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This conceptual review identifies the contributions of the Sociology of Sport Journal to the subfield of feminist sport media studies. Since the first issue of Sociology of Sport Journal, over 60 articles addressed primarily the media representations research area of feminist sport media studies, using a range of theoretical frameworks that mirrored theoretical shifts in the field. An empirical analysis of geographies of knowledge production indicates that the scholarship in Sociology of Sport Journal in this subfield is primarily based in the United States and focuses on Western contexts. The article concludes with a reflection on the importance of special issues and interdisciplinary collaborations in feminist sport media studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although guilt is often considered the most prevalent emotional outcome of work–family conflict (WFC), most work–family research focuses on family‐related guilt stemming from work interference with family, rather than job‐related guilt stemming from family interference with work (FIW). In addition, there is little understanding of how different employee social groups experience the implications of FIW in their daily lives. To address these research gaps, this study explores the relationship between daily FIW and job‐related guilt, and its subsequent impact on job satisfaction. It also investigates variation in these relationships by (1) gender and (2) the intersection of gender and ethnicity. Bayesian multilevel structural equation modeling using data from 5‐day diary surveys from 210 solicitors in Britain shows daily FIW is associated with higher job‐related guilt and subsequently lower job satisfaction. The relationship is stronger for women than men in general, but is also stronger for South Asian women than white British women (and men), and for South Asian men than white British men. This suggests that studies focusing on single social group characteristics (e.g., gender) are likely to obscure intersectional effects that might produce significant within‐group variation. The findings also highlight the importance of integrating workplace inequality arguments into theorization of WFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To compare pregnancy-related mortality ratios (PRMRs) associated with COVID-19 by race/ethnicity, by region of residence, and in states with and without Medicaid expansion. Methods. We used 2020–2021 data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research in our analysis. We stratified PRMRs by race/ethnicity, census regions, and Medicaid expansion and nonexpansion states. Results. The 2020–2021 PRMR was 40.3 per 100 000 live births. American Indian/ Alaska Native pregnant people had the greatest PRMR, followed by non-Hispanic Blacks and non-Hispanic Native Hawaiians/other Pacific Islanders. PRMRs associated with COVID-19 in the southern region were at least 2 times higher than in other regions and were highest for all pregnant people in the various racial/ethnic groups. PRMRs associated with COVID-19 were lower in Medicaid expansion states than in nonexpansion states. Conclusions. The US COVID-19 epidemic exacerbated racial and ethnic disparities in pregnancy-related mortality. Public Health Implications. The alarming increase in disparities among racial and ethnic pregnant people during the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need to address social determinants of health at the structural level. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S9): S723–S730. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307814) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To refine a standard questionnaire on sexual practices, experiences and health-related outcomes to improve its cross-cultural applicability and interpretability. We aimed to explore participants' willingness and ability to answer the draft questionnaire items, and determine whether items were interpreted as intended across diverse geographic and cultural environments. Methods We conducted cognitive interviews (n = 645) in three iterative waves of data collection across 19 countries during March 2022-March 2023, with participants of diverse sex, gender, age and geography. Interviewers used a semi-structured field guide to elicit narratives from participants about their questionnaire item interpretation and response processes. Local study teams completed data analysis frameworks, and we conducted joint analysis meetings between data collection waves to identify question failures. Findings Overall, we observed that participants were willing to respond to even the most sensitive questionnaire items on sexual biography and practices. We identified issues with the original questionnaire that (i) affected the willingness (acceptability) and ability (knowledge barriers) of participants to respond fully; and/or (ii) prevented participants from interpreting the questions as intended, including poor wording (source question error), cultural portability and very rarely translation error. Our revisions included adjusting item order and wording, adding preambles and implementation guidance, and removing items with limited cultural portability. Conclusion We have demonstrated that a questionnaire exploring sexual practices, experiences and health-related outcomes can be comprehensible and acceptable by the general population in diverse global contexts, and have highlighted the importance of rigorous processes for the translation and cognitive testing of such a questionnaire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of geographic variation in historic slavery on perinatal outcomes (chronic hypertension, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy [HDP], very preterm birth [VPTB], or very low birth weight birth [VLBW]) among Black people living in states where slavery was legal in 1860; and to test mediation by Black homeownership. We linked data on the proportion of enslaved residents from the 1860 Census to natality data on outcomes (2013-2021) using resident county. The percentage of Black residents in a county who owned their home was a potential mediator. We fit log binomial models to estimate risk ratios (RRs) representing total and controlled direct effects (accounting for Black homeownership) of the proportion enslaved on outcomes, accounting for potential confounding, using marginal structural models. Among 2 443 198 included births, 8.8% (213 829) experienced HDP, 4.1% (100 549) chronic hypertension, 3.3% (81 072) VPTB, and 2.6% (62 538) VLBW. There was an increase in chronic hypertension and VPTB risk, but not HDP or VLBW, in counties with a 10% greater proportion of enslaved residents in 1860 (adjusted RR [95% CI], chronic hypertension: 1.06 [1.02-1.1]; VPTB: 1.02 [1.00-1.05]; HDP: 1.00 [0.98-1.02]; and VLBW: 1.01 [1.00-1.03]). There was not evidence of mediation by Black homeownership. We conclude that historic slavery remains relevant for perinatal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural environments in the United States present challenges to wellness, but there is a lack of tools with which to categorize rurality at the subcounty level. The most common tool, the Food and Drug Administration's 2010 Rural–Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes, uses data that are over a decade old and cannot accommodate regional differences in rurality. The purpose of this study was to develop a census-tract classification system of rurality and demonstrate its use in describing HIV outcomes. We transformed census-tract measures (population density, natural resource workforce, walkability index, household type, and air quality) into local scales of rurality using factor analysis. We surveyed public health practitioners to determine cutpoints and compared the resulting categorization with RUCA codes. We characterized the incidence of HIV in Washington State according to rurality category. Our classification system categorized 25% of census tracts as rural, 19% as periurban, and 56% as urban. Our survey yielded cutoffs that were more conservative in categorizing urban areas than RUCA codes. The rate of HIV diagnosis was substantially higher in urban areas. Our rural–urban classification system offers an alternative to RUCA codes that is more responsive to regional differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite increasing prevalence of hypertension in youth and high adult cardiovascular mortality rates, the long-term consequences of youth-onset hypertension remain unknown. This is due to limitations of prior research, such as small sample sizes, reliance on manual record review, and limited analytic methods, that did not address major biases. The Study of the Epidemiology of Pediatric Hypertension (SUPERHERO) is a multisite, retrospective registry of youth evaluated by subspecialists for hypertension disorders. Sites obtain harmonized electronic health record data using standardized biomedical informatics scripts validated with randomized manual record review. Inclusion criteria are index visit for International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) code–defined hypertension disorder on or after January 1, 2015, and age < 19 years. We exclude patients with ICD-10 code–defined pregnancy, kidney failure on dialysis, or kidney transplantation. Data include demographics, anthropomorphics, US Census Bureau tract, histories, blood pressure, ICD-10 codes, medications, laboratory and imaging results, and ambulatory blood pressure. SUPERHERO leverages expertise in epidemiology, statistics, clinical care, and biomedical informatics to create the largest and most diverse registry of youth with newly diagnosed hypertension disorders. SUPERHERO's goals are to reduce CVD burden across the life course and establish gold-standard biomedical informatics methods for youth with hypertension disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some individuals who receive long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) face barriers to discontinuation. The inability to discontinue a contraceptive method when desired negatively impacts a person's reproductive autonomy. Persons impacted by social determinants of health (SDH) may be disproportionately affected. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association of SDH with patient-reported difficult LARC discontinuation. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2017–2019 cycle of the National Survey of Family Growth was conducted. The main outcome was patient-reported difficulty discontinuing a LARC method (intrauterine device or implant) in the last 10 years. Descriptive statistics were used to identify demographic characteristics and SDH domains. