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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>2026-04-14T21:26:28.928+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609756</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609756</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Improving the Quality of Life of Parkinson’s Disease Patients in Cambodia: A Perspective on Addressing the Gaps]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Commentary</category>
        <author>Virak Sorn</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609375</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609375</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Interventions Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy in the WHO European Region and in North America (United States and Canada): A Systematic Review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-09T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Flavia Pennisi</author><author>Carlo Lunetti</author><author>Chiara Barbati</author><author>Luca Viviani</author><author>Anna Carole D’Amelio</author><author>Anabela da Conceição Pereira</author><author>Tiago Correia</author><author>Anna Odone</author><author>Carlo Signorelli</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectiveVaccine hesitancy threatens optimal immunization coverage. This review systematically identified and evaluated interventions addressing vaccine hesitancy in the WHO European Region and in North America (United States and Canada).MethodsA systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, and Embase from inception to 17 January 2024. Eligible studies evaluated interventions targeting vaccine hesitancy. Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment followed the methodological guidance of the Cochrane Handbook, and reporting adhered to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024565588). Interventions were categorized as educational, communicational, policy-based, organizational, or digital.ResultsA total of 59 studies met the inclusion criteria. Effective approaches included multicomponent strategies, community engagement, reminder and recall systems, educational campaigns, and legislative measures. Digital interventions yielded promising but heterogeneous results. The effectiveness of interventions was often enhanced when tailored to specific population needs and local contexts.ConclusionMultifaceted interventions adapted to the sociocultural context appear most effective in reducing vaccine hesitancy in Europe and North America. Further high-quality studies are needed to refine implementation strategies and evaluate long-term impacts.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024565588, identifier CRD42024565588.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609202</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609202</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Prevalence of Gestational Toxoplasmosis by Race and Ethnicity: A Systematic Review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Sara Rafaela Valcacio Camargo</author><author>Raquel Souza Borges</author><author>Samantha Valcacio Camargo</author><author>Ana Karoline de Freitas Nascimento</author><author>Héllyda de Souza Bezerra</author><author>Talita Araujo Souza</author><author>Dyego Leandro Bezerra de Souza</author><author>Isabelle Ribeiro Barbosa</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Objectivesto identify the prevalence of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy according to race or ethnicity through a systematic review.Methodsthe protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024596261). Searches were conducted in PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and Google Scholar using descriptors related to toxoplasmosis, pregnancy, prenatal care, and race/ethnicity combined with Boolean operators. Cross-sectional studies reporting prevalence among pregnant women according to racial or ethnic groups were included.Resultsof the 4,652 records identified, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted, organized, and analyzed qualitatively. The findings revealed differences in toxoplasmosis prevalence between ethno-racial groups. In Brazil, higher prevalence was observed among Pardo (mixed-race) and Indigenous populations. In the United Kingdom, Afro-Caribbean women showed a prevalence of 31.48%. In Sri Lanka, Sinhalese women had higher prevalence (13.56%) compared to non-Sinhalese women (6.3%). Variations across continents were evident.Conclusionsignificant disparities in toxoplasmosis prevalence during pregnancy were identified among ethno-racial groups, especially among Pardo, Indigenous, and Black populations, highlighting the need for broader multicenter investigations worldwide.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=CRD42024596261, identifier CRD42024596261.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609453</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609453</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Future Guardians of Health: Involving The Young Generation in the One-Health Program in India]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Letter to the Editor</category>
        <author>Kajal Srivastava</author><author>Shweta Chauhan</author><author>Sahjid Mukhida</author><author>Shaili Vyas</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609220</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609220</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Strengthening the Rehabilitation System in Ukraine]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Policy Brief</category>
