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The 20th Anniversary of IJERPH
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The 20th Anniversary of IJERPH

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 15984

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Paul B. Tchounwou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
RCMI Center for Urban Health Disparities Research and Innovation, Richard N. Dixon Research Center, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA
Interests: environmental health and diseases; gene-environment interactions; environmental toxicology, mutagenesis and carcinogenesis; environmental epidemiology and disease control; health risk assessment and management; ecological risk assessment and management; environmental chemistry and computational toxicology; environmental genomics and proteomics; environmental medicine; and natural resources damage assessment and management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This year (2024), we are celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH, ISSN 1660-4601). Hence, we are organizing a Special Issue to commemorate this important milestone. During the past 20 years, IJERPH has significantly contributed to scientific advancements in the multidisciplinary field of environmental and public health sciences. As such, IJERPH will continue to serve as a forum wherein novel discoveries are widely shared with the scientific community and the general public at large.

This 20th anniversary Special Issue is designed to highlight the excellence in scientific publishing that embodies the mission and supports the vision of IJERPH. In close alignment with the recently updated scope and specific aims of IJERPH, this Special Issue focuses on the transdisciplinary nature of environmental research and public health, and the publication of innovative research findings that promote human health and well-being and improve our collective quality of life.

To help celebrate this important event, we warmly invite you to submit original research papers, comprehensive review articles, and/or short communications from research that address relevant aspects of biological, socio-behavioral, and/or environmental determinants of health for peer-review and possible publication in this Special Issue. We expect that this Special Issue will attract considerable attention, as we prepare to celebrate the excellent scientific contributions and socio-economic impact of IJERPH from the past 20 years.

Prof. Dr. Paul B. Tchounwou
Guest Editor

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
  • health care sciences
  • behavioral and mental health
  • infectious diseases, chronic diseases and disease prevention
  • exercise and health-related quality of life
  • environmental health
  • environmental sciences

