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Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges

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A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Public Health and Preventive Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 16909

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Prof. Dr. Juliana Cassol Spanemberg

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Department of Dentistry, Oral Medicine and Public Health, Educational Innovation Group (INNE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Fernando Pessoa Canary Islands University, Calle de La Juventud S/N, Santa María de Guía, Gran Canaria, 35450 Las Palmas, Spain
Interests: public health dentistry; dentistry education innovation; innovative teaching methods; dentistry professional training; telehealth in dentistry; community-based health promotion; preventive health strategies; oral disease prevention and treatment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to invite you to participate in our Special Issue, titled “Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges”.

This Special Issue of Healthcare will explore advances and innovative approaches in health education and prevention to address emerging challenges in healthcare. In an ever-changing global environment, education and prevention play a crucial role in improving public health outcomes and the sustainability of health systems.

This Special Issue aims to achieve the following:

Analyze how innovative approaches to health professional education can better prepare new generations to face emerging challenges.
Present health promotion and prevention strategies that use digital technologies and community-based approaches to improve access to and quality of care.
Explore the impact of multidisciplinary approaches in improving patient care and strengthening preventive strategies.
Examine how these innovations can contribute to reducing health inequalities and support the sustainable development of health systems.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Innovation in health education: New methodologies and technological tools applied in the training of health professionals.
Community-based health promotion: Strategies focusing on equity and accessibility in health to improve prevention and promotion.
Digital health and health literacy: Using digital technologies to improve patient health education and health literacy.
Disease prevention and control: Innovative approaches that address emerging challenges in preventing chronic diseases and global pandemics.
Multidisciplinary approach: The impact of collaboration between different disciplines on improving patient care and strengthening preventive strategies.

This Special Issue aims to provide a space for researchers and health professionals to share experiences, research results, and innovative practices in these areas. Through various contributions, this Special Issue will provide insights into the reality of prevention and health promotion.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Juliana Cassol Spanemberg
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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare 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 2700 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

community health promotion
health equity
digital health technologies
health literacy
patient-centered care
disease prevention
pandemic preparedness
multidisciplinary approaches
preventive strategies
sustainable health systems

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 456 KB

Open AccessArticle

Personal Health Data in Healthcare: Important Factors Considered by Health Students—A Qualitative Study

by Sjors W. M. Groeneveld, Gaya Bin Noon, Mathieu Figeys, Lisette van Gemert-Pijnen, Rudolf M. Verdaasdonk, Plinio Pelegrini Morita, Shaniff Esmail, Harmieke van Os-Medendorp and Marjolein E. M. den Ouden

Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1731; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121731 - 16 Jun 2026

Viewed by 284

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Digital technologies and data-driven approaches are rapidly transforming healthcare practice and enabling more personalized and preventive care. As personal health data becomes increasingly embedded in healthcare systems, understanding how future healthcare professionals interpret these developments is essential for shaping responsive health education. This study aims to identify the factors that students in health-related programs consider important regarding the increasing use of personal health data in healthcare. Methods: An exploratory qualitative focus group study was conducted between March 2024 and July 2025 across five higher education institutions in Australia, Canada, and the Netherlands. Seven focus groups were conducted with forty students from health-related programs, including nursing, public health, occupational therapy, and social work. Participants discussed the use of personal health data in healthcare and reflected on short fictional future scenarios designed to stimulate discussion about possible developments in data-driven healthcare. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti. Results: Three overarching domains were identified: (1) personalization and prevention, (2) data quality and ethical considerations, and (3) organizational implications and conditions. Students described personal health data as a powerful tool for personalization, prevention, and informed decision-making. At the same time, they raised concerns about data reliability, overreliance on automated systems, patient anxiety, potential dehumanization of care, privacy risks, and emerging inequalities related to access to and representation within data systems. Overall, students appeared neither purely techno-optimistic nor technophobic, but articulated nuanced ethical, cultural, and professional tensions surrounding data-driven care. Conclusions: Preparing future healthcare professionals for data-driven healthcare requires integrating critical data literacy, ethical reflection, interdisciplinary collaboration and opportunities to critically engage with the societal and professional implications of data-driven technologies into health professional education, while ensuring that organizational conditions support the responsible use of personal health data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges)

