Public Health Strategies Research Articles

Association of Vascular Risk With Severe vs Non-Severe Stroke: An Analysis of the INTERSTROKE Study.

Acute stroke is associated with a spectrum of functional deficits. The objective of this analysis was to explore whether the importance of individual risk factors differ by stroke severity, which may be of relevance to public health strategies to reduce disability. INTERSTROKE is an international case-control study of risk factors of first acute stroke (recruitment 2007-August 2015) in 32 countries. Stroke severity was measured using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score within 72 hours of admission to hospital. Severe stroke is defined as mRS scores of 4-6 (and non-severe stroke, score of 0-3). We used multinomial logistic regression to estimate comparative odds ratios (ORs; 95% CIs) for severe and non-severe stroke and tested for heterogeneity (pheterogeneity). We also conducted a matched case-case analysis (matched for age, sex, country, and primary stroke subtype) to determine whether the prevalence of risk factors differed significantly between severe and non-severe stroke. A significant difference in the association of a risk factor of severe stroke compared with non-severe stroke was defined as p < 0.05 for both pheterogeneity and pcase-case. Of patients with acute stroke (n = 13,460), 64.0% (n = 8,612) were reported to have mRS scores of 0-3 and 36.0% (n = 4,848) scores of 4-6. The mean age was 61.7 years for patients with non-severe stroke and 62.9 years for patients with severe stroke (p = 0.72). 38.1% (n = 3,278) of patients with non-severe stroke and 44.6% (n = 2,162) of patients with severe stroke were female. Hypertension (OR 3.21; 95% CI 2.97-3.47 for severe stroke, OR 2.87; 95% CI 2.69-3.05 for non-severe stroke; pheterogeneity = 0.03; pcase-case < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (OR 4.70; 95% CI 4.05-5.45 for severe stroke, OR 3.61; 95% CI 3.16-4.13 for non-severe stroke; pheterogeneity = 0.009; pcase-case < 0.001), and smoking (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.72-2.03 for severe stroke, OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.54-1.77 for non-severe stroke; pheterogeneity = 0.02; pcase-case < 0.001) had a stronger association with severe stroke, compared with non-severe stroke. The waist-to-hip ratio had a stronger association with non-severe stroke compared with severe stroke (pheterogeneity < 0.001; pcase-case < 0.001). Hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and smoking had a stronger magnitude of association with severe stroke (compared with non-severe stroke) while the increased waist-to-hip ratio had a stronger magnitude of association with non-severe stroke.

Micronutrient deficiencies according to sociodemographic factors and nutritional status among Panamanian children aged six to 59 months in 2019: a cross–sectional population–based study

Micronutrient deficiencies have serious lifelong consequences. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia, iron deficiency, and vitamin A deficiency, according to sociodemographic factors and nutritional status among Panamanian children aged six to 59 months in2019. We used data from the National Health Survey of Panama (ENSPA), a population-based, cross-sectional study, with a nationally representative subsample to evaluate haemoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, and retinol levels among children aged six to 59 months. The data are shown weighted. A total of 625 children representing a population of 62,100 children (females 45.0%, 27,971/62,100; 95% CI: 37.3-53.1), aged six to 59 months were assessed. Nationally, the prevalence of anaemia was 15.5% (9604/62,100; 95% CI: 11.5-20.6), iron deficiency anaemia was 8.0% (4950/62,100; 95% CI: 5.1-12.2), iron deficiency was 26.2% (16,259/62,100; 95% CI: 20.7-32.5), and vitamin A deficiency was 3.4% (2087/62,100; 95% CI: 2.1-5.3). Children from indigenous areas exhibited a higher prevalence of all micronutrient deficiencies studied, and nationally 40.9% (2316/5656; 95% CI: 22.1-62.9) of the children with overweight/obesity exhibited at least one micronutrient deficiency. Our results highlight important disparities in the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies among children in different living areas. Public health strategies should focus on these vulnerable populations, as the first years of life are crucial for adequate growth and development. This work was supported by an institutional research grant via the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Panama (019910.002). The ENSPA study was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank.

Applications of microfluidics in mRNA vaccine development: A review.

The transformative potential of microfluidics in the development of mRNA vaccines is explored in this review, highlighting its pivotal role in enhancing easy-to-use functionality, efficacy, and production efficiency. Moreover, we examine the innovative applications of microfluidics in biomedical research, including its contribution to the rapid and cost-effective synthesis of lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery and delve into the advantages of mRNA vaccines, such as targeted delivery and controlled expression. Furthermore, it outlines the future prospects of microfluidic devices, their cutting-edge examples in both research and industry, and the potential to revolutionize vaccine formulation and production. The integration of microfluidics with mRNA vaccine development represents a significant advancement in public health and disease prevention strategies.