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate associations across SDH domains with difficult LARC removal. Results: A total of 754 respondents reported wanting to have their LARC removed, and 105 (11%) reported difficulty discontinuing LARC methods. One-third of respondents experienced one or more SDH, notably food insecurity (26%) or transportation barriers (30%). After adjusting for age, race, education, geographic location, parity, and body mass index (BMI), persons with one or more SDH had an increased adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for difficultly discontinuing LARCs compared with respondents without any SDH (2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21, 3.69). Transportation barriers demonstrated the largest aOR of 2.90 (95% CI: 1.07, 7.87). Conclusions: SDH are associated with challenges to LARC discontinuation. SDH are unique risk factors that can impact one's entire contraceptive experience. A nuanced discussion of SDH at the time of contraceptive counseling may be a critical step in addressing the intersectionality of method selection and reproductive agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Empirical evidence shows women are more likely to report food hardship (e.g., food insufficiency and food insecurity) compared with men. Coronavirus disease-19 exacerbated these gender disparities; however, the impact of postpandemic social/economic/regulatory changes on women's food sufficiency and coping strategies has not been examined. This study evaluates factors associated with food insufficiency among women postpandemic. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional study design and analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. Variations in the likelihood of food insufficiency by age, income, household composition, race/ethnicity, region, metropolitan status, and employment status among women were evaluated using logistic regression with state-level response clustering. Among women reporting food insufficiency, associations between these characteristics and likelihood of utilizing food assistance programs and/or donated foods were assessed. Interaction terms accounted for the intersectional nature of these characteristics. Results: Compared with White women, Black (odds ratio [OR] = 1.66, confidence interval [CI] = 1.47, 1.88) and Hispanic (OR = 1.77, CI = 1.52, 2.07) women were more likely to report food insufficiency. These likelihoods were higher in households earning <$100,000 (Black OR = 13.17, CI = 10.82, 16.02; Hispanic OR = 9.32, CI = 7.72, 11.25) and <$35,000 (Black OR = 8.65, CI = 15.31, 22.71; Hispanic OR = 17.86, CI = 3.64, 23.40). Racial/ethnic differences were observed among households with children; no effects appeared in multi-adult households. Food-insufficient Black (OR = 3.74, CI = 2.23, 6.28) and Hispanic (OR = 1.36, CI = 0.79, 2.36) women were more likely to use food assistance programs than Whites. Food-insufficient Hispanic women were more likely to use donated foods (OR = 2.71, CI = 1.84, 3.99). Conclusion: Food insufficiency among low-income Black and Hispanic women, particularly those with children, is likely to have persisted postpandemic, suggesting a high likelihood of dietary deficits in these households. Additional resources should be dedicated to meet the dietary needs of women and children in vulnerable households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which determined whether Illinois parents had ever asked about the presence of unlocked firearms in the homes their children visit. Topics include characteristics of respondents overall and by report of asking other parents about firearms in the home, parent-reported reasons for not asking other parents about firearms in the home, and limitations of the study.

Objectives Previous attempts to pool prevalence studies in PsA have failed to take account of important methodological differences between studies that may have created biased estimates. The aim of this review is to estimate the prevalence of PsA within the adult general population worldwide, considering potential differences between population-based and health administrative studies separately. Methods Four electronic databases were systematically searched for articles reporting the prevalence of PsA. Data were pooled to generate worldwide prevalence estimates. Where sufficient data were available, results were summarized by continent. Results Thirty studies were identified, with half from Europe (n  = 15). Thirteen population-based studies were identified comprising >92 000 adults, plus 17 studies (>180 million adults) based on health administrative data. The worldwide prevalence of PsA was 112 per 100 000 adults. The prevalence of PsA estimated using population-based studies was 113 per 100 000 with continent-specific estimates of 207 (Europe), 64 (North America) and 37 (Asia) per 100 000. Health administrative studies gave a global prevalence of 109 per 100 000 with continent-specific prevalence of 175 (Europe), 147 (North America), 78 (Asia) and 17 (South America). Conclusion This review compiles currently available estimates of PsA prevalence in the general population into global and continent-based estimates and considers important study design characteristics. There is wide variability between continents, and data in some geographical areas are sparse, but available evidence suggests that PsA is more common in Europe and North America compared with Asia and South America, and current best estimates suggest a global prevalence of 112 per 100 000 adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Epidemiological estimates of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) underpin the provision of healthcare, research, and the work of government, charities and patient organizations. Methodological problems impacting prior estimates include small sample sizes, incomplete case ascertainment, and representativeness. We developed a statistical modelling strategy to provide contemporary prevalence and incidence estimates of PsA from 1991 to 2020 in the UK. Methods Data from Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) were used to identify cases of PsA between 1st January 1991 and 31st December 2020. To optimize ascertainment, we identified cases of Definite PsA (≥1 Read code for PsA) and Probable PsA (satisfied a bespoke algorithm). Standardized annual rates were calculated using Bayesian multilevel regression with post-stratification to account for systematic differences between CPRD data and the UK population, based on age, sex, socioeconomic status and region of residence. Results A total of 26 293 recorded PsA cases (all definitions) were identified within the study window (77.9% Definite PsA). Between 1991 and 2020 the standardized prevalence of PsA increased twelve-fold from 0.03–0.37. The standardized incidence of PsA per 100 000 person years increased from 8.97 in 1991–15.08 in 2020, an almost 2-fold increase. Over time, rates were similar between the sexes, and across socioeconomic status. Rates were strongly associated with age, and consistently highest in Northern Ireland. Conclusion The prevalence and incidence of PsA recorded in primary care has increased over the last three decades. The modelling strategy presented can be used to provide contemporary prevalence estimates for musculoskeletal disease using routinely collected primary care data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To understand the wellness needs of university employees to design more effective and inclusive worksite wellness programs (WWP) for health promotion. Methods: Cross-sectional assessment of university employees' wellness needs (online survey, n = 639). Results: Employees were most interested in physical activity (PA), nutrition, and lifestyle WWP. Principal barriers to participation were time, scheduling, location, motivation, and confidentiality concerns. Significant correlations exist between having a diagnosed health condition and the likelihood of participating in related programs. 67.1% of past participation was predicted by (1) health status today versus last year, (2) use of university recreational facilities, (3) gender, (4) general health status, (5) PA in the past month, (6) faculty/staff, and (7) age. Conclusions: Our findings contribute to building a road map of how-to better design university WWP based on understanding participation predictors, barriers/facilitators, and the influence of health status/conditions on topics of interest/participation. Tailoring WWP to meet employees' needs may increase reach, engagement and promote a health culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) often relies on the involvement of AAC service providers; however little is known about how AAC services are delivered across Canada. This study aimed to explore AAC service provision and factors influencing use of AAC from the perspectives of service providers across Canada who are involved in providing and/or supporting use of AAC systems. The 22 participants from nine (of the 10) provinces participated in online focus groups. Participants were speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, communicative disorders assistants, and a teacher. Transcripts of the audio recordings were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were generated that reflect service-related factors contributing to the use of AAC in Canada: Support of Organizational Structures, Concordant Relationships and Goals, Making the Right Decisions, and Influence of Knowledge and Attitudes. These themes highlight how government systems, key stakeholders, assessment practices, and knowledge of AAC influence service provision and use of AAC. Voices from across Canada highlighted shared experiences of services providers as well as revealed variability in service delivery processes. The findings bring to attention a need for further research and development of service provision guidelines to support consistency, quality in practice, and equity in AAC services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite successfully implementing the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine (HPVV) program, Saskatchewan (SK) struggled to improve HPVV uptake rates. This suboptimal uptake of HPVV with a status quo of HPV-linked cervical cancer incidence rate is mainly because HPVV's impact on cancer prevention has not been realized adequately by vaccine providers