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        <title>Public Health Reviews | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/public-health-reviews</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Public Health Reviews | New and Recent Articles</description>
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        <pubDate>2026-07-04T19:32:51.705+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609646</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609646</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Systematic review of initiatives promoting health career paths for secondary-level students]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-07-02T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Julia Stiz</author><author>Anne-Linda Camerini</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThis systematic review examined healthcare career promotional initiatives targeting secondary-level students to characterize initiative types, evaluate their effectiveness at influencing students’ knowledge, interest, attitudes, and healthcare career pathways, and identify factors influencing program success.MethodsA pre-registered systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Seven databases were searched. Analysis and interpretation were guided by a modified Motivation–Opportunity–Ability (MOA) model. Study quality was assessed with adapted checklists.ResultsFifty studies with a total of 5,315 participants were included. Forty-four initiatives were North American, targeting grades eleven and twelve through camps, courses, internships, mentorships, and continuum programs. Studies observed short-term improvements in interest, attitudes, knowledge, and career pathways. The success of initiatives was associated with flexibility, accessibility, funding, cultural relevance, and community involvement. Risk of bias assessment was heterogeneous, ranging from moderate to high.ConclusionCurrent healthcare career promotional initiatives are promising but constrained by moderate quality, geographical limitation, and heterogeneity. The Integrated MOA-Informed Model offers a valuable framework for the design and evaluation of future initiatives, highlighting the need for more rigorous, diverse, and longitudinal evaluations.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024515728, identifier CRD42024515728.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609108</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609108</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Key determinants of self-management in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease: a systematic review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Alimzhan Muxunov</author><author>Dina Kalinina</author><author>Ikechi Okpechi</author><author>Racquel Lowe-Jones</author><author>Abduzhappar Gaipov</author><author>Zhanat Kuanshaliyeva</author><author>Symbat Bayakhmetova</author><author>Meruyert Madikenova</author><author>Antonio Sarria-Santamera</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesAdoption of recommended self-management behaviors has been associated with a lower risk of disease progression, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This systematic review aims to identify factors associated with the adherence of non-dialysis-dependent CKD (NDD-CKD) patients to recommended self-management practices.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Medline, and CINAHL Plus databases from 1st January 2010 to 30th June 2024. The extracted data included associations of variables with self-management scores. The findings were descriptively presented in a grouped tabular form. The study was registered with the PROSPERO, CRD42024547304.ResultsFrom 1,914 studies identified, 16 cross-sectional studies with 3,658 participants were selected for inclusion. Objective CKD knowledge, health literacy, self-efficacy and social support consistently showed positive associations with self-management across multiple studies.ConclusionThis systematic review revealed multiple factors associated with self-management in NDD-CKD patients, with disease-related knowledge, health literacy, and self-efficacy showing the most consistent positive associations across studies. Healthcare providers and policymakers should develop and implement health literacy and awareness programs as a strategy for improving patient outcomes.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=547304, identifier CRD42024547304.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608819</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608819</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Poor adherence to cancer therapy in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Astewle Andargie Baye</author><author>Yirgalem Abere</author><author>Demewoz Kefale</author><author>Yeshiambaw Eshetie</author><author>Mengistu Ewunetu</author><author>Lakachew Yismaw Bazezew</author><author>Gebrie Kassaw Yirga</author><author>Gebrehiwot Berie Mekonnen</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesPoor adherence significantly compromises the effectiveness and success of cancer treatment. Understanding the full scope and contributing factors of poor adherence is essential for improving patient care. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of poor adherence to cancer therapy in Ethiopia.MethodsThe preliminary concepts were registered into PROSPERO. Comprehensive searches of multiple databases were conducted to identify relevant articles. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled effect size. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Publication bias was evaluated through both qualitative and quantitative methods. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was done to ensure the robustness of the studies.ResultsThe analysis includes 15 studies with a total of 7,115 cancer patients. The result indicates that, the overall pooled prevalence of poor adherence to cancer therapy in Ethiopia was 41.45% (95% CI: 33.37–49.52). Comorbidity, treatment side-effects, and residency settings are factors independently associated with poor adherence.ConclusionPoor adherence to cancer therapy in Ethiopia is significant. Therefore, efforts are needed to increase adherence. Comprehensive and timely management of comorbid conditions and treatment adverse effects can increase adherence to treatment.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609639</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609639</link>
