scholarly journals Predicting Factors Affecting Adolescent Obesity Using General Bayesian Network and What-If Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (23) ◽  
pp. 4684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheong Kim ◽  
Francis Joseph Costello ◽  
Kun Chang Lee ◽  
Yuan Li ◽  
Chenyao Li
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Bayesian Network ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Adolescent Obesity ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Predicting Factors ◽  
Data Mining Approach ◽  
Data Points

With the remarkable improvement in people’s socioeconomic living standards around the world, adolescent obesity has increasingly become an important public health issue that cannot be ignored. Thus, we have implemented its use in an attempt to explore the viability of scenario-based simulations through the use of a data mining approach. In doing so, we wanted to explore the merits of using a General Bayesian Network (GBN) with What-If analysis while exploring how it can be utilized in other areas of public health. We analyzed data from the 2017 Korean Youth Health Behavior Survey conducted directly by the Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, including 19 attributes and 11,206 individual data points. Our simulations found that by manipulating the amount of pocket money-between $60 and $80-coupled with a low-income background, it has a high potential to increase obesity compared with other simulated factors. Additionally, when we manipulated an increase in studying time with a mediocre academic performance, it was found to potentially increase pressure on adolescents, which subsequently led to an increased obesity outcome. Lastly, we found that when we manipulated an increase in a father’s education level while manipulating a decrease in mother’s education level, this had a large effect on the potential adolescent obesity level. Although obesity was the chosen case, this paper acts more as a proof of concept in analyzing public health through GBN and What-If analysis. Therefore, it aims to guide health professionals into potentially expanding their ability to simulate certain outcomes based on predicted changes in certain factors concerning future public health issues.

scholarly journals The Arab region’s contribution to global COVID-19 research: Bibliometric and visualization analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sa’ed H. Zyoud
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Arab World ◽  
The United States ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Global Research

Abstract Background At the global level and in the Arab world, particularly in low-income countries, COVID-19 remains a major public health issue. As demonstrated by an incredible number of COVID-19-related publications, the research science community responded rapidly. Therefore, this study was intended to assess the growing contribution of the Arab world to global research on COVID-19. Methods For the period between December 2019 and March 2021, the search for publications was conducted via the Scopus database using terms linked to COVID-19. VOSviewer 1.6.16 software was applied to generate a network map to assess hot topics in this area and determine the collaboration patterns between different countries. Furthermore, the research output of Arab countries was adjusted in relation to population size and gross domestic product (GDP). Results A total of 143,975 publications reflecting the global overall COVID-19 research output were retrieved. By restricting analysis to the publications published by the Arab countries, the research production was 6131 documents, representing 4.26% of the global research output regarding COVID-19. Of all these publications, 3990 (65.08%) were original journal articles, 980 (15.98%) were review articles, 514 (8.38%) were letters and 647 (10.55%) were others, such as editorials or notes. The highest number of COVID-19 publications was published by Saudi Arabia (n = 2186, 35.65%), followed by Egypt (n = 1281, 20.78%) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), (n = 719, 11.73%). After standardization by population size and GDP, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Lebanon had the highest publication productivity. The collaborations were mostly with researchers from the United States (n = 968), followed by the United Kingdom (n = 661). The main research lines identified in COVID-19 from the Arab world are related to: public health and epidemiology; immunological and pharmaceutical research; signs, symptoms and clinical diagnosis; and virus detection. Conclusions A novel analysis of the latest Arab COVID-19-related studies is discussed in the current study and how these findings are connected to global production. Continuing and improving future collaboration between developing and developed countries will also help to facilitate the sharing of responsibilities for COVID-19 in research results and the implementation of policies for COVID-19.