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17 pages, 567 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence, Awareness, and Sociodemographic Determinants of Disc Herniation Among Adults in Saudi Arabia

by Yahya H. Khormi, Mohammad A. Jareebi, Afrah M. Humadi, Saja A. Almraysi, Ali Y. Madkhali, Saja S. Alqahtani, Eyad M. Albarrati, Abdulaziz M. Alibrahim, Saud N. Alwadani, Ahlam A. Harthi, Weam S. Alqattan, Roaa A. Bajafar, Najla A. Alhazmi, Ibrahim A. Hakami and Farjah H. Algahtani

Healthcare 2026, 14(10), 1309; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14101309 - 12 May 2026

Viewed by 440

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Disc herniation, also termed herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), is a common spinal disorder affecting approximately 10% of the global population, associated with pain, neurological complications, and diminished quality of life. Despite its global burden, regional variations in public awareness and sociodemographic determinants remain inadequately characterized, particularly in Middle Eastern populations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, public awareness, and sociodemographic determinants of HNP among adults in Saudi Arabia at a nationwide level. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to July 2025. Using a convenience sampling approach via social media platforms, an online questionnaire was distributed nationwide across Saudi Arabia. Data from 1112 participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. The questionnaire comprised two sections: sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge and awareness of HNP. Results: The prevalence of disc herniation was 8.9%, consistent with global estimates. Overall awareness was relatively high at 67.6%, though knowledge of specific risk factors varied considerably. Most participants recognized obesity (88.0%), poor sitting posture (85.8%), history of lower back trauma (86.2%), and work requiring physical effort (88.8%) as risk factors, while fewer acknowledged smoking (46.4%), diabetes (51.2%), sleeping on a soft bed (36.9%), and increased height (35.9%). Multiple logistic regression, adjusted for all sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related covariates, identified significant independent predictors of HNP including marital status (married OR = 2.90), current smoking (OR = 2.91), hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.86), family history (OR = 8.95), and prior knowledge of the condition (OR = 2.28). Knowledge of HNP was significantly associated with university education (OR = 1.70), higher income levels (OR = 2.23 for ≥15,000 SAR; OR = 2.07 for 5000–9999 SAR), and family history (OR = 4.70), while those in low and medium workload jobs demonstrated lower knowledge. Conclusions: Although overall public awareness of HNP is relatively high in Saudi Arabia, substantial gaps persist in knowledge of modifiable risk factors, particularly smoking and diabetes mellitus. Targeted smoking cessation campaigns, diabetes awareness programs, and ergonomic education initiatives delivered through primary healthcare centers, workplaces, and schools are recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges)

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15 pages, 513 KB

Open AccessArticle

Regional Patterns of Multimorbidity and Hospitalization in Saskatchewan’s Aging Population

by Udoka Okpalauwaekwe, Masud Rana and Huey-Ming Tzeng

Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020191 - 12 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 735

Abstract

Background: Multimorbidity (the co-occurrence of two or more chronic conditions) is increasingly common among older adults and contributes to diminished well-being and greater healthcare use. While national data highlight regional variation, few studies have examined how multimorbidity is patterned within provinces like Saskatchewan or how it relates to access and acute care use. Objective: To describe sociodemographic and geographic patterns of multimorbidity among older adults in Saskatchewan and examine its association with healthcare access, unmet needs, and recent emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of a population-based telephone survey of 1093 adults aged 65+ across Saskatchewan. Respondents were categorized by chronic disease burden (none, one, or multimorbidity). Descriptive statistics and postal code-level mapping explored health status, access, and utilization. Results: Multimorbidity (10.6%) was more prevalent among older adults aged 75+, Indigenous respondents, and those with lower education. It was associated with poorer self-rated health, greater unmet needs, and higher ED visits (20.7%) and hospitalizations (12.1%) compared to those without chronic conditions. Northern regions had proportionally higher multimorbidity, despite smaller populations. Conclusions: Findings highlight social and spatial disparities in chronic disease burden and underscore the need for equity-focused strategies in Saskatchewan’s rural and northern communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges)