        <title><![CDATA[From commitment to capacity: strengthening Europe’s public health response to cardiovascular disease and diabetes through life-course prevention]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-24T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Policy Brief</category>
        <author>Sarah Cuschieri</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundCardiovascular disease and diabetes remain the leading causes of premature mortality in Europe, despite longstanding political commitments and the availability of cost-effective preventive interventions. As the global public health community approaches the 40th anniversary of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, persistent gaps between prevention principles and implementation require renewed policy focus.AnalysisThis policy brief synthesises evidence from international reports and European initiatives to examine why prevention efforts for cardiovascular disease and diabetes have not achieved sufficient scale or impact. It highlights the role of obesity, diabetes, and early-life risk exposure in shaping cardiovascular risk, alongside fragmented surveillance systems and continued reliance on reactive, treatment-centred care. While current policy frameworks demonstrate ambition, implementation and accountability remain inconsistent.Policy OptionsPriority actions include embedding life-course prevention across cardiovascular and diabetes strategies, strengthening primary and community-based prevention, investing in equity-oriented surveillance, and scaling collaborative initiatives such as JACARDI and JA PreventNCD.ConclusionAchieving equitable prevention of cardiovascular disease and diabetes requires a shift from reactive care to sustained life-course prevention.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608243</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608243</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A post-PHEIC review of cultural awareness in the COVID-19 response]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-24T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Kyoo-Man Ha</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThe PHEIC status of COVID-19 was officially lifted by the WHO on May 5, 2023. However, many nations continue to grapple with its impacts, particularly those that have not fully embraced the emergency culture. This study aims to explore ways to enhance emergency culture that rose during the COVID-19 response, ultimately contributing to effective pandemic management.MethodsA systematic literature review, including the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram and checklist, was used to compare cultural unawareness with cultural awareness across six nations: Japan, Sweden, South Africa, the United States, Brazil, and Australia.ResultsTo varying degrees, all six nations exhibited cultural unawareness during their COVID-19 responses, which manifested in issues such as personal responsibilities, herd immunity, inequalities, individualism, economic priorities, language barriers, and other factors.ConclusionThese six nations must adaptively transform their cultural unawareness into cultural awareness while enhancing leadership, communication, cultural competence, emergency preparedness, and international cooperation. This study offers a comprehensive perspective on the emergency culture surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, emphasizing the critical importance of cultural awareness.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609310</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609310</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Preventive Measures and Crowd Management Strategies to Mitigate the Risk of Stampedes in Public Gatherings: A Systematic Review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-18T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Rahul Singh Chowhan</author><author>Ramesh Kumar Hudda</author><author>Arun Kumar Sharma</author><author>Pankaj Bhardwaj</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesTo evaluate crowd-management strategies used at mass public gatherings and to identify the evidence gaps and priorities that reduce the risk of stampedes.MethodsFollowing PRISMA 2020 and PRISMA-S guidelines, the paper searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar (gray literature), and the WHO Global Health Library (gray literature) published between January 1, 2010 and December 30, 2025. Eligible studies included observational, quasi-experimental, and simulation-based evaluations of crowd-safety interventions. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and appraised study quality using ROBINS-I and JBI checklist. A narrative (thematic) synthesis grouped interventions into engineering, operational, technology, and communication approaches.ResultsOf 833 unique records identified, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Included studies were mainly observational analyses, simulation/modeling studies, or quasi-experiments from diverse settings (pilgrimages, festivals, sports events). Multi-modal strategies combining environmental design (one-way flows, barriers), operational controls, real-time monitoring, and trained personnel were consistently associated with improved crowd-flow indicators (shorter evacuation times).ConclusionIntegrated crowd-management approaches can mitigate stampede risks, but require high-quality empirical evaluations and standardized outcome metrics to strengthen evidence for policy and practice.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251142906, identifier CRD420251142906.