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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>2026-10-13T21:24:22.566+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609595</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609595</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Discrimination in medical settings as perceived by forcibly displaced people within low- and middle-income countries: a scoping literature review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-10-05T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Kerstin M. Grosheintz-Laval</author><author>Patrick Kwizera</author><author>Mirko S. Winkler</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesForcibly displaced people are among the most vulnerable populations seeking care. Understanding barriers such as perceived discrimination is critical to ensuring access to high-quality care. This review aims to provide an overview of scientific literature on discrimination faced by forcibly displaced people in healthcare settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).MethodsWe searched PubMed and Web of Science for peer-reviewed original studies published between March 2010 and March 2025. Screening, data extraction and reporting followed the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews.ResultsThirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Most (n = 26) applied qualitative methods. Quantitative findings showed that 10%–44% of refugees reported discrimination in healthcare. Qualitative studies described abuse, disparities in care and costs, and negative impacts on mental health and health-seeking behavior related to perceived discrimination.ConclusionThe review revealed significant gaps in research on discrimination against forcibly displaced people in LMICs, emphasizing the urgent need for more robust evidence to inform policymakers. Existing research demonstrates the importance of strengthening health systems, intercultural competence and inclusive policies to ensure respectful, high-quality care for forcibly displaced populations and other migrants.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1610119</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1610119</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Keeping it simple: public health diplomacy along the China–Laos railway]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Commentary</category>
        <author>Emily Ying Yang Chan</author><author>Dong Dong</author><author>Chun-ying Leung</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609952</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609952</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency fields and cardiovascular consequences: a systematic review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Elham Raeisi</author><author>Sara Maghare Dehkordi</author><author>Saeid Yazdanirad</author><author>Abdollah Mohammadian-Hafshejani</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectiveExposure to extremely low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields can have harmful effects on human health. The present systematic review study aimed to investigate the relationship between occupational exposure to ELF and cardiovascular outcomes.MethodsSearches were conducted in six electronic bibliographic databases: Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. This search included records up to August 19, 2026. The search strategy used two sets of keywords. Following the selection of proper studies, relevant data were extracted by the reviewers. To assess the risk of bias in the included studies, the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used.ResultsSeven of fourteen studies (50 percent) showed that there is an association between ELF field exposure and cardiovascular outcomes. However, the available evidence is insufficient to establish causality. Some of the outcomes reported in the studies included acute myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, hematological parameters, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.ConclusionExposure to ELF fields may be associated with some cardiovascular outcomes. However, the confirmation of this relationship remains ambiguous, and it requires further investigations in future research.Systematic Review Registrationidentifier CRD420251078768.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609046</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609046</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Future of supplementary private hospitalization insurance in Switzerland: a policy brief]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Policy Brief</category>
        <author>Kateryna Riabchenko</author><author>Carlo De Pietro</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundVoluntary hospitalization insurance (VHI) in Switzerland has lost part of its traditional role as mandatory health insurance has expanded, hospital financing reforms have increased public co-financing of inpatient care, and patterns of hospitalization have changed. Nevertheless, VHI remains strategically important for hospitals, insurers, and some providers.AnalysisThis policy brief draws on a structured review of academic and grey literature, regulatory and policy documents, market information, and ten semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. The analysis identifies four main challenges: growing dependence on mandatory health insurance, changing patterns of hospitalization, non-uniform benefits across insurers and providers, and fragmented tariff arrangements.Policy optionsThree policy directions emerge: modernizing VHI through innovation, strengthening communication with policyholders and patients, and improving public reporting on coverage, pricing, and use.ConclusionStrengthening transparency while enabling innovation is essential if VHI is to remain a credible and sustainable component of the Swiss healthcare system.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1610300</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1610300</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Protecting vaccine confidence: a core function of national immunization programs]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-24T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Commentary</category>