and receivers. Further exploration of determinants of HPVV uptake is required to uncover high-resolution quality improvement targets for investment and situate contextually appropriate policies to improve its uptake. The study undertook a qualitative inquiry into understanding stakeholders' perspectives on HPVV experience through school-based programmes. It collected data through semi-structured initial interviews (N = 16) and follow-up interviews (N = 10) from across Saskatchewan's four Integrated Service Areas. Document analysis was conducted on all publicly available documents that included information on HPVV from January 2015 to July 2023. Thematic analysis of the data identified that inadequate information, awareness and education about HPV infection and HPVV among several groups, especially, parents, youth and school staff, was the main barrier to optimal HPVV uptake. Vaccine-related logistics, including the technical and text-heavy vaccine information sheet, understaffing, and time constraints, were other important factors that impeded HPVV uptake. A person-centred approach could educate parents in multiple dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between environmental and occupational organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) exposure and Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. Systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive search of articles before March 18, 2024, was conducted through PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Medlin and Web of Science databases, and the relevant data were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate literature quality. STATA (Version 11.0) was used for analysis. This meta-analysis included 17 case-control studies. The results showed that OCPs exposure increased PD risk, including seven blood sample assessment exposure (BOCPs) studies (OR = 1.54, 95 % CI = 1.32–1.79) and 10 indirect assessment exposure (IOCPs) studies (OR = 1.19, 95 % CI = 1.04–1.35). Location subgroup analysis showed that OCPs was positively associated with PD risk in Asia, while there was no statistical significance in North America and Europe. The IOCPs functional subclasses subgroup results suggested that organochlorine insecticides were significantly associated with PD risk (OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.03–1.37). Study time may be a factor of high heterogeneity in BOCPs. In addition, BOCPs (OR = 1.49, 95%CI = 1.28–1.74) and IOCPs (OR = 1.10, 95%CI = 0.95–1.26) showed different results with PD risk. Study suggests that OCPs exposure may be a risk factor for PD, but there may be location and OCPs type differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States, cancer mortality rates continue to decline, yet geographic and racial disparities persist and are particularly evident in the Delta region, characterized by high economic distress and disease burden. We examined cancer mortality patterns by demographic groups across geographic region (Delta vs non-Delta) and investigated the influence of macro-level social determinants of health (SDoH) in cancer death. This observational study included cancer death records of individuals aged ≥20 years from 2018 to 2021 in the United States. County-level characteristics were ascertained through the linkage of multiple national administrative and community surveys. We estimated age-standardized mortality rates (ASR) and rate ratios. We calculated the adjusted relative risks by county-level SDoH (geographic region, rurality, household income, income inequality, health insurance, and education) and other factors using age-adjusted multivariate quasi-Poisson regression. In 2018–2021, approximately 2.4 million cancer deaths occurred in the United States. We observed important declines in the Black-White disparities, from 16.6% in 2018 (ASR = 289.9 vs 248.6 per 100,000) to 12.1% in 2021 (281.1 vs 250.8) in the Delta region and from 15.9% (254.9 vs 219.9) to 10.7% (240.6 vs 217.3) in the non-Delta region, though Black men in the Delta region remained the highest rate (ASR 2021 = 346.9 per 100,000). County-level analyses provided strong evidence of geographic inequality and the role of SDoH, particularly education and income inequality. Unfavorable SDoH are associated with increased cancer death risk. Region-specific health policies and interventions in the Delta region are essential to advance cancer health equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large multinational teams of academics and activist-practitioners that span the Global North-South divide have become common in qualitative research because of the reliance of field of peace and conflict studies on "local" knowledge and expertise. Complex global emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, present the opportunity to (re)shape and (re)consider these endeavors in key some ways. This article focuses on the involvement of South-based activist-practitioners in three large North-South collaborations, one pre-pandemic (Beyond Words: Implementing Latin American Truth Commission Recommendations), one ongoing when the pandemic began (Gender, Justice, and Security Hub), and one launched during the pandemic (Truth Commissions and Sexual Violence: African and Latin American Experiences). Drawing on center-periphery framework, we adopt an autoethnographic approach, to reflect on how the pandemic has not only reinforced existing structural and institutional asymmetries through reduced funding, professional uncertainty, and personal loss and insecurity but also added some new ethical concerns. This reality has tested both our capacity and commitment to work toward the decolonization of knowledge in the field. In making this argument, we seek to contribute to the discussion on research ethics and the politics of knowledge production and sharing in qualitative peace and conflict research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What happens when researchers based in the Global North are suddenly unable to access research sites, especially those in the Global South? In 2020, COVID-related public health measures and travel restrictions made clear how dependent certain categories of researchers in the North are on easy access to research sites in the South. The space opened up by their pandemic-imposed retreat and the solutions devised in response have provoked both challenges and opportunities. In this article, we reflect on this space, focusing on how forms of more just collaboration become possible when the inertia of Global North-controlled research is interrupted. Many scholars have argued for change in how Global North-South scholarly collaborations proceed, seeking to root out colonial practices and attend to power imbalances that disadvantage South-based scholars. COVID's disruptions offer a chance to reorient these collaborations toward more ethical forms of research. We examine the ethical and practical questions inherent in such collaborations and explore two case studies of attempts to reorient collaborative work, drawing primarily on examples of collaboration between African, European, and North American scholars. Cognizant that these efforts are only initial attempts toward reworking collaborative practice, we also trace the challenges they bring, from the duty of care and paternalistic approaches to funding and practical problems. We suggest that a careful consideration of these issues can help to establish more just ways to fully reengage North-South research and collaboration in the wake of the global pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropospheric ozone concentrations have trended downward in many U.S. cities since 2000. In Texas, however, concentrations and regulatory exceedances abruptly rose in Dallas-Fort Worth after 2020. To explore this anomaly, the following metrics were compiled for each day from January 1, 2001--December 31, 2023: maximum daily 8-hr average (MDA8) ozone concentrations, number of days with MDA8 ozone concentrations exceeding 0.070 ppm, average nitrogen oxides (NOx, ppb), and meteorological variables. Measurements were taken at a monitoring station in northern Dallas-Fort Worth. Levels of MDA8 ozone most strongly correlated with noon solar radiation (positive), followed by maximum temperature (positive), noon relative humidity (negative), noon wind speed (negative), and average NOx (positive). After a long-term decline from 2000 to 2020, MDA8 ozone concentrations and regulatory exceedances sharply increased, a trend associated with increased solar radiation and air temperatures in the study area. Results suggest that warmer atmospheric conditions associated with global warming are also increasing ground-level ozone concentrations in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Violence against women continues to be a challenge in many countries. Many women suffer physical violence at the hands of their intimate partners and sometimes this leads to their deaths. This study aimed to examine the multilevel determinants of physical violence among ever-partnered women in South Africa. Methods: We used data from the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey. The study has a weighted sample size of 4169 ever-partnered women aged 18–49 years, based on the domestic violence module. We included univariate, bivariate and multilevel logistic regression analysis. We included a two-level model to measure the relationship between the selected background characteristics and physical violence. Results: The prevalence of physical violence among ever-partnered women was 20.6%. The bivariate findings showed that educational status, employment status, witness to inter-parental violence, partner's drinking habits, household wealth, educational difference, and province were statistically associated with physical violence. The multilevel analysis showed some evidence of between-cluster variation in physical violence. We found that age, education, employment status, witness to inter-parental violence, partner's drinking habits, household wealth, education difference, place of residence, and province were key predictors of physical violence. The odds of physical violence were more than two-fold in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga compared to Gauteng. Conclusion: The study highlighted various key factors explaining physical violence. The findings suggest the need for targeted interventions aimed at specific communities of women, such as those from the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, as well as interventions that will empower women and address