        <author>Anastasiia Boichuk</author><author>Anna Fehlbaum</author><author>Kateryna Tymruk-Skoropad</author><author>Anna Duchenko</author><author>Kaspar Wyss</author><author>Helen Prytherch</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundThe full-scale invasion of Ukraine has increased demand for rehabilitation services, exacerbating preexisting deficiencies in the rehabilitation system.AnalysisThis policy brief examines Ukrainian legislation, scientific and grey literature, and findings from stakeholder consultations to reveal persistent marginalization of persons with disabilities (PwD) and limited inclusion in education, employment, and public life. The rehabilitation system and its governance remain fragmented and overly institutional, resulting in poor continuity of care, weak interdisciplinary collaboration, and limited community integration. Resource provision is strained by the war and rising demand for assistive devices. Yet, the influx of humanitarian and development actors presents an opportunity to rebuild and modernize systems and narratives.Policy OptionsWe propose (i) establishing an integrated governance and coordination mechanism for rehabilitation services (ii) launching scalable patient pathway models linking hospitals, community-based rehabilitation, and accompanying service providers, and (iii) developing a case management system for smooth assistive device provision.ConclusionImproving Ukraine’s rehabilitation ecosystem can advance destigmatization, social reintegration, and a rights-based disability framework, offering lessons for other conflict-affected contexts.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609176</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609176</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Urban Healthy Ageing in Romania: Policy Options for Age-Friendly Cities and Long-Term Care Reform]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-24T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Policy Brief</category>
        <author>Sorina Corman</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundRomania’s rapid population ageing now unfolds primarily in cities, where health, social care, housing and mobility intersect. Within metropolitan areas, older residents face unequal access to community long-term care (LTC), digital services and health-promoting public space.AnalysisFramed by European Commission and WHO agendas, this brief examines Romania’s national strategies on health, ageing and LTC through an urban lens. It identifies a persistent rhetoric–implementation gap: municipal services remain underfunded and fragmented, and prevention or person-centred models are only weakly embedded in urban planning and budgeting.Policy OptionsFive priorities could align ageing policy with urban health: intersectoral city governance with transparent equity dashboards; legal and financial recognition of informal caregivers; expansion of community hubs integrating primary care, social work and rehabilitation; digital inclusion programmes for older adults; and health-promoting urban design that improves walkability, thermal comfort and access to green/cool spaces.ConclusionConverging city governance, LTC reform and urban design can translate policy aspirations into measurable gains in equity, autonomy and healthy life expectancy among older urban residents.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609713</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609713</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Correction: Advancing Climate Mitigation, Adaptation, and Equity Simultaneously: The Transformative Potential of Investments in Gender Equality]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Correction</category>
        <author>Jody Heymann</author><author>Aleta Sprague</author><author>Abena D. Oduro</author><author>Laurel Grzesik-Mourad</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609119</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609119</link>
        <title><![CDATA[From Biobank to “Bio-Think-Tank”: Functional Evolution of UK Biobank in Public Health Policy Making]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-18T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Jun Yin</author><author>Antoine Flahault</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the evolving role of the UK Biobank in public health policymaking, particularly its shift from a traditional biobank to a proactive “bio-think tank” and highlight the drivers and necessary elements of this evolution, with a focus on improving its functional impact on policymaking.MethodsSearches were performed in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases (end of search: August 20, 2025). We followed guidelines for the PRISMA. We identified 683 potentially relevant titles in our search and selected 51 studies in our review, reflecting “bio-think-tank” issues between January 2004 and August 2025.ResultsUsing a functionalist framework, the study identifies key factors driving the UK Biobank’s evolution: limited real-time decision support, rising stakeholder expectations, and the UK’s desire to lead in biobank science. It defines the “bio-think tank” concept and contrasts it with traditional biobanks.ConclusionThe UK Biobank’s evolution should focus on improving data quality, public trust, accessibility for policymakers, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen its role as a national research hub and global model for integrating biobank resources with health governance.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609718</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609718</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Correction: Unveiling the Hidden Challenges: A Systematic Review of Self-Identified Support Needs of Caregivers for Older Adults in Canada]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-17T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Correction</category>