        <author>Margarida Tavares</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609391</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609391</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Public health nurse advocacy as essential for addressing the health impacts of climate change]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-21T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Policy Brief</category>
        <author>Salimah R. Walani</author><author>Shahin Kassam</author><author>Zahra Shajani</author><author>Aliyah Dosani</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundClimate change is transforming the environmental, social and structural determinants of health, intensifying inequities across populations and geographies. Although nurses are at the forefront of addressing climate-related health impacts, nurses’ influence on climate policy remains significantly underleveraged. Strengthening the leadership and advocacy of nurses is essential for meeting the escalating population health challenges posed by climate change.AnalysisThere is limited organized advocacy for climate action by public health nurses. At the 7th Global Network of Public Health Nursing (GNPHN) Conference, we invited nurses from diverse backgrounds to share their perspectives on climate-related research, practice, and policy.Policy OptionsThe participants agreed to form a global coalition to enhance climate advocacy by public health nurses. Here, we outline four key calls to action emerging from conference discussion: (1) building inclusive research through transdisciplinary collaboration, (2) dismantling inequities by integrating gender and race into climate governance, (3) promoting language consistency through intersectional and equity-oriented frameworks, and (4) integrating climate change content into nursing education.ConclusionGNPHN conference mobilised public health nurses, creating a platform and transforming awareness into collective action by outlining four calls to action for advancing climate action and advocacy by nurses.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609607</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609607</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Implementation of the World Health Organization’s Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions: an overview of reviews]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-18T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Hongyi Xu</author><author>Yiming Hu</author><author>Maoshu Li</author><author>Jing Yang</author><author>João Joaquim Breda</author><author>Jing Wu</author><author>Alarcos Cieza</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesTo synthesize the evidence on the implementation of the World Health Organization’s Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (WHO PEN).MethodsThis narrative overview of reviews draws on evidence from systematic reviews and other review articles.ResultsThe findings reveal substantial gaps and challenges in public primary health facilities across many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in workforce capacity and the availability of essential medicines, diagnostics, and equipment. Several delivery strategies—such as high-risk population screening, task-shifting to non-physician health workers, team-based care, integrated HIV-NCD services, and the use of community pharmacies—were shown to effectively support WHO PEN implementation and expand access to NCD services. Strengthening the organization and resourcing of healthcare teams across system levels is essential. Additional promising approaches include leveraging existing service platforms, reinforcing district hospitals, adopting more patient-centered and prevention-oriented models within traditionally hospital-centric systems, and improving quality of care.ConclusionWHO PEN and similar strategies can improve NCD service delivery and outcomes, but sustained investments, context-specific adaptations, and longer-term evaluations are needed to overcome persistent implementation barriers.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609467</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609467</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Policy brief: how can rehabilitation be strengthened in Switzerland? Evidence-informed policy considerations based on the 2023 World Health Assembly resolution on strengthening rehabilitation in health systems]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Policy Brief</category>