gender inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Religions shape the economic attitudes of their congregations. Thus, in a country where a particular faith dominates the economic ideas of that faith will significantly influence its economic growth and the health and well-being of its population. Using an extensive bibliographic review, this article analyses the economic impact of four major religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism) and studies the channels through which religion exerts its economic influence. Three key economic markers are correlated with religion, and results show significant differences in economic outcomes based on religion. In-depth analysis of the literature suggests that these differences have their roots not only in the specific beliefs of a given religion but also how its institutional structures foster elements essential to economic success such as trust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic affected individuals in different contexts (e.g. long-term care facilities, schools, communities), including psychiatric hospitals. Thus, the objective of this systematic review, duly registered and approved on PROSPERO (CRD42023427835), is to assess the frequency of positive COVID-19 cases among patients hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals. Methods: A total of 4,922 articles were identified in the database searches, and 17 studies conducted in psychiatric hospitals from different regions of the world were selected. Results: The frequency of positive COVID-19 cases among patients hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals ranged from 1.8% to 98.8%. Out of a total of 19,573 patients hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals, the pooled mean frequency of positive COVID-19 cases was 11.9%. The majority of patients presented COVID-19 symptoms (e.g. cough, fever and others). The COVID-19 diagnosis was primarily conducted through RT-PCR testing in 88.9% of the studies. Conclusion: In conclusion, there is discrepancy in the methodology of the studies assessing the frequency of positive COVID-19 cases in psychiatric hospitals. However, this review allowed us to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the population hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family caregivers living with patients with dementia (PwD) face psychological challenges due to care burden. Technology‐delivered psychosocial interventions (TPIs) have played a promising role in improving health outcomes among family caregivers living with PwD. This review aims to synthesise evidence of the effectiveness of TPIs on primary (burden and depression) and secondary outcomes (self‐efficacy, stress and anxiety) for family caregivers living with PwD. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were performed to determine effect size. Using Cochran's Q and I2 tests, statistical heterogeneity was evaluated. Sensitivity, subgroup analyses and meta‐regression were employed to explain statistical heterogeneity. Twenty‐eight trials comprising 4160 family caregivers from eight countries were included. Our meta‐analysis revealed that TPIs resulted in slight reduction in depression, probably resulted in a slight reduction in burden and anxiety and slight increase in self‐efficacy. Subgroup differences were detected in geographical regions (Western Pacific and Southeast Asia) for burden. While there were no significant subgroup differences in other factors, TPIs with preventive function and mobile applications had a more prominent larger effect size. Meta‐regression analysis showed that attrition rate was a significant moderator on depression. Results are limited by the high risk of bias of included trials, which may reduce certainty of evidence. This review suggest TPIs are recommended as an adjunct treatment for alleviating burden and depressive outcomes in healthcare institutions. PROSPERO Registration Number: PROSPERO (CRD42023387962). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determinants of health are important drivers of health states, yet there is little work examining their role in the relationship between HIV stigma and health. This study uses moderation analysis to examine how determinants of health affect the relationship between enacted, internalized, and anticipated stigma and mental health. Quantitative data was collected on 337 participants in Ontario, Canada at baseline (t1) between August 2018 and September 2019 and at follow-up (t2) between February 2021 and October 2021. Separate moderation models were created with each determinant of health (age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, geographic region, education, employment, and basic needs) acting as the moderator between types of stigma at t1 and mental health at t2. Age was a significant moderator for the relationship between internalized and enacted stigma at t1 and mental health at t2. Region was a moderator for enacted and anticipated stigma and mental health. Sexual orientation was a moderator for anticipated stigma and mental health. Lastly, having basic needs was a moderator for enacted and anticipated stigma and mental health. Our findings suggest that intervention strategies may be more effective by incorporating supports for these determinants of health in addition to stigma reduction to improve mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual disability is an emerging topic in the management of low back pain (LBP); nevertheless, sexual counseling skills are not widespread amongst professionals. The clinical behavior of physiotherapists in this field was not studied thoroughly; therefore, it is not clear if and how physiotherapists collect information related to sexual disability and how they manage it. This survey aimed to investigate knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of Italian physiotherapists in managing this disability. An online survey with 28 questions was distributed from February 2nd to July 10th 2023 via the newsletter of the Italian Association of Physiotherapy, email and social media. The questionnaire queried on participant demographics, assessment and treatment procedures, beliefs and potential barriers, sex, expertise, previous educational background, and geographical area. 448 physiotherapists completed the survey, with 69.87% not investigating LBP-related sexual disability routinely. 85% of physiotherapists diagnosed sexual disability in 0–10% of patients treated for LBP. Sexual disability is reported by physiotherapists at random in 54.91% of patients. When it is diagnosed, 90.41% of physiotherapists would choose evidence-based procedures, but only 19.96% of them would directly involve the patient's partner. Postgraduate education and professional expertise positively influence beliefs and attitudes. Main barriers and difficulties in the field are the perceived lack of expertise, other therapeutic priorities, cultural attitudes of patients, and fear of violating patients' privacy. The beliefs and attitudes of Italian physiotherapists in the management of sexual disability are characterized by scarce attention and feeling of inadequacy, but they show the potential to adequately treat this disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early reading achievement is essential for all children's development and future success. However, U.S. schools continue to under prepare Black children in early literacy, as evidenced by disparate outcomes observed for this population of learners. The under preparation of Black students is problematic, given the strong negative correlation between early reading proficiency and high school graduation. Preschool learning opportunities are a means to curb this trend, but these instructional opportunities vary in quality and effectiveness. Variations in quality may significantly impact Black girls. Little specific attention has been given to the early reading of Black girls.' Therefore, this article's purpose is to assess the effects of schools on the early reading achievement of Black girls. This study used multilevel modeling to gauge the effects of schools on Black girls' early reading achievement. Our estimates provide correlational inferences concerning the associations between school characteristics and the early reading achievement of Black girls. The reading achievement of a representative sample of Black girls (N = 886) and their corresponding schools was used to assess school effects. The schools' socioeconomic status (SES) and school locations were the primary school characteristics of interest. Results indicate that schools account for approximately 18% of the variation in Black girls' early reading achievement. Thus, schools play a meaningful role in the early reading achievement of Black girls. School-level SES was negatively correlated with Black girls' early reading achievement, but this effect was mediated by school location. In conclusion, schools' observed effects on early Black girl achievement were moderate and influenced by school location. Implications for supporting the early reading achievement of Black girls are provided for educational stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence against women (VAW) is a significant public health and human rights issue, with an estimated 736 million women globally experiencing VAW. Consistent evidence demonstrates that substance use is associated with VAW and that participation in substance use treatment programs is associated with reduction in substance use-related violence. While evidence demonstrates the ability to address VAW through substance use treatment programs, less attention has been paid to geographic access to substance use programs. If these programs are geographically inaccessible, particularly to marginalized populations, many people will not get the help they need. This study seeks to explore the relationship between geographic access to substance use treatment programs on VAW. Using data from the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 064 study, longitudinal multilevel models were used to assess the relationship between neighborhood-level social determinants, with a specific focus on geographic access to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) certified drug and alcohol treatment programs and VAW. The study included 1910 women, ages 18 to 44, living in select geographic areas with high-ranked prevalence of HIV and poverty. The findings of this study indicate that among women who reside in census tracts with high prevalence rates of HIV: (1) substance use increases VAW; (2) VAW