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2nd Edition of Epidemiology and Global Health

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 14712

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Enkeleint A. Mechili

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Guest Editor

Department of Healthcare, Faculty of Health, University of Vlora, 9401 Vlora, Albania
Interests: public health; health policy; epidemiology; primary care
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Athina E. Patelarou

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Guest Editor

Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71500 Crete, Greece
Interests: evidence-based practice; nursing; genetics; genomics; precision care; education; simulation; healthcare
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Evridiki Patelarou

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Guest Editor

Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: epidemiology; public health; health promotion; disease prevention; evidence-based practice
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is a great pleasure to introduce this Special Issue entitled “2nd Edition of Epidemiology and Global Health”. A disease that appears in a special geographic area can present anywhere. Currently, discussing global health issues is of a higher importance than ever. In order to improve global health, the United Nations have included a third sustainable development goal that focuses on “Good Health and Well-Being”. The global health community is dealing with many health challenges such as non-communicable diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases), drug resistance, health inequalities, immunisation, communicable diseases, suicide, air pollution and climate change, and healthy ageing, etc. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clearer than ever that collaboration between countries and coordinated work is needed to address health challenges. This Special Edition aims to present aspects of contemporary health issues in terms of both its epidemiology aspect as well as their general impact on global health. This edition is not focused on a specific geographic area, while the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods is welcome. Additionally, articles that focus on social and cultural determinants of health, on measurement of health status and healthcare systems are of high priority. To some extent, articles that use interdisciplinary approach and aim to change the health behaviour through education are welcome.

Dr. Enkeleint A. Mechili
Dr. Athina E. Patelarou
Dr. Evridiki Patelarou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

global health
epidemiology
health status
healthcare systems
qualitative approach
quantitative approach
mix methods
health education
health determinants
air pollution
climate change
reproductive & child health
healthy ageing
pandemic
COVID-19
health policy
tobacco use

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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10 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Smoking among Schoolchildren in Albania

by Rudina Çumashi, Iris Mone, Genc Burazeri, Lulzim Çela, Enkeleint A. Mechili and Gentiana Qirjako

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1145; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091145 - 29 Aug 2024

Viewed by 748

Abstract

Smoking among children remains a critical public health issue, with millions of minors engaging in tobacco use, leading to addiction and long-term health consequences. Our objective was to assess the prevalence and sociodemographic distribution of smoking habits among Albanian children. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Albania in 2022, including a nationwide representative sample of 5454 schoolchildren aged 11, 13, and 15 years (N = 5454; ≈52% girls; response rate: 96%). Data on smoking habits were gathered, along with sociodemographic factors of schoolchildren. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the associations of smoking variables with sociodemographic factors. The prevalence of smoking variables was 12% for lifetime cigarette smoking, 7% for current cigarette smoking, 20% for lifetime smoking of e-cigarettes, and 13% for current smoking of e-cigarettes. Independent positive correlates of both cigarette and e-cigarette smoking included male gender, age 15, and pertinence to more affluent families (all p < 0.01). The prevalence of smoking among Albanian children is seemingly high, which should be a cause of serious concern to decisionmakers and policymakers in this transitional country. Albania should immediately consider the implementation of expanded comprehensive tobacco control measures, which will save lives, reduce illness, and help reduce the economic burden associated with tobacco-related illness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Epidemiology and Global Health)

10 pages, 462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disaster Preparedness among Healthcare Professionals in Lebanon

by Yara Skaff, Mohammad Jarrah, Rabih Nasrallah, Reina Habib and Rania Sakr

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 1034; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21081034 - 6 Aug 2024

Viewed by 783

Abstract

Background: Disaster disrupts the normal functioning of a community, causing significant damages and losses. In recent years, Lebanon faced multiple disasters, including one of the largest explosions ever recorded, the Beirut Blast, in August 2020. Limited studies in the literature have examined disaster medicine preparedness among healthcare professionals (HCPs). Objective: To examine the knowledge (K), attitude (A), readiness to practice (rP), and KArP associated with disaster medicine preparedness among HCPs in Lebanon. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Lebanon using data from participants answering an online survey. Participants enrolled in this study were HCPs (residents and faculty), medical students, and postdoctoral research scholars. Levels of knowledge, attitude, and readiness to practice were assessed and used to examine their association with participants’ socio-demographic characteristics. Results: A total of 195 participants (average age 30.6 ± 11.4 years) were included in this study. Participants reported moderate scores of knowledge, attitude, and readiness to practice. Older participants reported better readiness to practice and a KArP score. A significant difference was observed in all categories according to gender, with men having higher scores than women. No significant difference was observed between the level of education and knowledge, attitude, and total KArP scores. Conclusions: Our study’s findings showed that age and the level of education were positively correlated with readiness to practice. Men, compared to women, had significantly higher scores in all categories. Barriers to the KArP should be identified and targeted in future studies, as disaster preparedness at the institutional level may improve outcomes in future disaster encounters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Epidemiology and Global Health)