        <author>Roxanne Maritz</author><author>David Weisstanner</author><author>Gerold Stucki</author><author>Oliver Stoller</author><author>Anke Scheel-Sailer</author><author>Christian Sturzenegger</author><author>Carla Sabariego</author><author>The Center for Rehabilitation in Global Health Systems </author><author>The Advisory Board of the LIFE Forum Rehabilitation </author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundRehabilitation needs in Switzerland are rising due to population ageing and the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Yet, these needs are not comprehensively met and rehabilitation remains underrepresented in national strategies. Given the 2023 WHA Resolution on Rehabilitation, there is a growing need to understand how rehabilitation can be strengthened in Switzerland.AnalysisA national stakeholder survey identified challenges for strengthening rehabilitation, including financing and workforce issues, limited integration into primary care, and interprofessional collaboration, while main opportunities focused on policy development and advocacy efforts. Based on these findings, experts developed practical policy considerations through structured workshops and a consolidation survey.Policy considerationsThe 22 considerations call for high-level commitment through a National Swiss Rehabilitation Alliance, financing reforms that value rehabilitation as investment, and expansion of affordable, high-quality services across all care levels, among others. They emphasize coordinated care pathways, quality mechanisms, workforce development, modern data systems, stronger research and knowledge translation, and equitable access to assistive technologies.ConclusionThese considerations provide practical directions for integrating rehabilitation into national health priorities and advancing Swiss implementation of the WHA Resolution.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609825</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609825</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Smoking cessation in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of vulnerability approaches and expectant father involvement]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Bibiana Barrera</author><author>Furqan Ahmed</author><author>Tilman Brand</author><author>Hajo Zeeb</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesTo evaluate behavioral and psychosocial smoking cessation interventions and second-hand smoke reduction strategies in pregnancy, focusing on sociocultural vulnerability approaches and expectant father involvement.MethodsSystematic review and meta-analysis (Joanna Briggs Institute methodology; PRISMA 2020). MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, ASSIA, and CINAHL were searched to October 2023; exclusively pharmacological interventions were excluded. Random-effects meta-analyses examined five vulnerability approaches and two levels of father involvement. Protocol: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/DUYF7.ResultsFifty-eight studies (41 RCTs) were included. Individual counseling was most effective for maternal cessation (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.39–1.99). Vulnerability-adapted and standard interventions were comparably effective overall (OR = 1.55 vs. 1.51); socioeconomic inclusiveness yielded the largest subgroup effect (OR = 2.51), although subgroup estimates were exploratory (low to very low certainty). Father involvement did not significantly improve maternal cessation (OR = 1.12), but father-directed interventions were highly effective for paternal cessation (OR = 2.18; high-certainty evidence).ConclusionBehavioral interventions, particularly individual counseling, are effective in pregnancy. Father-directed approaches merit consideration in antenatal care, although evidence derives from four trials. Socioeconomically inclusive and mental health-integrated interventions are promising but require confirmation.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/DUYF7, identifier 10.17605/OSF.IO/DUYF7.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609690</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609690</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A systematic review of co-ethnic exposure and cardiometabolic outcomes in racial and ethnic minoritized populations]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-09-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Marilyn Tseng</author><author>Ashley S. Watt</author><author>Anna K. Ostrander</author><author>Carolyn Y. Fang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesUrban residential characteristics, including racial and ethnic composition, may be associated with cardiometabolic health. We synthesized the literature on neighborhood co-ethnic exposure and cardiometabolic outcomes among racial and ethnic minoritized populations.MethodsWe searched PubMed and Web of Science for studies published through October 2023 examining ethnic density or segregation and cardiometabolic conditions (adiposity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes). Study quality was assessed using the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s Quality Assessment Tool.ResultsForty-five articles representing 34 unique studies were included. Over half relied on self-reported outcomes, and nine were longitudinal. The most common exposure measure was percentage of census tract residents sharing participant’s racial/ethnic classification. Over 40% of studies including Black and Hispanic/Latine populations reported an association of greater co-ethnic exposure with poorer cardiometabolic outcomes, compared with 7% of studies including Asian populations. Across all three groups, 25%–40% of studies reported inverse associations.ConclusionAssociations between neighborhood co-ethnic exposure and cardiometabolic outcomes vary both across and within racial/ethnic groups, reflecting interactions among structural (dis)advantage, community stressors, and neighborhood resources. Future research should integrate theoretical frameworks and sociohistorical context.