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        <title>International Journal of Public Health | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for International Journal of Public Health | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-10-21T17:31:31.100+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610065</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610065</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Body dissatisfaction among French and German sports science students – a cross-country comparison]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-21T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>Elke Grimminger-Seidensticker</author><author>Gaëlle Le Bot</author><author>David Savage</author><author>Elodie Chaplais</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThis cross-country study examines body (dis)satisfaction in relation to motives for using fitness-related social media among sports science students in Germany and France.MethodsA total of 523 German (mean age 21.22) and 611 French (mean age 19.85) sports science students completed a questionnaire to assess body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, drive for size, and motives for engaging with fitness-related social media.ResultsTwo-way factorial ANOVAs revealed that French students exhibited significantly greater body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness compared to their German counterparts. French female students demonstrated a stronger drive for size; male French students demonstrated a stronger drive for thinness. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that body image issues were predicted by gender, country, and social media motives, such as seeking dieting ideas.ConclusionQualitative studies are necessary to investigate unconventional body image concerns among French students. Given that future practitioners act as role models and may be responsible for developing health education programs, it is crucial to ensure that they can educate others in a healthy manner.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609598</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609598</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Male initiation in contraceptive negotiation among Boda-Boda riders in Kampala, Uganda]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>Kevin Micheal Mugisa</author><author>Joseph Rujumba</author><author>Li-Yin Chien</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThis study examined male initiation of contraceptive negotiations, related factors, and associations with method agreement and use frequency among Boda-Boda riders motorcycle taxi operators in Uganda.MethodsA cross-sectional survey (August–September 2023) included 421 sexually active male Boda-Boda riders in Kampala. Logistic and multinomial logistic regression models were used to analyze the data.ResultsOverall, 54.39% of participants initiated contraceptive negotiations, mostly regarding hormonal methods (55%). Initiation was positively associated with age <45 years, history of sexually transmitted infections, recent receipt of family planning information, and partner contraceptive side effects. Factors unexpectedly negatively associated included income ≥1M Ugandan shillings, commercial sex work, and discussing family planning with healthcare workers, the last potentially reflecting reverse causation (men consulting providers after a partner raised the topic). Initiators had significantly higher odds of adopting all contraceptive methods and reporting consistent contraception use.ConclusionResults highlight the need for targeted, male-friendly, and couple-centered interventions. Risk-tailored social behavioral change communication practices and inclusive family planning services are recommended to strengthen reproductive health decision-making.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609804</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609804</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Feasibility and proof-of-concept of a cervical cancer prevention edutainment webisode for African American women in Houston, Texas]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>Chakema Carmack</author><author>Nawar Ahmed</author><author>Antonia Marinoni</author><author>Terra Ousley</author><author>Angelica Roncancio</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesAfrican American women in Harris County, Texas, have a cervical cancer mortality rate higher than other racial/ethnic minorities. Educational interventions designed to increase women’s participation in cervical cancer screening are needed. The present study examined the feasibility and preliminary proof-of-concept for a culturally tailored cervical cancer prevention edutainment webisode intervention intended to influence knowledge, screening intentions, and HPV vaccination intentions.MethodsN = 40 African American females were administered a pre-test, completed the edutainment intervention, and completed the post-test 1 week later.ResultsThe intervention was feasible regarding recruitment, engagement, retention, and acceptability. Cervical cancer knowledge, susceptibility, and intentions to screen (p <0 .01) showed positive signal detection in the expected direction, indicating proof-of-concept. Most participants found the edutainment film acceptable for various age groups and public health venues.ConclusionThe intervention demonstrated suitability for future pilot testing and subsequent randomized controlled trial testing to demonstrate efficacy and effectiveness. To mitigate the cervical cancer disparities among African American women, this population should be informed, motivated, and supported through culturally tailored, effective interventions and public health messaging.