Health Strategy Research Articles

Trends in HIV prevalence and risk factors among men who have sex with men in Mozambique: implications for targeted interventions and public health strategies

BackgroundMen who have sex with Men (MSM) are known to contribute to increased HIV prevalence as an integral part of key populations with high vulnerability to HIV/AIDS due to their sexual behaviours. Mozambique conducted two rounds of bio-behavioral surveys (BBS) in this population with the main objective of estimating HIV prevalence and associated risk behaviors among MSM in Mozambique. The present study aims to estimate the trend of HIV prevalence and determine the correlations of HIV infection among MSM.MethodsA repeated cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from secondary data from the first and second rounds of BBS in Mozambique conducted in 2011 and 2020–2021 respectively. Each round used a similar methodology which allowed for comparison between the two surveys. Chi-square test and logistic regression was used to compare the HIV prevalence between the BBS rounds, identify factors associated with HIV, and assess changes in HIV prevalence across selected risk factors.ResultsThere was a significant increase in HIV prevalence among MSM (7.1–14.9%), living in Maputo (9.3–14.7%), uncircumcised (11.7–25.1%), and those who reported two sexual partners in the last year (5.2–14.4%). In contrast, there was a decrease in prevalence among adult MSM aged between 25 and 29 years (24.7–13.9%), aged 30 years or older (45.7–27.7%), married (29.1–16.8%), with higher education (16.7–5.9%) and moderate perception of HIV risk (10.9–3.4%). Multivariable analysis showed that factors such as age, marital status, religion, sexual identity, circumcision, and the use of lubrication during anal sex are significantly associated with the risk of HIV infection.ConclusionsThis study underscores the continuing need for HIV prevention and education efforts. The rise in prevalence among specific population segments and the sustained presence of risk factors emphasize the requirement for holistic strategies tailored to the unique requirements of each subgroup. Understanding trends and risk factors is crucial to guiding public health policies and designing efficacious prevention programs that aim to curtail HIV transmission while enhancing the well-being of those impacted by the condition.

The role of insect gut microbiota in host fitness, detoxification and nutrient supplementation.

Insects are incredibly diverse, ubiquitous and have successfully flourished out of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of evolutionary processes. The resident microbiome has accompanied the physical and biological adaptations that enable their continued survival and proliferation in a wide array of environments. The host insect and microbiome's bidirectional relationship exhibits their capability to influence each other's physiology, behavior and characteristics. Insects are reported to rely directly on the microbial community to break down complex food, adapt to nutrient-deficit environments, protect themselves from natural adversaries and control the expression of social behavior. High-throughput metagenomic approaches have enhanced the potential for determining the abundance, composition, diversity and functional activities of microbial fauna associated with insect hosts, enabling in-depth investigation into insect-microbe interactions. We undertook a review of some of the major advances in the field of metagenomics, focusing on insect-microbe interaction, diversity and composition of resident microbiota, the functional capability of endosymbionts and discussions on different symbiotic relationships. The review aims to be a valuable resource on insect gut symbiotic microbiota by providing a comprehensive understanding of how insect gut symbionts systematically perform a range of functions, viz., insecticide degradation, nutritional support and immune fitness. A thorough understanding of manipulating specific gut symbionts may aid in developing advanced insect-associated research to attain health and design strategies for pest management.

Mental Health and Healing Practices in the Ottoman Empire: A Historical and Psychological Analysis

This study conducts a comparative analysis of mental health care within the Ottoman Empire and its impact on current psychological understandings and treatments, highlighting the significant role of cultural and historical contexts in shaping mental health practices. It demonstrates the ongoing relevance of the Ottoman Empire's holistic and integrative approaches, emphasizing compassionate, comprehensive care that incorporates a wide array of therapeutic modalities, such as herbal remedies and spiritual healing. These methods illustrate the importance of addressing the complex nature of mental well-being. The research addresses the difficulties of applying historical mental health practices to contemporary settings, advocating for a method that honors cultural and societal variances. Insights from Ottoman mental health and healing practices provide essential lessons for today, endorsing a more empathetic, patient-focused, and culturally inclusive mental health care system. The enduring influence of Ottoman methods invites further investigation into historical mental health strategies, pointing to future research opportunities, including the integration of traditional healing into modern care models and the creation of fair mental health systems. This analysis underlines the importance of historical perspectives in enhancing contemporary mental health care, proposing an approach that respects the past while catering to the diverse needs of the global community today.

