International Public Health Commons^™

Policy Determinants Of Physical Activity Across The Life Course: A Dedipac' Umbrella Systematic Literature Review, Anna Puggina, Katina Aleksovska, Christoph Buck, Con Burns, Greet Cardon, Angela Carlin, Simon Chantal, Donatella Ciarapica, Giancarlo Condello, Tara Coppinger, Cristina Cortis, Sara D'Haese, Marieke De Craemer, Andrea Di Blasio, Sylvia Hansen, Licia Iacoviello, Johann Issartel, Pascal Izzicupo, Lina Jaeschke, Martina Kanning, Aileen Kennedy, Fiona Chun Man Ling, Agnes Luzak, Giorgio Napolitano, Julie Anne Nazare, Camille Perchoux, Tobias Pischon, Angela Polito, Alessandra Sannella, Holger Schulz, Rhoda Sohun, Astrid Steinbrecher

Publications

Background Despite the large number of studies and reviews available, the evidence regarding the policy determinants of physical activity (PA) is inconclusive. This umbrella systematic literature review (SLR) summarizes the current evidence on the policy determinants of PA across the life course, by pooling the results of the available SLRs and meta-analyses (MAs). Methods A systematic online search was conducted on MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Scopus and SPORTDiscus databases up to April 2016. SLRs and MAs of observational studies investigating the association between policy determinants of PA and having PA as outcome were considered eligible. The extracted data were …

Challenges Of Refugee Health Care: Perspectives Of Medical Interpreters, Case Managers, And Pharmacists, Fabiana Kotovicz, Anne Getzin, Thy Vo

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Our objective was to identify perceived challenges in the provision of health care for refugees from the perspective of medical interpreters, case managers, and pharmacists working with refugee patients in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Methods: Two 60-minute focus groups were performed exploring challenges in refugee health care using a literature-based semi-structured protocol. Focus groups were transcribed and de-identified prior to independent analysis by two of the investigators. Using a memoing-process qualitative approach, major concepts, cross-cutting themes, and subthemes were established and ultimately developed a narrative. The project protocol was approved as not human subject research by the local institutional review board. …

Reducing Stigma Among Healthcare Providers To Improve Mental Health Services (Reshape): Protocol For A Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Of A Stigma Reduction Intervention For Training Primary Healthcare Workers In Nepal., Brandon A Kohrt, Mark J D Jordans, Elizabeth L Turner, Kathleen J Sikkema, Nagendra P Luitel, Sauharda Rai, Daisy R Singla, Jagannath Lamichhane, Crick Lund, Vikram Patel

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

Non-specialist healthcare providers, including primary and community healthcare workers, in low- and middle-income countries can effectively treat mental illness. However, scaling-up mental health services within existing health systems has been limited by barriers such as stigma against people with mental illness. Therefore, interventions are needed to address attitudes and behaviors among non-specialists. Aimed at addressing this gap, REducing Stigma among HealthcAre Providers to ImprovE mental health services (RESHAPE) is an intervention in which social contact with mental health service users is added to training for non-specialist healthcare workers integrating mental health services …

Surgical Management Of Symptomatic Intraluminal Duodenal Diverticulum In An Adolescent, Vivian Lam Saavedra, Timothy D. Kane, Stefany Garrity

Surgery Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Guinea-Bissau: Hiv/Aids, Matt Macarthur

Global Public Health

This public health brief investigates the concern of HIV/AIDS in Guinea-Bissau. Guinea-Bissau is a low-income country run by a semi-presidential government. The government has been very unstable since its formation. A variety of internal conflicts have limited the effectiveness of the government. As a result, there is little money to provide proper treatment for individuals with HIV/AIDS. It is important to get tested for this condition as soon as symptoms occur, but due to limited resources that is not always possible. Guinea-Bissau has a very high fertility rate compared to other countries worldwide, this allows for a high mother-to-child transmission …

Somalia: Rift Valley Fever, Alyson Meeks

Global Public Health

This walks readers through the basic demographics of Somalia, a country located in the horn of Africa. After learning about the government in Somalia and the problems that the people of the country face, this focuses on the problem of Rift Valley Fever. Rift Valley Fever is a virus that year after year strikes Somalia and surrounding countries. Weather patterns seem to help predict when Rift Valley Fever will be at the highest risk for an outbreak. This outlines the steps the current government and people are trying to take to help prevent outbreaks of RVF. But the solutions currently …

