Announcements

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed annually on 28 April, is a global initiative by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to promote safe and healthy working environments. This day emphasizes the importance of preventing workplace accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases by encouraging strong safety policies, risk management, and adherence to international labor standards. It serves as a reminder that workplace safety is a fundamental right and highlights the need for global collaboration between governments, employers, and workers to create sustainable and secure working conditions. By raising awareness and fostering a culture of prevention, this day helps reduce workplace hazards, enhance productivity, and protect workers' well-being worldwide.

We invite you to explore our selected articles, Special Issues and journals which span fields such as occupational health and workplace psychology, medical and healthcare research, public and environmental health, psychology and well-being, biotechnology and health sciences and occupational safety and risk management.

“Harnessing Gut Microbiota for Biomimetic in Innovations in Health and Biotechnology”
by Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco and Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
Biomimetics 2025, 10(2), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10020073

“Lost Work Due to Burn-Related Disability in a US Working Population”
by Jacob M. Dougherty, Hannan A. Maqsood, Christopher J. Rittle, Eva S. Blake, Zhaohui Fan, Bryant W. Oliphant, Mark R. Hemmila and Naveen F. Sangji
Eur. Burn J. 2024, 5(4), 464-473; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj5040041

“Understanding the Second Victim Phenomenon Among Healthcare Workers in an Italian Hospital”
by Raffaella Sedile, Antonella Zizza, Luca Bastiani, Eugenia Carluccio, Marinella Marrazzi, Tommaso Bellandi and Giorgio O. Spagnolo
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(12), 3073-3086; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14120201

“Characterising the Chemical Composition of Bushfire Smoke and Implications for Firefighter Exposure in Western Australia”
by Kiam Padamsey, Adelle Liebenberg, Ruth Wallace and Jacques Oosthuizen
Fire 2024, 7(11), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7110388

“Working Conditions for Burns Resident Doctors—Better Now than Ever?”
by Grant Coleman, Toby Austin, James F. Forrest and Sarah E. Bache
Eur. Burn J. 2024, 5(4), 309-320; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj5040029

“Examining Management and Employees’ Perceptions of Occupational Heat Exposure and the Effectiveness of a Heat Stress Prevention Intervention on Safety and Well-Being among Natural Gas Construction Workers: A Qualitative Field-Based Study”
by Muinat Abolore Idris, Christine Markham, Kristina D. Mena and William B. Perkison
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091255

“Imbalance between Employees and the Organisational Context: A Catalyst for Workplace Bullying Behaviours in Both Targets and Perpetrators”
by Gülüm Özer and Jordi Escartín
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14090751

“Occupational Health, Psychosocial Risks and Prevention Factors in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and Other Populations: A Narrative Review”
by António Oliveira, Henrique Pereira and Felipe Alckmin-Carvalh
Societies 2024, 14(8), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14080136

“Assessing the Relationship between Physical Activity and Depression in Lawyers and Law Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study”
by Chapman Cox, Matthew S. These and Joseph A. Allen
Merits 2024, 4(3), 238-250; https://doi.org/10.3390/merits4030017

“Unlocking the Transformative Potential of Outdoor Office Work—A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study”
by Charlotte Petersson Troije, Ebba Lisberg Jensen, David Redmalm and Lena Wiklund Gustin
Challenges 2024, 15(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe15020025

“Association between Workplace Bullying, Job Stress, and Professional Quality of Life in Nurses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”
by Petros Galanis, Ioannis Moisoglou, Aglaia Katsiroumpa and Maria Mastrogianni
Healthcare 2024, 12(6), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12060623

“Life Satisfaction, Courage, and Career Adaptability in a Group of Italian Workers”
by Sara Santilli, Isabella Valbusa, Barbara Rinaldi and Maria Cristina Ginevra
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(2), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13020106

“COVID-19’s Impact on Medical Staff Wellbeing: Investigating Trauma and Resilience in a Longitudinal Study—Are Doctors Truly Less Vulnerable Than Nurses?”
by Joseph Mendlovic, Idan Haklay, Roxanne Elliott and Mooli Lahad
Trauma Care 2023, 3(3), 185-201; https://doi.org/10.3390/traumacare3030018