Factors associated with Cryptosporidium in men who have sex with men: A systematic review.

Cryptosporidium parasites are an important cause of diarrhoea globally and sexual transmission may occur in men who have sex with men (MSM). We aimed to systematically review the literature to explore any factors associated with transmission of Cryptosporidium in MSM to provide insight for future guidelines and public health strategies. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science for manuscripts published up to July 2023. A primary author conducted an initial screen of abstracts and full text eligibility, and risk of bias was assessed independently by two authors using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. We used the nine-point synthesis without meta-analysis method to synthesise narrative data. The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023374279). Six manuscripts were included in the final review from the USA (n = 3), Europe (n = 1) and Australia (n = 2) and were case series (n = 2), cross sectional (n = 2) and case control studies (n = 2) published between 1984 and 2021 and overall there were 1582 cases of Cryptosporidium in MSM. We identified demographic factors (living with HIV, younger age [<30years old], geographical areas [Southern Europe v Northern Europe], previous Treponema pallidum, previous Entamoeba histolytica) and behavioural factors (recreational drug use, higher number of sexual partners and MSM attending sex on premises venues with spa/sauna) associated with Cryptosporidium in MSM. Despite a small number of manuscripts in this review, we identified demographic and behavioural factors associated with Cryptosporidium in MSM. These data will provide insight for public health interventions for future outbreaks of Cryptosporidium in MSM.

Multilevel analysis of social determinants of advanced stage colorectal cancer diagnosis

The advanced stage at diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) may be related to individual factors, socioeconomic conditions, and healthcare service availability. The objective of the study was to analyze the prevalence of advanced stage CRC at the time of diagnosis and its association with individual, contextual, socioeconomic, and healthcare service indicators. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing cases of malignant neoplasms of the colon and rectum in individuals of both sexes, aged between 18 and 99 years, diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 in Brazil (n = 69,047). Data were collected from the Hospital Cancer Registry (HCR), Atlas of Human Development in Brazil, and from the National Registry of Health Institutions (NRHI). A Multilevel Poisson Regression model with random intercept was used. The prevalence of advanced stage CRC at diagnosis was 65.6%. Advanced stage was associated with older age groups prevalence ratio (PR) 4.40 and younger age groups (PR 1.84), low Human Development Index (HDI) (PR 1.22), and low density of family health strategy teams (PR 1.10). The study highlights the unequal distribution of social determinants of health in the diagnosis CRC in Brazil, revealing the need to evaluate and redirect public policies aimed at improving early detection and prevention of CRC in the country.

Meeting statement: Call to action for step-change in health behaviours

BackgroundEnabling, supporting and promoting positive health-related behaviours is critical in addressing the major public health challenges of our time, and the multifaceted nature of behaviours requires an evidence-based approach. This statement seeks to suggest how a much-needed enhanced use of behavioural and cultural science and insights for health could be advanced. Study design and methodsand methods: Public health authorities of Europe and Central Asia and international partner organizations in September 2023 met in Copenhagen, Denmark, to discuss the way forward. Drawing on 1) country reporting to WHO, 2) interview study with public health authorities and 3) the meeting deliberations, this meeting statement was developed. ResultsThe meeting statement presents a joint call for step-change accelerated use of evidence-based approaches for health behaviours. Actionable next steps for public health authorities and international and regional development partners in health are presented. ConclusionsThe way forward involves increased resource allocation, integration of behavioural insights into health strategies, advocacy through case and cost-effectiveness examples and capacity building.