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20 pages, 535 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Influence of Sociocultural Factors on the Non-Utilization of Family Planning amongst Women in Ethiopia’s Pastoralist Regions

by Muluken Dessalegn Muluneh, Woldu Kidane, Virginia Stulz, Mhiret Ayele, Sintayehu Abebe, Andrea Rossetti, Gedefa Amenu, Azmeraw Ayehu Tesfahun and Makida Berhan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 859; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070859 - 30 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1363

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the sociocultural determinants of family planning (FP) utilization among women in pastoralist areas of Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 682 reproductive-aged women selected from three regions in pastoralist districts. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with women who did not use FP. This study revealed that 47% of women did not use FP. Women who did not use FP were more likely to have shorter spacing between births, lack their partner’s support, not be involved in decisions regarding large household purchases, and have low household expenditures. Overall, the prevalence of not using FP is significantly high in pastoralist communities in Ethiopia. The authors recommend that investment in women’s health and FP be targeted at educational campaigns to raise awareness about FP and its importance. Engaging men and community leaders, promoting their support for FP and contraceptive use, and providing financial assistance to address financial barriers, such as transportation costs and healthcare fees, are important aspects that can increase the utilization of FP methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Epidemiology and Global Health)

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18 pages, 1200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unmasking the Risk Factors Associated with Undiagnosed Diabetes and Prediabetes in Ghana: Insights from Cardiometabolic Risk (CarMeR) Study-APTI Project

by Thomas Hormenu, Iddrisu Salifu, Juliet Elikem Paku, Eric Awlime-Ableh, Ebenezer Oduro Antiri, Augustine Mac-Hubert Gabla, Rudolf Aaron Arthur, Benjamin Nyane, Samuel Amoah, Cecil Banson and James Kojo Prah

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 836; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070836 - 26 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Introduction: Undiagnosed diabetes poses significant public health challenges in Ghana. Numerous factors may influence the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes among adults, and therefore, using a model that takes into account the intricate network of these relationships should be considered. Our goal was to evaluate fasting plasma levels, a critical indicator of diabetes, and the associated direct and indirect associated or protective factors. Methods: This research employed a cross-sectional survey to sample 1200 adults aged 25–70 years who perceived themselves as healthy and had not been previously diagnosed with diabetes from 13 indigenous communities within the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. Diabetes was diagnosed based on the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria for fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profiles were determined using Mindray equipment (August 2022, China). A stepwise WHO questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. We analyzed the associations among the exogenous, mediating, and endogenous variables using a generalized structural equation model (GSEM). Results: Overall, the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes in the Cape Coast Metropolis was found to be 14.2% and 3.84%, respectively. In the sex domain, females had a higher prevalence of prediabetes (15.33%) and diabetes (5.15%) than males (12.62% and 1.24%, respectively). Rural areas had the highest prevalence, followed by peri-urban areas, whereas urban areas had the lowest prevalence. In the GSEM results, we found that body mass index (BMI), triglycerides (TG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and female sex were direct predictive factors for prediabetes and diabetes, based on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels. Indirect factors influencing diabetes and prediabetes through waist circumference (WC) included childhood overweight status, family history, age 35–55 and 56–70, and moderate and high socioeconomic status. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, childhood overweight, low physical activity, female sex, moderate and high socioeconomic status, and market trading were also associated with high BMI, indirectly influencing prediabetes and diabetes. Total cholesterol, increased TG levels, WC, age, low physical activity, and rural dwellers were identified as indirectly associated factors with prediabetes and diabetes through SBP. Religion, male sex, and alcohol consumption were identified as predictive factors for GGT, indirectly influencing prediabetes and diabetes. Conclusions: Diabetes in indigenous communities is directly influenced by blood lipid, BMI, SBP, and alcohol levels. Childhood obesity, physical inactivity, sex, socioeconomic status, and family history could indirectly influence diabetes development. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and health-sector stakeholders, enabling them to understand the factors associated with diabetes development and implement necessary public health interventions and personalized care strategies for prevention and management in Ghana. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Epidemiology and Global Health)

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11 pages, 824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

IEUBK Modeling of Children’s Blood Lead Levels in Homes Served by Private Domestic Wells in Three Illinois Counties

by Sarah Keeley, Samuel Dorevitch, Walton Kelly, David E. Jacobs and Sarah D. Geiger

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(3), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21030337 - 13 Mar 2024