Factors influencing medication label viewing in Malaysia

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Kang Cheah ◽  
Yen Wan Chong
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Probit Model ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Medication Label

The misuse of medicine is a serious public health issue worldwide. An important factor that contributes to the misuse of medicine is the lack of medication label viewing by consumers. The objective of the present study is to examine the socio-economic, demographic and lifestyle factors associated with medication label viewing among Malaysian adults. The empirical analysis is based on a nationally representative data set of 30,992 respondents. An ordered probit model is used to examine different types of medication label viewers. The results of this study suggest that socio-economic (i.e. age, income level, education level, location of residence), demographic (i.e. gender, ethnicity, marital status) and lifestyle factors (i.e. physical activity, smoking) have significant effects on medication label viewing. It is found that age, low-income and low-education level reduce the likelihood of viewing medication label. Based on these findings, several policy implications are suggested. The present study provides policy makers with baseline information regarding which cohorts of individuals to focus on in efforts to increase the frequency of medication label viewing.

scholarly journals Oral cancer in Brazil: a secular history of Public Health Policies

2014 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-164
Author(s):  
Paulo Ricardo Saquete MARTINS FILHO ◽  
Thiago de Santana SANTOS ◽  
Luiz Carlos Ferreira da SILVA ◽  
Marta Rabello PIVA
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Oral Cancer ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
History Of Public Health ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
History Of ◽  
And Control

The oral cancer in Brazil is considered an important public health issue. Despite almost a century of combat disease, with oncological assistance programs and prevention campaigns based public policies, the incidence of oral cancer in several regions is still high. The major goal of cancer prevention and control is a reduction in both the incidence of the disease and the associated morbidity and mortality, as well as improved life for cancer patients and their families. Low-income and disadvantage groups are generally more exposed to avoidable risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol consumption. These groups have less access to the health services and education that would empower them to make decisions to protect and improve their own health. Thus, cancer control programs are the most effective instrument to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice and achieve this goal. The authors report some key historical facts concerning the fight against oral cancer in Brazil, in addition to addressing the epidemiological aspects of disease.

scholarly journals Green Space and Health Equity: A Systematic Review on the Potential of Green Space to Reduce Health Disparities

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2563
Author(s):  
Alessandro Rigolon ◽  
Matthew H. E. M. Browning ◽  
Olivia McAnirlin ◽  
Hyunseo (Violet) Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Disparities ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Disadvantaged Groups

Disadvantaged groups worldwide, such as low-income and racially/ethnically minoritized people, experience worse health outcomes than more privileged groups, including wealthier and white people. Such health disparities are a major public health issue in several countries around the world. In this systematic review, we examine whether green space shows stronger associations with physical health for disadvantaged groups than for privileged groups. We hypothesize that disadvantaged groups have stronger protective effects from green space because of their greater dependency on proximate green space, as they tend to lack access to other health-promoting resources. We use the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) method and search five databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) to look for articles that examine whether socioeconomic status (SES) or race/ethnicity modify the green space-health associations. Based on this search, we identify 90 articles meeting our inclusion criteria. We find lower-SES people show more beneficial effects than affluent people, particularly when concerning public green spaces/parks rather than green land covers/greenness. Studies in Europe show stronger protective effects for lower-SES people versus higher-SES people than do studies in North America. We find no notable differences in the protective effects of green space between racial/ethnic groups. Collectively, these results suggest green space might be a tool to advance health equity and provide ways forward for urban planners, parks managers, and public health professionals to address health disparities.

scholarly journals Best Practices and Innovations for Managing Codeine Misuse and Dependence

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian J. Norman ◽  
Michael Bergin ◽  
Charles D. Parry ◽  
Marie Claire Van Hout
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Product Information ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
The Road ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Data Points ◽  
Monitoring And Surveillance ◽  
On The Road

