Comparative Medical Ethnobotany of the Senegalese Community Living in Turin (Northwestern Italy) and in Adeane (Southern Senegal)

A medico-ethnobotanical survey was conducted among the Senegalese migrant communities of Turin (Piedmont, NW Italy) and their peers living in Adeane (Casamance, Southern Senegal), both among healers and laypeople. Through 27 in-depth interviews, 71 medicinal plant taxa were recorded and identified in Adeane and 41 in Turin, for a total of 315 different folk remedies recorded in Senegal and 62 in Turin. The large majority of the medicinal plants recorded among Senegalese migrants in Turin were also used in their country of origin. These findings demonstrate the resilience of home remedies among migrants and consequently the role they should have in shaping public health policies devoted to migrant groups in Western Countries, which seek to seriously take into account culturally sensitive approaches, that is, emic health-seeking strategies.

Download Full-text

Person, Place, and Time: Monitoring the Geographical and Temporal Context of Public Health Policies

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e507502013-086 ◽

2012 ◽

Author(s):

Michael Chaiton

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Policies ◽

Temporal Context ◽

Public Health Policies

Download Full-text

İngiltere’den Türkiye’ye ‘Düzensiz’ Göçmen Dövizi Gönderme Davranışının Nedenleri Üzerine Nitel Bir İnceleme

GÖÇ DERGİSİ ◽

10.33182/gd.v6i2.665 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 173-190

Author(s):

Fethiye Tilbe

Keyword(s):

Cultural Values ◽

Host Country ◽

Regulatory Framework ◽

Face To Face ◽

Migrant Communities ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Main Determinants ◽

Money Transfers ◽

The Uk ◽

Migrant Groups

Bu makale, göçmen dövizi akımlarında “düzensizlik” olarak ifade ettiğimiz, Türkiye’ye resmi kanallar dışında gönderilen enformel göçmen dövizlerini, Birleşik Krallık’ta (özellikle Londra’da) yaşayan Türkiye kökenli göçmenler açısından incelemektedir. Her göçmen grubu, gerek ev sahibi ülkedeki düzenleyici çerçeve ve sosyo-ekonomik koşullar, gerek göçmen topluluğunun sosyo-kültürel değerleri tarafından belirlenen biçimde, farklı göçmen dövizi transfer biçimlerine eğilim sergilemektedir. Dolayısıyla farklı ülkelerdeki aynı kökenden göçmen toplulukları, ev sahibi ülkedeki dinamikler nedeniyle göçmen dövizlerinin formel ya da enformel (düzenli ya da düzensiz) gönderiminde farklılaşabilirken, aynı ülkedeki farklı ülke kökenli göçmen grupları da pek çok örüntünün etkisiyle farklı eğilim gösterebilmektedir. Nitel araştırma tasarımı kapsamında 27 göçmen ve 7 anahtar statüdeki katılımcıyla gerçekleştirilen yüz yüze görüşmelere dayalı olan bu çalışma, Birleşik Krallık’tan Türkiye’ye göçmen dövizi gönderimindeki düzensizlik olgusunu, her iki ülkenin sosyal, ekonomik ve kültürel dinamikleriyle ilişkilendirerek incelemeyi ve nedenlerini ortaya çıkarmayı amaç edinmektedir. Elde edilen sonuçlar, göçmenlik statüsü, gönderilen para miktar ve sıklığı ile geleneksel ilişki ağlarına olan güvenin yanında, Birleşik Krallık’taki sosyal yardım ve çalışma biçimine ilişkinin düzenleyici çerçevenin ve göçmenlerin sosyo-ekonomik durumlarının Türkiye’ye enformel göçmen dövizi gönderiminde temel belirleyici olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır.ABSTRACT IN ENGLISHA Qualitative Examination of Determinants of Remittances Sending Behaviour Among Immigrants from Turkey in the UKThis article examines the causes of irregularity in remittances flows from the United Kingdom (UK) to Turkey, from the perspective of migrants from Turkey living in the UK. Each group of migrants prefers different types of remittance sending methods, as determined by the regulatory framework and socio-economic conditions in the host country and the socio-cultural values of the migrant community. Therefore, migrant communities of the same origin in different countries may differ in using formal or informal sending methods of remittances due to the dynamics in the host country. Similarly, migrant groups of different nationalities in the same country may show different tendencies due to the influence of many patterns. Similarly, migrant groups of different nationalities in the same country may show different tendencies due to the influence of many patterns. This study aims to examine the phenomenon of irregularities in sending remittances by associating with the social, economic and cultural dynamics of both countries. For this purpose, face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with 27 immigrants and 7 key status participants by using qualitative research method. The obtained results reveal that the regulatory framework relating to social assistance and labour market in the UK, immigration status, the frequency and the amount of money sent and confidence in traditional relationship networks is the main determinants of informal money transfers to Turkey.