Tick-Borne Pathogens in Mongolian Ticks: The High Prevalence of Rickettsia raoultii and Its Public Health Implications.

In Mongolia, a substantial segment of the population is engaged in pastoralism, leading to frequent interactions with livestock and heightened exposure to tick-infested environments. Consequently, ticks and the endemic tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) they harbor present significant health threats. In May 2021, we conducted a study to evaluate the prevalence of 9 TBPs in ticks collected from four regions in Mongolia: Uvurkhangai, Tuv, Bayan-Ulgii, and Khentii. The pathogens surveyed included Anaplasma, Rickettsia, Bartonella, Borrelia, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Toxoplasma, Theileria, and lumpy skin disease virus. Molecular analysis of 1,142 ticks revealed that, although the majority of TBPs were not detected, 89.1% of the ticks were positive for Rickettsia. Genetic characterization using the 16S rRNA and gltA genes identified the pathogen identified the pathogen Rickettsia raoultii. Species identification indicated a predominance of Dermacentor nuttalli (70.0%) and Dermacentor silvarum (30.0%). These findings highlight the extensive prevalence of R. raoultii in Mongolia and underscore the urgent need for heightened awareness and preventive measures due to the high level of interaction between livestock and humans. The genetic similarity of R. raoultii sequences to those found in neighboring countries suggests potential cross-border transmission, underscoring the importance of conducting similar research in surrounding regions. This study advances our understanding of the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases in Mongolia and can inform public health strategies aimed at mitigating the risks associated with these infections.

AI-driven health data analytics for early detection of infectious diseases: A conceptual exploration of U.S. public health strategies

This review paper explores the role of AI-driven health data analytics in enhancing the early detection and response to infectious diseases within U.S. public health strategies. It begins by outlining the importance of timely detection in controlling outbreaks and discusses current public health systems and their limitations, including passive surveillance and data fragmentation. The paper highlights innovative AI technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive modeling, which can significantly improve disease monitoring and forecasting. By analyzing vast datasets in real time, these technologies facilitate quicker identification of emerging health threats and enable tailored public health responses. Furthermore, the review presents recommendations for integrating AI innovations into existing public health strategies, emphasizing improved data interoperability, investment in infrastructure, stakeholder collaboration, community engagement, and real-world pilot programs. Ultimately, the findings underscore the potential of AI-driven health data analytics to transform infectious disease management, thereby safeguarding public health.

The effect of healthy food guidance for schools on food availability, purchasing, and consumption among school children in New Zealand and Australia: An integrative review.

Modifying the food environment holds promise for instilling healthier behaviours in children and may be an effective public health strategy for preventing childhood obesity and adverse health outcomes. The school food environment is a valuable setting to influence most children's dietary behaviours from an early age, yet evidence suggests that the New Zealand and Australian school food environment is not conducive to healthy food and drink consumption. The present study aimed to investigate the level of compliance in New Zealand and Australia with government guidelines for food and drink availability within schools and the subsequent effect on food consumption and purchasing behaviours of children. A systematic review utilising three databases; 'PubMed', 'Scopus', and the 'Cochrane Library' was conducted. The research covered peer-reviewed studies from both New Zealand and Australia that met predefined inclusion criteria. Fifteen studies focussed on assessing food availability within schools based on government guidelines, and ten studies explored food purchasing and consumption by students influenced by changes to the school food environment. Results showed low compliance with government healthy food guidelines for schools, and significant socioeconomic disparities. Western Australia's clear targets as well as the mandatory monitoring systems in place stand out as being a significant enabler of greater compliance with government food policies. Interventions aimed at improving healthy food availability and promoting healthy options in the canteen may positively influence student purchasing and consumption habits. Strategies such as feedback models and incentivisation hold promise for promoting healthier school environments and influencing children's food choices.

Empowering Trusted Messengers With Motivational Interviewing Skills: Improving Dissemination of Accurate Information to Communities.