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1267 KiB  
Article
Sense of School Belonging as a Mediator of the Relationship between Witnessing Bullying and Internalizing Symptoms
by Diana M. Doumas and Aida Midgett
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070873 - 4 Jul 2024
Viewed by 991
Abstract
Bullying is a significant public health concern associated with mental health risks. Negative bullying outcomes extend beyond targets, with students who witness bullying reporting negative associated mental health consequences. Because bullying often occurs within the school setting, understanding the relationship between witnessing bullying [...] Read more.
Bullying is a significant public health concern associated with mental health risks. Negative bullying outcomes extend beyond targets, with students who witness bullying reporting negative associated mental health consequences. Because bullying often occurs within the school setting, understanding the relationship between witnessing bullying and internalizing symptoms within the school environment can help shape school-based bullying prevention. The purpose of this study was to examine sense of school belonging as a mediator of the relationship between witnessing bullying and internalizing symptoms. We conducted two studies with middle school students (N = 130; N = 147) in which we used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the mediational model. Results from Study 1 and Study 2 supported the mediational model, indicating that one explanation for the relationship between witnessing bullying and internalizing symptoms is that witnessing bullying negatively impacts students’ sense of school belonging, which in turn increases internalizing symptoms. Results from this study provide support for the importance of students’ perceptions of school climate in the development of internalizing symptoms related to witnessing bullying. Implications for school-based bullying prevention programs are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 20th Anniversary of IJERPH)
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16 pages, 869 KiB  
Article
Discrimination Experiences among Asian American and Pacific Islander Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Association with Mental Health Outcomes: Updated Findings from the COMPASS Study
by Marcelle M. Dougan, Marian Tzuang, Bora Nam, Oanh L. Meyer, Janice Y. Tsoh and Van M. Ta Park
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(6), 799; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21060799 - 19 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1353
Abstract
Background: Reports of escalated discrimination experiences among Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) continue. Methods: Using the original and follow-up surveys of the COVID-19 Effects on the Mental and Physical Health of AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islanders) Survey Study (COMPASS [...] Read more.
Background: Reports of escalated discrimination experiences among Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) continue. Methods: Using the original and follow-up surveys of the COVID-19 Effects on the Mental and Physical Health of AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islanders) Survey Study (COMPASS I and COMPASS II) (n = 3177), we examined changes over approximately a 1-year period in discrimination experiences attributable to being AAPI and factors associated with worse mental health outcomes. Results: Experiences of discrimination remained high in COMPASS II with 60.6% (of participants (compared to 60.2% among the same people in COMPASS I) reporting one or more discrimination experiences, and 28.6% reporting worse mental health outcomes. Experiences of discrimination were associated with modest but significant increase in the odds of worse mental health: adjusted OR 1.02 (95% CI 1.01–1.04). Being younger, being of Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander or Hmong descent (relative to Asian Indian), and having spent 50% or less of their lifetime in the US (vs. US born), were significantly associated with worse mental health. Conclusions: The fall-out from the pandemic continues to adversely impact AANHPI communities. These findings may help influence policy initiatives to mitigate its effects and support interventions designed to improve mental health outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 20th Anniversary of IJERPH)
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13 pages, 692 KiB  
Article
Mitigating Identity-Related Anxiety through Humor and Immersive Storytelling with 360-Degree Video in Virtual Reality: A Study on Microaggressions’ Mental Health Effects
by Changmin Yan, Alan Eno and Adam Wagler
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(6), 713; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21060713 - 31 May 2024
Viewed by 1190
Abstract
Background: Microaggressions are subtle slights that can cause significant psychological distress among marginalized groups. Few studies have explored interventions that might mitigate these effects. Objective: This study aimed to investigate if and how humor-infused immersive storytelling via virtual reality (VR) could [...] Read more.
Background: Microaggressions are subtle slights that can cause significant psychological distress among marginalized groups. Few studies have explored interventions that might mitigate these effects. Objective: This study aimed to investigate if and how humor-infused immersive storytelling via virtual reality (VR) could reduce identity-related psychological distress caused by microaggressions. Methods: Using a community-based participatory research approach, we developed a 7-min 360-degree VR film depicting scenarios of microaggressions across various identities. Forty-six college students participated in a controlled study where they were exposed to this immersive VR experience. We measured identity-related psychological anxiety, character identification, perceived humor, and perceived psychological presence. Results: The findings demonstrated a significant anxiety reduction following the VR intervention, supporting the efficacy of humor-infused storytelling in alleviating the impact of microaggressions. Character identification significantly predicted anxiety reduction, while perceived humor and psychological presence did not directly influence anxiety reduction but indirectly contributed through enhanced character identification. Conclusions: Humor-infused immersive storytelling, facilitated by VR, effectively reduces identity-related psychological distress primarily through character identification. The structural equation modeling results emphasize the importance of integrating humor and psychological presence to enhance character connection, advocating for a balanced approach that combines traditional narrative elements with technological innovations in health interventions aimed at combating the adverse psychological effects of microaggressions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 20th Anniversary of IJERPH)
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12 pages, 3339 KiB  
Article
Protocol for Evaluating Remote Patient Blood Pressure Monitoring Adapted to Black Women and Birthing Persons
by Loral Patchen, Asli McCullers, Serenity G. Budd, H. Joseph Blumenthal and W. Douglas Evans
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050603 - 8 May 2024
Viewed by 1477
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death among Black women in the United States. A large, urban hospital adopted remote patient blood pressure monitoring (RBPM) to increase blood pressure monitoring and improve the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) by [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death among Black women in the United States. A large, urban hospital adopted remote patient blood pressure monitoring (RBPM) to increase blood pressure monitoring and improve the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) by reducing the time to diagnosis of HDP. The digital platform integrates with the electronic health record (EHR), automatically inputting RBPM readings to the patients’ chart; communicating elevated blood pressure values to the healthcare team; and offers a partial offset of the cost through insurance plans. It also allows for customization of the blood pressure values that prompt follow-up to the patient’s risk category. This paper describes a protocol for evaluating its impact. Objective 1 is to measure the effect of the digitally supported RBPM on the time to diagnosis of HDP. Objective 2 is to test the effect of cultural tailoring to Black participants. The ability to tailor digital content provides the opportunity to test the added value of promoting social identification with the intervention, which may help achieve equity in severe maternal morbidity events related to HDP. Evaluation of this intervention will contribute to the growing literature on digital health interventions to improve maternity care in the United States. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 20th Anniversary of IJERPH)
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22 pages, 616 KiB  
Article
Office Design’s Impact on Psychosocial Work Environment and Emotional Health
by Christina Bodin Danielsson and Töres Theorell
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(4), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040438 - 3 Apr 2024
Viewed by 2229
Abstract
This study explores the association between office design and (a) the psychosocial work environment and (b) the emotional health among 4352 employees in seven different office designs. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed with adjustments for age and educational level for men [...] Read more.
This study explores the association between office design and (a) the psychosocial work environment and (b) the emotional health among 4352 employees in seven different office designs. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed with adjustments for age and educational level for men and women separately. Results show that psychosocial factors and emotional exhaustion differ between both office designs and between genders, with best outcomes in cell offices, except for psychological demands that are rated the most favourable in shared-room offices. Cell offices and small open-plan offices show a strong beneficial association with emotional exhaustion in women. Among men, hot-desking is most problematic regarding psychosocial work environment and emotional exhaustion. Women rate the psychosocial environment low in combi-office and report emotional exhaustion in small open offices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 20th Anniversary of IJERPH)
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9 pages, 289 KiB  
Article
Children and Adolescents with Early Treated Phenylketonuria: Cognitive Development and Fluctuations of Blood Phenylalanine Levels
by Reinhold Feldmann, Ulrike Och, Lisa Sophie Beckmann, Josef Weglage and Frank Rutsch
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(4), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040431 - 2 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1594
Abstract
Background: We assessed the relationship between the cognitive development of children and adolescents with phenylketonuria (PKU) and fluctuations in peripheral phenylalanine (Phe) levels. Methods: We examined the neurocognitive performance of 33 children and adolescents with early treated PKU, of whom 18 were treated [...] Read more.
Background: We assessed the relationship between the cognitive development of children and adolescents with phenylketonuria (PKU) and fluctuations in peripheral phenylalanine (Phe) levels. Methods: We examined the neurocognitive performance of 33 children and adolescents with early treated PKU, of whom 18 were treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride, and 15 were on a classic diet. For 26 weeks, patients were assessed weekly for their blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels. Phe levels were analyzed for fluctuations indicated by the individual standard deviation. Fluctuations were compared to the standard deviation of 26 Phe level measurements before the study interval. We also assessed the concurrent IQ of the patients. This was repeated at one-, two-, and seven-year intervals. Results: Full-scale IQ in patients treated with a classic diet did not change within the follow-up. In patients treated with Sapropterin dihydrochloride, however, there was a considerable gain in full-scale IQ. This was particularly true if blood Phe fluctuations increased in patients of this treatment group. Conclusions: Sapropterin dihydrochloride enhances Phe tolerance in patients with PKU. Increasing blood Phe fluctuations following enhanced Phe tolerance may indicate that the treatment not only allows patients to relax their Phe-restricted diet but also may support cognitive development in patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 20th Anniversary of IJERPH)