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609470</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609470</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Job performance among health professionals in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-17T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Hailemariam Gezie</author><author>Mekuriaw Wuhib</author><author>Dagnew Tigabu</author><author>Habtam Gelaye</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the pooled estimate of good job performance among health professionals in Ethiopia.MethodsWe searched multiple databases, such as PubMed, African Journals Online, Hinari, Google Scholar, and repositories, by combining keywords using the Boolean operators “AND” and “OR.” Observational studies that reported job performance were screened by their title, abstract, and full texts and included in this review. Data were extracted using a standardized Excel template and analyzed using STATA 17 software. We pooled good job performance in the random effects model. Heterogeneity was checked using the Galbraith plot, I2, and Q statistics and identified by subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot.ResultsThe meta-analysis revealed a 66% (CI: 55, 77) pooled prevalence of good job performance among Ethiopian health professionals. Higher estimates were observed in studies with a sample size of <350 (72%), conducted in Addis Ababa (76%), after 2020 (65%), and among nurses (69%).ConclusionOnly two-thirds of Ethiopian health professionals demonstrated good job performance, highlighting the need for implementing targeted performance improvement interventions.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251013239, identifier CRD420251013239.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609517</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609517</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Transformative public health education - are we there, yet?]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Special Issue Editorial</category>
        <author>Mark Avery</author><author>Suzanne Babich</author><author>Katarzyna Czabanowska</author><author>Laura Magaña</author><author>Mindaugas Stankunas</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609708</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609708</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Diplomatic monocultures in public health diplomacy: a narrative review on conference equity, participation and visibility]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Martin Ernst</author><author>Lars Münter</author><author>Adam Skali</author><author>Eva Turk</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesPublic health diplomacy increasingly unfolds under polycrisis conditions shaped by pandemics, conflict, demographic change, climate-related shocks, governance turbulence, and the infodemic. This narrative review examines conference equity, participation, and visibility as governance-relevant mechanisms within public health diplomacy.MethodsWe conducted a narrative synthesis of recent literature on global health governance, public health diplomacy, conference participation, diversity and inclusion, digital and hybrid convening, and equity-oriented capacity building.ResultsThe synthesis indicates that participation and visibility gaps across gender, geography, country income context, career stage, language, mobility, and institutional resources can shape whose expertise is recognized, which agendas become prominent, and which coalitions form. We conceptualize these patterns as “diplomatic monocultures” that may narrow policy imagination, weaken legitimacy, and constrain capacity building. The review further identifies digital and hybrid formats as potential equity mechanisms only when designed to support comparable visibility, interaction, and influence.ConclusionConference equity should be treated as a public health diplomacy lever. We propose a multi-level roadmap for organizers, institutions, funders, and governance actors to strengthen equitable participation and more context-responsive global health governance.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608655</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608655</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A realist review to understand the complexity of effective management of type 2 diabetes and hypertension]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Fatemeh Ehteshami</author><author>Anna Verjans</author><author>Rachel Cassidy</author><author>Fabrizio Tediosi</author><author>Günther Fink</author><author>Daniel Cobos Muñoz</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesWe aimed to disentangle the mechanisms that govern the effective management of diabetes and/or hypertension in various contexts in low- and middle-income countries.MethodsWe conducted a realist review guided by the Realist and MEta-narrative Evidence Syntheses Evolving Standards. We systematically searched electronic databases to examine in what contexts, how, and for whom programs targeting diabetes and/or hypertension care work through context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations and then revised an initial program theory to a refined program theory.ResultsWe identified four CMO configurations. (1) Cross-sectoral partnerships activate the mechanisms of resource pooling and mobilization, improving healthcare services coverage and fostering sustainable local buy-in (2) Integration of disease-specific programs facilitates coordinated care, resulting in treatment adherence (3) Digitalized infrastructure and literacy enable the mechanisms of mHealth and eHealth implementation and clinical decentralization, improving access, coordination, and treatment adherence (4) Patient-centered care triggers the mechanisms of patient-provider communication and personalized care, leading to patient engagement and health education.ConclusionThis review provides insights into the relevance of contexts and their associated mechanisms for operationalizing successful models of care for diabetes and/or hypertension that enhance health outcomes.