Public Health Institute Journal (LJMU)
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Systematic review of quantitative studies on prevalence of intimate partner violence against women in Sub-Saharan Africa (Low and-Middle-Income Countries).
No full textBackground: Intimate partner violence (IPV) and abuse against women is a huge societal issue which is seen to affect the progress of the SDG 5.2 goal. Sub-Saharan African Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) is the region with the highest prevalence of IPV globally, affecting both married and unmarried women in relationships and marriages, respectively. Therefore, the aim of this study was to have an in-depth understanding of the high prevalence rate of IPV against women in Sub-Saharan African LMICs, thereby understanding the somewhat complex nature of IPV against women, to identify possible causes and provide information necessary to develop solutions. The systematic review assessed the factors relating to the high prevalence of IPV and abuse against women in the selected Sub-Saharan African LMICs, identifying the overall lifetime and 12 months prior to the study time’s prevalence rates.
Methods: A systematic review of literature was conducted where relevant databases were searched using key terms related to the topic, with the aid of the PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcomes) search framework. Studies were selected based on set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thereafter, the screening process was carried out first by excluding duplicates of studies selected from the database. Following this was a title and abstract screening, and then a full text screening.
Results: It was found that these prevalence rates were high due to the existence of various types of IPV like physical, economic, sexual, verbal, emotional/psychological and controlling behaviour. The lifetime/overall prevalence rate ranged from 25.5% to 78.5%. This supported research which suggested that this region has a high rate of IPV against women, establishing itself in different forms.
Conclusion: IPV is a highly prevalent issue which, if not controlled, will result in physical, mental and sexual/reproductive health issues for women in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is therefore important for the governments of these countries and healthcare professionals to offer specialised services to abused women and ensure men are involved in the fight against IPV. Women who are experiencing IPV should have the opportunity to speak up about their struggles and obtain the required help as and when necessary
Prevalence of Hepatitis B infection among healthcare workers in Nigeria: A systematic review.
No full textBackground: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an infectious disease of global significance, causing a significant health burden. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are more exposed to HBV infection. The objective of this study was to systematically review all published evidence on the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among HCWs. and synthesize evidence on the predictors of HBV infection and association between some selected characteristics during the period of 2010 to 2023.
Methods: In this study, 14 fully published research articles retrieved from databases like PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, African Journal Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar were examined to investigate HBV seroprevalence between January 01, 2010, and June 30, 2023. HBV infection was defined based on a positive test for HBsAg. A descriptive analysis was performed on categorical variables using frequencies and percentages to compare the prevalence of hepatitis B infection among healthcare workers, employing the Chi-square test. Additionally, the association between various factors and hepatitis B infection was assessed using univariate logistic regression, estimating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results: A total of 94 articles were identified and after screening and assessment, 14 studies with a combined sample size of 6,541 HCWs were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of HBsAg among HCWs was found to be 4.43%. The North-West region of the country had the highest pooled prevalence at 21.13%, while Internship staff had the highest prevalence estimate of 21.48% among different work types. The most used HBV detection method was the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) in 57% of the studies, followed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 36% of the studies. Several risk factors were found to be significantly associated with HBV infection among HCWs, including a history of blood transfusion, male gender, shorter work experience, and poor knowledge about HBV.
Conclusion: This systematic review provides valuable insights into the prevalence and risk factors of HBV infection among HCWs in Nigeria. The findings highlight the importance of implementing targeted interventions and preventive measures to reduce the burden of HBV infection in this high-risk population
Evaluating dentists’ attitudes and knowledge about smokeless tobacco and smoking cessation advice for smoking tobacco in India.
No full textBackground: The background of the research topic, set in public health, focuses on the use of tobacco that as a part of the lifestyle, has become one of the key contributors towards non-communicable disease. The current research intends to look at the attitude and knowledge of Indian dentists pertaining to smokeless tobacco and smoking cessation advice for smoking tobacco. The literature review highlighted empirical studies in various dimensions exposing the smokeless tobacco definition, impact of smokeless tobacco on oral health, impact of smoking cessation, attitude and knowledge of dentists towards tobacco and smokeless tobacco.