        <author>Sheila A. Boamah</author><author>Hoda Herati</author><author>Farzana Akter</author><author>Farinaz Havaei</author><author>Marie-Lee Yous</author><author>Sharon Kaasalainen</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609071</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609071</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Strategies to Implement Knee Osteoarthritis Guidelines in Switzerland]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Policy Brief</category>
        <author>Céline Moetteli-Graf</author><author>Karin Niedermann</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common chronic disease in Switzerland, associated with high socioeconomic costs and increasing prevalence due to aging and other risk factors. International guidelines recommend a stepped approach focusing on exercise, education, and weight management; however, implementation remains inconsistent. Switzerland has one of the highest knee replacement rates among OECD countries, suggesting potential overuse and indicating an evidence–performance gap in KOA management.AnalysisCurrent efforts promote coordinated, patient-centered care. A repeated stakeholder dialogue in 2024 with representatives of medical and physiotherapy associations, patient organizations, health insurers, and researchers identified challenges: variation in patient pathways across providers; non-evidence-based treatment sequencing with premature escalation to specialist care; and misalignment of expectations between patients and providers.Policy OptionsProposed strategies include: (1) establishing a national Model of Care based on a consensus treatment framework; (2) strengthening patient health literacy through targeted education; and (3) facilitating patient navigation through effective communication and shared decision-making.ConclusionClosing the evidence–performance gap requires collaboration among healthcare providers to improve outcomes, reduce inappropriate care, and support coordinated patient-centered KOA management in Switzerland.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609006</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609006</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Place of Death of People With Chronic Conditions in Latin America: A Systematic Review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-05T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>María Adelaida Cordoba-Nuñez</author><author>Alejandro Unda-López</author><author>Paula Hidalgo-Andrade</author><author>Luis Fernando Rodrigues</author><author>Fernando Cesar Iwamoto Marcucci</author><author>Tania Pastrana</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectiveTo identify the place of death and associated factors among individuals in Latin American countries, with a particular focus on chronic conditions and serious health-related suffering.MethodsA systematic review was conducted across five databases in May 2024 following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included data on the place of death of at least one Latin American country.ResultsTwenty-one studies with data from 12 Latin American countries were included. Hospital was the most frequent place of death in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Uruguay, while home deaths predominated in Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala. In Chile, Peru, and Mexico, the distribution was mixed, varying by population and clinical condition. Findings showed that older individuals and lower education were associated with an increased likelihood of home death. Marital status and urban residence showed mixed associations. A meta-analysis was not feasible due to high heterogeneity among the studies.ConclusionThe place of death of people with chronic and serious health-related conditions in Latin America varies considerably, reflecting disparities in healthcare access, sociocultural values, and health system infrastructure. Findings highlight the need for country-specific, equity-oriented end-of-life care policies.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024553349.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2025.1607620</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2025.1607620</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Tribal Populations in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-02T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Abhinav Sinha</author><author>Gayatree Nanda</author><author>Rounik Talukdar</author><author>K. Divyasree Bhat</author><author>Banamber Sahoo</author><author>Chandrakant Lahariya</author><author>Sanghamitra Pati</author><author>Prakash Kumar Sahoo</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThe introduction of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine has significantly reduced the disease’s burden. Tribes comprise approximately 8.6% of the Indian population, making it pertinent to investigate the epidemiology of HBV among these individuals. We synthesized the prevalence of HBV among tribes in India.MethodsWe searched the Medline (via