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17 pages, 388 KB

Open AccessArticle

Considering Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RAs) for Weight Loss: Insights from a Pragmatic Mixed-Methods Study of Patient Beliefs and Barriers

by Regina DePietro, Isabella Bertarelli, Chloe M. Zink, Shannon M. Canfield, Jamie Smith and Jane A. McElroy

Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020186 - 12 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2738

Abstract

Background/Objective: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have received widespread attention as effective obesity treatments. However, limited research has examined the perspectives of patients contemplating GLP-1RAs. This study explored perceptions, motivations, and barriers among individuals considering GLP-1RA therapy for obesity treatment, with the goal of informing patient-centered care and enhancing clinician engagement. Methods: Adults completed surveys and interviews between June and November 2025. In this pragmatic mixed-methods study, both survey and interview questions explored perceived benefits, barriers, and decision-making processes. Qualitative data, describing themes based on the Health Belief Model, were analyzed using Dedoose (version 9.0.107), and quantitative data were analyzed using SAS (version 9.4). Participant characteristics included marital status, income, educational attainment, employment status, insurance status, age, race/ethnicity, and sex. Anticipated length on GLP-1RA medication and selected self-reported health conditions (depression, anxiety, hypertension, heart disease, back pain, joint pain), reported physical activity level, and perceived weight loss competency were also recorded. Results: Among the 31 non-diabetic participants who were considering GLP-1RA medication for weight loss, cost emerged as the most significant barrier. Life course events, particularly (peri)menopause among women over 44, were commonly cited as contributors to weight gain. Participants expressed uncertainty about eligibility, long-term safety, and treatment expectations. Communication gaps were evident, as few participants initiated discussions and clinician outreach was rare, reflecting limited awareness and discomfort around the topic. Conclusions: Findings highlight that individuals considering GLP-1RA therapy face multifaceted emotional, financial, and informational barriers. Proactive, empathetic clinician engagement, through validation of prior efforts, clear communication of risks and benefits, and correction of misconceptions, can support informed decision-making and align treatment with patient goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges)

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17 pages, 251 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Oral Health Awareness and Associated Factors Among Japanese University Students: Analyzing Behaviors Influencing Lifelong Oral Health Promotion

by Tsukasa Yamamoto, Manato Seguchi, Yukihiro Mori, Harumi Ejiri, Mamoru Tanaka, Hana Kozai, Yoko Iio, Yuka Aoyama and Morihiro Ito

Healthcare 2025, 13(12), 1370; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13121370 - 7 Jun 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2901 | Correction

Abstract

Background: University students’ awareness of oral health plays an important role in lifelong health promotion. However, the factors influencing this awareness among Japanese university students are not fully understood. This study aimed to comprehensively examine and analyze Japanese university students’ perceptions of their oral health status, self-reported oral symptoms, and oral health-related behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate students using an anonymous online questionnaire to collect information on their basic attributes and self-reported items related to oral health status, oral health behavior, and lifestyle habits. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to examine factors associated with oral health status. Results: A total of 5482 students participated in this study. Overall, 75.9% of the respondents reported that their oral health was good. Factors significantly associated with good oral health were the absence of dental caries and periodontal disease, tooth brushing at least twice a day, regular dental visits, conscious toothpaste selection, and lack of concern about dental care costs and pain during treatment. Conclusions: Oral diseases and symptoms, oral health behaviors, and psychosocial factors were strongly associated with university students’ awareness of their oral health. Since oral health is closely related to systemic health, it is essential to promote proper oral hygiene practices at an early age. Therefore, providing oral health education for university students may contribute to lifelong health promotion and prevention of systemic diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges)

21 pages, 1013 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environment Disaster: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Determinants for the Preparation of Azorean Nurses

by Eunice Gatinho Pires, Paulo Nogueira, Maria Adriana Henriques, Miguel Arriaga and Andreia Silva Costa

Healthcare 2025, 13(3), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13030303 - 2 Feb 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2654