Methods: A survey study design with convenient sampling for collecting data from Indian dentists was used. The sample comprised n=63. SPSS was used for data analysis.
Results: The results showed that Indian dentists have substantial knowledge about both smoking and smokeless tobacco usage in the Indian population. They used and extended their existing knowledge level to create and educate Indian dental patients. Irrespective of their smoking status, their professional attitude towards counselling the patient has helped to create interventions that induce benefits. Demographic factors of age, education qualification, smoking status, gender, and work experience have varied relationships that show significance. The analysis showed Indian dentists as the core influencer of dental patients consuming smokeless tobacco products. They induce good oral health hygiene practices and highlight the risks that lead to oral cancer. Successive awareness creation and one-to-one support in the dental setting has helped knowledge dissemination, creating favourable attitudes in Indian dentists, professionalism in upholding the medical oath and deployment of multiple interventions to arrest withdrawal symptoms in Indian patients.
Conclusion: The research showed that Indian dentists’ contribution towards the dental profession in treating Indian patients using smokeless tobacco is professionally handled over time. However, the rise in incidence of cases is not researched in the Indian context. This exposes the research gaps in other areas impacting dental patients’ withdrawal behaviour
Occupational exposure to PM (dust) and its relationship to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Europe: A systematic review.
No full textBackground: Ambient particulate matter consists of diverse solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. In urban settings, specific jobs such as welding, painting, vehicle repair, and servicing are linked to potential exposure to particulate matter. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality, affecting developed and developing nations. Industrialization and urbanization in Europe have notably impacted COPD emergence. Prevalence ranges from 3.5% to 17.4% across Europe, peaking in Denmark. Workplace exposures contribute up to 15% of COPD cases. Population-based studies show that workplace exposure to dusts accounts for a significant proportion of COPD cases. This review investigates particulate matter\u27s role in occupational COPD impact and aims to understand its effect on the working population\u27s health.
Methods: A systematic review of literature linking COPD with occupational exposures to PM was carried out. Three database searches involving Medline, CINAHL and Scopus were used. Studies from the start of 2000 were included in the review. The search strategy was developed using a PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcomes) framework and the relevant studies were selected using the predefined criteria for inclusion and exclusion. The quality of the 9 included studies was appraised using the Joanna Brigg\u27s Institute (JBI) Checklist for cross-sectional and cohort studies. Analysis of the included studies was conducted using a narrative review.
Results: The review analysed nine studies carried out in Europe, revealing a substantial correlation between exposure to dust and the susceptibility to developing COPD and Chronic Bronchitis. Overall, this association proved consistent across different genders and occupational settings, indicating that both men and women face an increased risk of these respiratory conditions due to dust exposure in various work environments.
Conclusions: Occupational dust exposure is closely linked to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), particularly in industries like agriculture and manufacturing. This connection underscores the need for public health and workplace interventions. Preventive measures including regulations, protective gear, and health screenings, are crucial to reduce COPD risk. Recognizing this interplay is vital for worker wellbeing and requires proactive actions for a healthier workforce
A survey of Nigerian youths’ knowledge and perceptions of health-related risks and impact of tobacco consumption.
No full textBackground: Smoking is a major public health problem, especially in Nigeria. It is well acknowledged that young individuals are unaware of the dangers of tobacco smoking and its consequences for their health. Hence this study was aimed at young people in Nigeria and their knowledge and perceptions of the health-related risks and impacts caused by tobacco usage.
Methods: The cross-sectional research design was used for this study. The convenience sampling method was used to collect data from 50 active smokers from a Facebook group via an online questionnaire. Cronbach alpha was used to assess the instrument\u27s reliability, and the data acquired was examined using descriptive statistics and chi square. At the 0.05 threshold of significance, all hypotheses were tested.
