Journal Description
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
is a transdisciplinary, peer-reviewed, open access journal published monthly online by MDPI. It covers Global Health, Healthcare Sciences, Behavioral and Mental Health, Infectious Diseases, Chronic Diseases and Disease Prevention, Exercise and Health Related Quality of Life, Environmental Health and Environmental Sciences. The International Society Doctors for the Environment (ISDE) and Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA) are affiliated with IJERPH and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, PMC, Embase, GEOBASE, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q1 (Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 29.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about IJERPH.
- Sections: published in 7 topical sections.
- Companion journal: Air.
Latest Articles
Burden of Disease in Refugee Patients with Diabetes on the Island of Lesvos—The Experience of a Frontline General Hospital
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070828 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2024
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a non-communicable disease which poses a great burden on refugee populations, who are confronted with limited access to healthcare services and disruption of pre-existing pharmacological treatment. Aims: We sought to evaluate the degree of hyperglycaemia in refugees with known
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Diabetes mellitus is a non-communicable disease which poses a great burden on refugee populations, who are confronted with limited access to healthcare services and disruption of pre-existing pharmacological treatment. Aims: We sought to evaluate the degree of hyperglycaemia in refugees with known or recently diagnosed diabetes, to assess cardiovascular comorbidities and diabetes complications, to review and provide available therapeutic options, and to compare, if possible, the situation in Lesvos with other locations hosting refugee populations, thus raising our awareness towards barriers to accessing healthcare and managing diabetes in these vulnerable populations and to propose follow-up strategies. Methods: We retrospectively studied 69 refugee patients (68% of Afghan origin, 64% female) with diabetes mellitus (81% with type 2 diabetes), who were referred to the diabetes outpatient clinics of the General Hospital of Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece, between June 2019 and December 2020. Age, Body Mass Index, diabetes duration, glycaemic control (HbA1c and random glucose), blood pressure, estimated renal function, lipid profile, diabetes complications and current medication were documented at presentation and during subsequent visits. Results: For all patients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, age at presentation was 17.7 and 48.1 years, BMI 19.6 kg/m2 and 28.9 kg/m2 and HbA1c 9.6% and 8.7%, respectively (all medians). One-third (29%) of patients with type 2 diabetes presented either with interrupted or with no previous pharmacological treatment. Insulin was administered to only 21% of refugees with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Only half of the patients (48%) with hypertension were taking antihypertensive medication and one-sixth (17%) were taking lipid-lowering medication. Forty-two per cent (42%) of patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusions: Our results showed that a significant portion of refugees with diabetes have either no treatment at all or have had their treatment discontinued, that insulin is still underutilised and that a significant portion of patients are lost to follow-up. It is essential to enhance our ability to identify refugees who may be at risk of developing diabetes or experiencing complications related to the disease. Additionally, it is important to expand access to crucial treatment and monitoring services. By improving our policies for managing non-communicable diseases, we can better support the health and well-being of these vulnerable populations. Furthermore, it is vital to recognize that Greece cannot bear the burden of the refugee crisis alone; international support and collaboration are necessary to address these challenges effectively.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Determinants of Health Disparities and Health Inequities in Populations)
Open AccessArticle
Prediction of Placental Abruption of Pregnant Women Drivers with Various Collision Velocities, Seatbelt Positions and Placental Positions—Analysis with Novel Pregnant Occupant Model
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Tomohiro Izumiyama, Atsuno Tsuji, Katsunori Tanaka, Yumiko Tateoka, Ryusuke Asahi, Hiroshi Hamano, Masahito Hitosugi and Shigeru Sugimoto
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 827; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070827 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2024
Abstract
The aims of this study were as follows: the (a) creation of a pregnant occupant finite element model based on pregnant uterine data from sonography, (b) development of the evaluation method for placental abruption using this model and (c) analysis of the effects
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The aims of this study were as follows: the (a) creation of a pregnant occupant finite element model based on pregnant uterine data from sonography, (b) development of the evaluation method for placental abruption using this model and (c) analysis of the effects of three factors (collision speed, seatbelt position and placental position) on the severity of placental abruption in simulations of vehicle collisions. The 30-week pregnant occupant model was developed with the uterine model including the placenta, uterine–placental interface, fetus, amniotic fluid and surrounding ligaments. A method for evaluating the severity of placental abruption on this pregnant model was established, and the effects of these factors on the severity of the injury were analyzed. As a result, a higher risk of placental abruption was observed in high collision speeds, seatbelt position over the abdomen and anterior-fundal placenta. Lower collision speeds and seatbelt position on the iliac wings prevented severe placental abruption regardless of placental positions. These results suggested that safe driving and keeping seatbelt position on the iliac wings were essential to decrease the severity of this injury. From the analysis of the mechanism for placental abruption, the following hypothesis was proposed: a shear at adhesive sites between the uterus and placenta due to direct seatbelt loading to the uterus.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Climate Change and Psychiatry: The Correlation between the Mean Monthly Temperature and Admissions to an Acute Inpatient Unit