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610116</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610116</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Joint trajectories of online and offline social activity, cognitive decline, and frailty progression among middle-aged and older adults in China]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>Xueshan Sun</author><author>Danyi Sun</author><author>Zhongliang Zhou</author><author>Jiao Lu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesTo identify joint trajectories of online and offline social activity and examine their associations with cognitive decline and frailty progression among middle-aged and older adults in China.MethodsData from 14,340 adults aged ≥45 years in CHARLS (2011–2018) were analyzed; outcome-specific samples included 10,323 participants for cognition and 13,960 for frailty. Group-based multi-trajectory modeling identified trajectories. Linear mixed-effects models estimated associations with annual changes in cognition and frailty.ResultsThree trajectories were identified: persistently low social activity engagement (G1, 47.8%), offline social activity dominant (G2, 47.0%), and online social activity increasing (G3, 5.2%). Compared with G1, G2 showed slower cognitive decline (0.010 SD units/year, 95% CI [0.002, 0.018]) and frailty progression (−0.014 SD units/year, 95% CI [−0.020, −0.007]); G3 showed stronger associations for cognition (0.044 SD units/year, 95% CI [0.029, 0.060]) and frailty (−0.041 SD units/year, 95% CI [−0.055, −0.026]).ConclusionThe Offline Social Activity Dominant Group was associated with slower cognitive decline and frailty progression, with stronger associations for the Online Social Activity Increasing Group. Integrating online and offline social participation may support healthy aging.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610023</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610023</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Do job demands and resources generalize across academic career stages? Implications for burnout and work engagement]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>May Thet Nu Noe</author><author>Pascal Wild</author><author>Jana Lasser</author><author>Irina Guseva Canu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThe Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) framework is widely used to explain burnout and work engagement, but its applicability across academic career stages remains unclear. This study examined whether the JD-R framework generalizes across junior and senior researchers.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey collected data from 3,101 researchers across 27 European countries, measuring burnout, work engagement, four job demands (illegitimate tasks, job insecurity, interpersonal conflict, work-family conflict), and four job resources (role clarity, job control, sense of community, predictability). Structural equation modelling (SEM) tested the JD-R framework.ResultsBurnout prevalence was higher among junior (29.5%) than senior (25.1%) researchers. Job demands were associated with burnout, while job resources were associated with work engagement and buffered against burnout. Multigroup SEM did not support measurement invariance across career stages, and separate SEMs showed only moderate-to-poor fit.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the measurement of job demands and resources, as operationalized here, may not operate equivalently across career stages in this heterogeneous, multi-country sample. Career-stage-specific, longitudinal, and multilevel approaches are needed to establish measurement equivalence before testing the JD-R framework’s generalizability in academia.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610302</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610302</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Access before literacy: reframing conversational AI in health self-management for low-resource contexts]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-08T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Commentary</category>
        <author>Ahmed Saad</author><author>Joshua S. Yudkin</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610058</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610058</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Professionals’ perspectives on barriers to improving psychosocial care for adolescents with emotional and behavioural problems – a concept mapping case study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>Katerina Paclikova</author><author>Lucia Bosakova</author><author>Zuzana Dankulincova Veselska</author><author>Peter Tavel</author><author>Sijmen A. Reijneveld</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesRates of emotional and behavioural problems (EBP) in adolescence are high and rising, increasing pressure on psychosocial care systems. Professionals working in these systems have excellent insights in the measures needed. Of these, the most urgent and implementable ones have already been elucidated. Our current aim was to identify measures and interventions to improve psychosocial care for adolescents with EBP that professionals perceived as highly urgent but not yet feasible to implement, revealing potential barriers for implementation.MethodsWe used Concept mapping, a participatory mixed-method approach, combining qualitative data collection with quantitative analysis. Overall, 33 professionals from 17 institutions participated.ResultsParticipants proposed 43 measures/interventions, that could be categorized in five clusters. Of these, 13 were identified as highly urgent but not feasible. Most belonged to clusters related to school system changes, improvement of transparency and functioning of the system of care, and legislative conditions for adolescents with EBP.ConclusionFindings highlight implementation challenges related to school systems, workforce capacity, and system fragmentation. Addressing these challenges will require coordinated system-level approaches and long-term commitment to improve adolescent psychosocial care.