Russian Federation: Alcoholism, Hannah Vercellotti

Global Public Health

The Russian Federation, better known as Russia, is the largest nation in the world. While the country faces numerous internal and external challenges, one of the most prevalent public health issues is alcoholism and excessive alcohol use. This is particularly concerning since, in addition to direct mortalities, alcoholism leads to Russia’s leading cause of death, coronary heart disease. The research compiled in this brief examines general information about the country, a few common public health issues faced, basic epidemiology, and previous interventions targeted at reducing alcoholism and excessive alcohol use. The project then proposes a future intervention aimed at resolving …

Panama: Ischemic Heart Disease, Alexander R. Ligeza

Global Public Health

This public health brief draws attention to the issue of ischemic heart disease that is currently plaguing Panama. Due largely to the dietary culture of the country, ischemic heart disease remains the number one health-related killer of Panamanians. Over the past few decades, there has been a stark increase in the amount of processed foods that are becoming a large part of the diets of western nations, and Panama has become no stranger to this trend. Although there have been great strides made in the treatment of ischemic heart disease, Panama still has a long road ahead of itself before …

Northern Mariana Islands: Hepatitis B, Dennis Thornton

Global Public Health

The Northern Mariana Islands consists of a group of Islands in the Pacific Ocean that are a United States commonwealth, meaning that they are technically a part of the United States and follow our government, which is a constitutional republic. This string of islands has had a problem with Hepatitis B in the past. This is a problem for all genders, and all ages, but is most common among drug users, diabetics, and individuals who engage in sexual acts with multiple partners. This illness attacks a person's bloodstream and can be serious enough to cause liver failure and extreme pain …

Infant Mortality: Sub-Saharan Africa, Danielle Rae Steffen

Global Issues in Public Health

Like much of the third world, the countries found in Sub-Saharan Africa have a distressingly high infant mortality rate compared to those recorded in places such as the United States and Europe. While there are many factors that play a role in the increased number of infant deaths in this region, lack of access to adequate healthcare for infants and their families is one of the main overarching causes. Although infant mortality rates remain high, there has been significant improvement in infant survival over the last several years which is largely due to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals …

Prevalence Of And Factors Associated With Utilization Of Herbal Medicines Among Outpatients In Primary Health Centers In Cambodia, Hattie Pearson, Tyler Fleming, Pheak Chhoun, Sovannary Tuot, Carinne M. Brody, Siyan Yi

BACKGROUND: Traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) is seen as a way to provide healthcare in both developed and developing countries across the world. In Cambodia, there is a long tradition of using TCAM. However, scant studies have been conducted on the extent of Cambodian TCAM use and how it interacts with allopathic health care to date. In this study, we examined the prevalence of and factors associated with utilization of herbal medicines among patients with chronic diseases in primary health care settings in Cambodia.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2015 with outpatients receiving treatment and care for …

Mobile Link - A Theory-Based Messaging Intervention For Improving Sexual And Reproductive Health Of Female Entertainment Workers In Cambodia: Study Protocol Of A Randomized Controlled Trial, Carinne M. Brody, Sovannary Tuot, Pheak Chhoun, Dallas Swendenman, Kathryn C. Kaplan, Siyan Yi

BACKGROUND: In Cambodia, HIV prevalence is concentrated in key populations including among female entertainment workers (FEWs) who may engage in direct or indirect sex work. Reaching FEWs with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services has been difficult because of their hidden and stigmatized nature. Mobile-phone-based interventions may be an effective way to reach this population and connect them with the existing services. This article describes study design and implementation of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a mobile health intervention (the Mobile Link) aiming to improve SRH and related outcomes among FEWs in Cambodia.