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608969</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608969</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Perceived barriers and facilitators of accessing statutory and non-statutory services, in disadvantaged communities, in England: a co-produced qualitative review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Kristof Santa</author><author>Rosie Gordon</author><author>Buket Kara</author><author>Jorg Huber</author><author>Henry Pollock</author><author>Heather Catt</author><author>Prabhad Jayakody</author><author>Koser Khan</author><author>Andrew Harding</author><author>Anna Kenyon</author><author>Jade Swain-Veneziale</author><author>Amalia Theophilou</author><author>Grace Robson</author><author>Barbara Mezes</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThis review explored the perceived barriers and facilitators to accessing statutory and non-statutory health and social care services among disadvantaged populations in England. Community-based services delivered by statutory bodies and the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCSFE) sector are critical for addressing social determinants of health, fostering resilience, and promoting equity. However, in disadvantaged areas, complex needs and structural exclusion frequently limit their effectiveness.MethodsCo-produced with academics, VCFSE sector, and public contributors, this review synthesised qualitative research published since 2003, drawing on first-hand accounts of service users to explore how intersecting forms of disadvantage affect service access.ResultsThe review identified four themes influencing access to community-based services among disadvantaged groups: structural and informational barriers, the impact of cultural, social, and economic contexts, institutional trust and continuity, and emotional motivators and barriers.ConclusionImproving access to community-based services requires structural and cultural alignment with users’ lives. Services ought to prioritise flexibility, trust, and navigational support while addressing emotional and institutional barriers.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608894</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608894</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Optimizing intersectoral collaboration and citizen participation in community-level health promotion: a scoping review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-26T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Jannemiek Sonneveld</author><author>Lilian van der Ven</author><author>Janna Bruijning</author><author>Niek de Wit</author><author>Katarina Jerković-Ćosić</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesWe aimed to map facilitators and barriers for both intersectoral collaboration (IC) and citizen participation (CP) in community-level health promotion.MethodsIn this scoping review, we searched PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, Global Health, Sociological Abstracts, and Social Services Abstracts, using keywords pertaining to IC, CP, health promotion, and local context to identify studies published between January 2013 and March 2025.ResultsWe included 44 studies: 16 on IC, 16 on CP, and 12 on both. Facilitators and barriers can be divided into six overarching themes: Shared purpose, Operationalization, Relational dynamics, Adequate structure and support, Essential people at the table, and Personal drives. The frequency and interpretation of these themes differed between IC and CP.ConclusionFacilitators and barriers for both IC and CP in community-based health promotion can be divided into six themes, with both similarities and distinguishing differences existing between IC and CP. Our study presents a framework that reflects the realities of collaboration across sectors and with citizens, which can be used to initiate, sustain, evaluate, and optimize health promotion collaboration processes.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609722</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609722</link>
        <title><![CDATA[From tokenism to youth leadership in child and adolescent mental health research]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-26T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Commentary</category>
        <author>Sophie Mae Harrington</author><author>Paul Louis Fiedler</author><author>Katerina Sidiroglou</author><author>Nadia Ahmed</author><author>Hannah Brunskill</author><author>Jennifer Hall</author><author>Ledia Lazëri</author><author>João Breda</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609031</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609031</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Defining Competencies for Policymaking in Public Health: A Scoping Review on the State-of- The-Art]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Lorraine Frisina Doetter</author><author>Gabriela de Carvalho</author><author>Emilia Aragon de Leon</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThis study examines the competencies required for effective public health policymaking, seeking to identify and catalog existing scholarship and to develop an analytical framework organizing competencies into cross-cutting domains to guide training and capacity development.MethodsA scoping review of the literature was conducted, analysing 43 peer-reviewed studies that addressed policymaking competencies in public health. Competencies were inductively coded, synthesized, and organized into themes using thematic analysis.Results64 competencies were identified and mapped into eight domains: analytical and research, political, leadership and management, design thinking, collaboration and networking, communication, resource mobilization, and technology readiness. Analytical and research competencies were most frequently cited, underscoring the centrality of evidence-based decision-making. Design thinking and collaboration also featured prominently, reflecting the growing emphasis on complexity management and stakeholder engagement. By contrast, communication, resource mobilization, and technology readiness were underrepresented, despite their importance for modern policymaking.ConclusionThe resulting eight-domain framework consolidates a fragmented field and underscores the need for more comprehensive competency-building strategies. It offers practical guidance for policymakers, educators, and institutions seeking to strengthen public health leadership.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609723</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609723</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Risk formulation, lived experience, and patient leadership in European CAMHS]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-04T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Commentary</category>
        <author>Nadia Ahmed</author><author>Sophie Mae Harrington</author><author>Aikaterina Sidiroglou</author><author>Paul Louis Fiedler</author><author>Hannah Brunskill</author><author>Jennifer Hall</author><author>Ledia Lazeri</author><author>Joao Breda</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608853</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608853</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Rethinking health priorities for displaced populations through the integration of epigenetics and iterative reasoning]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Policy Brief</category>