Mapping the evidence of novel plant-based foods: a systematic review of nutritional, health, and environmental impacts in high-income countries.

Shifting from current dietary patterns to diets rich in plant-based (PB) foods and lower in animal-based foods (ABFs) is generally regarded as a suitable strategy to improve nutritional health and reduce environmental impacts. Despite the recent growth in supply of and demand for novel plant-based foods (NPBFs), a comprehensive overview is lacking. This review provides a synthesis of available evidence, highlights challenges, and informs public health and environmental strategiesfor purposeful political decision-making by systematically searching, analyzing, and summarizing the available literature. Five peer-reviewed databases and grey literature sources were rigorously searched for publications. Study characteristics meeting the inclusion criteria regarding NPBF nutrient composition and health and environmental outcomes in high-income countries were extracted. Fifty-seven peer-reviewed and 36 grey literature sources were identified; these were published in 2016-2022. NPBFs typically have substantially lower environmental impacts than ABFs, but the nutritional contents are complex and vary considerably across brands, product type, and main primary ingredient. In the limited evidence on the health impacts, shifts from ABFs to PB meats were associated with positive health outcomes. However, results were mixed for PB drinks, with links to micronutrient deficiencies. If carefully selected, certain NPBFs have the potential to be healthier and nutrient-rich alternatives to ABFs and typically have smaller environmental footprints. More disaggregated categorization of various types of NPBFs would be a helpful step in guiding consumers and key stakeholders to make informed decisions. To enable informed policymaking on the inclusion of NPBFs in dietary transitions as part of a wider net-zero and health strategy, future priorities should include nutritional food standards, labelling, and subdivisions or categorizations of NPBFs, as well as short- and long-term health studies evaluating dietary shifts from ABFs to NPBFs and standardized environmental impact assessments, ideally from independent funders.

A scoping review of academic and grey literature on migrant health research conducted in Scotland

BackgroundMigration to Scotland has increased since 2002 with an increase in European residents and participation in the Asylum dispersal scheme. Scotland has become more ethnically diverse, and 10% of the current population were born abroad. Migration and ethnicity are determinants of health, and information on the health status of migrants to Scotland and their access to and barriers to care facilitates the planning and delivery of equitable health services. This study aimed to scope existing peer-reviewed research and grey literature to identify gaps in evidence regarding the health of migrants in Scotland.MethodsA scoping review on the health of migrants in Scotland was carried out for dates January 2002 to March 2023, inclusive of peer-reviewed journals and grey literature. CINAHL/ Web of Science/SocIndex and Medline databases were systematically searched along with government and third-sector websites. The searches identified 2166 journal articles and 170 grey literature documents for screening. Included articles were categorised according to the World Health Organisation’s 2016 Strategy and Action Plan for Refugee and Migrant Health in the European region. This approach builds on a previously published literature review on Migrant Health in the Republic of Ireland.ResultsSeventy-one peer reviewed journal articles and 29 grey literature documents were included in the review. 66% were carried out from 2013 onwards and the majority focused on asylum seekers or unspecified migrant groups. Most research identified was on the World Health Organisation’s strategic areas of right to health of refugees, social determinants of health and public health planning and strengthening health systems. There were fewer studies on the strategic areas of frameworks for collaborative action, preventing communicable disease, preventing non-communicable disease, health screening and assessment and improving health information and communication.ConclusionWhile research on migrant health in Scotland has increased in recent years significant gaps remain. Future priorities should include studies of undocumented migrants, migrant workers, and additional research is required on the issue of improving health information and communication.