METHODS: A two-arm RCT will be …

Exposure To Gender-Based Violence And Depressive Symptoms Among Transgender Women In Cambodia: Findings From The National Integrated Biological And Behavioral Survey 2016, Siyan Yi, Sovannary Tuot, Srean Chhim, Pheak Chhoun, Phalkun Mun, Gitau Mburu

Background: Transgender women are at significant risk of HIV, and they face intersecting barriers to health, social, and legal services. However, data regarding the unique needs and experiences of transgender women are globally scant. This study examined the relationship between gender-based violence and depressive symptoms among transgender women in Cambodia.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1375 sexually active transgender women recruited by using the respondent-driven sampling method in the capital city of Phnom Penh and 12 provinces between December 2015 and February 2016. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D). Multivariate regression analysis was …

Factors Associated With Viral Non-Suppression Among Adolescents Living With Hiv In Cambodia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Kolab Chhim, Gitau Mburu, Sovannary Tuot, Ratana Sopha, Vohith Khol, Pheak Chhoun, Siyan Yi

Background

Adolescents living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) have worse treatment adherence, viral suppression, and mortality rates compared to adults. This study investigated factors associated with viral non-suppression among adolescents living with HIV in Cambodia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2016 among 328 adolescents living with HIV aged 15–17 years who were randomly selected from 11 ART clinics in the capital city of Phnom Penh and 10 other provinces. Clinical and immunological data, including CD4 count and viral load, were obtained from medical records at ART clinics. Adolescents were categorized as having achieved viral suppression if …

Gender Disparities In The Association Between Socio-Demographics And Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors Among Adults With Disabilities In Shanghai, China, Youran Zhang, Gang Chen, Qi Zhang, Jun Lu, Huijiong Yu

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND. Non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors can co-exist with disability and cause a greater burden on the health status of adults with disabilities. A lack of egalitarian social policies in China may result in gender disparities in the NCD risk factors of adults with disabilities. However, little is known about the gender disparities in the association between socio-demographics and NCD risk factors among adults with disabilities in China; consequently, we examined this association among adults with disabilities in Shanghai, China.

METHODS. We used the health examination data of 44,896 adults with disabilities in Shanghai in 2014. Descriptive analyses and …

Social-Support Needs Among Adolescents Living With Hiv In Transition From Pediatric To Adult Care In Cambodia: Findings From A Cross-Sectional Study, Graham Toth, Gitau Mburu, Sovannary Tuot, Vohith Khol, Chanrith Ngin, Pheak Chhoun, Siyan Yi

BACKGROUND: Understanding the circumstances of adolescents living with HIV is critical in designing adolescent-friendly services that will facilitate successful transition from pediatric to adult care. This study describes access, utilization and ongoing social support needs among adolescents living with HIV aged 15-17 in transition from pediatric to adult HIV care in Cambodia.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 328 adolescents, randomly selected from 11 antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics across the country. Descriptive analyses were conducted to summarize their characteristics, access to social support and ongoing support needs among male and female adolescents.

RESULTS: Mean age of the study participants …

Social And Behavioural Factors Associated With Risky Sexual Behaviours Among University Students In Nine Asean Countries: A Multi-Country Cross-Sectional Study, Siyan Yi, Vannarath Te, Supa Pengpid, Karl Peltzer

While university students are potential human resources, this population group is particularly involved in health risk behaviours. Preventing risky sexual behaviours among them would contribute to prevention of HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unwanted pregnancies, which have posed a great burden on population health. This study was therefore conducted to identify social and behavioural factors associated with risky sexual behaviours among university students in nine ASEAN countries. A multi-country, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 among university students by a network of researchers in the selected countries. A convenient sampling method and stratified random sampling procedures were employed to …

Engaging Male Partners Of Adolescent Girls And Young Women In Hiv Services In Malawi: Findings From Dreams Implementation Science Research, Project Soar

HIV and AIDS

Important contributors to adolescent girls' and young women's (AGYWs') vulnerability to HIV are the power differentials in their sexual relationships with male partners. Therefore, engaging male partners of AGYWs is important in reducing HIV incidence among these women. Project SOAR, in collaboration with the Center of Reproductive Health at the University of Malawi College of Medicine, conducted qualitative research in the districts of Zomba and Machinga in Malawi to: 1) identify and locate the types of men who have sexual relationships with AGYW; 2) understand the challenges to and facilitators of accessing HIV services among AGYWs’ male partners; and 3) …

Sexual Behaviors, Hiv Knowledge, Hiv Testing Attitudes And Recent Hiv Testing Among Female Entertainment Workers In Cambodia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Siyan Yi, Sovannary Tuot, Pheak Chhoun, Khuondyla Pal, Kolab Chhim, Chanrith Ngin, Carinne M. Brody

BACKGROUND: In Cambodian context, female entertainment workers (FEWs) are young women working at establishments such as karaoke bars, restaurants, beer gardens or massage parlors. FEWs may sell sex to male patrons and are considered a high-risk group for HIV. This study aimed to identify factors associated with recent HIV testing among FEWs in Cambodia to inform future prevention activities.