Historical injustices, structural racism, and negative healthcare experiences contribute to Black and Brown communities' distrust of science. Bridging Research, Accurate Information, and Dialogue (BRAID) is a community engagement model that leverages trusted messengers to share accurate, co-created health and science messages to their community through their social networks. In our prior research, trusted messengers reported encountering resistance or "discord" when conveying information about controversial topics such as COVID-19 vaccines and the importance of diversity in clinical trials. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based communication style widely practiced by healthcare providers to guide ambivalent patients toward behavior change. However, MI's application by community members, particularly trusted messengers, as a strategy for enhancing health message dissemination remains unexplored. This study used mixed methods to explore the feasibility of training trusted messengers in MI to support the dissemination of public health messages through social networks. Specifically, we sought to understand perspectives on learning MI and use of MI in conversations about clinical trial diversity and research subject protection. 13 trusted messengers completed a MI introductory training. Eighty-five percent found the training highly valuable, 54% reported high self-efficacy, and 69% expressed a desire for additional training. Qualitative analysis revealed trusted messenger endorsement of MI, recognition of MI's applicability to various contexts, and a sense of empowerment to share accurate information to their communities. Our findings suggest that empowering trusted messengers with communication skills can be a practical, feasible, and cost-effective public health strategy for effective dissemination of accurate public health messages.

Do Health Literate Older People Have Fewer Depressive Symptoms? Evidence from the Urban Areas of Western China

Background: Previous research has indicated that health literacy has a good influence on the mental health among older adults. The current study aims to determine whether health literacy is linked to depressive symptoms in older adults in west China, and tries to detect the mechanisms underlying the linkage between health literacy and depressive symptoms in the Chinese context. Methods: Study data were obtained from a cross-sectional ageing health literacy survey conducted in 2017 in Western China, and 812 urban individuals aged 60 and older were selected. Results: Health literacy was associated with fewer symptoms of depression; additionally, older adults who reported harmonious family and filial piety, those with greater self-rated health, and those with a higher level of life satisfaction tended to have fewer depressive symptoms, whereas older individuals who reported a poor financial status and those with functional impairment had more depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The findings indicate the protective role of health literacy against depressive symptoms among urban older adults. In addition, the findings also indicate the potential impact of financial strain and functional impairment on the development of depressive symptoms and show that other factors including a harmonious family, filial piety, self-rated health and life satisfaction are generally protective against depressive symptoms. Specific evidence is presented for the national action plans and public health strategies needed to reinforce and promote health literacy in the Chinese context. The current results also suggest that health education and promotion programs designed to strengthen financial assistance, functional improvement, family relationships, life satisfaction and self-rated health should gain a growing importance on the health agenda. Future longitudinal studies, mediation or moderator models, and structural equation modeling would be needed to identify a causal relationship, the moderating or mediating effect, and the possible pathways underlying the linkage between health literacy and depressive symptoms, respectively.

How individuals apply and perceive sunscreen: Empirical evidence from Germany.

This study explores how individuals in Germany use and perceive sunscreen, aiming to identify the factors that influence their sunscreen choices. The research focuses on key elements such as convenience, environmental awareness, openness to new technologies, and preferences for different sunscreen products. The findings reveal that the majority of participants prioritize convenience when selecting sunscreen, often choosing products that are easy to apply and carry. Detailed information about the sunscreen's ingredients or health benefits tends to be less important in their decision-making process. Notably, many participants did not consider important factors such as the environmental impact of sunscreen or its effectiveness after reapplication, suggesting a gap in awareness regarding these issues. Additionally, the study investigates the relationship between demographic factors, including age and gender, and sunscreen usage patterns. It was found that these demographic variables do play a role in shaping individuals' attitudes and behaviors regarding sunscreen. For instance, younger participants showed more openness to new technologies and innovative products, while older individuals tended to rely on traditional options. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into how people perceive and use sunscreen in Germany, highlighting the need for further studies to delve deeper into these factors. Understanding these perceptions is crucial for developing effective public health strategies and enhancing product design to better meet the needs and preferences of consumers.

Preventive Practices among Young Adults toward COVID-19 during the Pandemic in a Selected Town of Bangladesh

This study assessed COVID-19 preventive practices among 200 young adults in Tangail town, Bangladesh, focusing on the influence of socio- demographic factors such as sex and education level. Data collected through a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire revealed that 79% visited crowded places, 89% wore masks, 94.5% disinfected hands with soap, and 92% obeyed government restrictions. Significant gender differences were observed, with females showing higher compliance in mask-wearing and hand hygiene practices. Education level was also linked to better adherence, with those having higher education showing greater adherence to preventive practices. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health strategies and improved communication to address gaps in preventive behaviors and enhance preparedness for future pandemics.