Results: The result of the study showed 66% of young adults in Nigeria have a low level of knowledge of the health-related risks associated with tobacco use. The results further showed that although 78% of the respondents perceived that tobacco use is risky to their health; yet 84.5% of respondents had the perception that their current tobacco use had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing as over 80% of the respondents had the perception smoking and tobacco use makes hanging out with friends more fun alongside some other benefits. The results also showed that the smoker’s level of knowledge was also significantly associated with gender, occupational status, marital status, their perception of the health-related risk and their perception of the impact of tobacco use on their health and wellbeing.
Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the need for stakeholders in the Nigerian health system to increase awareness of the health-related risks of tobacco use among Nigerian youths who lack this knowledge and who see tobacco smoking as a means of easing their socioeconomic difficulties or personal stress
The extent of and response to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults who have or are receiving care for illicit opiate use in high-income countries: A scoping review.
No full textBackground: Illicit opiate use by all age groups is still at a record high, leading to increased morbidity and mortality and causing major public health issues. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a type of lung disease, is one of the major diseases associated with illicit opiate use. However, treating COPD in this population group is still far from optimal in high-income countries despite good healthcare services. It is, therefore, vital to understand the extent of and responsiveness to COPD among individuals who have or are undergoing treatment for illicit opiate use in high-income countries. This scoping review aimed to review the existing literature on the extent of and response to COPD in adults in high-income countries who are receiving or have previously received treatment for opiate use.
Methods: The scoping study entailed gathering and analysing data from papers in the "Discover" database that were linked to a scoping review on the extent of and responsiveness to COPD among persons who have or are receiving care for illegal opiate use in high-income countries. The search was divided into three stages. A preliminary search for relevant research was undertaken using Google Scholar and the Library Discover database. These papers\u27 titles and abstracts were examined to identify related keywords. Second, a systematic search of the LJMU Discover database was conducted, which comprised PubMed, Medline via EBSCO, and CINAHL via EBSCO. Third, the official websites of organisations such as the American Lung Association, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and the World Health Organisation were searched for grey literature.
Results: 759 studies were identified using database searches. After deleting duplicate entries, 427 studies were reviewed using predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria based on their titles and abstracts. This procedure resulted in the selection of 41 studies for full- text screening against the same standards. Finally, 406 of the 427 records evaluated were rejected, leaving only 21 research to meet the inclusion criteria and be included in the final analysis.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this scoping analysis demonstrates a substantial relationship between illegal opiate use and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in high-income countries. Early screening and tailored therapies for people with a history of opioid misuse are critical for addressing this problem. Improving health outcomes requires integrated care approaches, individualised treatment, and initiatives to decrease stigma. The paper also identifies knowledge gaps, advising policymakers and researchers to prioritise data collection and collaborative research projects to address these concerns fully. By putting the study\u27s suggestions into action, healthcare providers and policymakers may better support this vulnerable population, lowering the burden of COPD in the setting of illegal opiate use and improving overall well-being
A qualitative study on the self-perceived effects both positive and detrimental of the self-medication of cannabis and cannabinoid products in people aged between 18 and 65 in the Liverpool city region
No full textIn the United Kingdom there are approximately thirty million people that have been diagnosed with conditions that make them eligible for treatment using cannabis and/or cannabinoid products. Although cannabis and cannabinoid products have been legal in the United Kingdom since November 2018, the only route of access for patients is through specialised private clinics. With very little information being given to the public around policy changes in reference to medical cannabis there are still many misconceptions over the legality of medical cannabis, what conditions it can be used to treat and the side-effects of medical cannabis on patients. This study used qualitative research methods to research the self-perceived effects of cannabis and cannabinoid products in those who are self-medicating with illicit cannabis and legal cannabinoid products and their reasoning for use. Individuals aged between 18 and 65 who live within the Liverpool city region and currently use or have a history of using cannabis or cannabinoid products