decreases as geographic access to SAMHSA-certified drug and alcohol treatment facilities increases; and (3) when looking at specific types of VAW, emotional and physical abuse decreases as geographic access to substance use treatment increases. Policies and programs to increase access to substance use treatment should be explored and evaluated, and more programs are needed that address the intersectionality of substance use and VAW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: In this study, we examined the relationship between 131 suicide related Google search terms, grouped into nine categories, and the number of suicide cases per month in Ecuador from January 2011 to December 2021. Methods: First, we applied time-series analysis to eliminate autocorrelation and seasonal patterns to prevent spurious correlations. Second, we used Pearson's correlation to assess the relationship between Google search terms and suicide rates. Third, cross-correlation analysis was used to explore the potential delayed effects between these variables. Fourth, we extended the correlation and cross-correlation analyses by three demographic characteristics – gender, age, and region. Results: Significant correlations were found in all categories between Google search trends and suicide rates in Ecuador, with predominantly positive and moderate correlations. The terms 'stress' (.548), 'prevention' (.438), and 'disorders' (.435) showed the strongest associations. While global trends indicated moderate correlations, sensitivity analysis revealed higher coefficients in men, young adults, and the Highlands region. Specific patterns emerged in subgroups, such as 'digital violence' showing significant correlations in certain demographics, and 'trauma' presenting a unique temporal pattern in women. In general, cross correlation analysis showed an average negative correlation of −.191 at lag 3. Conclusion: Google search data do not provide further information about users, such as demographics or mental health records. Hence, our results are simply correlations and should not be interpreted as causal effects. Our findings highlight a need for tailored suicide prevention strategies that recognize the complex dynamics of suicide risk across demographics and time periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To inventory and describe trends in proposal and enactment of US sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) policies at state, local, and Tribal levels, 2014–2023. Methods. We systematically searched 6 policy databases in 2021 (updated May 2023) using SSB-related search terms, identifying additional policies through snowball and online searches and a survey of food-policy experts. We reviewed 10 821 policies for inclusion and quantitatively coded included policies. Results. The inventory included 400 (321 unique [i.e., excluding companion]) policies meeting criteria: 335 (256 unique) state-, 63 local-, and 2 Tribal-level policies. From 2014 to 2023, 11% of unique state-, 92% of local-, and 100% of Tribal-level proposed policies were enacted. Across jurisdictions, the most frequently proposed policies related to excise taxes, restaurant children's meals, nutrition standards, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, while the largest proportions of enacted policies related to restaurant children's meals, nutrition standards, education, and procurement. More policies were proposed and enacted in California and New York than other states, and in 2017 (proposed) and 2016 (enacted). Conclusions. This comprehensive inventory of US SSB policies provides information to inform future SSB policy development and diffusion. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(12):1344–1353. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307855) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject: People living with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) have a higher death rate which is caused, in part, by poorer adherence to treatment as compared to those with other mental illnesses.Using long‐acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) medications can improve medication adherence and reduce hospitalizations for people living with SSD but are often underutilized. What the paper adds to existing knowledge: As compared to oral antipsychotic medications provided to patients with SSD at discharge from a psychiatric hospitalization, being provided with an LAI antipsychotic medication may reduce subsequent rehospitalization.Specifically, patients discharged on an atypical or second‐generation LAI medication are less likely to be readmitted to the hospital when compared to those discharged on a typical first‐generation oral medication. What are the implications for practice: Because LAI antipsychotic medications are often underutilized as treatment options, the study findings suggest that this modality may be considered for patients with SSD when being discharged from a psychiatric hospitalization.Ideally, psychiatric‐mental health nurses can educate patients about indications, benefits, and risks of using atypical or second‐generation LAI antipsychotic medications during hospitalization and at discharge prevent the risk for future rehospitalizations. Introduction: People living with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) have poorer medication adherence compared to those with other mental illnesses. Long‐acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) medication use is associated with greater adherence, reduced re‐hospitalizations, and improved recovery outcomes when compared to oral formulations. Aim: To compare LAI antipsychotic medication use versus oral formulations on readmission to an inpatient hospital. Method: Medical records (N = 707) from a state psychiatric hospital in the southern region of the United States were reviewed. Controlling for demographic variables, logistic regression analyses were used to examine LAI compared to oral formulations on readmission. Results: Compared to patients discharged with oral antipsychotic medications, those with LAIs had a lower proportion of readmission rates in 6‐month and 1‐year periods, but not 30‐day or 2‐year periods. When controlling for demographic variables, those discharged with an atypical LAI had significantly lower odds of being readmitted within the 24‐year period compared to those discharged on a typical oral antipsychotic. Discussion: Compared to orals, LAIs do not increase and may mitigate readmissions to psychiatric hospitalization. Implications for Practice: Psychiatric‐mental health nurses and other professionals may recommend LAIs when indicated for those with SSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible SummaryWhat is known on the subjectHealth professionals, including nurses, are shown to have stigmatizing attitudes towards mental illness.For nursing students who are in their formative years of professional development, mental illness stigma can severely impact the care they provide.Little research has investigated multi‐national comparisons of nursing students' attitudes towards mental illness.What this paper adds to existing knowledgeThis study shows that between countries, there were substantial differences amongst nursing students in stigmatizing attitudes towards mental illness.Cultural perspectives may explain some of these differences.What are the implications for practiceRegardless of location, stigmatizing attitudes are present at varying levels. Each nation can take steps to reduce these by acknowledging the presence of stigmatizing attitudes amongst nurses, educating nurses regarding the negative impacts of stigma on patient outcomes, and decrease stigmatizing attitudes by facilitating opportunities for nurses (particularly student nurses) to have direct contact with people with lived experiences of mental illness. Introduction: Stigmatizing attitudes perpetuated by nursing professionals are a pervasive problem for people experiencing mental health issues. This global issue has detrimental consequences; inhibiting one's life chances and help‐seeking behaviours. To date, few studies have compared nursing students' attitudes towards mental illness from a multi‐national perspective. Aim: To compare undergraduate nursing students' attitudes towards mental illness across six countries: Australia, India, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and USA. Method: In a cross‐sectional design, data were collected from undergraduate nursing students (N = 426) using the Social Distance Scale. A one‐way analysis of variance was used to compare differences between countries. Results: Nursing students' attitudes to mental illness differed between countries. Social Distance Scores were highest amongst nursing students from Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Students from Taiwan and India possessed moderate stigma scores. Social Distance Scores from the USA and Australia were lowest. Discussion: Clear differences in stigmatizing attitudes emerged between countries; these are discussed in relation to possible cultural influences. Implications for Practice: It is suggested that educating nurses, combined with direct contact with people with lived experiences of mental illness, can reduce stigmatizing attitudes regardless of country, location or educational institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sub-optimal food choices contribute to the risk of multiple non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which can be mitigated by improving diet quality. Food consumption patterns may partly account for variation of NCD risks in population subgroups in China. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of diet-related NCDs of observed Chinese diets, and to assess the potential reduction in NCD risks by adhering to certain diet recommendations. Methods: Dose-response meta-analyses were used to derive relative risks between three diet-related NCDs and consumption of 15 food groups. 