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609545</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609545</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Postpartum needs and experiences of young and first-time mothers in northwestern Tanzania]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>Esther Y. Shija</author><author>Janeth Peter</author><author>Elias C. Nyanza</author><author>Namanya Basinda</author><author>Joseph R. Mwanga</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectiveTo explore postpartum needs and lived experiences of young and first-time mothers in northwestern Tanzania.MethodsThis descriptive, phenomenological, qualitative study was conducted between April and July 2022. Participants included young mothers (<20 years old) and first-time mothers within 6 weeks postpartum. Data were collected via 20 in-depth interviews (IDIs) and seven focus group discussions (FGDs) with 42 participants from government health facilities in Mwanza City. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsThe majority of participants (77.8%) were first-time mothers; 69.4% of the respondents were aged 25–35 years. Three themes emerged: postpartum needs, positive experiences, and negative experiences. Postpartum needs included informational support, psychological support, and practical assistance. Positive experiences included pride in motherhood, bonding with the infant, and increased confidence. Negative experiences included sleep disturbances, breastfeeding challenges, changes in appetite, anxiety, and emotional distress, exacerbated by limited support.ConclusionYoung and first-time mothers face significant physical, emotional, and informational challenges in the postpartum period. Strengthening social support and targeted postnatal interventions is critical to improving maternal and infant outcomes in high-burden settings.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609839</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609839</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Nutritional services in primary healthcare in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina: strengthening prevention through multidisciplinary approaches]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-02T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>Jelena Niškanović</author><author>Dragana Stojisavljević</author><author>Dijana Manigoda</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the provision of nutritional services in primary healthcare facilities (PHCs) in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a focus on differences between departments, namely Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Gynecology.MethodsA mixed-methods design was applied, combining a cross-sectional quantitative survey and qualitative focus group discussions. The quantitative component included 50 PHC facilities, while qualitative data were collected through three focus groups with healthcare professionals.ResultsServices related to the improvement of nutrition and the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were provided by 92.4% of PHCs, while 80.5% monitored the nutritional status of the population. Key barriers included lack of time, insufficient staffing, limited financial incentives, and the absence of standardized guidelines. Significant differences in the reported lack of time were found between departments (F = 4.402, p < 0.05), specifically between the Gynecology and Family Medicine departments.ConclusionFindings from healthcare personnel highlight the need for a systemic reorganization of service provision, the development of standardized nutritional guidelines, and the strengthening of preventive services through multidisciplinary approaches.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609784</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609784</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The impact of armed conflict exposure on preterm birth, stillbirth, and neonatal anthropometric measures: a systematic review and meta-analysis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Amani N. Alansari</author><author>Alhan F. Sabbah</author><author>Amani Salim</author><author>Bejoy Varghese</author><author>Kalpana Singh</author><author>Alaa Ahmed Elshanbary</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesTo assess the association between armed conflict exposure and neonatal outcomes, including preterm birth, stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and anthropometric measures.MethodsWe conducted this systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and SCOPUS were searched from inception to January 2026. Studies examining neonatal outcomes among populations exposed to armed conflict, compared with non-exposed or pre-war populations were included. Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.4 software.ResultsSeven studies encompassing diverse conflict settings met the inclusion criteria. No significant associations were observed for preterm birth (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.61–1.05), stillbirth (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.93–1.05), or neonatal mortality (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.73–1.56) after accounting for heterogeneity. Conflict-exposed neonates had higher birth weight (MD 1.56 kg, 95% CI 0.55–2.56) and head circumference (MD 0.60 cm, 95% CI 0.47–0.74).ConclusionThe absence of adverse associations should not be interpreted as evidence of protection. These findings highlight methodological limitations in conflict epidemiology and the urgent need for community-based surveillance systems capturing outcomes among vulnerable populations unable to access healthcare during armed conflicts.