for health-related purposes were recruited into the study, on a voluntary basis, through the researchers preexisting networks using convenience sampling with the potential for the individuals to refer or recruit appropriate individuals through snowball sampling methods. Three participants took part in semi structured interviews to gather data pertaining to their use of cannabis and/or cannabinoid products. All data was then transcribed with emerging themes being identified and subsequently compared to existing research and available data in relation to the research question. Results showed that there are various reasons for use of cannabis and cannabinoid products, in varying quantities, for health-related purposes with use of cannabis predominantly as an aid to sleep and relieve anxiety whilst cannabinoid products being predominantly used for pain related illness. Reasons for use also varied from initial recreational use, individuals looking for an alternative to synthetic or derivative medicines and individuals wanting to try cannabis as a sleep aid. All participants reported a willingness to be prescribed cannabis and/or cannabinoid by medical professionals if it was available to them. Further research should focus on gaining greater participation for the study and utilising unstructured interviews with participants to gain the greatest amount of in-depth data in relation to the positive and detrimental effects of cannabis and/or cannabinoid product use on the health and daily lives of participants. There are suggestions from this study that the legalisation of and eligibility criteria for medical cannabis and/or cannabinoid products in the United Kingdom are not widely known to the public
A survey study investigating the public\u27s perception of vaccine hesitant parents
No full textVaccine hesitancy has been a growing concern in the UK for many years. Health services are failing to meet national targets annually and uptake in childhood immunisations has rapidly decreased, causing the UK to recently declare a national outbreak in the once controlled measles virus. In order to tackle this growing public health concern, it is vital that further understanding of public knowledge, understanding and reasonings behind hesitancy is established. At present, there is a significant lack of research into the public’s knowledge, awareness, and perceptions of vaccine hesitant parents. This study analyses current awareness, knowledge and perception surrounding the topic of vaccine hesitancy and vaccine hesitant parents. This study took mainly a quantitative approach, through the use of an anonymous, online questionnaire, posted to the researcher’s personal social media platforms. The questionnaire gathered both qualitative and quantitative data including open-ended questions to allow participants the opportunity to express personal thoughts and opinions. The researcher used a convenience sampling method, to obtain 62 participants. Data obtained in this study was converted to SPSS software for detailed statistical analysis of quantitative data along with comparing this data to the written qualitative responses. This study used a number of comparison graphs, to establish any relevant patterns and trends, amongst both forms of data, presented in the forms of bar and pie charts.
The findings from this study indicated that women are more likely to participate and engage in studies relating to vaccine hesitancy, and awareness of this topic is extremely low in men, compared to women, and younger adults- middle aged individuals are more likely to be considered vaccine hesitant, compared to those aged 60+. This study has also found that the public has an in depth understanding of the public health implications, caused by vaccine hesitancy and can clearly identify a range of affected key areas. When looking to understand the public\u27s perceptions on vaccine hesitant parents, the media has portrayed these individuals to be ‘uneducated’. However, this study has found this to be untrue, as all but one participant (who chose not to state), have some level of education. This study has discovered that a very small number of participants identify as vaccine hesitant, however data from this study has found more participants are showing significant signs of hesitancy, leading to believe this could be due to fear of judgement or lack of awareness. This study has found that the majority of participants are accepting of childhood immunisations which would match the national statistics, and although misconceptions surrounding vaccine hesitant parents being ‘uneducated’ and ‘misinformed’ has been identified within this study, the public seem to understand the potential genuine reasoning behind hesitancy and are mainly concerned about the ongoing spread of infectious diseases amongst communities
The extent of active travel among Liverpool John Moores University students.
No full textBackground: Active travel has gained significant awareness during the last few years as it has a huge potential to reduce non-communicable diseases and sustain an environmentally friendly city. This quantitative dissertation investigates the patterns and determinants of active commuting behaviour among college students to inform sustainable mobility programmes on campus. Physical activity, greenhouse gas emissions, and congestion are all issues that could be greatly improved by shifting more people to walking, biking, and other non-motorised modes of transportation. However, there is a lack of specialised studies addressing the distinctive mobility patterns and preferences of college students.