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Nicola Rizzo Pesci, Elena Teobaldi, Giuseppe Maina and Gianluca Rosso
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070826 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background: Psychiatric disorders are large contributors to the global disease burden, but research on the impact of climate change on them is limited. Our aim is to investigate the correlation between temperature and exacerbations of psychiatric disorders to help inform clinical management and
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Background: Psychiatric disorders are large contributors to the global disease burden, but research on the impact of climate change on them is limited. Our aim is to investigate the correlation between temperature and exacerbations of psychiatric disorders to help inform clinical management and future public health policies. Methods: Temperature records for the summer months from 2013 to 2022 were obtained from the meteorological station of the Department of Physics of Turin University. Data on patients admitted to the acute psychiatric unit were extracted from registries of San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital (Turin, Italy). Regression analyses were used to investigate the correlation between temperature and number of admissions and to test for confounding variables. Results: A total of 1600 admissions were recorded. The monthly temperature and number of admissions were directly correlated (p = 0.0020). The correlation was significant for the subgroup of admissions due to Bipolar Disorders (p = 0.0011), but not for schizophrenia or major depressive disorder. After multiple regression analyses, the effect of temperature remained significant (p = 0.0406). Conclusions: These results confirm the impact of meteorological factors on mental disorders, particularly on BD. This can contribute to personalised follow-up and efficient resource allocation and poses grounds for studies into etiopathological mechanisms and therapeutic implications.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Behavioral and Mental Health)
Open AccessStudy Protocol
Evaluation of Resilience and Mental Health in the “Post-Pandemic Era” among University Students: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study
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Natasja Kudzai Magorokosho, Alexandros Heraclides, Eleonora Papaleontiou-Louca and Maria Prodromou
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070825 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background: The mental well-being of university students has been a growing concern in Public Health and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic (including the post-pandemic era) introduced and exacerbated a variety of potential stressors for vulnerable individuals and communities, resulting
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Background: The mental well-being of university students has been a growing concern in Public Health and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic (including the post-pandemic era) introduced and exacerbated a variety of potential stressors for vulnerable individuals and communities, resulting in an increase in mental health issues among university students. Resilience, as a process, is the ability of a system to adapt and grow in the face of adversity. This is a crucial aspect to consider when examining the coping of university students in critical situations such as COVID-19. Objective: This study aims to assess the association between resilience and mental health outcomes among university students in Cyprus during the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. Methods: A parallel embedded mixed methods research design will be utilized to assess resilience, measured by the Conner–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the COVID-19 Impact Scale (CIS) and mental health outcomes measured by the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL 90-R), during the COVID-19 post-pandemic era (January 2022–July 2024) among university students in the Republic of Cyprus. The study will be conducted in two stages: a pilot study followed by the main study. Quantitative data will be collected through a web-based survey, while qualitative data will be obtained through in-person focus groups designed to capture participants’ experiences. Participants will be recruited using a proportional quota sampling approach to achieve representativeness based on predefined demographics. The study protocol has been approved by the Cyprus Bioethics Committee (approval no: EEC/EP/2023/31). Discussion: This study is expected to broaden our understanding of the intricate interactions between the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, resilience, and mental health outcomes. The focus on university students’ psychological wellbeing is consistent with the call by the WHO to focus on mental health (World Health Organization, 2019).
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Wellbeing and Quality of Life during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)
Open AccessArticle
Poor Health Behaviour in Medical Students at a South African University: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study
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Bert Celie, Ria Laubscher, Martin Bac, Marianne Schwellnus, Kim Nolte, Paola Wood, Tanya Camacho, Debashis Basu and Jill Borresen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070824 - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background: Personal health behaviours and lifestyle habits of health professionals influence their counselling practices related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). There are limited data on the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle habits among medical students and the impact of acquired health knowledge throughout the curriculum.