The Intersection of Demographics and Immunization Beliefs among Nursing Mothers

Background: This research aims to elucidate the influence of demographic factors on nursing mothers' beliefs regarding childhood immunization in Ondo State, Nigeria. By identifying key variables, the study seeks to inform public health strategies that could enhance vaccination rates and improve child health outcomes. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire to collect data from 400 mothers attending postnatal clinics in selected health facilities across Ondo East and West Local Government Areas (LGAs). The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula, ensuring a representative sample. Multistage sampling techniques were applied, with health facilities grouped into clusters for systematic random sampling. The questionnaire, validated for face and content, consisted of four sections addressing study variables. Pre-testing was conducted with a Cronbach alpha reliability score of 0.69 for beliefs respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Among respondents aged 21-30 years, 36.3% exhibited positive beliefs about immunization, though no significant correlation with age was found (r=0.103; p&gt;0.05). Conversely, education significantly influenced beliefs; 23.9% of those with tertiary education demonstrated higher positive beliefs (r=0.163; p&lt;0.05). Religious affiliation did not significantly correlate with immunization beliefs (Chi-square=0.104; p&gt;0.05). A significant portion of nursing mothers expressed skepticism regarding vaccination safety, with 41.7% strongly disagreeing that vaccines cause more harm than diseases they prevent. Conclusion: The findings underscore the urgent need to address nursing mothers' beliefs about childhood immunization in Ondo State. Education emerged as a critical factor influencing acceptance, while age and religion were less significant. Targeted educational interventions are essential to combat misconceptions about vaccine safety and efficacy, leveraging insights from the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Reasoned Action to enhance health literacy and vaccination coverage in the region.

Social Infrastructure During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluating the Impact of Outdoor Recreation on Pandemic Dynamics in Europe

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected mental and physical well-being, leading to significant changes in daily habits and preferences. Given that pandemics require the tear down of most social ties and interactions to limit their inevitable spread, this study delved into the extent to which social infrastructures have been affected, focusing on behavioral shifts in essential services such as retail, recreation, groceries, pharmacies, public transport, parks and open spaces, workplaces, and residential areas. Notably, while most social infrastructures saw a decline in public usage, parks and open spaces experienced increased visitation despite public health measures aimed at minimizing social interactions. This striking increase in park and open space visitations has captured the interest of this study to observe the impact it had on the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the underlying causes behind this trend. Since Europe was heavily affected by the pandemic, this study focused specifically on European countries over a two-year period (March 2020 to March 2022), covering the severe period of the pandemic. While parks and open spaces initially showed no direct influence on the pandemic trajectory, when closely observing visitation trends, both increases and declines, opposing insights were revealed. This study found that attempts to reduce park and open space visitation were significantly unsuccessful, leading to substantial increases in both the magnitude and duration of visits once restrictions were eased. This surge in park and open space attendance corresponded to notable spikes in new infections during periods of peak visitation. Therefore, urban planning and public health authorities must prioritize safely accommodating the increased park and open space demand while effectively minimizing virus transmission. This involves considering park sizes and proximity, along with implementing a balanced set of crucial public health strategies to support community well-being and resilience.

Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on preventive behavior: The importance of confounder adjustment in observational studies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical role of observational studies in evaluating the effectiveness of public health strategies. However, although many studies have explored the true impact of vaccination on preventive behavior, their results may be skewed by potential biases and confounding variables. This study examines the application of covariate adjustment and propensity score (PS) estimation, particularly through inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW), to assess their performance in reducing bias in a framework featuring ordinal outcomes and cumulative logistic regression models, as commonly used in observational studies related to social sciences and psychology. Before applying these methods to the case study, we conducted a simulation study that accounted for the presence or absence of model misspecification in an observational scenario with ordinal outcomes, binary treatment, and a continuous confounder. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of combining covariate adjustment with PS methods in reducing bias and improving causal inference. These methods were subsequently applied to an Italian observational study on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy conducted during the initial phase of the vaccination campaign (April-May 2021). Our analysis revealed that vaccination status had a limited short-term impact on the adoption of preventive measures. This study highlights the importance of employing appropriate adjustment techniques in observational research, particularly when evaluating complex behavioral outcomes. The results support the combined use of covariate adjustment and PS methods to enhance the reliability of findings, ultimately contributing to more informed public health decision-making.

Association between nighttime and daytime ambient temperature and insomnia using national emergency department database in the capital city of South Korea.