METHODS: Data were collected in 2014 as part of the evaluation of a larger HIV prevention project. A two-stage cluster sampling method was used to select participants from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. A …

Social And Behavioural Factors Associated With Depressive Symptoms Among University Students In Cambodia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Chanrith Ngin, Khuondyla Pal, Sovannary Tuot, Pheak Chhoun, Rosa Yi, Siyan Yi

OBJECTIVE: To explore social and behavioural factors associated with depressive symptoms among university students in Cambodia.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.

SETTINGS: Two public universities-one in the capital city of Phnom Penh and another in Battambang provincial town.

PARTICIPANTS: This study included 1359 students randomly selected from all departments in the two universities using a multistage cluster sampling method for a self-administered questionnaire survey in 2015.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Depressive symptoms measured by using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. All measures in the study were self-reported.

RESULTS: The proportion of students with depressive symptoms and severe depressive symptoms were 50.6% …

Rwanda: Hiv/Aids, Alissa Anderson

Global Public Health

Rwanda is a small country in Africa. Rwanda has had many conflicts within its borders with wars, genocide, and disease. One of Rwanda’s current threats is HIV/AIDS. This disease is spreading through its population, and making it easier for other diseases; such as hepatitis and tuberculosis, to spread as well. Rwanda is a country that is putting into effect many efforts to decrease its HIV/AIDS population by means of education, campaigns, and treatments regarding the disease. In this article, I use peer reviewed and reliable articles to show the past and current issues that Rwanda has to face with the …

Microcephaly, Christianne E. Albers

Global Issues in Public Health

Microcephaly is a noncommunicable condition causing the head of an infant to be smaller than what is typical. Microcephaly can cause delays in developmental milestones and/or can cause other conditions such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, hearing loss and vision problems. Microcephaly is found more frequently in certain populations of the world than others, specifically those with an increased number of cases with Zika virus. Women need to take preventative measures to ensure their unborn child is safe from the Zika virus. The Zika virus is not the only way microcephaly can occur. Many other causes like exposure to …

Characterizing Performance Improvement In Primary Care Systems In Mesoamerica: A Realist Evaluation Protocol [Version 1; Referees: 1 Approved], Wolfgang Munar

Global Health Faculty Publications

Background. Improving performance of primary care systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) may be a necessary condition for achievement of universal health coverage in the age of Sustainable Development Goals. The Salud Mesoamerica Initiative (SMI), a large-scale, multi-country program that uses supply-side financial incentives directed at the central-level of governments, and continuous, external evaluation of public, health sector performance to induce improvements in primary care performance in eight LMICs. This study protocol seeks to explain whether and how these interventions generate program effects in El Salvador and Honduras.

Methods. This study presents the protocol for a study …

Youth Paying For Sex: What Are The Associated Factors? Findings From A Cross-Sectional Study In Cambodia, Soaman Dizechi, Carinne M. Brody, Sovannary Tuot, Chhorvann Chhea, Vonthanak Saphonn, Kunthearith Yung, Siyan Yi

BACKGROUND: At-risk male youth in Cambodia who purchase sex are at greater risk for HIV compared to the general population. Factors associated with paying for sex among youth are poorly studied, both globally and in Cambodia. This study aimed to identify specific factors associated with transactional sex with women among most-at-risk male youth in Cambodia.

METHODS: This cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted with 405 sexually active male youth aged 16-24 recruited at 'hotspots' in the capital city of Phnom Penh and seven provinces. We collected data on demographic factors, sexual behaviors, HIV testing and other potential factors. Multivariable logistic regression …

Gender-Transformative Bandebereho Couples' Intervention To Promote Male Engagement In Reproductive And Maternal Health And Violence Prevention In Rwanda: Findings From A Randomized Controlled Trial., Kate Doyle, Ruti G Levtov, Gary Barker, Gautam G Bastian, Jeffrey B Bingenheimer, Shamsi Kazimbaya, Anicet Nzabonimpa, Julie Pulerwitz, Felix Sayinzoga, Vandana Sharma, Dominick Shattuck

Prevention and Community Health Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Rigorous evidence of the effectiveness of male engagement interventions, particularly on how these interventions impact relationship power dynamics and women's decision-making, remains limited. This study assessed the impact of the Bandebereho gender-transformative couples' intervention on impact on multiple behavioral and health-related outcomes influenced by gender norms and power relations.