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Background: Personal health behaviours and lifestyle habits of health professionals influence their counselling practices related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). There are limited data on the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle habits among medical students and the impact of acquired health knowledge throughout the curriculum. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the prevalence of modifiable behavioural NCD risk factors of medical students in different academic years at a South African tertiary institution. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study of 532 consenting medical students was conducted. Participants completed five online questionnaires regarding lifestyle behaviours (physical activity, dietary habits, smoking, alcohol consumption and sleep). Results: Lifestyle-related risk factors with the highest prevalence were poor sleep quality (66.0%), low levels of habitual physical activity (55.8%) and low-to-moderate diet quality (54.5%). There were no differences between academic years for all risk factors measured. Over 60% of the cohort had two or more NCD risk factors and this prevalence did not differ across the degree program with the acquisition of more health knowledge. Conclusion: Medical students have a high prevalence of poor sleep quality, low levels of physical activity and low-to-moderate diet quality, which does not appear to change over the course of their academic career. Sleep hygiene, regular physical activity and healthy nutrition should be targeted in intervention programmes and be more prevalent in the medical curriculum.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Perspective Expanded: Healthcare from the Perspectives of Patients, Actors, and System Users)
Open AccessSystematic Review
Rainfall and Temperature Influences on Childhood Diarrhea and the Effect Modification Role of Water and Sanitation Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by
Gorfu Geremew, Oliver Cumming, Alemayehu Haddis, Matthew C. Freeman and Argaw Ambelu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070823 - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlighted the worsening impacts of climate change. Two climate factors—temperature and rainfall uncertainties—influence the risk of childhood diarrhea, which remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries.
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The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlighted the worsening impacts of climate change. Two climate factors—temperature and rainfall uncertainties—influence the risk of childhood diarrhea, which remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. They create a conducive environment for diarrhea-causing pathogens and overwhelm environmental prevention measures. This study aimed to produce comprehensive evidence on the association of temperature and rainfall variability with the risk of childhood diarrhea and the influence of water and sanitation conditions on those associations. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach. Records published in English from 2006 to 2023 were searched on 8 January 2024 via PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Google/Google Scholar using comprehensive search terms. We assessed studies for any risk of bias using the Navigation Guide and rated the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. The heterogeneity among estimates was assessed using I-squared statistics (I2). The findings of the analysis were presented with forest plots using an incidence rate ratio (IRR). A meta-analysis was conducted on effect modifiers (water supply and sanitation conditions) using a random effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The statistical analyses were conducted using R 4.3.2 software and Review Manager 5.3. A total of 2017 records were identified through searches, and only the 36 articles that met the inclusion criteria were included. The analysis suggests a small positive association between increased temperature and the occurrence of under-five diarrhea, with the pooled IRR = 1.04; 95% CI [1.03, 1.05], at I2 = 56% and p-value < 0.01, and increased rainfall and U5 diarrhea, with IRR = 1.14; 95% CI [1.03, 1.27], at I2 = 86% and p-value < 0.01. The meta-analysis indicated a positive association between unimproved latrine facilities and drinking water sources with a rainfall-modified effect on U5 diarrhea, with IRR = 1.21; 95% CI [0.95, 1.53], at I2 = 62% and p-value = 0.03. We found that an increase in mean temperature and rainfall was associated with an increased risk of childhood diarrhea. Where there were unimproved latrine facilities and drinking water sources, the increase in mean rainfall or temperature would increase the incidence of childhood diarrhea. The results of this review help in assessing the effectiveness of current intervention programs, making changes as needed, or creating new initiatives to lower the prevalence of childhood diarrhea.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Environmental Changes, Pathogens Spread and Influences on Infectious Diseases)
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Open AccessCorrection
Correction: Jarzynka, S. et al. Combination of High-Pressure Processing and Freeze-Drying as the Most Effective Techniques in Maintaining Biological Values and Microbiological Safety of Donor Milk. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 2147
by
Sylwia Jarzynka, Kamila Strom, Olga Barbarska, Emilia Pawlikowska, Anna Minkiewicz-Zochniak, Elzbieta Rosiak, Gabriela Oledzka and Aleksandra Wesolowska
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070822 - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
There was an error in the original publication [...]