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609466</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609466</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Strengthening comprehensive tuberculosis care in Angola: a scoping review of strategies, challenges, and potentialities in a high-burden setting]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-27T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Valter Chicalo António Caripa</author><author>Rubia Laine de Paula Andrade-Gonçalves</author><author>Rafaele Oliveira Bonfim</author><author>Mariana Gaspar Botelho Funari de Faria</author><author>Yan Mathias Alves</author><author>Reginaldo Bazon Vaz Tavares</author><author>Titilade Kehinde Ayandeyi Teibo</author><author>Willie Otavio Bueno Bernardi</author><author>Rander Junior Rosa</author><author>Ariela Fehr Tártaro</author><author>Natacha Martins Ribeiro</author><author>André Luiz Teixeira Vinci</author><author>Nathalia Zini</author><author>Ricardo Alexandre Arcêncio</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesTo identify surveillance and care actions implemented for tuberculosis control in the country, as well as to analyze factors that hinder or facilitate their implementation.MethodsThis scoping review followed the methodology recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Manual for Scoping Reviews and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF). The review question was formulated based on the PCC acronym, and searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar.ResultsOf the 564 records identified, 13 studies were included, encompassing 24,652 participants, including adults and children. Regarding prevention, BCG vaccination achieved approximately 90% coverage among children under 5 years of age. Diagnostic approaches included clinical evaluation, chest radiography, and laboratory tests (AFB smear microscopy/GeneXpert), while major challenges included shortages of supplies (reported in 100% of the studies) and underreporting.ConclusionUpdating guidelines, strengthening professional training, and expanding diagnostic and treatment services are priority measures to consolidate tuberculosis control in the country.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609977</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609977</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The health diplomacy spiral: a conceptual framework linking health system integration and public health diplomacy]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Aurimas Peckauskas</author><author>Arunas Dulkys</author><author>Olegas Niaksu</author><author>Ramune Kalediene</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesTo examine the interrelations between health system integration, digital transformation and public health diplomacy and to conceptualise how systemic threats, interdependence, and governance constraints shape cross-border health coordination.MethodsA structured integrative literature review was conducted in PubMed (2015–2025), covering two domains: health system transformation and health diplomacy. Studies were selected through multi-stage screening. Thematic and conceptual synthesis was used to identify cross-domain patterns.ResultsThe review supported a conceptual synthesis linking systemic pressures, institutional reforms, integration processes, and cross-border coordination. Although these relationships were rarely examined directly in the included studies, cross-domain interpretation suggested convergence through interdependence driven by integration and digitalisation, alongside governance constraints that limit coordination. These conditions may create the structural basis for public health diplomacy as a practice-oriented response to transnational health risks.ConclusionThis study proposes the Health Diplomacy Spiral, a conceptual framework for examining how health system integration and digital transformation may generate interdependence and governance complexity. The framework offers an analytical lens for future empirical research on health system transformation, data governance, and international coordination.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609720</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609720</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Integrating ESG indicators into public health governance as a policy innovation for institutional accountability: a scoping review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-17T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Pierluigi Catalfo</author><author>Daniele Virgillito</author><author>Giuseppe Messina</author><author>Caterina Ledda</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesTo examine how ESG indicators and related frameworks are being translated from corporate disclosure into public health governance.MethodsFollowing PRISMA-ScR and the PCC framework, we synthesized 25 studies and grey-literature documents to map definitions, implementation levels, governance uses, barriers, and research gaps. ESG integration was defined as the use of environmental, social, and governance indicators to support accountability, transparency, stakeholder engagement, sustainability alignment, and strategic control in health systems.ResultsESG-related frameworks may strengthen reporting practices, multisectoral coordination, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals when supported by leadership, technical capacity, harmonized indicators, and standardized reporting systems. However, the evidence remains heterogeneous and exploratory. Direct effects on governance performance, health outcomes, or equity are rarely demonstrated. Key gaps include unclear conceptual boundaries between ESG, CSR, SDG monitoring, and sustainability reporting, limited appraisal of reporting versus actual performance, measurement inconsistency, and under-representation of low-resource and Global South contexts.ConclusionFuture research should validate sector-specific ESG indicators and evaluate whether ESG integration improves accountability, equity, and sustainable public health governance.