Purpose. Promoting and ensuring safe use of codeine containing medicines remains a public health issue given the rise in reporting of misuse and dependence particularly in countries where available over–the-counter (OTC). The aim of this unique study was to identify best practices in management of opioid abuse and dependence, particularly codeine, and innovations to meet challenges surrounding safe and compliant use, patient awareness-raising, reducing health harms and enhancing successful treatment of dependence. Methods. A mixed methods approach using three data points was used that included : (1) analysis of data from existing scoping reviews to identify potential areas for innovation (2) interviews with key national stakeholders from public health, pharmaceutical, regulatory, primary care and addiction practice in three distinct regulatory regimes (Ireland, United Kingdom and South Africa); and (3) a circular email request for information on potential innovations to members of the European Medicine’s Agency European Network of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance (ENCEPP). Data from these three sources were analysed to identify best practices and opportunities for innovation. Results. Best practices and potential innovations were identified under the nine headings: (1) manufacture; (2) product information and public education; (3) responsible prescribing; (4) monitoring and surveillance; (5) dispensing, screening and brief interventions in community pharmacies; (6) safety in the workplace and on the road; (7) internet supply of codeine and online support; (8) treatment of codeine dependence; and (9) learning resources and training for health professionals. Conclusions. Challenges ensuring availability of codeine containing medicines for legitimate therapeutic use, while minimising misuse, dependence and related health harms warrant consideration of new innovations. Most promising innovative potential lies across the products’ retail lifecycle from manufacture to prescriber and community pharmacy practitioner.This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.

scholarly journals Trend Analysis of Average Frequency Using Toothbrushing per Day in South Korea: An Observational Study of the 2010 to 2018 KNHANES Data

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3522
Author(s):  
Yu-Rin Kim ◽  
Hyun-Kyung Kang
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Average Frequency ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Oral Health Promotion ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
The Unemployed

The aim of this study was to examine the trend of average frequency of toothbrushing per day according to the sociodemographic characteristics using the 5th, 6th, and 7th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data for 9 years; from 2010 to 2018. It intends to understand the state of toothbrushing practices in South Korea, and to provide basic data for promoting toothbrushing practices. Data from the 5th, 6th, and 7th KNHANESs conducted by the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency each year was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26.0 (IBM Co., Armonk, NY, USA). Tableau version 2020.1 was used for the graphs and geographic information system (GIS). The significance level of α was set at 0.05 for testing. In all analyses, the complex sampling analysis method with stratification variables, cluster variables, and weights was applied, and the complex sample linear regression analysis. The average frequency of toothbrushing per day was higher in women for all the years; these women belonged to the age group under 65 and the employed group. The average frequency of toothbrushing per day was lower in the married, elementary school graduate, part-time job, and low-income groups for all years. The demographic and social factors affecting the number of toothbrushing practices per day were gender, education level, income level, and work type. After analyzing the average frequency of toothbrushing per day in each of the cities and provinces, Gangwon-do and Jeonbuk showed the highest increase in the frequency of toothbrushing in 2018 compared to 2010, whereas Incheon showed the lowest increase. From the above results, the average frequency of toothbrushing per day was lower in males, those with a low education level, the unemployed, and those in the rural area for a period of 9 years. Therefore, in-depth oral health promotion projects and national benefit policies should be considered for effective toothbrushing education by identifying individuals who do not brush their teeth.

scholarly journals Psychological distress, gender and dietary factors in South Asians: a cross-sectional survey

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 1538-1546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mimi Bhattacharyya ◽  
Louise Marston ◽  
Kate Walters ◽  
Gladstone D'Costa ◽  
Michael King ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Low Income ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Dietary Factors ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Distress Scale

AbstractObjectivePsychological distress, defined as symptoms of depression and anxiety, is an increasingly important public health issue in developing countries. Little is known about the extent to which adverse dietary factors are associated with psychological distress in South Asians. Our aim was to compare the associations of diet and psychological distress in men and women in Goa, India.DesignCross-sectional study of consecutive attendees in nine urban and rural general practices in Goa, India in 2004–2005. All participants completed an FFQ on their dietary intake in a typical week. Psychological distress was measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), a WHO-validated screening instrument.ResultsConsecutive attendees (n 1512; 601 men and 911 women) aged 30 to 75 years participated. Moderate and high scores of psychological distress were detected in significantly more women than men (eighty-eight men v. 264 women, unadjusted OR = 0·39; 95 % CI 0·29, 0·52). Those who ate one or more portions of fish weekly had nearly half the prevalence of distress in both sexes (women, OR = 0·52; 95 % CI 0·29, 0·91; men, OR = 0·50; 95 % CI 0·25, 0·99) and this was independent of age, marital status, education, income, religion and living alone.ConclusionsPsychological distress is significantly lower with fish intake in both sexes. Further longitudinal work is needed to establish temporal relationships. Addressing psychological distress is becoming an increasingly significant public health priority in both high- and low-income countries.