the PubMed search engine), Embase, and CINAHL databases, in addition to the first 10 pages of Google Scholar. We included original observational studies that screened tribal populations for HBV infection, reported the prevalence of HBsAg (our main preference), and/or other markers. The risk of bias was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. The pooled prevalence was presented after conducting a meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42022334938).ResultsA total of 24 studies were selected for this study. The pooled prevalence of HBV (as measured by the proportion of individuals testing positive for hepatitis B surface antigen) was estimated to be 9.99% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.07–14.75, I2 = 98.7%, p < 0.01). The highest HBV prevalence was noted in the northern zone of the country (19.60%, 95% CI 15.09–24.54, I2 = 84.4%, p < 0.01), followed by the northeastern zone (13.43%, 95% CI 6.09–23.08, I2 = 98.4%, p < 0.01), and the southern zone (10.44%, 95% CI 4.75–18.01, I2 = 98.9%, p < 0.01).ConclusionA considerable prevalence of HBV was observed in tribal communities in India, a fact that cannot be overlooked. This information may be useful for planning HBV vaccination strategies among tribes in India.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609117</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609117</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Unveiling the Hidden Challenges: A Systematic Review of Self-Identified Caregiver Support Needs for Older Adults in Canada]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-26T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Sheila A. Boamah</author><author>Hoda Herati</author><author>Farzana Akter</author><author>Farinaz Havaei</author><author>Marie-Lee Yous</author><author>Sharon Kaasalainen</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectiveIn Canada, over 7.8 million individuals provide care, with nearly one-quarter aged 65 or older. As essential partners in aging, caregivers bridge formal care systems and the broader care economy. With caregiving demands expected to double over the next 30 years, identifying and addressing caregivers’ evolving support needs is critical to sustaining compassionate, connected care. This systematic review aims to document caregivers’ self-identified support needs in delivering quality care.MethodsA systematic search of bibliographic databases and grey literature was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines and supplemented by reference mining. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published in English between 2020 and 2025; reviews and grey literature were excluded. Selection was managed using Covidence, and methodological quality was assessed independent by two reviewers utilizing Joanna Briggs Institute tools.ResultsOf 3,629 records, 83 studies were included: 59 qualitative, 17 quantitative, and 7 mixed-methods. Five key themes with twelve sub-themes emerged, reflecting caregivers’ needs related to system navigation, inclusive technologies, coordinated care system, emotional and practical, and financial/workplace resources.ConclusionCaregivers’ insights highlight priority areas to inform caregiver-centred policies, services, and research that enhance caregiver wellbeing and care quality for older adults.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608732</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608732</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Unintended Consequences of COVID-19 Public Health and Social Measures in Camps and Camp-Like Settings: A Systematic Review and Conceptual Analysis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Maren Hintermeier</author><author>Kayvan Bozorgmehr</author><author>Nora Gottlieb</author><author>Amir Mohsenpour</author><author>Navina Sarma</author><author>Renke Biallas</author><author>Louise Biddle</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThis study examines unintended consequences (UIC) of public health and social measures (PHSM) in camps and camp-like settings and assesses the pathways through which these UIC arise.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and conceptual analysis of UIC from PHSM aimed at preventing SARS-CoV-2 spread in these settings. PHSM were classified using the WHO taxonomy and the CONSEQUENT framework to analyse UIC pathways. The most frequent PHSM groups were: a) surveillance and response, b) social and physical distancing, and c) operational measures.ResultsWe identified 113 predominantly negative UIC impacting physical and mental health, healthcare access, economic stability, and social interactions. UIC occurred in both high- and low-income countries. Key mechanisms linking PHSM to UIC included mistrust, increased risk factors, lack of information, and uncertainty.ConclusionThis study reveals the complex interactions between PHSM and UIC and their broad mostly negative effects on marginalised populations. To reduce UIC in future health emergencies, they must be considered in pandemic planning with all stakeholders. Trust-building should be central in health interventions and PHSM design for more effective and equitable responses.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42022384673.