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1607815</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1607815</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Assessing the availability and impact of stress management interventions at higher education institutions: a systematic review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Pal Banda</author><author>Katalin Czako</author><author>Geraldine Maughan</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesThis systematic literature review evaluates the availability and impact of stress management interventions on mental wellbeing within higher education institutions (HEIs).MethodsA systematic review of literature was conducted across Scopus, PubMed and PsycINFO, applying the PRISMA method. Data extraction was performed manually based on pre-defined criteria. Data synthesis focuses on research design, methodology, geographical coverage, and outcomes of the interventions.ResultsThirty-two research papers met the selection criteria, exhibiting diversity in methodologies, study designs, types of interventions, outcomes, and limitations. Common patterns included a predominance of student-focused interventions and notable gaps in addressing the mental health needs of academic and administrative staff members of HEIs.ConclusionDespite a wide range of approaches have been employed to address the mental wellbeing of students in higher education, comprehensive interventions for staff members are lacking. Additionally, there is a critical need for future research to incorporate insights and data from non-Western contexts as well, such as the CEE region, to ensure the relevance and applicability of intervention strategies across diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1610147</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1610147</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Closing the evidence gap: why childhood cancer research must include fathers]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Commentary</category>
        <author>Peter Francis Raguindin</author><author>André Oscar von Bueren</author><author>Gisela Michel</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609191</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609191</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Effectiveness and economic impact of interventions targeting healthcare personnel: a systematic review of return on investment]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Pierluigi Catalfo</author><author>Chiara Cantarella</author><author>Daniele Virgillito</author><author>Helena C. Maltezou</author><author>Caterina Ledda</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesTo evaluate and critically interpret economic evidence on workplace interventions targeting healthcare personnel, distinguishing return on investment from related economic evaluation approaches and grouping interventions by underlying mechanisms.MethodsPubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for peer-reviewed studies published from 2006 to 2024. Eligible empirical studies reported return on investment, benefit-cost ratios, net savings, cost-effectiveness metrics, societal returns, or comparable monetized outcomes for workplace interventions involving healthcare workers. Methodological quality was assessed using CHEERS and ECOBIAS.ResultsTwenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Most reported positive or potentially favorable economic returns, particularly for preventive health measures, workplace mental health and disability-management programs, and educational or human-capital initiatives. Findings were highly context-dependent. Some interventions produced modest, neutral, or unfavorable returns, while the highest estimates often came from model-based analyses or broad societal extrapolations. Comparability was limited by differences in perspective, time horizon, monetization assumptions, health-system structure, labor costs, and implementation.ConclusionEvidence supports workplace interventions as part of health workforce strategies, but return on investment should not be used as a stand-alone decision criterion. Future evaluations require standardized methods, transparent assumptions, and explicit perspectives and time horizons.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609947</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609947</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Towards a competency framework for wellbeing economy in public health: a scoping review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-05T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Pablo Rodríguez-Feria</author><author>Katarzyna Czabanowska</author><author>Mariana Dyakova</author><author>Natalia Giraldo-Noack</author><author>Timo Clemens</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectiveThis scoping review aims to develop a competency framework, based on the four wellbeing economy capitals, to support education, training and up-skilling of public health professionals and practitioners.MethodsThe JBI methodological guidance and the PRISMA Extension for scoping reviews were used. We searched Medline via PubMed, EMBASE via Ovid, Global Health via EBSCOHost, and ERIC via EBSCOHost. Data extraction focused on four capitals and was mapped against four actions of wellbeing economy.ResultsThe proposed Competency Framework organizes 31 competencies within five domains including: Ethics and professionalism, Determinants of health and wellbeing, Digital transformation and data literacy, Policy, politics and governance, and Building capacity for sustainable wellbeing economy.ConclusionDeveloping a competency framework for wellbeing economy in public health is an important step towards defining the field, providing the basis for training and performance assessment, as well as public health policy and capacity development. It can serve as an actionable tool showing how public health stakeholders and leaders can best improve the wellbeing of their communities and citizens.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609387</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609387</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Organizational leadership competencies for effective and equitable public health governance in Canada]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-04T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Policy Brief</category>