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609558</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609558</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The association between green space, socioeconomic deprivation, and COVID-19 infection: a population-based cross-sectional study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>Ruoyu Wang</author><author>Lynsey Patterson</author><author>Aideen Maguire</author><author>Ruth F. Hunter</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesTo assess the association between green space, socioeconomic deprivation, and infection with COVID-19 in Northern Ireland (NI).MethodsThis cross-sectional study included all NI individuals who were tested for COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 (N = 519,005). Analyses were conducted using multilevel logistic regression models. The proportion of green space was measured within neighborhoods in 2020 and expressed as quintiles.ResultsOf the participants, 318,198 (61.31%) had records of testing positive for COVID-19. The results indicated that individuals living in areas with higher woodland cover had lower odds of reporting a positive COVID-19 test result (e.g., fifth quintile: OR = 0.939; 95% CI = 0.894, 0.987). However, individuals living in areas with higher grassland cover had higher odds of reporting a positive COVID-19 test result (e.g., fifth quintile: OR = 1.062; 95% CI = 1.018, 1.108). These associations were stronger in deprived neighborhoods.ConclusionWoodland may provide opportunities for safer social contact while attempting to balance the risk of viral transmission and the potential for positive health behaviors, particularly in more socioeconomically deprived areas. The government should work with urban planners and improve the availability of green spaces as part of future pandemic preparedness strategies.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1608766</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1608766</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Evaluating indoor residual spraying in Côte d’Ivoire: the role of routine malaria data quality]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>Christian Selinger</author><author>Kouakou D. Appeti</author><author>Sumaiyya Thawer</author><author>Georgina Angoa</author><author>Serge A. Aïmain</author><author>Serge B. Assi</author><author>Emilie Pothin</author><author>Emily R. Hilton</author><author>Antoine M. Tanoh</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesIndoor residual spraying (IRS) was introduced in Côte d’Ivoire in 2020. We seek to identify potential factors that could compromise the quality of routine malaria incidence and determine how impact quantification of IRS on malaria incidence depends on data quality by emphasizing robust counterfactuals with contemporaneous covariates.MethodsUsing mixed-effect models and correlation analysis we compare data from two sources (routine surveillance and re-digitized registries). To quantify decrease in incidence post intervention, we apply Bayesian structural time series analysis with posterior feature selection to determine impact confounders.ResultsThe presence of IRS, test positivity and reporting rates are significant factors impacting data quality. For high-quality data, we estimate a 12% resp. 19% decrease in incidence rate 1 year after the intervention, while for low-quality data estimates are 30% resp. 42%. Important covariates for counterfactual modeling are control district incidence, reporting and test positivity rates.ConclusionImprovements in data quality by scrutinizing test positivity rates and health facility reporting can help avoid overly optimistic impact estimations for IRS. Incidence control districts remain inevitable in order to factor out impact confounders.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609821</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609821</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Considering young and socially marginalized people in urban revitalization: evidence on enablers and barriers from a mid-size Canadian city]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>Martine Shareck</author><author>Clara Blache-Pichette</author><author>Jeremy Hugonnier</author><author>Meghan Winters</author><author>Anne-Marie Tougas</author><author>Daniel Fuller</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectiveThis study explored what enabled and constrained consideration of young and socially marginalized people’s needs and interests in the downtown revitalization of a mid-size Canadian city.MethodsIn this interpretive descriptive study, we conducted nine semi-structured interviews with 10 key informants from the municipal, community organization and private sectors involved in the revitalization initiative. We analyzed interview transcripts following the framework method to identify main themes.ResultsAccording to participants, young and socially marginalized people’s needs and interests were not explicitly considered since the initiative predominantly aimed to improve the downtown physical and economic environment. Participants were, however, open to collaborate for a more equitable and inclusive revitalization, but diverging perspectives on (1) reasons for revitalizing the downtown, (2) how “young” and “socially marginalized” people were implicitly defined, (3) collaborative structures and mechanisms, and (4) public participation processes and strategies, constrained fulsome consideration of these groups.ConclusionThe factors we identified as enabling and constraining consideration of young and socially marginalized people who experience neighbourhood revitalization firsthand can serve as a springboard to devise solutions for inclusive and health-promoting urban planning.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610290</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610290</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Why historical data matter for understanding the long-term effects of measles]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Commentary</category>