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608833</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608833</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A Silent Epidemic of Congenital Anomalies and Its Predictors Among Newborns in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Mitku Mammo Taderegew</author><author>Alemayehu Wondie</author><author>Feredegn Talargia Belete</author><author>Wondosen Debebe</author><author>Lemlemu Maru</author><author>Gashaw Garedew Woldeamanuel</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectiveThis review was conducted with the aim of assessing the pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies and its predictors among newborns in Ethiopia.MethodsThe relevant studies were identified by electronic database searching methods. All statistical analyses were carried out with STATA™ Version-14 software.ResultsA total of 22 studies were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies was 21.25 per 1,000 newborns. Age of the mother 35 years and above (POR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.59–6.82) absence of formal education among mothers (POR = 1.35, 95% CI:1.12–1.63), maternal cigarate smoking (POR = 2.98, 95% CI:1.56–5.67), alcoholic drinking (POR = 2.66, 95% CI:1.28–5.51), chat chewing (POR = 3.37, 95% CI:1.57–7.21), no folic acid supplementation (POR = 4.29, 95% CI:2.35–7.83), pesticide exposure (POR = 3.23, 95% CI: 2.02–5.16), medication use during pregnancy (POR = 4.37, 95% CI:2.11–9.06), maternal chronic illness (POR = 3.76, 95% CI:1.72–8.20), preterm (POR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.59–3.47), multiple pregnancy (POR = 3.66, 95% CI:1.99–6.71), low birth weight (POR = 5.46, 95% CI: 4.41–6.75) were identified as the predictors of congenital anomalies among newborns in Ethiopia.ConclusionRelatively high burden of congenital anomalies were detected. Hence, strategies to minimize substance use, exposure to pesticide and medication, and to improve folic acid supplementation during pregnancy should be encouraged.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609579</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609579</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Corrigendum: Navigating Through Innovation in Elderly’s Health: A Scoping Review of Digital Health Interventions]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-17T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Correction</category>
        <author>Macarena Hirmas-Adauy</author><author>Carla Castillo-Laborde</author><author>Camila Awad</author><author>Anita Jasmen</author><author>Maurizio Mattoli</author><author>Xaviera Molina</author><author>Andrea Olea</author><author>Isabel Matute</author><author>Fernando Soto</author><author>Paola Rubilar</author><author>Oscar Urrejola</author><author>Tania Alfaro</author><author>María Teresa Abusleme Lama</author><author>Sophie Esnouf</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608074</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608074</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Machine Learning Used in Communicable Disease Control: A Scoping Review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Sharon Birdi</author><author>Atushi Patel</author><author>Roxana Rabet</author><author>Navreet Singh</author><author>Steve Durant</author><author>Tina Vosoughi</author><author>Faris Kapra</author><author>Mahek Shergill</author><author>Elnathan Mesfin</author><author>Carolyn Ziegler</author><author>Shehzad Ali</author><author>David Buckeridge</author><author>Marzyeh Ghassemi</author><author>Jennifer Gibson</author><author>Ava John-Baptiste</author><author>Jillian Macklin</author><author>Melissa Mccradden</author><author>Kwame Mckenzie</author><author>Sharmistha Mishra</author><author>Parisa Naraei</author><author>Akwasi Owusu-Bempah</author><author>Laura Rosella</author><author>James Shaw</author><author>Ross Upshur</author><author>Andrew D. Pinto</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesCommunicable diseases continue to threaten global health, with COVID-19 as a recent example. Rapid data analysis using machine learning (ML) is crucial for detecting and controlling outbreaks. We aimed to identify how ML approaches have been applied to achieve public health objectives in communicable disease control and to explore algorithmic biases in model design, training, and implementation, and strategies to mitigate these biases.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Scopus, ACM DL, INSPEC, and Web of Science to identify peer-reviewed studies from 1 January 2000, to 15 July 2022. Included studies applied ML models in population and public health to address ten communicable diseases with high prevalence.Results28,378 citations were retrieved, and 209 met our inclusion criteria. ML for communicable diseases has risen since 2020, particularly for SARS-CoV-2 (n = 177), followed by malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. Eighteen studies (8.61%) considered bias, and only eleven implemented mitigation strategies.ConclusionA growing number of studies used ML for disease surveillance. Addressing biases in model design should be prioritized in future research to improve reliability and equity in public health outcomes.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1607423</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1607423</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Advancing Climate Mitigation, Adaptation, and Equity Simultaneously: The Transformative Potential of Investments in Gender Equality]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Policy Brief</category>
