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Healthcare
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Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges
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Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 6305

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Juliana Cassol Spanemberg

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
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:

  1. Innovation in health education: New methodologies and technological tools applied in the training of health professionals.
  2. Community-based health promotion: Strategies focusing on equity and accessibility in health to improve prevention and promotion.
  3. Digital health and health literacy: Using digital technologies to improve patient health education and health literacy.
  4. Disease prevention and control: Innovative approaches that address emerging challenges in preventing chronic diseases and global pandemics.
  5. 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-blind 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

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

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

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 240 KB  
Article
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
Viewed by 1481
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 [...] Read more.
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  
Article
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 1 | Viewed by 1730
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 [...] Read more.
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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20 pages, 864 KB  
Review
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 1140
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 [...] Read more.
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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15 pages, 265 KB  
Perspective
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
Viewed by 1093
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. [...] Read more.
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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