        <author>Alessandra Milani</author><author>Luisa Saiani</author><author>Ketti Mazzocco</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundOver 120 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide, nearly half of them children. Current health responses remain largely emergency-driven, addressing immediate survival needs but overlooking the longer-term biological and psychosocial consequences of chronic trauma.AnalysisEmerging evidence suggests that severe adversities, for example those happening during pregnancy and early childhood, can become biologically embedded through changes in gene regulation. While data on humans are largely observational, and inherited transgenerational effects remain under investigation, the initial evidence reinforces the importance of prioritizing continuity of care, trauma-informed services, and early-life interventions alongside social determinants.Policy OptionsWe propose three complementary actions: (1) scale community-based, culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health services integrated with primary care; (2) incorporate trauma science, epigenetics, and complex systems-related thinking into medical and social curricula; and (3) adopt iterative, adaptive policy cycles that revisit priorities through shared indicators and stakeholder feedbacks.ConclusionShifting from one-off crisis management to iterative, evidence-informed planning enables health systems to address both immediate needs and longer-term, potentially intergenerational risks, making responses more anticipatory, accountable, and sustainable.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609172</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609172</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A Narrative Review on Dietary and Lifestyle Contributors to Non-Communicable Diseases in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Aaesha Salem Alhebsi</author><author>Tareq M. Osaili</author><author>Dimitrios Papandreou</author><author>Falak Zeb</author><author>Maysm N. Mohamad</author><author>Makhayel Sultan Alkaabi</author><author>Lily Stojanovska</author><author>Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri</author><author>Leila Cheikh Ismail</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are significant public health issue in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This review identified and evaluated dietary and lifestyle risk factors associated with NCDs across GCC countries.MethodsGoogle Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were systematically searched for studies published between January 2020 and December 2024. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP).ResultsTwenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Obesity prevalence ranged from 38% to 47% across GCC countries and emerged as a significant risk factor, with notable socioeconomic association, especially among women. The most prevalent unhealthy eating practices included excessive consumption of fast, processed, and ultra-processed foods, energy-dense diets, high-carbohydrate intake, and insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption. Educational level and income were strongly associated with dietary behaviors and physical activity. Physical inactivity was also consistently identified as a key contributor to obesity and NCD risk.ConclusionPoor diet and sedentary behavior are major contributors to NCDs in the GCC. Targeted interventions, public education, promotion of active lifestyles, and supportive policy reforms are needed for both adults and children.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609824</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609824</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Acknowledgement to Reviewers 2025]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-27T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Editorial</category>
        <author>PHR Editorial Office </author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609302</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609302</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Strengthening Uganda’s Climate-Resilient Health Systems: A Position Paper on Climate and Health Policy]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Commentary</category>
        <author>Bernard Jackson Zikanga</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609282</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609282</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Integrating Emergency Medical Services Into Health Systems for Continuous and Resilient Care]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Commentary</category>
        <author>Gina Marie Gerlach</author><author>Sarah Maria Esther Jerjen</author><author>Armin Gemperli</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesEmergency Medical Services (EMS) are central to acute care, disaster response, and public health. Yet prehospital data in many systems remain disconnected from hospital and follow-up outcomes. This paper examines how fragmented, unidirectional data flows limit quality assurance, system learning, and crisis preparedness, using Switzerland as an illustrative case.MethodsWe analyze data flows across the rescue chain based on regulatory context, current handover practices, and international reference models. The analysis is supported by existing registry initiatives and a conceptual systems framework.ResultsAcross EMS systems, information is generated in silos and transferred through brief handovers without systematic outcome feedback. Evaluation is therefore reduced to operational metrics such as response times, obscuring the clinical impact of prehospital care. In Switzerland, decentralized governance and the absence of national standards reinforce these dynamics. Existing registries demonstrate that outcome tracking is feasible using minimal standardized datasets.ConclusionBidirectional EMS data exchange is essential to transform linear rescue chains into learning health systems. A national EMS minimum dataset with mandatory reporting and outcome feedback would enable transparency, quality improvement, and resilient emergency care.]]></description>
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