Review

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15 pages, 1075 KiB  
Review
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) and Early Childhood Intervention: Intentional Integration
by Neal M. Horen, Julia Sayles, Kelli McDermott, Kirsten Sippel-Klug, Jennifer Drake-Croft and Toby Long
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070870 - 3 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1866
Abstract
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) is a multidisciplinary field of inquiry, practice, and policy concerned with enhancing the social-emotional competence of infants and young children. Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is a system of services that supports infants and toddlers with disabilities [...] Read more.
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) is a multidisciplinary field of inquiry, practice, and policy concerned with enhancing the social-emotional competence of infants and young children. Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is a system of services that supports infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. ECI providers promote a child’s development in all domains, including social-emotional. The purpose of this paper is to describe how two systems, Early Childhood Intervention and Infant Early Childhood Mental Health, collaborate when serving children who have developmental delays or disabilities and their families and other caregivers. We will discuss two models used to promote social-emotional development, the Pyramid Model and IECMH Consultation, and provide three examples that demonstrate how ECI and IECMH intersect at both the family, classroom, and system levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 20th Anniversary of IJERPH)
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Other

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10 pages, 642 KiB  
Commentary
COVID-19 Policy Response Analysis: A Canadian Perspective
by Andrew Klein and Mehmet A. Begen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(6), 787; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21060787 - 17 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1017
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges that go into effective policymaking. Facing a public health crisis of epic proportion, government bodies across the world sought to manage the spread of infectious disease and healthcare-system overwhelm in the face of historic economic instability and [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges that go into effective policymaking. Facing a public health crisis of epic proportion, government bodies across the world sought to manage the spread of infectious disease and healthcare-system overwhelm in the face of historic economic instability and social unrest. Recognizing that COVID-19 debates and research are still actively ongoing, this paper aims to objectively compare COVID-19 responses from countries across the world that exhibit similar economic and political models to Canada, identify notable failures, successes, and key takeaways to inform future-state pandemic preparedness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 20th Anniversary of IJERPH)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Public Health: The Interactive and Equitable Environment for the Thriving of Developing Persons.
Authors: Jeanette A. Lawrence 1, Agnes E. Dodds 2
Affiliation: 1 Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic 3010, Australia; 2 Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic 3010, Australia
Abstract: Public health and wellbeing is inter-dependent with the health and wellbeing of all developing persons in the sociocultural environment, so that to promote public health is tied to the promotion of individuals within the society. Inter-dependency, co-activity and systemic relations dynamically impact the wellbeing of a society. Societal equity and institutional support impact personal thriving and development throughout the whole of the life-course in interaction with social institutions. In this paper, we will present a relational developmental analysis of the inter-dependency of two systems: the public health system and the living system of developing human persons. We present a model of the distribution of personal responses to environmental challenges, ranging from decline through survival to resilience and thriving. We illustrate relational interdependence specifically for marginalized populations, e.g., victims of abuse and refugees. We argue that interdependency and co-activity constitute the appropriate environment for promoting public health as an equitable system and for promoting personalized health as thriving that encompasses personal and societal development and success. The transdisciplinary approach is framed in contemporary developmental science that contextualizes individual development in interacting proximal and distal environmental systems. Keywords: public health, developmental science, behavioral and mental health, environmental sciences

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