Development and validation of an interprofessional collaborative educational module on the self-management of foot for individuals with type II diabetes mellitus

Background Insufficient awareness of foot self-care among diabetic individuals results in diabetic foot ulcers. The management of diabetes and diabetic foot ulcers demands a well-coordinated approach that involves multiple healthcare providers (HCPs). The present study aims to develop and validate an interprofessional collaborative (IPC) educational program involving HCPs to efficiently oversee and instruct the public on appropriate strategies for self-managing diabetic foot health. Methods The research group worked on creating an educational module titled ‘An Interprofessional Collaborative Educational Module on Self-Management of Foot for Individuals with Type II Diabetes Mellitus.’ The objective of this module was to promote the adoption of proper practices in self-managing foot health for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A panel of 13 experts participated in a two-stage validation process using the Delphi method to assess the module and its educational resources. Subsequently, the module was tested on a group of 30 participants, i.e., individuals with diabetes, with its efficacy evaluated through conversation analysis and in-depth interviews. Results The three-month-long module included three sessions • 1: Diabetes and its health implications • 2: Diabetic foot and self-management • 3: Interprofessional education in diabetic foot care The mode of content delivery was via Whatsapp, and the educational resources, in the form of pamphlets, flowcharts, handouts, case-based cartoons, and videos on diabetes, including diabetic foot, its risks, and self-management, were shared regularly. All participating experts consensually validated the module and educational resources. Analysis of in-depth interviews revealed that the module immensely benefitted the participants and helped them improve their knowledge and practices of foot care in diabetes. Conclusions The study concludes that IPC educational modules can enhance adherence to proper diabetic foot care practices, potentially reducing the occurrence of foot ulcers and amputations, and ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals with diabetes.

Assessing intersectional gender analysis in Nepal’s health management information system: a case study on tuberculosis for inclusive health systems

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem in Nepal, high in settings marked by prevalent gender and social inequities. Various social stratifiers intersect, either privileging or oppressing individuals based on their characteristics and contexts, thereby increasing risks, vulnerabilities and marganilisation associated with TB. This study aimed to assess the inclusiveness of gender and other social stratifiers in key health related national policies and the Health Management Information System (HMIS) of National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) by conducting an intersectional analysis of TB cases recorded via HMIS.MethodsA desk review of key policies and the NTP’s HMIS was conducted. Retrospective intersectional analysis utilized two secondary data sources: annual NTP report (2017–2021) and records of 628 TB cases via HMIS 6.5 from two TB centres (2017/18–2018/19). Chi-square test and multi-variate analysis was used to assess the association between social stratifers and types of TB, registration category and treatment outcome.ResultsGender, social inclusion and concept of intersectionality are incorporated into various health policies and strategies but lack effective implementation. NTP has initiated the collection of age, sex, ethnicity and location data since 2014/15 through the HMIS. However, only age and sex disaggregated data are routinely reported, leaving recorded social stratifiers of TB patients static without analysis and dissemination. Furthermore, findings from the intersectional analysis using TB secondary data, showed that male more than 25 years exhibited higher odds [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.60–19.06, P = 0.01)] of successful outcome compared to male TB patients less than 25 years. Similarly, sex was significantly associated with types of TB (P < 0.05) whereas both age (P < 0.05) and sex (P < 0.05) were significantly associated with patient registration category (old/new cases).ConclusionsThe results highlight inadequacy in the availability of social stratifiers in the routine HMIS. This limitation hampers the NTP’s ability to conduct intersectional analyses, crucial for unveiling the roles of other social determinants of TB. Such limitation underscores the need for more disaggregated data in routine NTP to better inform policies and plans contributing to the development of a more responsive and equitable TB programme and effectively addressing disparities.

Myopia and Nutrient Associations with Age-Related Eye Diseases in Korean Adults: A Cross-Sectional KNHANES Study.

This study assessed the prevalence of myopia, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration among Koreans over 40, utilizing data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII, 2018). We analyzed 204,973 adults (44% men, 56% women; mean age 58.70 ± 10.75 years), exploring the association between myopia and these eye diseases through multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for confounders and calculating adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results showed a myopia prevalence of 44.6%, cataracts at 19.4%, macular degeneration at 16.2%, and glaucoma at 2.3%, with significant differences across ages and genders. A potential link was found between myopia and an increased risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, but not with glaucoma. Additionally, a higher dietary intake of carbohydrates, polyunsaturated and n-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals correlated with lower risks of these diseases, underscoring the importance of the diet in managing and preventing age-related eye conditions. These findings highlight the need for dietary considerations in public health strategies and confirm myopia as a significant risk factor for specific eye diseases in the aging Korean population.

