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Epidemiologia
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Advances in Environmental Epidemiology, Health and Lifestyle
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Advances in Environmental Epidemiology, Health and Lifestyle

A special issue of Epidemiologia (ISSN 2673-3986). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 1864

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Parajuli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, CA 92093, USA
Interests: environmental epidemiology; one health; parasitology; diet; pesticides; heavy metals; cognition; gastrointestinal parasitic infections (GIPs); prevalence; risk factors; human health; environmental health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Epidemiologia, entitled “Advances in Environmental Epidemiology, Health and Lifestyle”, aims to highlight innovative research exploring how environmental exposures intersect with social, behavioral, and lifestyle factors to influence human health across the life course. We welcome original research articles and reviews that utilize population-based, cohort, or longitudinal study designs to examine the health impacts of environmental pollutants—such as heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, pesticides, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

In particular, we encourage the submission of studies focused on vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Health outcomes of interest include neurodevelopment, anthropometric indicators, liver function biomarkers, lipid profiles, and inflammation-related biomarkers. Interdisciplinary contributions incorporating lifestyle factors and contextual determinants—such as housing conditions, educational attainment, and neighborhood environments—are also very welcome.

This Special Issue also seeks to advance methodological approaches in environmental epidemiology, including biomarker-based exposure assessments and multivariate statistical modeling techniques for complex exposure mixtures. Our goal is to foster scientific dialog on preventive strategies, health equity, and policy actions that can mitigate the health risks of environmental exposures—particularly in low- and middle-income settings.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Parajuli
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Epidemiologia is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • environmental epidemiology
  • neurodevelopment and child health
  • lifestyle and psychosocial factors
  • birth cohorts and longitudinal studies
  • environmental exposures (metals, POPs, pesticides)
  • health disparities and vulnerable populations
  • liver, lipid, and inflammation biomarkers
  • multivariate exposure modeling
  • environmental justice
  • public health interventions