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)
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Open AccessArticle
Inflammatory Status in Trained and Untrained Mice at Different Pollution Levels
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Roberta Foster, Mariana Matera Veras, Andre Luis Lacerda Bachi, Jonatas Bussador do Amaral, Victor Yuji Yariwake, Dunia Waked, Ana Clara Bastos Rodrigues, Marilia Farrajota, Robério Pereira Pires, Karina Pantaleão, Juliana de Melo Batista dos Santos, Francys Helen Damian, Paulo Hilário Saldiva and Mauro Walter Vaisberg
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070821 - 23 Jun 2024
Abstract
Atmospheric pollution can be defined as a set of changes that occur in the composition of the air, making it unsuitable and/or harmful and thereby generating adverse effects on human health. The regular practice of physical exercise (PE) is associated with the preservation
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Atmospheric pollution can be defined as a set of changes that occur in the composition of the air, making it unsuitable and/or harmful and thereby generating adverse effects on human health. The regular practice of physical exercise (PE) is associated with the preservation and/or improvement of health; however, it can be influenced by neuroimmunoendocrine mechanisms and external factors such as air pollution, highlighting the need for studies involving the practice of PE in polluted environments. Herein, 24 male C57BL/6 mice were evaluated, distributed into four groups (exposed to a high concentration of pollutants/sedentary, exposed to a high concentration of pollutants/exercised, exposed to ambient air/sedentary, and exposed to ambient air/exercised). The exposure to pollutants occurred in the environmental particle concentrator (CPA) and the physical training was performed on a treadmill specially designed for use within the CPA. Pro- and anti-inflammatory markers in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF), BALF cellularity, and lung tissue were evaluated. Although the active group exposed to a high concentration of pollution showed a greater inflammatory response, both the correlation analysis and the ratio between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines demonstrated that the exercised group presented greater anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting a protective/adaptative effect of exercise when carried out in a polluted environment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Physical Activity Affects the Immune System)
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Open AccessArticle
Perceived Public Participation and Health Delivery in Local Government Districts in Uganda
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Alex Kihehere Mukiga, Evans Sakyi Boadu and Tayebwa Edson
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070820 - 23 Jun 2024
Abstract
Abstract: Citizen participation is a crucial aspect of the national health system, empowering individuals to contribute to improving local health services through Health Committees (HCs). HCs promote the participation of citizens in the delivery of primary healthcare services. The study explores the
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Abstract: Citizen participation is a crucial aspect of the national health system, empowering individuals to contribute to improving local health services through Health Committees (HCs). HCs promote the participation of citizens in the delivery of primary healthcare services. The study explores the perceptions of citizen participation in the context of the Ruhama County Ntungamo local government area, Uganda. This study aims to understand the impact of HCs on healthcare service delivery. Using a qualitative approach of inquiry grounded in thematic analysis and rooted in principal–agent theory in a single case study, this study examined citizens’ participation in the delivery of a local healthcare service. The study is based on interviews with 66 participants comprising health workers, patients, residents, health administrators, local councillors, and HC members. The findings reveal a notable absence of a health committee in healthcare delivery in Ruhama County. The absence is attributed to a need for a formalised citizen participation structure in managing health facilities and service delivery. It raises concerns about the limited influence of citizens in shaping healthcare policies and decision-making processes. The study recommends the incorporation of health committees into the local health systems to enhance participation and grant communities greater influence over the management of health facilities and service delivery. Incorporating health committees into local health systems strengthens citizen participation and leads to more effective and sustainable healthcare services aligned with people’s needs and preferences. Integrating health committees within Itojo Hospital and similar facilities can grant citizens a meaningful role in shaping the future of their healthcare.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Tele-Mental Health Service: Unveiling the Disparity and Impact on Healthcare Access and Expenditures during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mississippi
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Yunxi Zhang, Lincy S. Lal, Yueh-Yun Lin, J. Michael Swint, Ying Zhang, Richard L. Summers, Barbara F. Jones, Saurabh Chandra and Mark E. Ladner
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070819 - 22 Jun 2024
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, tele-mental health (TMH) was a viable approach for providing accessible mental and behavioral health (MBH) services. This study examines the sociodemographic disparities in TMH utilization and its effects on healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and medical expenditures in Mississippi. Utilizing