The mosaic of Covid-19: unraveling patterns - from the streets of Minas Gerais state to the global stage

COVID-19 is a multifaceted disease whose local impacts align with the global context. In our study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the impact of COVID-19 in Lavras, a medium-sized municipality, a regional reference in health, located in the south of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The data analyzed covered the period from 2020 to 2023, highlighting factors associated with transmission patterns and lethality in comparative terms with the global scenario. Data collection was carried out from official municipal publications, with an emphasis on information regarding the number of confirmed cases, deaths, and lethality rates. Genomic surveillance was conducted based on positive cases during the analysis period, and the results were published on GISAID. In 2020, there was an exponential increase in SARS-CoV-2 cases and associated deaths, with a lethality rate of 3.88%. The year 2021 witnessed a significant escalation, with a total of 8,762 cases and 135 deaths, presenting a lethality rate of 1.55%. The rapid spread of the disease led to high hospital occupancy for almost 90 days. In December 2021, the Omicron variant was identified, preceding a substantial increase in cases in early 2022, triggering a third wave resulting in 21,385 cases and 43 deaths. The lethality rate by the end of 2022 was 0.21%. The results highlight the capacity to confront COVID-19 and the virus's resilience, with a progressive reduction in lethality contrasting with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 infection incidence. This study provides a comprehensive view of COVID-19 patterns in Lavras over three years, emphasizing the importance of epidemiological surveillance and effective public health strategies to reduce the impact on the number of deaths from the disease, providing opportunities to address the disease.

A Mathematical Model for the Impact of 3HP and Social Programme Implementation on the Incidence and Mortality of Tuberculosis: Study in Brazil.

In this paper, we presented a mathematical model for tuberculosis with treatment for latent tuberculosis cases and incorporated social implementations based on the impact they will have on tuberculosis incidence, cure, and recovery. We incorporated two variables containing the accumulated deaths and active cases into the model in order to study the incidence and mortality rate per year with the data reported by the model. Our objective is to study the impact of social program implementations and therapies on latent tuberculosis in particular the use of once-weekly isoniazid-rifapentine for 12 weeks (3HP). The computational experimentation was performed with data from Brazil and for model calibration, we used the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method (MCMC) with a Bayesian approach. We studied the effect of increasing the coverage of social programs, the Bolsa Familia Programme (BFP) and the Family Health Strategy (FHS) and the implementation of the 3HP as a substitution therapy for two rates of diagnosis and treatment of latent at 1% and 5%. Based of the data obtained by the model in the period 2023-2035, the FHS reported better results than BFP in the case of social implementations and 3HP with a higher rate of diagnosis and treatment of latent in the reduction of incidence and mortality rate and in cases and deaths avoided. With the objective of linking the social and biomedical implementations, we constructed two different scenarios with the rate of diagnosis and treatment. We verified with results reported by the model that with the social implementations studied and the 3HP with the highest rate of diagnosis and treatment of latent, the best results were obtained in comparison with the other independent and joint implementations. A reduction of the incidence by 36.54% with respect to the model with the current strategies and coverage was achieved, and a greater number of cases and deaths from tuberculosis was avoided.

Examining public perceptions and concerns about the impact of heatwaves on health outcomes using Twitter data