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 272 KB  
Article
Association Between Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and Breast Cancer Risk Among Moroccan Women: A Multicenter Case–Control Study
by Siham Mrah, Najoua Lamchabbek, Mounia Amzerin, Najia Mane, Nawfel Mellas, Karima Bendahou, Chaimaa Elattabi, Saber Boutayeb, Lahcen Belyamani, Elodie Faure, Inge Huybrechts, Adil Najdi, Fatima Zahra El M’rabet and Mohamed Khalis
Epidemiologia 2026, 7(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/epidemiologia7010022 - 3 Feb 2026
Abstract
Purpose: Breast cancer (BC) incidence has been increasing rapidly in North Africa, including Morocco, yet evidence regarding modifiable lifestyle factors remains limited. This study aimed to assess the associations between physical activity, sedentary behavior, daily work habits, and BC risk among Moroccan women, [...] Read more.
Purpose: Breast cancer (BC) incidence has been increasing rapidly in North Africa, including Morocco, yet evidence regarding modifiable lifestyle factors remains limited. This study aimed to assess the associations between physical activity, sedentary behavior, daily work habits, and BC risk among Moroccan women, addressing an important gap in regional data. Methods: We conducted a case–control study between 2019 and 2023, including 1400 histologically confirmed incident BC cases and 1400 matched controls. Physical activity was assessed across the lifespan, considering type, intensity, and duration. Associations with BC risk were estimated using adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Moderate physical activity was inversely associated with BC risk, showing a clear dose–response relationship. Compared with the lowest physical activity level, the highest quartile showed significantly lower odds of BC (aOR = 0.37 (95% CI: 0.29–0.47). Vigorous physical activity during young adulthood and mid-adulthood was similarly linked to reduced risk. Active daily habits, such as walking and regular stair climbing, were associated with lower odds, whereas frequent occupational fatigue and sweating were linked to increased risk. Conclusions: Our findings highlight a significant inverse association between physical activity and BC risk among Moroccan women. Notably, moderate PA and active daily habits like brisk walking are linked to lower odds of the disease. While these findings support the role of physical activity as an important factor associated with breast cancer prevention, the retrospective design of the study limits causal inference. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmental Epidemiology, Health and Lifestyle)
12 pages, 808 KB  
Article
A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Blood Spot per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) from Adolescents in Chitwan Valley, Nepal
by Lauren Marie Ward, Shristi Bhandari, Hafsa Aleem, Jaclyn M. Goodrich and Rajendra Prasad Parajuli
Epidemiologia 2026, 7(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/epidemiologia7010005 - 4 Jan 2026
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are globally widespread contaminants linked to adverse health outcomes, including immune dysregulation. We aimed to characterize PFAS exposure among adolescents in Nepal. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Chitwan District, Nepal, during September–October 2023, enrolling 73 adolescents [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are globally widespread contaminants linked to adverse health outcomes, including immune dysregulation. We aimed to characterize PFAS exposure among adolescents in Nepal. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Chitwan District, Nepal, during September–October 2023, enrolling 73 adolescents from the Chitwan Birth Cohort. Methods: Dried blood spots from 48 participants were analyzed for 45 PFAS by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Sociodemographic and contextual behavioral covariates information (e.g., water source and local fish consumption) were collected via questionnaire. We used linear regression to analyze the association between contextual behavioral covariates and PFAS concentrations. Results: PFOS was detected in 46% of samples, followed by PFNA (25%) and PFOA (12.5%); other PFAS were rarely detected. Participants who consumed locally caught fish more than once per month had significantly higher PFOS levels (β = 0.35, p = 0.006). Conclusions: Frequent fish intake was the only factor significantly associated with PFAS levels, suggesting a dietary exposure pathway. This study provides the first documentation of PFAS exposure among Nepalese adolescents, revealing low-level exposures. Findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance of environmental contaminants in vulnerable populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmental Epidemiology, Health and Lifestyle)
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9 pages, 249 KB  
Article
Perinatal Risk Factors and Clinical Correlations in Molar–Incisor Hypomineralization: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study
by Esztella-Éva Kis, Ilona-Boglárka Gecse, Cristina Bica, Csaba Dudás, Henrietta Dudás and Krisztina Martha
Epidemiologia 2026, 7(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/epidemiologia7010004 - 26 Dec 2025
Viewed by 307
Abstract
Background: Molar–Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) represents a developmental enamel defect of systemic origin, typically affecting the first permanent molars and often the incisors. Within the limitations of this study, several associations were observed between perinatal factors and MIH-related outcomes. However, most of these connections [...] Read more.
Background: Molar–Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) represents a developmental enamel defect of systemic origin, typically affecting the first permanent molars and often the incisors. Within the limitations of this study, several associations were observed between perinatal factors and MIH-related outcomes. However, most of these connections were not retained in adjusted analyses. Febrile illness during the first year of life showed a significant association with hypersensitivity. Methods: A structured 30-item questionnaire was distributed to mothers of 50 children diagnosed with MIH between February and March 2024. Data was analyzed using chi-square tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant, and univariate and multivariate logistic regressions at 95% confidence interval. Clinical diagnosis followed the Weerheijm (EAPD) criteria. Results: Maternal medication during pregnancy (antibiotics, antiepileptics, asthma drugs) was significantly associated with preterm birth (p = 0.01). Low birth weight correlated with tooth eruption disorders (p = 0.009) and perinatal complications such as hypoxia and respiratory distress (p = 0.0001). Fluoride application demonstrated a protective effect against discolorations (p = 0.005), caries (p = 0.002), and hypersensitivity (p = 0.01). In the multivariate model, febrile illness during the first year of life may be associated with hypersensitivity in MIH-affected teeth (aOR = 5.71, 95% CI: 1.01–32.27, p = 0.049). Conclusions: Maternal medication and perinatal complications, particularly low birth weight, were associated with MIH occurrence. Preventive strategies emphasizing maternal health, early screening, and remineralization-based therapies can mitigate long-term oral health impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmental Epidemiology, Health and Lifestyle)
13 pages, 359 KB  
Article
Population Attributable Fraction of Tobacco Use and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Analysis of the ENSANUT 2021
by Julio Cesar Campuzano, Jorge Martin Rodríguez, Luz Myriam Reynales, Anaid Hernández and Diana Carolina Urrego
Epidemiologia 2025, 6(4), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/epidemiologia6040084 - 2 Dec 2025
Viewed by 583
Abstract
Background: Robust evidence demonstrates that tobacco use acts as a causal and, therefore, modifiable risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, its specific population-level impact in Mexico has not yet been quantified. Objective: This study aimed to estimate [...] Read more.
Background: Robust evidence demonstrates that tobacco use acts as a causal and, therefore, modifiable risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, its specific population-level impact in Mexico has not yet been quantified. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the population attributable fraction (PAF) of T2DM associated with tobacco use among Mexican adults, utilizing data from the 2021 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT). Methods: A nested case–control analysis was conducted within the complex sampling design of the ENSANUT. Adults aged 20 years or older were included. Cases were defined as individuals with a self-reported medical diagnosed T2DM diagnosis; controls were individuals without T2DM. Exposure status was categorized as current person who smokes, former person who smokes, and never person who smokes. A logistic regression model was employed, adjusting for key covariates including age, sex, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities. The PAF was subsequently calculated using the Miettinen formula. Results: The adjusted PAF for T2DM attributable to smoking was 10.1% (95% CI: 4.07–14.97). This finding suggests that approximately one in eight T2DM cases could be prevented through the elimination of tobacco use. The association was more pronounced among men and individuals with a history of heavy tobacco use. Conclusion: The estimated PAF for T2DM due to tobacco use underscores the significant contribution of policies established within the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to the prevention of chronic diseases. The implementation and strengthening of such policies, including increased tobacco taxes, comprehensive smoking bans in public places, on-package warnings, and advertising prohibitions, would prove highly beneficial. These findings show a strong population-level association between tobacco use and T2DM, but causality cannot be established. Future longitudinal studies in Mexico are needed to confirm these results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmental Epidemiology, Health and Lifestyle)
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