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, tele-mental health (TMH) was a viable approach for providing accessible mental and behavioral health (MBH) services. This study examines the sociodemographic disparities in TMH utilization and its effects on healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and medical expenditures in Mississippi. Utilizing a cohort of 6787 insured adult patients at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and its affiliated sites between January 2020 and June 2023, including 3065 who accessed TMH services, we observed sociodemographic disparities between TMH and non-TMH cohorts. The TMH cohort was more likely to be younger, female, White/Caucasian, using payment methods other than Medicare, Medicaid, or commercial insurers, residing in rural areas, and with higher household income compared to the non-TMH cohort. Adjusting for sociodemographic factors, TMH utilization was associated with a 190% increase in MBH-related outpatient visits, a 17% increase in MBH-related medical expenditures, and a 12% decrease in all-cause medical expenditures (all p < 0.001). Among rural residents, TMH utilization was associated with a 205% increase in MBH-related outpatient visits and a 19% decrease in all-cause medical expenditures (both p < 0.001). This study underscores the importance of addressing sociodemographic disparities in TMH services to promote equitable healthcare access while reducing overall medical expenditures.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Care Sciences)
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Open AccessReview
Mapping the Environmental Co-Benefits of Reducing Low-Value Care: A Scoping Review and Bibliometric Analysis
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Gillian Parker, Sarah Hunter, Karen Born and Fiona A. Miller
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070818 - 22 Jun 2024
Abstract
Reducing low-value care (LVC) and improving healthcare’s climate readiness are critical factors for improving the sustainability of health systems. Care practices that have been deemed low or no-value generate carbon emissions, waste and pollution without improving patient or population health. There is nascent,
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Reducing low-value care (LVC) and improving healthcare’s climate readiness are critical factors for improving the sustainability of health systems. Care practices that have been deemed low or no-value generate carbon emissions, waste and pollution without improving patient or population health. There is nascent, but growing, research and evaluation to inform practice change focused on the environmental co-benefits of reducing LVC. The objective of this study was to develop foundational knowledge of this field through a scoping review and bibliometric analysis. We searched four databases, Medline, Embase, Scopus and CINAHL, and followed established scoping review and bibliometric analysis methodology to collect and analyze the data. A total of 145 publications met the inclusion criteria and were published between 2013 and July 2023, with over 80% published since 2020. Empirical studies comprised 21%, while commentary or opinions comprised 51% of publications. The majority focused on healthcare generally (27%), laboratory testing (14%), and medications (14%). Empirical publications covered a broad range of environmental issues with general and practice-specific ‘Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions’, ‘waste management’ and ‘resource use’ as most common topics. Reducing practice-specific ‘GHG emissions’ was the most commonly reported environmental outcome. The bibliometric analysis revealed nine international collaboration networks producing work on eight key healthcare areas. The nineteen ‘top’ authors were primarily from the US, Australia and Canada.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Care Sciences)
Open AccessArticle
Scaling up a Positive Safety Culture among Construction Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Ghana
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Eric Adzivor, Fidelis Emuze, Moses Ahiabu and Moses Kusedzi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070817 - 22 Jun 2024
Abstract
The Ghanaian construction industry faces challenges in managing safety, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that need more resources. This research addressed the critical need for a positive safety culture framework specifically designed for SMEs in Ghana. The study adopts the Delphi
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The Ghanaian construction industry faces challenges in managing safety, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that need more resources. This research addressed the critical need for a positive safety culture framework specifically designed for SMEs in Ghana. The study adopts the Delphi research approach, which involves a series of questionnaire ‘rounds’ to gather and refine information and develop a collaborative safety culture framework with SME stakeholders. The study employed a mixed-methods strategy, harnessing quantitative and qualitative data to meet the research goals. The critical components of the developed framework included safety commitment, adaptability, information, awareness, culture, and performance. The research offered evidence-based recommendations for effective positive safety practices across Ghana’s SMEs by analysing the relationship between these interventions and safety outcomes. Applying the framework should reduce workplace accidents and foster a positive safety culture that aligns with international best practices.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workplace Health, Safety and Wellbeing of People in Construction)
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Open AccessArticle
Changes in Screening Test Volume in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020–2022