BackgroundHeat is becoming a global public health concern. This paper presents a comprehensive Twitter data analysis (2011–2023) to gain insights into public perceptions of heatwaves and their health-related concerns. MethodsA number (N = 2,070,197) of filtered tweets were included for analysis after preprocessing. Utilizing the Extractor of Demographic Characteristics (EDC) module, we extracted demographic attributes, including user type, gender, and age, highlighting the diverse voices in the Twitter conversation. Sentiment and emotional analyses were conducted utilizing BERT models. An active learning content analysis approach was employed using the GPT-3 model to identify health outcomes and concerns related to heat waves. ResultsOur results show that joy and anger were the dominant emotions, reflecting positive and negative sentiments surrounding heat waves. Public sentiment varied, revealing concern and optimism in response to changing weather patterns.In terms of health outcomes, the paper categorizes and analyzes a wide range of concerns during heat waves, from heat-related illnesses to mental health issues. These findings provide valuable insights into how different health concerns are distributed across gender, user type, and age categories. An overview of the measures people took to control these issues was also given. ConclusionsThis study illustrates the evolving dynamics of public emotional responses to heat waves, offering a holistic view of the various health-related concerns raised by the public during these extreme weather events. Such insights are essential for informing public health strategies and emergency responses to mitigate the adverse effects of heat waves and protect vulnerable populations.

Trends in cardiovascular disease among Inuit in Greenland from 1994 to 2021

Background and aimsCardiovascular disease (CVD) poses significant health challenges globally. While substantial data exists for most populations, the Arctic Inuit's CVD incidence rates remain understudied. This research aimed to change this by estimating CVD incidence and mortality rates in Greenland from 1994 to 2021. MethodsUsing nationwide registers, a retrospective observational study was conducted, focusing on individuals born in Greenland to Greenlandic-born parents. Data were sourced from the Greenlandic Hospital Discharge Register and the nationwide electronic medical record. ResultsA total of 65,824 individuals were included. the age- and sex-specific incidence rates (IR) of ischemic heart disease, stroke, and heart failure (HF) declined from 1994 to 2021, with the most substantial decline observed for HF among women. Conversely, the IR of atrial fibrillation/flutter increased in both men and women, while the IR of myocardial infarction rose among men. The IR for stroke was particularly elevated compared to other CVD subgroups. Mortality rates for those diagnosed with CVD were 2.4 times higher than those without. Men exhibited a 40 % elevated mortality risk relative to women. ConclusionThe study provides pivotal insights into CVD trends within the Arctic Inuit population, highlighting both positive developments and areas of concern. Given the increasing elderly demographic in Greenland, proactive health strategies are crucial. Emphasizing primary prevention and addressing specific CVD risks, particularly the elevated stroke IR, is imperative for future public health efforts.

Integrating environmental conservation and public health strategies to combat zoonotic disease emergence: a call to action from the Amazon rainforest.

Integrating environmental conservation and public health strategies to combat zoonotic disease emergence: a call to action from the Amazon rainforest.

Spatiotemporal hierarchical Bayesian analysis to identify factors associated with COVID-19 in suburban areas in Colombia

IntroductionThe pandemic had a profound impact on the provision of health services in Cúcuta, Colombia where the neighbourhood-level risk of Covid-19 has not been investigated. Identifying the sociodemographic and environmental risk factors of Covid-19 in large cities is key to better estimate its morbidity risk and support health strategies targeting specific suburban areas. This study aims to identify the risk factors associated with the risk of Covid-19 in Cúcuta considering inter -spatial and temporal variations of the disease in the city's neighbourhoods between 2020 and 2022. MethodsAge-adjusted rate of Covid-19 were calculated in each Cúcuta neighbourhood and each quarter between 2020 and 2022. A hierarchical spatial Bayesian model was used to estimate the risk of Covid-19 adjusting for socioenvironmental factors per neighbourhood across the study period. Two spatiotemporal specifications were compared (a nonparametric temporal trend; with and without space-time interaction). The posterior mean of the spatial and spatiotemporal effects was used to map the Covid-19 risk. ResultsThere were 65,949 Covid-19 cases in the study period with a varying standardized Covid-19 rate that peaked in October–December 2020 and April–June 2021. Both models identified an association of the poverty and stringency indexes, education level and PM10 with Covid-19 although the best fit model with a space-time interaction estimated a strong association with the number of high-traffic roads only. The highest risk of Covid-19 was found in neighbourhoods in west, central, and east Cúcuta. ConclusionsThe number of high-traffic roads is the most important risk factor of Covid-19 infection in Cucuta. This indicator of mobility and connectivity overrules other socioenvironmental factors when Bayesian models include a space-time interaction. Bayesian spatial models are important tools to identify significant determinants of Covid-19 and identifying at-risk neighbourhoods in large cities. Further research is needed to establish causal links between these factors and Covid-19.