Insomnia is a growing health concern globally, with significant implications for public health. Most studies have primarily focused on the effects of nighttime temperatures on sleep problems. However, there is a lack of studies comparing nighttime temperatures with daytime temperatures, which are more closely related to daily life activities. This study aimed to explore a short-term association of nighttime and daytime ambient temperature with emergency department (ED) visits for insomnia in the capital city of South Korea. A time-stratified case-crossover design was employed using a conditional logistic regression model. A distributed lag non-linear model was utilized to explore potential non-linear and lag effects of ambient temperature on ED visits for insomnia. Odds ratio (OR) for temperature with maximum ED visits for insomnia (MaxIT) and that for temperature with minimum ED visits for insomnia (MinIT) were calculated and compared. We observed significant associations at high temperatures for both nighttime and daytime (nighttime: 25.0℃ (94.1%) [OR: 1.82, 95% CIs: 1.31-2.55], daytime: 30.6℃ (99.0%) [OR: 2.13, 95% CIs: 1.49-3.06]) compared to MinIT (-8.5℃ (2.7%) and - 8.4℃ (1.0%), respectively). Subgroup analyses found significant associations at high temperatures in females, individuals aged 35-49, and those without comorbidities, and during spring, fall, and winter, for both daytime and nighttime. Our findings provide insights for proactive public health strategies for managing insomnia during global temperature rise.

Community-Based Nursing and Public Health: A Synergistic Approach to Health Promotion

Community-based nursing and public health are pivotal in addressing the complex health needs of populations, particularly in underserved and vulnerable communities. This article examines the synergistic relationship between these fields and their collective impact on health promotion. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines qualitative insights from community-based nurses with quantitative analysis of health outcomes in three diverse communities. Results indicate that collaboration between community-based nursing and public health improves health literacy, enhances access to care, and reduces preventable health disparities. Key challenges, such as resource constraints and workforce shortages, are discussed alongside opportunities for leveraging technology and policy support to strengthen these partnerships. The findings underscore the transformative potential of integrating nursing expertise with public health strategies to achieve sustainable health outcomes.

Exploring Community Workshops on Health and Arts

This review examines the intersection of health and the arts within community workshops, highlighting how these programs foster individual and community well-being, expand professional health training, and offer new frameworks for understanding health holistically. By using creative expression as a pathway to enhance mental, social, and emotional health, these participant-centered workshops promote adaptive capacities, social bonds, and cultural inclusion. This paper examines relevant research agendas, particularly those that study health outcomes related to arts-based engagement, and advocates for the integration of arts into public health strategies. Attention is given to designing inclusive, trauma-informed practices that respond to community needs, with case studies illustrating both successful implementation and areas for improvement. A future-focused section encourages the creation of policy-driven frameworks and resource hubs that prioritize sustainable community arts initiatives in public health. Keywords: Community health, arts integration, well-being, mental health, social engagement, public health.

Recent advances in applying metabolomics to uncover dietary impact on cardiometabolic health.

Cardiometabolic diseases are a major global health concern, with diet playing a crucial role in their prevention and management. Recent advancements in the identification of metabolic signatures related to dietary patterns offer a more objective assessment of individualized dietary exposure and provide deeper insights into diet-disease associations. Recent studies have shown that distinct metabolic signatures are associated with the adherence to various dietary patterns. These signatures show even stronger associations with cardiometabolic disease incidence, independent of traditional risk factors and self-reported adherence to such dietary patterns. Emerging dietary approaches, such as sustainable diets, health outcome-focused diets, and population data-driven dietary patterns, also hold promise for improving cardiometabolic health. Additionally, metabolic signatures could offer insights into diet-disease associations in underrepresented populations, addressing genetic and lifestyle differences. Application of metabolomics provides a more precise understanding of how dietary patterns influence cardiometabolic health. Although the number of studies remains limited, and current evidence is inconsistent, the approach has significant potential for improving clinical and public health strategies. Future research should prioritize prospective studies and address population- and outcome-specific dietary needs to enable targeted interventions that optimize cardiometabolic health.

Additive effect of high transportation noise exposure and socioeconomic deprivation on stress-associated neural activity, atherosclerotic inflammation, and cardiovascular disease events.