“Job Satisfaction and Mental Health of Workers: Second Edition” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Vincenza Capone Submission deadline: 31 January 2026	“Job Stress and Burnout: Emerging Issues in Today’s Workplace” Guest Editors: Dr. Adrian Garcia Selva and Prof. Dr. Beatriz Martin del Rio Submission deadline: 31 December 2025
“Workplace Health and Wellbeing” Guest Editor: Dr. Abigail Morris Submission deadline: 10 October 2025	“Industrial Fires and Explosions: Risk Assessment, Prevention, Detection, Mitigation and Impact” Guest Editors: Dr. Tomasz Jarosz and Dr. Agnieszka Stolarczyk Submission deadline: 30 September 2025
“Recent Advances in Wearable Bioelectronics in Healthcare/Medical Devices”	“Occupational Health and Prevention of Work-Related Diseases”
“Organizational Strategies to Combat Workplace Bullying and Foster Inclusion”	“Positive Resources to Promote Well Being in Educational and Work Contexts and in Career Trajectories”

Name: Dr. Nicole Redvers
Affiliation: Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6G 2M1, Canada
Research interests: Indigenous health; planetary health; education for sustainable healthcare; Indigenous knowledge translation and exchange; Indigenous research methodologies

“Measuring Wellness Through Indigenous Partnerships: A Scoping Review”
by Lynn Mad Plume, Danya Carroll, Melanie Nadeau and Nicole Redvers
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22010043
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/1/43

The following is a short interview with Dr. Nicole Redvers:

1. Congratulations on your published paper. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Nicole Redvers. I am an associate professor, Western research chair, and director of Indigenous Planetary Health at Western University. I am also a member of the Denı́nu Kų́ę́ First Nation, located within the subarctic region of Canada.

2. Was there a specific experience or event in your research career that led you to focus on your current field of research?
Originally, I started as a clinician working in Northern Canada. This is the region where I am from and it is made up of a majority of Indigenous Peoples.
So, the health inequities and the structural barriers to being able to access good healthcare and the dissonance between Western or Euro-Western-centric viewpoints of health and well-being and Indigenous viewpoints are very important. Those who are not working together in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to bridge the gap in the health system often end up dominating health systems and deciding what is best for Indigenous Peoples without their input. Because of that, I decided I needed to start making more of a move to work on some of the structural drivers that are precipitating the problem. You can only do so much in a clinical exam room. It is very difficult when there are not many folks out there who are working on the structural element side, so I decided to make the move to the university and participate more fully in some of the research endeavors around Indigenous health, both on Indigenous Peoples’ health but also on the health of their lands and planet and how that impacts their wellbeing. This creates more of a knowledge translation process for non-Indigenous researchers, policymakers, and clinicians around concepts of Indigenous wellness. My work relates to everything from traditional medicine to planetary health.

3. What difficulties have you encountered in your scientific research? How did you overcome them?
There are certainly a few big challenges. Number one—there is not a lot of awareness from funding agencies around Indigenous health issues, so they tend not to get as many funding opportunities compared to other scientific research streams. Number two—it is more challenging to work in research environments where you sometimes have to spend months creating relationships and making sure that research is co-developed, co-partnered and co-defined all the way through to implementation, as well as journal writing. Many research articles I write are almost always inclusive of the majority of Indigenous authors, community-based authors, and some students too. Comparatively, to apply for a grant, these are not authorship requirements, which increases efforts to secure funding.
It is also a big investment to ensure a successful process and it can take a lot more time than standard research projects. Sometimes, the structures that are upheld within standard research do not allow for that kind of flexibility when working within communities. These are the biggest challenges.

