key indicators of public health of Krasnodar Krai, including the main medico-demographic indicators in the dynamics for 20182020.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis on some aspects of the regions public health for 20182020 was conducted. Included in the development are medico-demographic indicators of the population, fertility, mortality, natural increase (losses), and so forth, in the dynamics for 20182020. Data from the Federal Service of State Statistics and statistical data of reporting forms of medical organizations of Krasnodar Krai Information about medical organization (p. 30) were used in the study for the period under consideration. The study applied statistical, analytical, and descriptive methods. The statistical processing of the material was carried out with the help of Microsoft Office software package.&#x0D; RESULTS: Analysis of key regional medico-demographic indicators of Krasnodar Krai for the analyzed period from 2018 to 2020 has made it possible to identify population growth. These indicators include the increase in migration, the number of children, the population under working age, women of childbearing age, the decrease in the total and total fertility rates, the population of working age, and the increase in the overall mortality rate, which includes the working age and population loss. Diseases of the circulatory system, the nervous system, and neoplasm took the largest share in the structure of mortality in 2020. In the structure of mortality, diseases of the circulatory system, nervous system, and neoplasm took the largest share. One of the reasons for the increase in total mortality in 2020 was the death rate from COVID-19.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the main medico-demographic indicators as one of the key components of public health of Krasnodar Krai for 20182020 has been conducted.

Use of repurposed drugs in COVID-19 pandemic: Old drugs without new tricks?

Traditional drug development and discovery have not kept speed with warnings from emerging and re-emerging diseases such as Zika, Nipah, Ebola virus, MERS-CoV, and more newly the pandemic of COVID-19. The new drug discovery has a limitation of high attrition rates, substantial costs, and longer duration for discovery, so repurposing old drugs to treat the diseases becomes a popular and feasible proposition. In contrast, repurposed drugs may be beneficial for patients in a time of pandemics when the natural history of the disease remains unclear. It may be beneficial for the manufacturers as well to generate additional revenues. The use of repurposed drugs in primary care saves money as well as time, particularly important in pandemic times, which can be a cost-effective measure in the public health aspect. Review of literature was carried out about the repurposed drugs used in the COVID-19 pandemic using health bulletins, official handles of health ministries, WHO, published literature, etc. The use of repurposed drugs is beneficial, particularly in pandemic and rare diseases, but their use should be taken with due caution and thorough evaluation. Important public health aspect in primary care includes avoidance of unnecessary hoarding of such drugs. International collaboration in assessing the effectiveness of repurposed drugs is suggested.

Eradicating Health Disparities: A Path to Social Justice and Public Health Equity

In today’s world, where intricate systems interconnect every aspect of human existence, public health and social justice are deeply intertwined. Identifying the most pressing issue within this nexus is an arduous task, but undoubtedly, health disparities reign as the paramount challenge. With unwavering persistence, this essay illuminates the profound impact of health disparities on communities, unearths their underlying causes, and emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to dismantle these pervasive inequalities.

An Update on the Use of Wearable Devices in Men's Health.

Men's health represents an often-overlooked aspect of public health. Men have higher mortality rates worldwide and are more negatively affected by chronic conditions such as obesity and heart disease, as well as addiction to alcohol and tobacco. Men also have health issues such as prostate cancer and male sexual dysfunction which only affect them. Because of the skewed burden of morbidity and mortality on men, it is imperative from a public health perspective to make a concerted effort to specifically improve men's health. The use of wearable devices in medical practice presents a novel avenue to invest in men's health in a safe, easily scalable, and economic fashion. Wearable devices are now ubiquitous in society, and their use in the healthcare setting is only increasing with time. There are commercially available devices such as smart watches which are available to lay people and healthcare professionals alike to improve overall health and wellness, and there are also purpose-built wearable devices which are used to track or treat a specific disease. In our review of the literature, we found that while research in the field of wearable devices is still in its early stages, there is ample evidence that wearable devices can greatly improve men's health in the long-term.