Viewed by 2092

Abstract

Lead is known to impair neurocognitive development in children. Drinking water is routinely monitored for lead content in municipal systems, but private well owners are not required to test for lead. The lack of testing poses a risk of lead exposure and resulting health effects to rural children. In three Illinois counties, we conducted a cross-sectional study (n = 151 homes) examining water lead levels (WLLs), water consumption, and water treatment status to assess risk of lead exposure among residents using private water wells. Since blood lead levels (BLLs) were not available, EPA’s Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic (IEUBK) modeling was used to estimate the incremental contribution of WLL to BLL, holding all other sources of lead at their default values. Nearly half (48.3%) of stagnant water samples contained measurable lead ranging from 0.79 to 76.2 µg/L (median= 0.537 µg/L). IEUBK modeling showed BLLs rose from 0.3 to 0.4 µg/dL when WLLs rose from 0.54 µg/L (the tenth percentile) to 4.88 µg/L (the 90th percentile). Based on IEUBK modeling, 18% of children with a WLL at the 10th percentile would have a BLL above 3.5 µg/dL compared to 27.4% of those with a WLL at the 90th percentile. These findings suggest that the consumption of unfiltered well water likely results in increased blood lead levels in children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Epidemiology and Global Health)

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16 pages, 491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Impact of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions on Consumer Mobility Patterns and COVID-19 Transmission in the US

by Joseph Zuccarelli, Laura Seaman and Kevin Rader

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21010067 - 7 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1990

Abstract

The initial outbreak of COVID-19 during late December 2019 and the subsequent global pandemic markedly changed consumer mobility patterns worldwide, largely in response to government-ordered non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). In this study, we investigate these changes as they relate to the initial spread of COVID-19 within two states—Massachusetts and Michigan. Specifically, we use linear and generalized linear mixed-effects models to quantify the relationship between four NPIs and individuals’ point-of-sale (POS) credit card transactions, as well as the relationship between subsequent changes in POS transactions and county-level COVID-19 case growth rates. Our analysis reveals a significant negative association between NPIs and daily POS transactions, particularly a dose–response relationship, in which stringent workplace closures, stay-at-home requirements, and gathering restrictions were all associated with decreased POS transactions. We also uncover a significant positive association between 12-day lagged changes in POS transactions compared to pre-pandemic baselines and county-level COVID-19 case growth rates. Overall, our study supports previous findings that early NPIs reduced human mobility and COVID-19 transmission in the US, providing policymakers with quantitative evidence concerning the effectiveness of NPIs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Epidemiology and Global Health)

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10 pages, 336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Health-Related Behaviors in Stroke Patients

by Rezarta Lalo, Ilirjana Zekja and Fatjona Kamberi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3693; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043693 - 19 Feb 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1981

Abstract

Brain stroke continues to be a leading cause of mortality and disability in both developed and developing countries, with higher healthcare costs due to the long-term care and rehabilitation that it incurs. The purpose of the current study was to assess the association between brain stroke patients’ health-related behaviors and their risk for cardiovascular disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from March to August 2022 in the Vlora district regional hospital in Albania. The study included 150 out of 170 participants who met the necessary criteria, achieving an 88% response rate. Measurement tools included the Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Scale (FRS) and the Lifestyle Health Promotion Profile II (HPLP II). Results: The patients’ average age was 65.9 ± 9.04 years. Over 65% of the stroke patients suffer from diabetes, and 47% from hypertension. About 31% of them have a high risk of hyperlipidemia (mean TC = 179 ± 28.5). About 32% of the brain stroke patients manifested unhealthy behaviors, while 84% of them had a high risk of cardiovascular disease (FRS = 19.5 ± 0.53). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk was statistically associated with stress management behaviors (p = 0.008; OR = 0.20; CI = 95%). This risk was highest in the over-70 age group as well as in men. Conclusion: Brain stroke patients had a high probability of developing CVD. For better health among stroke patients, new evidence-based behavior change approaches must be introduced into preventative and management programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Epidemiology and Global Health)

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18 pages, 701 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Navigating Diabetes: Enhancing Self-Management through Education among Diabetic People at the Early Stages of the Disease—A Systematic Review

by Emirjona Kiçaj, Aurela Saliaj, Rudina Çerçizaj, Vasilika Prifti, Sonila Qirko and Liliana Rogozea

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050522 - 23 Apr 2024

Viewed by 2572

Abstract

Diabetes self-management education helps to improve health outcomes and qualities of life for diabetic patients. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of several types of diabetes self-management education for patients at the early stages of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A review of studies that have researched the use and impacts of health education on diabetic patients with T2DM was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, Elsevier, JSTORE, Walters Kluwer, and the Cochrane Library between January 2017 and November 2022. We found 789 studies, and after selecting the PRISMA flowchart, we selected 19 studies, including those of 2512 adult patients diagnosed with T2DM. Biomedical results presented the pooled effect of a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of −0.64% and a fasting blood glucose (FBG) of −0.32. Emotional and social results and behavioral effects were evaluated in 10 and nine studies, respectively. The education and support of diabetic patients at the early stages of the disease impact various aspects, including the biomedical profile, lifestyle, emotional and social well-being, and anthropometric parameters. Among the factors that have been identified to enhance the effectiveness of educational interventions are the following: conducting individualized sessions (or at least in small groups of patients), extending the duration of interventions by at least 12 months, adopting a combined approach that includes both face-to-face and online components, and ensuring the involvement of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Epidemiology and Global Health)

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