24-h dietary recall data of 12,809 adults from the 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey were used to estimate the diet-related summed risks (SRs) of NCDs. Twelve Chinese provinces were aggregated into five regions, and stratified by age, gender, overweight status, education, income, and urbanicity. The Chinese Dietary Guideline-2016 (CDG-2016) and the EAT-Lancet diet were used as recommended diets. Results: Associations between SRs and gender, age, educational level, income level, and urbanicity were observed. No association was found between SRs and overweight status. Both diet recommendations have lower SRs compared to observed diets among all regions. The food groups that contributed most to the variation of the SRs of diet-related NCDs in China were high consumption of red meat and refined grains, and low consumption of whole grains, fruits, and legumes. Conclusion: To address the heterogeneity in diet-related NCD risks, focusing on region-specific dietary practical is imperative for Chinese population, in order to propose tailored guidance to adhere to diet recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each year millions of females develop serious mental illnesses (SMI), which are major risk factors for suicides. Using the Web-Based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) for the years 2000, 2010 and 2020, we found in 2020 9,428 females (almost 190/week) committed suicide, losing 328,653 years off potential life before age 80 years. There were pronounced increases in female suicides from 2000 to 2020 across all racial and ethnic groups. The greatest number of suicides were in non-Hispanic white females, but the highest rate of suicides was in non-Hispanic American Indians /Alaska Natives, and in females 15–24 years of age. The West had the highest female suicide rates, with methods used to commit suicides varying by census regions and race and ethnicity. Suffocation to commit suicide increased for most racial and ethnic groups and poisonings decreased for most groups between 2000 and 2020, These underscore the need for targeted primary prevention of suicides for females based on age, geographic location and method of suicide, to mitigate female suicides improved access (e.g. geographically and financially) to mental health care services is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People surviving cancer represent a particularly vulnerable population who are at a higher risk for food insecurity (FI) due to the adverse short- and long-term effects of cancer treatment. This analysis examines the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of FI among cancer survivors across New York State (NYS). Data from the 2019 and 2021 NYS Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used to estimate the prevalence of FI. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore socioeconomic determinants of FI. Among cancer survivors, FI varied geographically with a higher prevalence in New York City compared to the rest of the state (ROS) prior to (25.3% vs. 13.8%; p =.0025) and during the pandemic (27.35% vs. 18.52%; p = 0.0206). In the adjusted logistic regression model, pre-pandemic FI was associated with non-White race (OR 2.30 [CI 1.16–4.56]), household income <$15,000 (OR 22.67 [CI 6.39–80.43]) or $15,000 to less than <$25,000 (OR 22.99 [CI 6.85–77.12]), and more co-morbidities (OR 1.39 [CI 1.09–1.77]). During the pandemic, the association of FI with non-White race (OR 1.76 [CI 0.98–3.16]) was attenuated but remained significant for low household income and more co-morbidities. FI was newly associated with being out of work for less than one year (OR 6.36 [CI 1.80–22.54] and having one (OR 4.42 [CI 1.77–11.07]) or two or more children in the household (OR 4.54 [CI 1.78–11.63]). Our findings highlight geographic inequities and key determinants of FI among cancer survivors that are amendable to correction by public health and social policies, for which several were momentarily implemented during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the implementation of lockdown measures, resulting in children attending classes from their homes through online platforms. This study aimed to examine the impact of studying at home on children by investigating various aspects related to their study environment. Data were gathered through two questionnaires administered in Jordan: One targeted children aged 8–15 year through interviews, while the other targeted parents with at least one school-aged child through an online survey. The interview-based survey (N = 152) identified significant factors such as the study location, excessive use of computer peripherals, and physical discomforts like back, hand, and ear pain. Similarly, the parent survey (N = 1,152) revealed various significant factors including parents' monthly income, educational level, occupation, living area, sources of COVID-19 information, fear of the virus, TV time, eating and reading habits, smartphone usage, difficulty in concentrating while studying, engagement with social media, internet usage, elbow position, and eye protection. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY: This study examined the impacts of online learning on children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the findings, the practitioners should focus on factors related to the excessive use of screens, ergonomic setup of study environments, and children's physical discomforts. Furthermore, the parents' socioeconomic status, engagement with media, and educational level played an essential role in shaping children's learning experiences. Strategies to improve the study environment, provide ergonomic guidance, and promote healthy media habits could contribute to the effectiveness and success of online learning during a crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birth registration is an important channel that allows children to be documented, providing them with legal identity and nationality early in life and protecting them against violence, abuse and exploitation. However, this privilege has been denied to millions of children, particularly in developing countries. Registration is limited in Nigeria with about three in every five births unregistered. Using data from three waves of the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, we adopt a geostatistical model to assess the space-time variations in registration coverage across Nigeria and compute the exceedance maps at different probabilities. The findings indicate a North-South divide in coverage but with improved coverage over time across the country. The probability of attaining about 60% coverage is low in the northern part of the country. The generated maps provide guiding tools to the Nigerian government to set priorities in order to scale up birth registration coverage in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Excessive alcohol consumption is the underlying cause of mortality and morbidity. In Tamil Nadu, South India, alcohol is available through government-regulated outlets, and during the lockdown, there was a ban on the sale of alcohol. This study was designed to explore the change in drinking pattern among known alcohol dependants as well as family and communities' response to the change. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted with quantitative data collection followed by in-depth interviews with alcohol dependants and their spouses and focus group discussions with family members and community leaders. Results: We found a significant change in abstinence from drinking among 68% surveyed. Coping mechanism most often used was distraction and involving self in household chores. Most spouses reported that the decreased access to alcohol improved family life during the lockdown. Leaders expressed poor societal ownership of alcoholism as a problem. And once the restrictions were lifted, a rebound phenomenon was observed. Conclusion: This study provides evidence of positive change in improved family life and decreased violence owing to the decrease in alcohol consumption. The community's inability to support reforming alcoholics is an important finding of the study. We recommend interventions to support them and also policies to restrict alcohol access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Sézary syndrome (SS) is a rare leukemic cutaneous T cell lymphoma. This study was conducted to examine the real-world treatment patterns among patients with SS in the USA from 2018 to 2020. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using the Symphony Health Solutions claims database. Adult patients with ≥ 1 diagnosis code for SS were classified into three non-mutually exclusive cohorts: 2018, 2019, and 2020. Patient characteristics and treatment patterns were examined across the 3 years of study and reported descriptively for each year. Annual treatment patterns were also described for the five states with the highest proportions of SS patients in 2020. Results: Overall, 869, 882, and 853 SS patients were identified in 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively (median age: 70 years for each year; male: 54.4%, 54.8%, and 55.6%, respectively). The use of any systemic and parenteral systemic treatments increased over time. While utilization rates for many specific systemic therapies decreased over the study period, mogamulizumab use increased, making it the most commonly used systemic treatment in 2020 (29.2%) among patients with any systemic treatment. The five states with the highest proportions of SS patients in 2020 were Florida, New York, California, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Systemic treatment patterns varied considerably by state. Conclusion: Some systemic therapies showed decreased usage over time while a few showed increased utilization, with mogamulizumab showing the largest increase. Treatment patterns for SS varied by region. Further research is needed to examine the factors that drive treatment selection for patients with SS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the role that place of birth and place of residence have in variation in cognition in adulthood in the UK. We take advantage of both the large sample size and number of cognitive domains in the UK Biobank to estimate the effect of place of birth and place of residence on adulthood cognition using multilevel modeling. We find, consistent with studies in the US, that place effects at both time points contribute modest variation (<3% of the variation) across all measured cognitive domains, suggesting a relative lack of contribution of shared environments in explaining future Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. Moreover, the geographical contribution to cognitive function in adulthood was slightly larger for females than for males. This study is among the first to explore the impact of both the independent and joint associations of place of birth and place of residence with different cognitive domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Japan, which has a diverse climate, is home to 8118 species of wild vascular plants, with more than 1000 of these species considered edible. However, there are fewer