        <author>Harris Bendel</author><author>Katarina L. Matthes</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609686</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609686</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Joint trajectories of health behaviors and their associations with healthcare utilization and expenditure]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>Jeong Min Yang</author><author>Jang Mook Kim</author><author>Tae Su Jang</author><author>Jieun Hwang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThis study identified sex-specific trajectories of key health behaviors among middle-aged and older adults and examined their longitudinal associations with healthcare utilization and expenditure.MethodsWe analyzed 167,343 Korean adults aged 40–79 years from 2002 to 2019 using the National Health Insurance Service Health Screening Cohort. Group-based multi-trajectory modeling identified joint trajectories of smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and BMI. Associations with healthcare outcomes were assessed using generalized estimating equations stratified by sex and age group.ResultsSix distinct health behavior trajectories were identified in both sexes. Among men, the higher moderate-risk trajectory showed fewer outpatient visits but longer hospital stays. Among women, the higher severe-risk trajectory was associated with increased expenditures and higher healthcare utilization. Age-stratified analyses revealed stronger associations for severe-risk trajectories in men aged <65 years and lower severe-risk trajectories in those aged ≥65 years.ConclusionSex- and age-specific behavioral trajectories were differentially associated with healthcare utilization and expenditure, underscoring the importance of multidimensional behavioral patterns in developing preventive strategies to reduce healthcare burdens.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610111</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610111</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Stress and coping among dual caregivers in China: a grounded theory study of intergenerational caregiving]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>Han Hu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesTo examine how adults who simultaneously care for older adults and children aged 0–6 years experience competing demands, mobilize resources, and negotiate caregiving decisions in two Chinese cities.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative grounded theory study with 23 dual caregivers in Shanghai and Xi’an. Participants were recruited from an online questionnaire pool and interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Interview transcripts were analyzed through constant comparison and iterative coding.ResultsThe analysis generated a feedback process linking continuous and competing care demands, secondary strains, conditional resources, and negotiated outcomes. Overlapping, urgent, and difficult-to-substitute tasks extended strain into work, finances, psychological wellbeing, and family relationships. Family help, formal and market services, and self-regulation widened caregivers’ room for action only when they were accessible, reliable, affordable, and matched to specific tasks. Caregivers formed four changeable strategy configurations and made varied adjustments to work, further childbearing, and future planning.ConclusionDual caregiving is a dynamic process in which competing demands, resource allocation, and strategy adjustment reinforce one another. Continuous, affordable, and time-matched support may strengthen families’ capacity to sustain care.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610014</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610014</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Work ability literacy among managers in the health and social care sector – a qualitative study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>Eveliina Korkiakangas</author><author>Maria Paavolainen</author><author>Kirsikka Selander</author><author>Risto Nikunlaakso</author><author>Maarit Kaartinen</author><author>Tiina Koivisto</author><author>Nina Nevanperä</author><author>Jaana Laitinen</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Objectiveto deepen the understanding of the contents of work ability literacy among managers in the health and social care sector regarding both their own and their employees’ work ability.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted from June to October in 2024 with 49 managers in the health and social care sector in Finland.ResultsManagers’ knowledge about work ability and its promotion is shaped by organizational information, personal experience and education, and interactions within the work community. Their aim in supporting work ability is to ensure effective organizational operations, promote employee wellbeing, and fulfil their managerial responsibilities. Managers have varied understandings of work ability, which can focus on individual traits, personal life or adaptation and modification of work. Practical methods to support work ability include adjusting work content, referring employees to occupational health services, offering social support, enhancing professional skills, and promoting healthy lifestyles and recovery from work.ConclusionTo effectively support work ability, managers need adequate resources and more education on contents of work ability literacy. Especially skills and possibilities to prevent work disability are needed.