        <author>Jody Heymann</author><author>Aleta Sprague</author><author>Abena D. Oduro</author><author>Laurel Grzesik-Mourad</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundClimate change negotiations often stall because of debates about equity. The SDGs affirm all countries’ responsibilities to act on climate and high-income countries’ initial $100 billion annual financing commitment; the SDGs also affirm fundamental human rights that are foundational to both equality and a strong economy. Nevertheless, climate investments historically have neglected people-centered climate solutions that would powerfully advance these interconnected goals.AnalysisRealizing girls’ equal rights in education, women’s equal rights at work, and freedom from gender-based violence would fulfill fundamental human rights while markedly accelerating climate mitigation and adaptation. Mechanisms include increased reproductive autonomy, higher adoption of sustainable fuels and regenerative agriculture, increased resilience to climate disasters, and greater gender parity in leadership.Policy OptionsA variety of options are available for countries to invest in gender equality simultaneously with nature- and energy-based solutions. These include carbon markets, debt-for-equity swaps, and existing UNFCCC financing mechanisms. The climate impacts of people-centered solutions are estimable.ConclusionSuccessfully addressing climate will require investments in gender equality. Bilateral and multilateral bodies can build on existing data to achieve this through a variety of climate mechanisms.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2025.1609177</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2025.1609177</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Interventions to Mitigate the Effects of Housing Insecurity on Child and Adolescent Health: A Scoping Review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-06T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Artur Coy-Pérez</author><author>Juli Carrere</author><author>Anna Fernández</author><author>Carme Borrell</author><author>Gemma Serral</author><author>Esther Sánchez-Ledesma</author><author>Irene Macaya</author><author>Hugo Vásquez-Vera</author><author>Constanza Vásquez-Vera</author><author>Roshanak Mehdipanah</author><author>Katherine Pérez</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThis scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the available literature on interventions that mitigate the effects of housing insecurity on the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents (0–18 years), describing their characteristics, levels of action (structural, intermediate, or individual/group), and reported outcomes.MethodsIn January 2025, we conducted a comprehensive search across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL) and 1 gray literature search engine (Carrot2), without time restrictions. 6,002 articles underwent three sequential screening phases. Results were described through a narrative synthesis of the evidence.ResultsTwenty-six studies were included. Public housing, housing vouchers, and subsidies to private housing developers were the most common interventions, targeting structural and intermediate levels. Reported outcomes varied: physical health and healthcare use generally improved, while mental health and educational effects were mixed. Only two studies assessed multi-assistance programs.ConclusionAffordability-focused interventions can improve health for children and adolescents, while multi-assistance approaches show promise. Broader welfare policies may also benefit this population. Future research should diversify geographically, use mixed methods, address age-specific outcomes, and examine more decommodifying housing strategies.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609013</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609013</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Multiple Health Outcomes of Daytime Napping: A Comprehensive Umbrella Review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-03T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Pengqiang Du</author><author>Jiqian Li</author><author>Zixin Hua</author><author>Yiqi Sun</author><author>Siyang Song</author><author>Yin Liao</author><author>Sheng Cheng</author><author>Xingang Li</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThis umbrella review aimed to clarify the dose-response relationship between napping duration and multiple health outcomes.MethodsFollowing JBI guidelines, the review included studies from PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. Data on health outcomes, effect sizes, and study characteristics were extracted, and the quality of the studies was assessed using AMSTAR-2 and GRADE. A random effects model and a sensitivity analysis were used to evaluate the associations.ResultsThis umbrella review identified 16 meta-analyses encompassing 244 health-related outcomes. Napping for <60 min maximizes cognitive enhancement (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.37–1.00) and reduces fatigue, while minimizing the risk of all-cause mortality and chronic diseases. Napping for >60 min correlates with a 30% higher risk of coronary heart disease and a 20% increased risk of diabetes and obesity; short naps (20–30 min) improve athletic performance (SMD = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.67–1.31) and recovery, particularly in sleep-deprived individuals.ConclusionLimiting nap duration to ≤60 min may optimize cognitive and physical benefits while reducing chronic disease risks. For individuals with chronic conditions, it is prudent to avoid prolonged naps (>60 min) and prioritize nighttime sleep quality.]]></description>
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