Noise exposure and lower socioeconomic status (SES) are both independently linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Although these factors frequently coexist, their combined impact and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the joint effects of high transportation noise exposure and lower SES on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and the role of the neural-arterial axis in mediating this relationship. We retrospectively analyzed data from 507 individuals who underwent clinical 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging at a single center. SES was evaluated using local median income (as a primary measure) and area deprivation index (ADI, as a secondary measure). Participants were classified into three groups based on transportation noise exposure and income/ADI: low noise/higher SES, high noise or lower SES, and high noise/lower SES. Cox models assessed MACE risks. Linear regression models evaluated associations with stress-related neural activity (SNA) and arterial inflammation (ArtI). The combination of high noise exposure and low income (vs. neither exposure) associated with increased MACE risk (HR [95% CI]: 5.597 [2.201-14.233], p < 0.001). SNA (standardized β [95% CI]: 0.389 [0.192-0.586], p < 0.001) and ArtI (0.151 [0.005-0.298], p = 0.043) were greater in this group. Mediation analysis showed that the neural-arterial axis contributes to increased exposure-related MACE risk and accounts for 8% of the overall effect. Similar results were found with ADI. Our study uniquely demonstrates how combined high transportation noise and lower socioeconomic status additively increases cardiovascular disease risk through specific biological pathways, particularly via effects on stress-associated neural activity and arterial inflammation. As such, the research offers novel insights into the interplay between environmental and socioeconomic factors in cardiovascular health. This underscores an urgent need for integrated public health strategies that address both noise pollution and socioeconomic disparities and provides a foundation for targeted interventions aimed at reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease in vulnerable populations. Central illustration of hypothesized mechanistic pathways linking transportation noise/SES exposure groups and MACE. SNA stress related neural activity (as AmygAc-ratio of amygdala to background cortical activity), MACE major adverse cardiovascular events, ArtI arterial inflammation, ADI Area Deprivation Index, SES socioeconomic status.

Parkinson’s disease in the Lebanese population: knowledge and attitude scales’ validation and correlates

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive degenerative neurological disorder that negatively affects the quality of life of affected individuals as well as their care givers. There is limited information in both epidemiological data and awareness level on PD in the Middle East. Considering the increasing prevalence of PD, the lack of awareness and negative attitudes toward PD pose a barrier in the provision of appropriate care for individuals with PD.ObjectiveThis study aimed to validate scales to explore the knowledge and attitude towards PD among the general population in Lebanon and identify the associated factors related to the knowledge and attitude assessment. This study’s results would guide awareness strategies in the country including public health strategies, campaigns and education sessions for the general population as well as targeted people.MethodologyAn online cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2023 in Lebanon. Snowball sampling was used to recruit 400 Lebanese adults living in Lebanon. The validity and reliability of the knowledge and attitude scales were assessed, followed by a thorough statistical analysis to explore the factors associated with these scales.ResultsThe knowledge and attitude scales generated by this study were valid and reliable; Cronbach’s alpha values for knowledge and attitude scales were 0.697 and 0.901, respectively. Using these scales, 91.8% demonstrated inappropriate knowledge and 93% showed positive attitude towards PD. Higher knowledge scores were significantly associated with female gender (Beta = 1.130), being a healthcare professional (Beta = 2.514), having heard about PD (Beta = 5.338), obtaining the source of information from electronic databases (Beta = 1.283), from pharmacist or physician (Beta = 1.212), from personal readings (Beta = 2.386), and having PD or knowing someone with PD; a friend or a family member (Beta = 1.179). However, being illiterate or having primary or secondary education (Beta = -0.874), having a higher household crowding index (Beta = -1.890), not knowing if contents from sources provide negative images about PD (Beta = − 1.908) and preferring not to say to which social class they belong (Beta = − 1.602) were significantly associated with lower knowledge scores. Believing that contents from sources provide negative images about PD (Beta = 8.246) was significantly associated with a higher attitude score, i.e., a more negative attitude towards PD.ConclusionThis study showed low levels of knowledge and an overall positive attitude towards PD in Lebanon. Factors associated with higher knowledge and attitude scores, including gender, education level, profession, knowing someone with the disease, household crowding index, social class, source of information and contents of such sources, reflect the need to consider those when implementing targeted corrective actions. Future studies can focus on educational campaigns to improve public awareness, reduce misconceptions and limit barriers to the early diagnosis and provision of optimal care to the affected patients.

Revolutionizing BPH Management: The Role of Cucurbita pepo Seed in Targeting Prostatic Biomarkers and Shaping Public Health Strategies for Prostate Health

Revolutionizing BPH Management: The Role of Cucurbita pepo Seed in Targeting Prostatic Biomarkers and Shaping Public Health Strategies for Prostate Health