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610020</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1610020</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Deploying artificial intelligence for occupational and environmental health in waste management: a systematic review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-21T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Wei Li</author><author>Zhengyan Ge</author><author>Hui Wang</author><author>Mingzi Yuan</author><author>Zhican Yin</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThis systematic review examines how artificial intelligence (AI) mitigates occupational and environmental health risks in waste management, a sector where workers and communities face infectious, toxic, and physical hazards.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched the SCOPUS database and reviewed 81 peer-reviewed articles. The analysis focused on the types of AI technologies applied, their deployment across waste management stages, and the specific health risks they address.ResultsThe analysis identifies five types of health risks targeted by AI applications. AI is deployed across five waste management stages and four technical paradigms (supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement, and deep learning). AI alleviates hazards via three primary pathways: automated risk-source isolation, robotic substitution for high-risk tasks, and macro-level exposure monitoring.ConclusionCurrent public health research has largely neglected health risk reduction gains from waste management technological innovation. Institutional innovations that can facilitate responsible AI deployment are discussed. This interdisciplinary perspective underscores the necessity of cross-sector collaboration to tackle public health issues.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1608594</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1608594</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Pharmacy academicians’ perception towards public health: a qualitative study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-18T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>Şeyma Halaç</author><author>Muhammed Yunus Bektay</author><author>Hasan Hüseyin Eker</author><author>Mustafa Öztürk</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThis qualitative study explored pharmacy academics’ perceptions of pharmacists’ public health roles, the adequacy of pharmacy education, and barriers to public health practice in Türkiye.MethodsEleven pharmacy academics from Faculties of Pharmacy in Istanbul participated in online, in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.ResultsParticipants viewed public health as a multidimensional field centred on prevention and collaboration. Community pharmacies were considered accessible entry points to healthcare with substantial potential to provide preventive services, support health literacy, and contribute to chronic disease management. This potential remained underutilised due to insufficient public health competencies in pharmacy education, limited societal health literacy, and inadequate systemic recognition of pharmacists’ roles.ConclusionStrengthening public health education in pharmacy curricula and establishing policies that recognise pharmacists as frontline public health practitioners may enhance their contribution to population health.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609991</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609991</link>
        <title><![CDATA[From evidence to action: expert perspectives on stakeholder dialogues in Swiss health policy]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-18T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Article</category>
        <author>Sara Rubinelli</author><author>Cristina Mesa-Vieira</author><author>Isabelle Peytremann-Bridevaux</author><author>Nicola Diviani</author><author>Sarah Mantwill</author><author>Natalie Gray Messerli</author><author>Maddalena Fiordelli</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesStakeholder dialogues are increasingly used to link research evidence with policy and practice in health systems. Yet little is known about the practical reasoning behind their design, conduct, and use. This study investigated how researchers and public-health professionals conceptualise and operationalise stakeholder dialogues, with a primary focus on Switzerland’s federal, multilingual health system and broader relevance to other settings.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with fourteen experts involved in designing, facilitating, or implementing stakeholder dialogues in Switzerland and internationally. Interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsStakeholder dialogues emerged as structured, evidence-informed discussions linking research to implementation. Success depended on high-quality evidence briefs, skilled neutral facilitation, and inclusive formats enabling equal participation. Consensus was not required; clarified disagreement and transparent reasoning were legitimate outcomes. Impact ranged from mutual learning to policy uptake, shaped by federalism and linguistic diversity.ConclusionStakeholder dialogues function as boundary infrastructures that integrate evidence, experience, and values. When deliberately designed, they enhance the quality of reasoning, trust, and coordination, transforming evidence use from a technical exercise into a relational practice in health policymaking.]]></description>
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