scholarly journals The rise and fall of diseases: reflections on the history of population health in Europe since ca. 1700

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan P. Mackenbach
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
The Body ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Epidemiological Transition ◽  
Public Health Interventions ◽  
Human Interventions ◽  
Ultimate Cause ◽  
History Of ◽  
Limited Usefulness

AbstractThis essay explores the amazing phenomenon that in Europe since ca. 1700 most diseases have shown a pattern of 'rise-and-fall'. It argues that the rise of so many diseases indicates that their ultimate cause is not to be sought within the body, but in the interaction between humans and their environment. In their tireless pursuit of a better life, Europeans have constantly engaged in new activities which exposed them to new health risks, at a pace that evolution could not keep up with. Fortunately, most diseases have also declined again, mainly as a result of human interventions, in the form of public health interventions or improvements in medical care. The virtually continuous succession of diseases starting to fall in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries suggests that the concept of an “epidemiological transition” has limited usefulness.

Public Health Interventions to Facilitate Positive Embodiment

2019 ◽  
pp. 397-408
Author(s):  
Rachel F. Rodgers ◽  
Debra L. Franko ◽  
Alice S. Lowy
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
The Body ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Universal Prevention ◽  
Public Health Interventions ◽  
Local Levels

Public health approaches constitute a potentially powerful avenue for universal prevention and efforts to promote positive embodiment and body image. A small number of public health interventions have aimed, directly or indirectly, to increase these positive ways of inhabiting the body. The present chapter reviews public health interventions at the national and local levels, as well as industry-led efforts, that have the potential to positively impact embodiment, by first considering initiatives that have specifically targeted body image factors and second considering those that have targeted protective factors for positive embodiment. While few evaluative data are available, the strengths and limitations of existing programs are considered.

scholarly journals An In-Depth Exploration of Knowledge and Beliefs Associated with Soda and Diet Soda Consumption

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2841
Author(s):  
Caroline Miller ◽  
Kerry Ettridge ◽  
Melanie Wakefield ◽  
Simone Pettigrew ◽  
John Coveney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Public Health Interventions ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Knowledge And Beliefs ◽  
Diet Soda ◽  
Soda Consumption

The need to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is widely accepted, but whether artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) are a recommended alternative is a growing policy issue because of emerging evidence of potential health effects associated with excess consumption. This study aimed to establish the extent of the Australian population’s knowledge of the risks associated with consuming SSBs (e.g., soda) and ASBs (e.g., diet soda), which is essential for identifying which facets of knowledge to target with public health interventions. A national computer-assisted telephone survey of 3430 Australian adults was conducted in 2017. The survey included a range of measures to test associations between SSB and ASB knowledge and beliefs, demographic characteristics, and soda and diet soda consumption. Participants had an overall awareness that there were health risks associated with SSB and ASB consumption, but they lacked more detailed knowledge of health effects and nutritional composition of these drinks. These knowledge gaps are concerning given that SSBs and ASBs are consumed in large quantities in Australia. Public health interventions targeting consumers’ limited knowledge and perceptions of health risks associated with excess sugar, calorie intake and artificial sweeteners are essential in reducing the health burden of obesity.

scholarly journals An analysis of COVID-19 clusters in India

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pooja Sengupta ◽  
Bhaswati Ganguli ◽  
Sugata SenRoy ◽  
Aditya Chatterjee
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Compartment Model ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Public Health Interventions ◽  
Homogeneous Groups

Abstract Background In this study we cluster the districts of India in terms of the spread of COVID-19 and related variables such as population density and the number of specialty hospitals. Simulation using a compartment model is used to provide insight into differences in response to public health interventions. Two case studies of interest from Nizamuddin and Dharavi provide contrasting pictures of the success in curbing spread. Methods A cluster analysis of the worst affected districts in India provides insight about the similarities between them. The effects of public health interventions in flattening the curve in their respective states is studied using the individual contact SEIQHRF model, a stochastic individual compartment model which simulates disease prevalence in the susceptible, infected, recovered and fatal compartments. Results The clustering of hotspot districts provide homogeneous groups that can be discriminated in terms of number of cases and related covariates. The cluster analysis reveal that the distribution of number of COVID-19 hospitals in the districts does not correlate with the distribution of confirmed COVID-19 cases. From the SEIQHRF model for Nizamuddin we observe in the second phase the number of infected individuals had seen a multitudinous increase in the states where Nizamuddin attendees returned, increasing the risk of the disease spread. However, the simulations reveal that implementing administrative interventions, flatten the curve. In Dharavi, through tracing, tracking, testing and treating, massive breakout of COVID-19 was brought under control. Conclusions The cluster analysis performed on the districts reveal homogeneous groups of districts that can be ranked based on the burden placed on the healthcare system in terms of number of confirmed cases, population density and number of hospitals dedicated to COVID-19 treatment. The study rounds up with two important case studies on Nizamuddin basti and Dharavi to illustrate the growth curve of COVID-19 in two very densely populated regions in India. In the case of Nizamuddin, the study showed that there was a manifold increase in the risk of infection. In contrast it is seen that there was a rapid decline in the number of cases in Dharavi within a span of about one month.

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