METHODS: We conducted a multi-site randomised controlled trial in four Rwandan districts with expectant/current fathers and their partners, who were randomised to the intervention (n = 575 couples) or control group (n = 624 couples). Primary outcomes include women's experience of physical and sexual IPV, women's attendance and men's accompaniment …

Why It Worked: Participants' Insights Into An Mhealth Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Intervention In China., Lora L Sabin, Lauren Mansfield, Mary Bachman Desilva, Taryn Vian, Zhong Li, Xie Wubin, Allen L Gifford, Yiyao Barnoon, Christopher J Gill

Global Health Faculty Publications

Background: Few Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) adherence trials investigate the reasons for intervention success or failure among HIV-positive individuals.

Objectives: To conduct qualitative research to explore the reasons for effectiveness of a 6-month mHealth (mobile health) trial that improved adherence among ART patients in China. The intervention utilized Wireless Pill Containers (WPCs) to provide, real-time SMS reminders, WPC-generated adherence reports, and report-informed counseling.

Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 intervention-arm participants immediately following the trial. Sampling was purposeful to ensure inclusion of participants with varied adherence histories. Questions covered adherence barriers and facilitators, and intervention experiences. We analyzed data in …

Modeling The Relationship Between Women’S Perceptions And Future Intention To Use Institutional Maternity Care In The Western Highlands Of Guatemala, Emily Peca, John Sandberg

Global Health Faculty Publications

Background

Despite global gains, women in hard-to-reach areas are at a relatively higher risk of death and disability related to childbirth. Traditional methods of measuring satisfaction may mask negative experiences (such as disrespect and abuse) that can drive down demand for institutional care. Better measurement of women’s perceptions of care quality, especially among marginalized populations with historically low utilization of institutional care, are needed to inform how to improve services and foster greater utilization of (potentially life-saving) clinical care.

Methods

A population-based household survey was conducted in 15 purposively selected villages in the rural Western Highlands of Guatemala among women …

Increased Antibiotic Resistance Of Escherichia Coli In Nicaragua: Potential Causes And Future Implications, Ryan S. Paukert

Theses and Graduate Projects

Since 1987, no new structural class of antibiotic has been introduced into human medicine. Aside from the absence of a new structural class of antibiotics, there has been a startlingly low number of new antibiotics approved since 1987. With the lack of new antibiotics, finding current antibiotics that are effective is becoming an alarming challenge due to the worldwide emergence of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria presents a major threat to public health because they reduce the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure. Without treatment for common infections, like uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), resistant infections …

Addressing Stigma And Gender Inequities To Strengthen Hiv And Aids Programming: A Focus On Key Populations, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

Over the past 20 years, the Population Council has generated evidence around the types of stigma experienced by key populations at higher risk for HIV, and has designed and tested strategies aimed at reducing stigma and improving HIV programs and outcomes. Key populations (KPs), such as female sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and people who use drugs, often face multiple stigmas that reinforce one another. Evidence generated by the Population Council has shown that addressing and reducing stigma faced by KPs is a crucial step toward improving HIV prevention and treatment outcomes. This brief summarizes …

Are Services Meeting The Holistic Family Planning Needs Of Female Sex Workers Living With Hiv In Tanzania?, Project Soar

HIV and AIDS

Women of reproductive age living with HIV need access to comprehensive, voluntary family planning (FP) services to support their decisions about whether and when to have children. Contraceptive need is particularly acute among HIV-positive female sex workers who are often socially and economically disadvantaged. Furthermore, many HIV-positive female sex workers intend to have children some day, but may not be aware of strategies to minimize the risk of HIV transmission to infants and partners (i.e., “safer conception”). This activity brief describes a Project SOAR study in Tanzania that will contribute to the evidence base by conducting research that describes these …