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Yamisha Bermudez, Amy DeGroff, Jacqueline Miller, Kristy Kenney, Jala Lockhart, Djenaba Joseph and Lisa Richardson
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070816 - 21 Jun 2024
Abstract
Introduction: The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) observed significant declines in screening volume early in the COVID-19 pandemic, January–June 2020, with variation by race/ethnicity and geography. We aimed to determine how screening in the NBCCEDP recovered from these early
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Introduction: The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) observed significant declines in screening volume early in the COVID-19 pandemic, January–June 2020, with variation by race/ethnicity and geography. We aimed to determine how screening in the NBCCEDP recovered from these early declines as it is important for monitoring the long-term impact on women served by the program. Methods: Extending the previous analyses, we compared monthly breast (BC) and cervical cancer (CVC) screening volume in the NBCCEDP during 2020–2022, to five-year, pre-COVID-19 pandemic averages (2015–2019), and calculated percent change. Results were stratified by race/ethnicity and rurality groups. We employed multiple one-way ANOVA tests, which included multiple comparisons, to test for significant differences between groups. Results: By December 2022, NBCCEDP breast and cervical cancer screening volumes had not fully recovered to pre-COVID-19 5-year averages, and recovery in breast cancer screening volume was slower than that of cervical cancer. Both BC and CVC screening among women in metro areas showed the smallest average monthly deficits (−8.8% BC and −4.9% CVC) compared to monthly pre-COVID-19 pandemic 5-year averages, and screening among women in rural areas showed the greatest deficits (−37.3% BC and −26.7% CVC). BC and CVC screening among Hispanic women showed the greatest improvements compared to the pre-COVID-19 averages (8.2% BC and 9.5% CVC), and cervical cancer screening among non-Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islander women showed the greatest deficits (−41.4% CVC). Conclusion: For increased intervention efforts, NBCCEDP recipients can focus on populations demonstrating greatest deficits in screening volume.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Public Health during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)
Open AccessArticle
Elucidating Uncertainty in Heat Vulnerability Mapping: Perspectives on Impact Variables and Modeling Approaches
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Sockho Jeong, Yeonyeop Lim, Yeji Kang and Chaeyeon Yi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070815 - 21 Jun 2024
Abstract
Heat vulnerability maps are vital for identifying at-risk areas and guiding interventions, yet their relationship with health outcomes is underexplored. This study investigates the uncertainty in heat vulnerability maps generated using health outcomes and various statistical models. We constructed vulnerability maps for 167
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Heat vulnerability maps are vital for identifying at-risk areas and guiding interventions, yet their relationship with health outcomes is underexplored. This study investigates the uncertainty in heat vulnerability maps generated using health outcomes and various statistical models. We constructed vulnerability maps for 167 municipalities in Korea, focusing on the mild and severe health impacts of heat waves on morbidity and mortality. The outcomes included incidence rates of heat-related outpatient visits (morbidity) and attributable mortality rates (mortality) among individuals aged 65 years and older. To construct these maps, we utilized 11 socioeconomic variables related to population, climate, and economic factors. Both linear and nonlinear statistical models were employed to assign these socioeconomic variables to heat vulnerability. We observed variations in the crucial socioeconomic variables affecting morbidity and mortality in the vulnerability maps. Notably, nonlinear models depicted the spatial patterns of health outcomes more accurately than linear models, considering the relationship between health outcomes and socioeconomic variables. Our findings emphasize the differences in the spatial distribution of heat vulnerability based on health outcomes and the choice of statistical models. These insights underscore the importance of selecting appropriate models to enhance the reliability of heat vulnerability maps and their relevance for policy-making.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heat Zone and Disease Incidence)
Open AccessReview
Taxonomy, Bio-Ecology and Insecticide Resistance of Anopheline Vectors of Malaria in Sri Lanka
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Sinnathamby N. Surendran and S. H. P. Parakrama Karunaratne
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070814 - 21 Jun 2024
Abstract
The objective of this review was to update the current knowledge on major malaria vectors in Sri Lanka and their bio-ecology and insecticide resistance status. Relevant data were collected through a comprehensive literature search performed using databases such as PubMed, NIH, Google Scholar
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The objective of this review was to update the current knowledge on major malaria vectors in Sri Lanka and their bio-ecology and insecticide resistance status. Relevant data were collected through a comprehensive literature search performed using databases such as PubMed, NIH, Google Scholar and Web of Science. Sri Lanka had been endemic to malaria for centuries. However, due to a coordinated public health effort last indigenous malaria case was reported in 2012 and the island nation was declared free of malaria in 2016. Although 25 anopheline mosquitoes have been reported so far on the island, only Anopheles culicifacies and An. subpictus have been established as primary and secondary vectors of malaria respectively. Both vector species exist as a species complex, and the sibling species of each complex differ in their bio-ecology and susceptibility to malaria parasites and insecticides. The article provides a comprehensive and updated account of the bio-ecology and insecticide resistance of malaria vectors and highlights the challenges ahead of retaining a malaria-free status.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Frontier Malaria)