Download Full-text

Influence of Masks Protecting against SARS-CoV-2 on Thermal Comfort

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14113315 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (11) ◽

pp. 3315

Author(s):

Ewa Zender-Świercz ◽

Marek Telejko ◽

Beata Galiszewska

Keyword(s):

Thermal Comfort ◽

Public Spaces ◽

Point Of View ◽

The Other ◽

Health Policies ◽

Thermal Manikin ◽

Public Health Policies ◽

Protective Shield ◽

Full Face ◽

The Impact

Due to the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, most countries have tightened their public health policies. One way to limit the spread of the virus is to make mouth and nose cover compulsory in public spaces. The article presents the impact of wearing masks on the perception of thermal comfort. The following masks were analysed: FFP2, cotton, medical, PM2.5, half-face protective shield plastic and full-face protective shield plastic. The research was carried out for two scenarios of an ambient temperature: −20 and 30 °C. A thermal manikin was used for the tests. In the case of when a temperature equals 20 °C, the dry masks increase comfort, both general and local, while wet masks reduce comfort. On the other hand, at 30 °C, only wet masks do not increase discomfort. In addition, moist masks require less heat flux to achieve a certain skin temperature. However, it should be remembered that it is not advisable to wet the masks from the health point of view.

Download Full-text

Psychiatric symptoms among migrants to Malaysia from the southernmost provinces of Thailand

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/0020764021989736 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 002076402198973

Author(s):

Kathleen Ford ◽

Aree Jampaklay ◽

Aphichat Chamatrithirong

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychiatric Symptoms ◽

Well Being ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Governmental Organizations ◽

Non Governmental Organizations ◽

Working Age ◽

Self Reporting Questionnaire ◽

Depth Interviews ◽

Migrant Groups

Aim: The objective of this paper is to examine the level of psychiatric symptoms and associated factors among Thai migrants from the southernmost Thai provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narithiwat who are working in Malaysia. Comparisons will be made with the sending population in the southernmost provinces of Thailand. Methods: Data are drawn from survey and in-depth interviews with Thai migrants who are working in Malaysia. Comparisons are made with a probability sample of working age adults in Thailand. The twenty item Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) was the measure of mental health. Results: The study found that the migrants, on average, have normal levels of psychiatric symptoms. However, although about 24% of migrants reported more eight or more symptoms that may indicate a need for evaluation. There are many stressors in their lives including distance from families, reduced social support, legal matters surrounding immigration, and discrimination/exploitation of migrant groups. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for policy makers and non-governmental organizations to give attention to migrants’ mental health, well-being and sustainable livelihoods.

Download Full-text

Population simulations of COVID-19 outbreaks provide tools for risk assessment and continuity planning

JAMIA Open ◽

10.1093/jamiaopen/ooaa074 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Bo Peng ◽

Rowland W Pettit ◽

Christopher I Amos

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Assessment ◽

Emergency Response ◽

Robustness Analysis ◽

Health Policies ◽

Command Line ◽

Public Health Policies ◽

Continuity Planning ◽

Quantitative Estimates ◽

Community Infection

Abstract Objectives We developed COVID-19 Outbreak Simulator (https://ictr.github.io/covid19-outbreak-simulator/) to quantitatively estimate the effectiveness of preventative and interventive measures to prevent and battle COVID-19 outbreaks for specific populations. Materials and methods Our simulator simulates the entire course of infection and transmission of the virus among individuals in heterogeneous populations, subject to operations and influences, such as quarantine, testing, social distancing, and community infection. It provides command-line and Jupyter notebook interfaces and a plugin system for user-defined operations. Results The simulator provides quantitative estimates for COVID-19 outbreaks in a variety of scenarios and assists the development of public health policies, risk-reduction operations, and emergency response plans. Discussion Our simulator is powerful, flexible, and customizable, although successful applications require realistic estimation and robustness analysis of population-specific parameters. Conclusion Risk assessment and continuity planning for COVID-19 outbreaks are crucial for the continued operation of many organizations. Our simulator will be continuously expanded to meet this need.

Download Full-text

Results from the European Union MAPEC_LIFE cohort study on air pollution and chromosomal damage in children: are public health policies sufficiently protective?