Comparative awareness on zoonoses between residents at the Human-wildlife Interface Zone and inhabitants of the non-wildlife areas of Meru County, Kenya

Abstract Introduction: Zoonoses are infections transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans. Persons with low knowledge, exposure to wildlife or domestic animals are at risk of zoonoses. Research, surveillance and response through One Health framework is necessary for prevention. We compared the knowledge on zoonoses between residents at the wildlife-interface of Meru National Park, and non-wildlife areas of Tigania West Sub County, Meru Kenya. Methods: Data were simultaneously collected using a structured questionnaire in both zones and compared. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data for differences between variables in the two areas.Results: The non-wildlife zone residents of Tigania West Sub-County had statistically significantly better knowledge of zoonoses than their counterparts next to Meru National Park: χ² (1, N=525) =84.965, p&lt; .001. Conclusion: The scanty knowledge on zoonoses of residents of Igembe Central posed greater risk of zoonoses because their proximity to the wildlife conservancy. Awareness creation through one health strategy is necessary as a deterrent measure.

Exploring Surface Water-Groundwater Interactions: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Surface water-ground water interaction plays a crucial role in hydrological systems, influencing water availability, quality and ecosystem sustainability. To maintain drinking water resources and ecosystem health, a mechanistic understanding of the underlying processes controlling the spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of groundwater–surface water interactions is crucial. Understanding these interactions requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates insights from hydrology, geology, ecology, and geochemistry. Several software applications are available to model and analyze these interactions. This abstract presents the framework and key findings of a comprehensive study aimed at elucidating the complex dynamics of surface water-groundwater interactions through different software. Key finding highlights the significance of spatial and temporal variability in surface water-groundwater interactions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive monitoring networks and advanced modeling tools. It underscores the interconnected nature of surface water and groundwater resources, emphasizing the importance of integrated management strategies for sustainable water resource utilization and ecosystem health. It provides an overview of current research advances and innovative approaches in the broad field of surface water-ground water interactions. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach, we can understand the complex interactions shaping the surface water-groundwater systems, facilitating informed decision-making and effective resource management in a dynamic environment.

Height growth of Mexican boys by geographic region: an evaluation based on nationally representative data of ENSANUT 2012 and 2018.

Existing research on human growth in Mexico is regionally focused, creating a gap in the understanding of growth patterns of children and adolescents at national level and regional variation. The objective of the present study was to characterize the height growth curve of the Mexican population by geographic area and to cluster the states of the Mexican Republic according to their somatic maturation characteristics, based on a national representative sample of boys. Data on age, height, socioeconomic level, and geographic area of 18,219 boys were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (ENSANUT) and ENSANUT 2018, carried out in 32 Mexican states. Both surveys had representative samples. Preece-Baines 1 model was applied to fit height growth curves. Biological parameters were estimated; principal component analysis and cluster analysis were performed to group Mexican states based on these biological parameters. The estimated age at peak height velocity (PHV) was 12.3 years in the sample. Significant regional differences in the timing and tempo of PHV among Mexican boys were observed. Boys in the northern region experienced PHV at an earlier age and had a shorter duration of growth compared with boys in the central and southern regions. Boys in the central region had a longer duration of growth and a later age of PHV compared with the boys in the southern region. The cluster that included the southern states of the country showed estimated lower adult height and earlier somatic maturation. A lower height was found in the low and low-middle socioeconomic levels compared with the medium-high and high socioeconomic levels. Future research in Mexico should focus on longitudinal studies to analyse the timing and tempo of growth and maturation, considering the impacts of environmental and genetic factors. Public health strategies should account for geographic variations.