scholarly journals Combat Food Insecurity amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiran Wang
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Cooking Skills ◽  
Food Literacy ◽  
Meal Preparation ◽  
Skill Building

Food insecurity has long been a public health issue in Northwestern Ontario, which adds a substantial burden on social costs and health care. Food insecurity is further exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the closure or limited hours of emergency food and transportation services. Low-income seniors (age>65 years old) face additional risks of food insecurity due to their vulnerability to the coronavirus. To help reduce food insecurity in this specific population, an emergency food program named “Senior Food Bags” was established by Roots to Harvest at the City of Thunder Bay, which provides insights on incorporating skill-building into food distribution activities.     As a dietetic intern, I participated in the planning and implementation of the project. Considering that a lack of fresh produce, limited cooking skills, and comorbidities are major barriers for local low-income seniors, we aim to impart seniors with basic cooking skills and create recipes to consider health concerns. Hence, a weekly recipe was developed to encourage seniors to use healthy ingredients (e.g. fresh and preserved produces of proteins, grains, fruits, and vegetables) included in the bag for meal preparation. No ID was required, and seniors were respectfully approached for communication during the distribution. The mid-term survey suggested that all senior participants (n=40) thought the project helped reduce food insecurity during COVID-19. 1/3 of participants mentioned being more confident and capable of preparing healthier meals.  The project illustrated that skill-building and dignified services in emergency food programs can do more than provide food. To enhance the capacity of food security, the first step is to equip individuals with intentions and skills to combat food challenges. Therefore, in addition to food distribution, food donor projects should also focus on fostering individuals’ food literacy development to empower them and aid public health.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting the Development of Anxiety in Postmenopausal Women: A CrossSectional Study in Coastal Areas

2018 ◽  
pp. 133
Author(s):  
Juminten Saimin ◽  
Satrio Wicaksono ◽  
Junuda Junuda ◽  
Minarti Minarti
Keyword(s):  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Coastal Areas ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Manifest Anxiety

  Objective: To analyze factors associated with anxiety in postmenopausal women.   Methods: This study was descriptive analytic with cross-sectional approach conducted in 228 postmenopausal women that aged 50-64 years old in coastal areas of Kendari City. Samples were taken by simple random sampling. The technique of collecting data used questionnaires and the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (T-MAS). Data were analyzed using Chi-square test with a significance value p  0.05.   Results: The results showed that 188 respondents (82.4%) had. anxiety. Its most experienced anxiety was aged 50-54 years old (37.7%), low education (96.0%), as housewife (62.7%), low income (91.2%) and lived with a partner (54.4%). There was correlation between anxiety with age (p=0.016), education level (p = 0.009), income (p = 0.011), and residence status (p = 0.029). There was no correlation between anxiety with occupation (p = 0.351).   Conclusion: There was a correlation between anxiety in postmenopausal women in coastal areas with age, education level, income, and residence status.   Keywords: age, anxiety, education level, income, postmenopausal women, residence status

scholarly journals Management of obesity in adolescents: state of art

2009 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amélio F. De Godoy-Matos ◽  
Erika Paniago Guedes ◽  
Luciana Lopes de Souza ◽  
Mariana Farage Martins
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Life Style ◽  
Adolescent Obesity ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Complex Interplay ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
Childhood And Adolescent Obesity ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
State Of Art ◽  
Cosmetic Problem

Increasing prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents might represent an emerging public health issue. Pathogenesis of obesity is multifactorial and involves a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Adolescent obesity has been seen as a cosmetic problem only; nevertheless, a significant increase in cardiovascular risk, probably due to obesity-related metabolic disarrangement has been observed. Consequently, discussion on strategies for treating childhood and adolescent obesity has been promoted worldwide. The proposed treatment triad is life style modification, pharmacological, and surgical treatment. Although lacking definitive data, drug therapy has emerged as an efficacious tool, at least in adolescent obesity. Therefore, sibutramine and orlistat may be good therapeutic options when life style modifications alone do not work.

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