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Climate change increases the vulnerability of regions, communities, and individuals, stressing the urgent requirement to prepare health professionals in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. To foster sustainable and resilient communities, it is essential to integrate disaster preparedness into health education and practice. By equipping nurses with essential knowledge and skills, healthcare systems can be better prepared to respond to the challenges of climate change and disasters, contributing to safer and more resilient urban environments. This study aims to identify the factors that determine nurses’ preparedness for disaster situations. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted through digital platforms among 230 nurses across the Azores to assess their preparedness for disaster management. A structured questionnaire, adapted from the validated Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool (DPET©), was administered to registered nurses affiliated with the Nursing Council. The sample was chosen for convenience, and data were analyzed using IBM^® SPSS Statistics, employing descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha for measuring internal consistency, independent samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA for comparative analysis. Ethical oversight was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Azores, ensuring confidentiality and the voluntary nature of participation. Results: The findings revealed concerns about nurses’ disaster response, with 70% of participants indicating low ability. While knowledge was relatively strong (M = 5.50, SD = 1.07), practical competence showed a moderate score (3.51, SD = 1.797). Additional education is necessary in areas such as family preparation (M = 2.58, SD = 1.569), patient management during responses (M = 3.43, SD = 1.312), disaster-specific knowledge (M = 2.95, SD = 1.45), and recovery management (M = 2.53, SD = 1.363). Conclusions: Despite increased knowledge and awareness of climate change and its global impact, there is a need for more meaningful nursing interventions to minimize the impact of climate change on the community. This study highlights that nurses have an in-depth knowledge of communities’ needs, which puts them in a unique position to influence disaster preparation and response. By developing these strategies, nurses contribute significantly to communities’ resilience in climate change, improving society’s ability to respond and adapt to these challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges)

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Review

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17 pages, 564 KB

Open AccessReview

Unregulated Substance Abuse and Systemic Inflammation Markers: A Review

by Carmen Lara-Apolinario, Jose Barroso, Jose Carlos Rodríguez-Gallego and Pedro C. Lara

Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020232 - 16 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 857

Abstract

Aim: There is an urgent need for systematic and well-designed studies to clarify the role of systemic inflammatory parameters, especially the neutrophil–lymphocyte-ratio (NLR), in the pathophysiology and clinical management of unregulated substance addiction. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the relationship between unregulated substance addiction and systemic inflammatory parameters, focusing specifically on the NLR as a potential biomarker. Methods: To ensure a transparent approach in the collection of evidence, this review was carried out following the recommendations of the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251151136). We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases in July2025 using combinations of MeSH terms and keywords related to unregulated substance use and inflammatory biomarkers. The strategy included terms such as “cocaine,” “cannabis,” “opioids,” “heroin,” “fentanyl,” “methadone,” “buprenorphine” “nitazene”, “MDMA”, and “methamphetamine,” combined with “neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.” Filters were applied to limit results to human studies published between 2015 and 2025 in English. The methodological quality of the studies included was assessed using the STROBE 22-item checklist. Results: Fifteen studies were included in this review. Methamphetamine and opioid users showed higher NLR and MLR values. For cocaine abuse, although the evidence is limited to a single population-based study, a significant increase in NLR was reported. Controversial results were observed for cannabis use. Conclusions: Systemic inflammation markers are related to unregulated substance abuse disorders; however, the sparse available evidence encourages the need for well-designed large, prospective clinical trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges)

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20 pages, 864 KB

Open AccessReview

Health Education in Mass Gatherings: A Scoping Review to Guide Public Health Preparedness and Practice

by Rania Zaini, Altaf A. Abdulkhaliq, Saleh A. K. Saleh, Heba M. Adly, Salwa Abdulmajeed Aldahlawi, Laila A. Alharbi, Hani M. Almoallim, Nahla H. Hariri, Ismail Ahmad Alghamdi, Majed Sameer Obaid, Amar Mohammad A. Alkhotani, Aous Sami Hayat Alhazmi, Anas A. Khan, Fahad A. Alamri and Mohammed A. Garout

Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1926; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151926 - 7 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1817