Methods: The study covers this informational gap with robust quantitative methodologies based on survey data from a broadly representative sample of notable university students. Convenience sampling was used, and university students aged 18+ completed an online survey. Distance, mode of travel, and active commuting parameters were surveyed. The survey seeks to understand students travel habits, preferences, and decision-making processes, including how often they travel, how far they travel, and why they pick different modes of transportation. Because gender, age, race or ethnicity, and education level may affect active travel, these are also collected. Descriptive statistics were used by measuring frequency, and the chi-square test was also used. This study examined campus accessibility, infrastructure availability, students\u27 sense of safety, time constraints, and cultural norms affecting college students\u27 use of active transportation modes, including walking and biking. The study also examines how walking, biking, and other active transportation modes relate to public and private transportation.
Results: 44% walked or ran to the university, while 15% drove. Nearly 20% of participants lived fewer than two miles from the university campus, and home distance and means of transportation were significantly linked. 57.4% prioritise time-saving and speedier mobility over affordability and environmental impact. 66% of individuals did not own a vehicle, and vehicle ownership was statistically significant for university commuting. 50% of participants used one mode of active travel for at least 10 minutes a day, and 32% were satisfied with walking around Liverpool. The study also indicated that safety concerns and city bicycle assessments are the top reasons participants do not use active transportation daily. Finally, the study found that green spaces and relaxing locations in the city improve active travel and promote sustainable living in the city and on university campuses.
Conclusions: This study suggests that student attitude and behaviour could be altered, and active travel as a form of transportation has many profound public health benefits both for the individual and society. Also, this study sheds light on the factors that prevent people from incorporating this method of commuting into their daily lives and suggests multiple research and recommendations to change the situation. The overarching goal of this study is to inform policy and programme development that promotes active transportation modes like walking and biking as practical and healthful alternatives to traditional modes of transportation
The effects of depression and mental health on males in the society: A scoping review.
No full textBackground: Depression is a significant mental health concern that affects individuals worldwide, including men. However, there is a paucity of research focusing specifically on the impact of depression on mental and emotional well-being in men. This scoping review aims to explore the existing literature on depression in men, shedding light on prevalent qualities and variables that are rarely discussed.
The primary objective of this scoping review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the available evidence regarding depression in men. Specifically, the review aimed to identify and analyse studies that examined gender differences in depression prevalence, societal perceptions and stigma surrounding male depression, cultural beliefs and their influence on men, and the relationship between co-occurring mental health disorders and depression in males. By achieving these objectives, the review sought to contribute to a better understanding of depression in men and inform future research, clinical practice, and policy.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted to identify relevant studies from various databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria were applied to select studies that focused on depression in men and were published in peer-reviewed journals. Data extraction involved collecting information on study characteristics, key findings, and implications related to the research objectives. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes and patterns across the included studies.
Results: The scoping review included twelve studies that provided valuable insights into depression in men. The findings indicated gender differences in depression prevalence, with men experiencing depression at different rates compared to women. Societal perceptions and stigma surrounding male depression were identified as significant barriers to help-seeking and support for men. Cultural beliefs and their influence on men\u27s experiences of depression highlighted the importance of culturally competent care. Furthermore, the review emphasized the complex relationship between depression and co-occurring mental health disorders in males.
Conclusion: This scoping review contributes to the understanding of depression in men by highlighting key themes and implications from the included studies. The findings underscore the need for tailored interventions, improved access and affordability of mental health services, enhanced awareness, and strengthened healthcare engagement to address depression in men effectively. Based on the findings and limitations of the review, several recommendations for future research are proposed. These include conducting longitudinal studies to understand the trajectory of depression in men, incorporating diverse populations and cultural contexts, employing qualitative research approaches to gain deeper insights, utilizing more rigorous study designs such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and developing gender-sensitive assessment tools and screening measures specific to male depression
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