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Open AccessArticle
Headache Characteristics of Pediatric Sport-Related Concussion
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Michael J. Popovich, Brandon S. Wright, Abigail C. Bretzin, Mark T. Roberts, Bara Alsalaheen, Andrea A. Almeida, Matthew T. Lorincz and James T. Eckner
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070813 - 21 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background: Headache is among the most common symptoms following concussion, yet headache after concussion (HAC) remains poorly characterized. This study describes headache characteristics over the first four weeks following pediatric sport-related concussion. Methods: This is a retrospective case series of 87 athletes (mean:
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Background: Headache is among the most common symptoms following concussion, yet headache after concussion (HAC) remains poorly characterized. This study describes headache characteristics over the first four weeks following pediatric sport-related concussion. Methods: This is a retrospective case series of 87 athletes (mean: 14.9 years; range: 8.4–18.8 years; 38% female) treated in a specialty sports concussion clinic within 28 days of injury. Primary outcomes of headache consistency, frequency, duration, and associated migrainous symptoms were assessed at immediate (0 to 48 h) and weekly time points over the first 28 days post-injury. Generalized mixed linear models compared headache characteristics across time points. Secondary analyses compared each outcome by as-needed analgesic use. Results: During the immediate post-injury period, headache was more often constant (p = 0.002) and associated with migrainous symptoms (p < 0.001). By the third week post-injury, episodic headache was more prevalent (p < 0.001). Most patients (54%) transitioned from constant, migrainous headache to episodic, non-migrainous headache. This finding was uninfluenced by as-needed analgesic medication use. Conclusions: These findings document the trajectory of HAC. Future studies should assess relationships between initial headache characteristics and recovery.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sport and Exercise Injury)
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Open AccessArticle
The Burden of Cardiovascular Disease and Geriatric Syndromes in Older Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis
by
Tan Van Nguyen, Thu Thi Xuan Pham and Tu Ngoc Nguyen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(6), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21060812 - 20 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background. There is limited evidence on the complexity of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and geriatric syndromes in older patients with end-stage renal disease. Our aims were to (1) examine the prevalence of CVD in older patients on chronic hemodialysis, (2) compare the burden of
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Background. There is limited evidence on the complexity of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and geriatric syndromes in older patients with end-stage renal disease. Our aims were to (1) examine the prevalence of CVD in older patients on chronic hemodialysis, (2) compare the burden of geriatric syndromes in patients with and without CVD, and (3) examine the impact of CVD on hospitalization. Methods. This prospective, observational, multi-center study was conducted at two dialysis units of two major hospitals in Vietnam. Consecutive older adults receiving chronic hemodialysis were recruited from November 2020 to June 2021. CVD was defined as having one of these conditions: heart failure, ischemic heart disease, or stroke. Participants were assessed for geriatric conditions including frailty, malnutrition, impairment in instrumental activities/activities of daily living, depression, falls, and polypharmacy. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to examine the impact of CVD on 6-month hospitalization, adjusting for age, sex, duration of dialysis, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and geriatric conditions. Results were presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. There were 175 participants (mean age 72.4 ± 8.5 and 58.9% female). CVD was present in 80% of the participants (ischemic heart disease: 49.7%, heart failure: 60.0%, and stroke: 25.7%). Participants with CVD had a higher burden of geriatric syndromes compared to those without CVD. During the 6-month follow-up, 48.6% of the participants were hospitalized (56.4% of those with CVD vs. 17.1% of those without CVD), p < 0.001). CVD independently increased the risk of hospitalization (adjusted OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.12–9.80). Conclusions. In this study, there was a very high prevalence of CVD in older patients undergoing chronic dialysis. Participants with CVD had a higher burden of geriatric syndromes and their risk of 6-month hospitalization increased by three times. There is a need for a multidisciplinary and patient-centered approach to treatment planning for these patients.
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(This article belongs to the Section Infectious Diseases, Chronic Diseases, and Disease Prevention)
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