Environmental Sciences Europe ◽

10.1186/s12302-020-00352-3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Elisabetta Ceretti ◽

◽

Francesco Donato ◽

Claudia Zani ◽

Milena Villarini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Air Pollution ◽

European Union ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Health Policies ◽

The European Union ◽

Chromosomal Damage ◽

Public Health Policies

Download Full-text

Characterization of death from colorectal cancer in Mato Grosso State/Legal Amazon/Brazil, 2000-2016

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.1130 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

R S Caló ◽

B S N Souza ◽

N D Galvão ◽

R A G Souza ◽

J C S Oliveira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Colorectal Cancer ◽

International Classification Of Diseases ◽

Health Policies ◽

Rectosigmoid Junction ◽

Mato Grosso ◽

Public Health Policies ◽

Goods And Services ◽

Classification Of Diseases ◽

Using Data

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer has been one of the cancers that most contributed to mortality, in both sexes in the world. In Brazil, cancer is among the top five causes of death and colorectal cancer is ranked on the fifth position. Of the Federative Units belonging to the Legal Amazon, Mato Grosso stands out for the higher adjusted incidence of colorectal cancer for both sexes. Thus, the objective is to characterize deaths from colorectal cancer, according to sociodemographic variables in Mato Grosso from 2000 to 2016. Methods A descriptive study was carried out, using data from the Mortality Information System, made available by the Department of Health of the Mato Grosso State. Deaths of all ages were selected, whose basic cause was identified by the codes from the International Classification of Diseases: (C.18) colon cancer, (C.19) rectosigmoid junction cancer, (C.20) rectal cancer or (C.21) anus cancer. Results Between 2000 and 2016, 31,607 deaths from cancer were registered. Of these, 1,750 (5.6%) were due to colorectal cancer. An increased number of deaths was observed at the end of the period, with a variation from 46 deaths in 2000 from 173 in 2016. Highest frequency was verified in men (51.3%), people aged 60 years or older (59.7%), black (54.6%), married (52.3%) and those with primary education (55.2%). According to Brazilian occupation classification options or those answers filled out on the death certificate, highest frequency were for “Retired” (26.2%), “Housewife” (23.1%), Agricultural/Forestry and Fisheries” (11.3%) and “Production of Industrial Goods and Services” (10.3%). Conclusions This study evidenced the increased number of deaths due to colorectal cancer in Mato Grosso State, and identified priority groups for interventions through public health policies which should include screening and early diagnosis to cope with the disease. Key messages Evidenced the increased number of deaths due to colorectal cancer in Mato Grosso State. Identified priority groups for interventions through public health policies.

Download Full-text

Epidemiological surveillance and performance assessment: the two roles of health indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic

International Journal of Law in Context ◽

10.1017/s1744552321000276 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 186-203

Author(s):

Nathan Genicot

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Performance Assessment ◽

Health Indicators ◽

Health Policies ◽

Epidemiological Surveillance ◽

Public Health Policies ◽

History Of ◽

And Performance ◽

The One ◽

Massive Development

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to the massive development and use of health indicators. Drawing on the history of international public health and of the management of infectious disease, this paper attempts to show that the normative power acquired by metrics during the pandemic can be understood in light of two rationales: epidemiological surveillance and performance assessment. On the one hand, indicators are established to evaluate and rank countries’ responses to the outbreak; on the other, the evolution of indicators has a direct influence on the content of public health policies. Although quantitative data are an absolute necessity for coping with such disasters, it is critical to bear in mind the inherent partiality and precarity of the information provided by health indicators. Given the growing importance of normative quantitative devices during the pandemic, and assuming that their influence is unlikely to decrease in the future, they call for close scrutiny.

Download Full-text

Dynamics of life expectancy and life span equality

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ◽

10.1073/pnas.1915884117 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 117 (10) ◽

pp. 5250-5259 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

José Manuel Aburto ◽

Francisco Villavicencio ◽

Ugofilippo Basellini ◽

Søren Kjærgaard ◽

James W. Vaupel

Keyword(s):

Life Expectancy ◽

Life Span ◽

Health Policies ◽

Public Health Policies ◽

Dynamic Relationship ◽

Mortality Increase ◽

Long Time ◽

Underlying Causes ◽

The Relationship ◽

Over Time

As people live longer, ages at death are becoming more similar. This dual advance over the last two centuries, a central aim of public health policies, is a major achievement of modern civilization. Some recent exceptions to the joint rise of life expectancy and life span equality, however, make it difficult to determine the underlying causes of this relationship. Here, we develop a unifying framework to study life expectancy and life span equality over time, relying on concepts about the pace and shape of aging. We study the dynamic relationship between life expectancy and life span equality with reliable data from the Human Mortality Database for 49 countries and regions with emphasis on the long time series from Sweden. Our results demonstrate that both changes in life expectancy and life span equality are weighted totals of rates of progress in reducing mortality. This finding holds for three different measures of the variability of life spans. The weights evolve over time and indicate the ages at which reductions in mortality increase life expectancy and life span equality: the more progress at the youngest ages, the tighter the relationship. The link between life expectancy and life span equality is especially strong when life expectancy is less than 70 y. In recent decades, life expectancy and life span equality have occasionally moved in opposite directions due to larger improvements in mortality at older ages or a slowdown in declines in midlife mortality. Saving lives at ages below life expectancy is the key to increasing both life expectancy and life span equality.

Download Full-text