        <author>Garima Talwar Kapoor</author><author>Shinjini Mondal</author><author>Kian Rego</author><author>Madelyn Law</author><author>Erica Di Ruggiero</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundOrganizational-level leadership competencies are critical for the development and governance of resilient public health systems that can endure and thrive in an ever-evolving economic, social, and political context.AnalysisA mixed-methods research study identified 20 organizational leadership competencies for public health in Canada, across eight domains, including: systems thinking (e.g., leaders are able to adapt, are nimble, and innovate), policy development/implementation/evaluation (e.g., leaders engage multiple actors in policy) and resource stewardship (e.g., leaders develop a resource allocation strategy that balances efficiency and equity).Policy OptionsRecommendation: Governments across Canada should undertake legislative and regulatory efforts to implement organizational-level leadership competencies in public health organizations to strengthen system-level governance. Status quo: Without a systemic approach, some organizations will continue to undertake actions that strengthen their governance, while others will not. This could exacerbate inequities in population health outcomes and organizational performance.ConclusionStrengthening organizational leadership competencies is critical for the effective and equitable governance of public health organizations in Canada. Failure to do so could undermine their resilience in a resource-constrained and changing context.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609007</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609007</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Vaccination in Islamic countries: a narrative review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-04T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Antonia-Olivia Roberts</author><author>Shahid Jameel</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Vaccination is a key public health intervention, and Muslims who comprise a quarter of the world’s population, have shown mixed responses to it. Previous research has addressed Islamic perspectives on vaccination but understanding its efficacy from secular and religious points of view across Islamic countries is limited. This narrative review utilised database search (Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, SSRN, and Web of Science) followed by curation based on expert knowledge. It offers theological and technological insights, and the potential impacts of climate change on vaccination in Islamic countries. Though Islamic teachings support vaccination, hesitancy results from a complex mixture of sociological and technological barriers that include misinformation, lack of trust, poor living conditions, and vaccine inequity in resource-limited communities. Climate change will act as a threat multiplier, particularly in areas inhabited by over 80 percent of the world’s Muslims. Successful approaches from Islamic countries highlight the role of cultural and religious perspectives, infrastructure, and biological factors on the coverage and efficacy of childhood, adolescent and adult vaccines. The learnings offer strategies to improve vaccination everywhere, but particularly in Muslim populations.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609625</guid>
        <link>https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609625</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Public health action on extreme heat in three Canadian provinces: a scoping review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-07-31T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Mélanie S. S. Seabrook</author><author>Imaan Umar</author><author>Stephanie Simpson</author><author>Ana Patricia Ayala</author><author>Edward C. Xie</author><author>Q. Jane Zhao</author><author>Sara Allin</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesTo examine how public health activities addressing extreme heat align with Canada’s Essential Public Health Functions; the roles taken by public health authorities in collaborative responses; and the extent of heat response evaluations to date in three Canadian provinces.MethodsFollowing Arksey and O’Malley’s Framework, we conducted a scoping review of academic and grey literature on public health heat strategies in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, Canada between 2005 and 2026. We searched ten academic databases, and scanned government and non-government websites. Academic sources were double-screened using Covidence software.ResultsWe identified 26 peer-reviewed articles (British Columbia: 7, Ontario: 8, and Quebec: 16) and 429 grey literature sources. Nine sources evaluated heat responses across the three provinces. Public health authorities across the provinces fulfilled similar Essential Public Health Functions, focused on downstream response including establishing heat alert systems and communicating preventative health information. Public health actors primarily play advisory roles in intersectoral heat responses, though some co-lead responses.ConclusionOur findings suggest ongoing gaps in upstream public health heat strategies, and meaningful collaborations with at-risk communities.]]></description>
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