Abstract

Objectives: In view of a lack of evidence on the subject, we aimed to perform a scoping review to understand the impact of health education among people attending mass gatherings. Methods: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify eligible studies. Observational and interventional studies that reported the impact of health education on any health-related outcome among those attending a mass gathering were considered. A narrative synthesis of review results was performed to gather evidence. Recommendations were framed in the context of this evidence. Results: Of the 1731 records, only 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. These included cross-sectional (n = 10), pre-post design (n = 3), quasi-experimental (n = 2), randomized controlled trial (n = 1), and ethnographic (n = 1) studies. These studies involved participants attending hajj, umrah, and basketball events. The current evidence on health education in mass gatherings is highly varied in its objectives, intervention strategy, educational plan, mode of delivery, design, and reported outcomes. Most studies agreed that health education should be initiated by the country of origin and continued throughout the event. It is recommended that this education should be tailored to patient needs based on age, medical condition, and other personal factors, and given in the local language for better acceptability. Such sources can be provided in various forms, either online or offline, as per the participant’s convenience. Conclusions: The current evidence on the effectiveness of health education during mass gatherings, particularly in pilgrimage settings, is varied and inconsistent. Participant-tailored health education should be provided, preferably in the local language, through convenient formats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges)

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Other

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8 pages, 184 KB

Open AccessOpinion

Reconsidering Causal Interpretation of Stair-Climbing Epidemiology and Necessary Precautions for Cardiovascular Patients

by Domenico Di Baggio and Vincenzo Romano Spica

Healthcare 2026, 14(11), 1531; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14111531 - 1 Jun 2026

Viewed by 352

Abstract

Background: Stair climbing is increasingly associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, including a lower incidence of atrial fibrillation and mortality. Objectives: In this opinion paper, we aim to critically evaluate whether these associations reflect a true protective effect or, rather, underlying differences in baseline health status. Methods: After performing a narrative synthesis of recent observational studies and meta-analyses, we prepared this thought-provoking “Opinion paper” considering current clinical guidelines on cardiovascular risk and exertional stress. Results: Habitual stair climbing is consistently associated with reduced risks of atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality, with apparent dose–response relationships. However, these findings may be influenced by reverse causation, as individuals with greater functional capacity are more likely to engage in stair climbing. Conclusions: additional research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and define optimal conditions under which stair climbing may act as a causal protective factor, before its widespread promotion in public health campaigns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges)

6 pages, 156 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Yamamoto et al. Investigation of Oral Health Awareness and Associated Factors Among Japanese University Students: Analyzing Behaviors Influencing Lifelong Oral Health Promotion. Healthcare 2025, 13, 1370

by Tsukasa Yamamoto, Manato Seguchi, Yukihiro Mori, Harumi Ejiri, Mamoru Tanaka, Hana Kozai, Yoko Iio, Yuka Aoyama and Morihiro Ito

Healthcare 2026, 14(10), 1404; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14101404 - 20 May 2026

Viewed by 212

Abstract

Error in References [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges)

15 pages, 265 KB

Open AccessPerspective

Beyond Gender Binarism: Implications of Sex-Gender Diversity for Health Equity

by Peter de-Jesús Villa

Healthcare 2025, 13(19), 2440; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13192440 - 26 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2317

Abstract

The persistence of a binary biomedical framework in healthcare has become increasingly inadequate to address the realities of human diversity. Recent literature highlights how this dichotomous model reinforces inequities for transgender and intersex populations, sustaining barriers to access, stigmatisation, and poorer health outcomes. In this Perspective, I critically reflect on the limitations of the binary paradigm and draw on developments in science, clinical practice, education, and policy to propose a future-oriented approach to health equity. Emerging evidence underscores the complexity of sexual development as a spectrum and the urgent need to move from pathological frameworks toward affirming care based on rights. Key advances include the adoption of affirmative care models, reforms in medical curriculum, and the rise of inclusive research methodologies that capture gender diversity beyond binaries. However, structural barriers—such as rigid clinical protocols, outdated educational content, and insufficient policy alignment—continue to hinder meaningful change. This article advocates for systemic transformation in healthcare education, practice, and research. I outline strategic priorities for the field are the implementation of gender diversity in medical training, the implementation of rights-based clinical guidelines, and the design of inclusive methodologies that remove structural discrimination. These actions are essential to build a more precise, ethical and universally inclusive health system. Ultimately, ensuring sustainable and equitable outcomes requires bridging scientific innovation with human rights principles and focussing on the lived experiences of transgender and intersex individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges)

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