studies on the use of wild food plants in Japan than in other parts of the world. This research aims to provide an ethnobotanical review of the traditional food use of wild plants in Japan. It draws upon the largest database of traditional Japanese foodways, with a specific focus on the period approximately 1930. This occurred prior to Japan's rapid economic growth, which resulted in significant changes in the use of wild plants. Methods: The use of wild food plants in Japan was reviewed by studying the collection of Japanese foodways (Nihon no shokuseikatsu zenshu), which is the largest database on Japanese traditional foodways and contains records of approximately 52,000 dishes, including food uses of wild plants. The review extracted the local and common names, use locations, uses, processing and cooking methods, habitats and other relevant details pertaining to the reported use of wild food plants. This information was subsequently analyzed via Excel. Results: A total of 268 taxa belonging to 87 families used in Japan approximately 1930 were documented. Asteraceae was the most frequently reported family as well as the most species-rich family. In terms of use, vegetables composed the largest group, followed by dessert fruits. The majority of species have been documented in only a limited number of reports. The review revealed local traditional uses of plants, including the use of plants as binders for making rice cake, the selection of plants according to their sex, and techniques for detoxifying toxic plants. Conclusion: A comparison with those of previous studies on wild species used in other Asian regions revealed a similar preference for vegetables. However, notably, in Japan, ferns are also consumed in considerable quantities. Conversely, further elucidation is clearly needed with respect to certain matters, including the perception of plant sex and the relationships between diverse ash components and detoxification techniques. It is evident that further ethnobotanical research is needed, both in the form of an examination of ethnographic records and in the field, to gain a deeper understanding of the use of wild food plants in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Deaths related to suicide, drug misuse, and alcohol-specific causes, known collectively as "deaths of despair" are of growing interest to researchers in England. Rates of death from these causes are highest in deprived northern communities and are closely tied to the social determinants of health and the policy decisions that have shaped them. The aim of this paper is to explore how stakeholders and community members living in Middlesbrough and South Tyneside, two Northern towns with above average rates of deaths of despair, understood the relationship between austerity policies and rates of deaths from these causes in their areas. Methods: I conducted interviews and one focus group with a total of 54 stakeholders and community members in Middlesbrough and South Tyneside. Data were analysed using the iterative categorisation technique and the findings were interpreted through thematic analysis. Results: The findings highlight four primary ways through which austerity exacerbated rates of deaths of despair in Middlesbrough and South Tyneside: reduced access to mental health services, diminished substance abuse treatment capacity, loss of youth services, and the closure of community institutions. Participants linked these cuts to rising social isolation, declining mental health, and increased substance misuse, which collectively deepened geographic inequalities in deaths of despair. Conclusions: This study underscores the urgent need for reinvestment in local services to reduce inequalities and prevent further unnecessary deaths due to drug, suicide, and alcohol-specific causes. Prioritising the restoration and enhancement of services lost to austerity is critical. Such reinvestment will not only help to alleviate some of the most immediate need but also form a foundation for addressing the wider structural inequalities that perpetuate deaths of despair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With access to and uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the United States can prevent new HIV infections. To end the HIV epidemic, health insurance plans must facilitate access to comprehensive preventive care benefits. Since plan benefit designs vary considerably by plan, it is difficult to systematically determine plans that facilitate and restrict preventive services for PrEP. Methods: We applied an unsupervised machine learning method to cluster 17,061 Qualified Health Plans offered to individuals. We examined the clusters to draw conclusions about the types of benefits insurance companies tend to group together in plans. Then we analyzed the geographic distribution of those clusters across the United States to assess geographic inequities in access to HIV preventive care. Results: Our method uncovered three cohesive clusters of plans. Plans in Cluster 1: the least restrictive cluster, facilitate access to preventive care using copays over coinsurance on almost all benefits; Cluster 2: the moderately restrictive cluster, plans cover HIV prevention benefits with copays but restrict access to general health benefits with coinsurance; and Cluster 3: the most restrictive cluster, plans cover almost all benefits using coinsurance. Overall, increased prior authorization requirements tend to accompany reductions in out-of-pocket costs. Examining the geographic plan distribution, states with at least one rating area where at least 75% of plans offered are in the most restrictive cluster included: Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming. Conclusions: Insurance plan design is complex. To address the ambitious call to end the HIV epidemic in this country, plans should also take into account both public health and health equity factors to create plan designs that ensure access to critical preventive services for people who need them most. Addressing the growing disparities in PrEP access along racial and ethnic lines should be a national priority, and federal and state insurance regulators as well as insurance plans themselves should be part of the conversation about how to ensure people who would benefit from PrEP can access it. Better state/federal regulation of plan design to ensure access is consistent, equitable, and based on clinical recommendations will reduce the variability across plan designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Over the period of time, the increasing trend of voluntary cesarean section (CS) delivery has become a serious maternal health concern. Previous studies have shown wide geographic variations in the prevalence of voluntary CS delivery constraints by several sociodemographic determinants. However, none of them have attempted to disentangle this phenomenon by using spatially varying coefficient models to consider local factors. This study aims to identify the spatially heterogeneous relationships among voluntary CS deliveries against the backdrop of sociodemographic determinants in India. Data and Methods: This study utilized data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 2019-21. The ordinary least square (OLS) model was used as a base model, and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) was employed at the district level to consider the local factors associated with voluntary CS delivery. An appropriate model diagnostic check was also performed to make our model robust and reliable. Several maps were produced using ArcGIS Pro to visualize the distribution of coefficients of several factors. Results: More than half (58%) of the total CS deliveries were voluntary; however, choropleth maps have shown that southern peninsular and northeastern districts have a higher prevalence than the rest. The distribution of voluntary CS deliveries with a Moran's Index of 0.22 was also spatially autocorrelated. Moreover, the values of Jarque–Bera statistics and Koenker (BP) Statistics show that the OLS model residuals were not normally distributed and reflected heteroskedasticity. The estimates from the MGWR show that four and above ANC visits and mass media exposure show a positive relationship with voluntary CS deliveries. The local R-squared map explains nearly half of the variation for voluntary CS deliveries for all northeastern districts. The model fit metric shows higher R square and lower corrected Akaike's Information Criterion (AICc) values for the MGWR model, which validates that the MGWR model is more robust and parsimonious. Conclusion: The present study revealed that although voluntary CS deliveries are at an increasingly alarming pace, the geographic distribution of voluntary CS deliveries is, albeit unequally. Therefore, this investigation has made an effort to examine how spatial analysis can help identify the geographic patterns and factors that explain this variation in voluntary CS deliveries across space. These findings add value to our understanding of how geographic space and scale matter when health is examined. Public health practitioners can recognize such variations when devising targeted interventions for CS deliveries in India and other developing nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There are 2.8 million youth competitive swimmers in the United States (US), and shoulder pain is the most common complaint among swimmers. Purpose To determine prevalence of shoulder pain, disability, and dissatisfaction in youth competitive swimmers. A secondary purpose was to determine influence of age, competitive swimming experience, and previous history of shoulder pain or injury on shoulder pain, disability, and dissatisfaction, and finally to determine if sex, geographic area, and participation in a second sport relate to shoulder pain, disability, and dissatisfaction. Study Design Multi-site cross-sectional design Methods Six-hundred and seventy-one swimmers aged 9--17 years from six states in the US completed surveys which included demographics, the Penn Shoulder Score (PSS), and the Disability of Arm Shoulder Hand (DASH) Sports. Independent t-tests were used to compare pain, disability, dissatisfaction, the influence of age, sex, participation in second sport, geographic region, and history of shoulder pain. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the interaction of these variables with reported pain and disability. Results Forty-nine percent of swimmers had shoulder symptoms. Greater shoulder pain and disability were reported in 15 to 17-year-olds compared to 9 to 10-year-olds (pain and disability: p<0.001), in swimmers with greater versus less years of experience (pain and disability: p<0.001), and in swimmers from eastern versus western states (pain: p=0.001, disability: p=0.0014). Swimmers not participating in a second sport had higher shoulder dissatisfaction (p=0.002). History of prior shoulder pain/traumatic injury was the best indicator of increased pain, disability, and dissatisfaction (p<0.001). Conclusion Almost half of swimmers surveyed had shoulder pain, with a higher prevalence found in older age groups, those with greater experience, and in those with prior shoulder pain or traumatic injury. Further research should investigate shoulder pain prevention programs, and surveillance methods are recommended to identify symptomatic swimmers who may benefit from referral to prevent further pain and disability. Level of Evidence III [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to characterize the cervical cancer diagnosis experience of Kenyan women undergoing treatment for cervical cancer. We analyzed qualitative interviews with 29 women living in rural Kenya who were currently undergoing cervical cancer treatment at Machakos Cancer Care and Research Centre at Machakos Level 5 Referral Hospital in eastern Kenya. Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted in Kiswahili and English and then de-identified and translated to English during transcription. The main themes generated were identified through an inductive approach to determine how women experienced cervical cancer symptoms and their process of navigating healthcare. Three themes emerged from the qualitative interviews: (1) delaying seeking care, (2) misinterpreting or misdiagnoses, and (3) grappling with the costly diagnosis process. Women misattributed early signs of cervical cancer to benign conditions. Women sought care only after experiencing severe symptoms. When they sought care, women reported facing lengthy and costly screening processes before receiving a cervical cancer diagnosis. There is a need to educate women on the early symptoms of cervical cancer and to increase the institutional capacity and availability of cervical cancer screening resources in healthcare facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: About 80% of pregnant women use at least one medication during their pregnancy period. Many drugs that are not allowed to be used during pregnancy (from FDA Pregnancy Categories D and X) were used. Irrational use of these drugs during pregnancy may result in different birth defects, as explained by thalidomide and diethylstilbestrol's tragedy. Knowledge of drug utilization and associated factors that affect the pattern is important to enhance rational prescribing. But information about prescription patterns and associated factors among pregnant women is scarce in the Debre Tabor area and generally in Ethiopia. Objective: This study was aimed at assessing drug prescription patterns, potential teratogenicity, and associated factors among pregnant women attending the antenatal care unit at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Debre Tabor, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective cross‐sectional study design was performed on 359 pregnant women attending antenatal care units from June 01, 2022, to August 30, 2022, in the hospital. Necessary data were obtained through a questionnaire by reviewing the medical charts of the women. Analysis of the data was performed using SPSS Version 23. The association of the independent variables to medication use was assessed using multivariate logistic regression. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Most of the study participants (325/359) were married (90.5%). From a total of 359 participants, 350 (97.5%) were prescribed with drugs. About 64% (385/602) of the prescribed medications were iron and vitamins. The most commonly prescribed medications are iron and folic acid combination (340/602, 56.5%), albendazole (48/602, 8%), mebendazole (37/602, 6.1%), omeprazole (33/602, 5.5%), followed by amoxicillin (32/602, 5.3%). The majority (79.3%) of the drugs were from FDA Pregnancy Categories A and B. Prescribed drug utilization was more probable in women who first visited the facility at their second (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI [1.12–6.64]) and third trimesters (AOR = 4.32, 95% CI [1.37–6.81]), had chronic illness (AOR = 7.54, 95% CI [2.34–14.68]), and live in rural areas (AOR = 2.47, 95% CI [1.56–8.43]). Conclusion: The study revealed that the prescription pattern in the hospital is in line with the WHO reference. Age, gravidity, number of ANC visits, first visit to the facility, presence of chronic illness, educational status, and residency were significantly associated with prescription drug use in pregnant mothers. But still, some pregnant women received drugs that may have teratogenicity risk (FDA Category C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Electronic prescribing has allowed for the collection of prescription data in real time in Greece for the first time. Hence, the aim of the current study was to present the characteristics of prescriptions for the Greek population during the period from 2015 to 2021. Methods: This retrospective study was based on data extracted from the nationwide Greek electronic prescription database between January 2015 and December 2021. Descriptive statistics methods were used for the needs of the study. As the basic figures examined depend on the size of the population, in order for the results to be comparable, we estimated the corresponding measures per inhabitant, using population data from the Greek Statistical Authority. Appropriate indicators for the comparison of consumption and expenditure over time were estimated. A study of the trend was also carried out using time series and linear regression models. In order to facilitate the design and implementation of specialized policies, it is useful to identify the drug categories with the highest consumption and expenditure, as well as the geographical areas that present similar characteristics. For the first, ABC analysis was used, which helps to identify the most popular categories of drugs, while for the second, cluster analysis was carried out. Agglomerative clustering was used to divide the regions into similar groups. This hierarchical clustering algorithm classifies the population into several clusters, with areas in the same cluster being more similar, and areas in different clusters being dissimilar. The Ward linkage method with Euclidean distance was used. Results: The analysis of prescription drug consumption and expenditure from 2015 to 2021 revealed significant fluctuations and trends across various drug categories, age groups, and geographical areas. Notably, the quantity of prescriptions increased by 20% since 2015, while expenditure surged by over 30%, with significant spikes following the end of the MoU in 2019 and the onset of the pandemic in 2020. In terms of expenditure, antineoplastic and immunomodulation agents (category L) held the largest share, driven by the introduction of new, costly drugs. The expenditure per inhabitant revealed gender and age disparities, with older populations, particularly women, incurring higher costs. Geographically, drug expenditure, and consumption varied significantly, with distinct regional clusters identified. These clusters, while showing some overlap in consumption and expenditure patterns, also highlighted unique regional characteristics. Conclusions: The insights into prescription drug consumption and expenditure trends offer a valuable basis for developing targeted interventions aimed at optimizing healthcare resource allocation. Moreover, the findings underscore the importance of addressing regional and demographic disparities in pharmaceutical use, thereby contributing to more equitable and cost-effective healthcare strategies. More specifically, the age distribution of prescriptions shows the increase in younger ages, which, as a result, anticipates the overall increase in prescriptions. The knowledge of the most convex categories of medicine, as well as the percentages of the use of generic drugs, shows where interventions should be made, with financial incentives and information through new information channels. The geographic disparities recorded should lead to policies that help the residents of hard-to-reach areas to access prescriptions. In addition, the present study provides a strategic framework for policymakers and healthcare managers to guide future studies and inform decision-making processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an 8-week cognitive-motor training program on postural control and knee proprioception under single and dual task conditions. Design: Randomized clinical trial. Methods: The present study was registered with the ID number NCT04786132. A total of 20 healthy and physically active older adults (73.25 ± 5.98 years) volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned into an experimental and a control group (EG and CG). Postural control was measured with the Romberg test, with open (RBOE) and closed eyes (RBCE) and under unipodal dominant side (RUDL) conditions. Proprioception was assessed by measuring participants' ability to reposition their dominant knee at 45°. Finally, performance of the cognitive task was measured through a subscale of the Barcelona Test called "categorical evocation in associations". The EG and the CG completed 8-week training programs with two sessions, 30 min per week, of postural control and proprioception exercises. The EG additionally included music in each session. Results: The analysis using a mixed ANOVA model revealed no significant group × time interaction effects (p < 0.05) for any of the assessments. However, a significant main effect for the time factor was observed, with both the control and experimental groups showing improved outcomes in the post-intervention measurements. Specifically, significant results were found for RBOE (F (4,15) = 11.87, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.76), RBCE (F (4,15) = 11.62, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.75), and proprioception (F (1,18) = 11.53, p < 0.003, η2p = 0.39). Conclusions: The 8-week training program had a positive impact on the post-intervention results for motor control and proprioception, but not on the results of the cognitive task. There were no significant differences between the groups that carried out sessions with or without music. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]