4. What advice do you have for young scholars determined to engage in scientific research?
For Indigenous Peoples or Indigenous young scholars, do not be afraid to utilize Indigenous approaches and Indigenous methodologies, even within the current scientific frameworks that exist. This knowledge is valid and important to highlight. For non-Indigenous scholars wanting to work within Indigenous issues, I think there needs to be a bit more delicacy in ensuring that there is clear positionality. You need to have a clear purpose for why somebody wants to engage with that work and ensure that Indigenous Peoples in these projects are involved right from the start to completion. This kind of work cannot be an independent research career. It always has to be a co-partnership with Indigenous Peoples in their communities at every stage of the research process.

5. We are an open access journal. How do you think open access impacts authors?
For my work, it is incredibly important to be open access. If I am publishing research around Indigenous Peoples, who are one of the most marginalized populations in the world, and that research is behind expensive paywalls that the community or community groups cannot access, that is a major problem. On that ground, I am not doing anything to help them. So, ensuring that Indigenous Peoples’ communities, nations, governments, and policymakers can access the work is incredibly important for me. It is also a responsibility in some sense. If it cannot be mobilized and used by those who need it on the ground, it defeats the purpose.

6. How has your publishing experience been with IJERPH?
My experience has been good. I think in general there has been a decrease in journal processing times, but that has not been my experience with this journal. It has an overall speedy process, considering some of the timelines other journals have for their review process. I wonder how IJERPH manages to stay so fast while other journals seem to be struggling.

Name: Dr. Melba Sheila D’Souza
Affiliation: Nursing and Population Health, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8, Canada
Research interests: psychosocial oncology; supportive care; early survivorship; transitions care; digital health

“Culturally Sensitive Approaches in Psychosocial Interventions to Enhance Well-Being of Immigrant Adults Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review”
by Melba Sheila D’Souza*, Juanita-Dawne Bacsu, Arsh Sharma and Ashwin Nairy
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(3), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030335
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/3/335

The following is a short interview with Dr. Melba Sheila D’Souza:

1. Congratulations on your published paper. Could you give us a brief introduction about yourself and your current research topic to our readers?

I’m Melba D’Souza and I'm an educator, researcher, and practitioner known for my ability to drive change through collaborative research in British Columbia. My main research is focused on research informing practice and bridging gaps that we have in academia and practice environments. My work prioritizes equipping nursing students with evidence-based, compassionate decision-making skills for multidisciplinary care environments. I’m recognized for advancing value-based, trauma-informed practices that foster inclusivity, justice, and cultural competency, particularly in supportive care, early survivorship, and culturally sensitive education.

In 2022, I established the cancer navigation and reported outcomes project specifically for people diagnosed with breast cancer in rural communities in British Columbia, Canada. This project utilizes digital health innovations and culturally sensitive approaches as part of psychosocial interventions, specifically for immigrant and refugee adults who are diagnosed with breast cancer—which is not well-researched. The goal of a culturally sensitive approach is to address these core vulnerabilities for up to a year, offering professional navigation and survivorship care.

Our recent study in this paper focuses on adults about 18 years old and newly diagnosed with breast cancer, where there is very little research on culturally sensitive approaches. Our research addresses a gap in healthcare research and policies by examining culturally sensitive approaches to psychosocial, emotional, and mental health interventions for immigrant adults diagnosed with breast cancer. The main aim of the authors was to provide valuable insights into the development and evaluation of culturally supportive and survivorship models of care, especially in terms of working through health inequalities and barriers of care in rural and remote communities and the impact of cultural stigma and the fear due to deferring access and availability of resources in rural communities. This project synthesizes and mobilizes knowledge to support risk reduction for cancer and the recurrence of cancer. It also looks at the care with the quality of life for people with cancer, as well as health promotion and the prevention of cancer and psychosocial support for the well-being of the person, the caregiver, and healthcare providers.

Our main purpose of the systematic review was to more intensively examine culturally sensitive approaches in psychosocial interventions to narrow the gaps that exist in our priorities, and co-creating priorities that are better in implementation science and open science to advance cancer supportive care and early survivorship in Canada.

2. Was there a specific experience or event in your research career that led you to focus on your current field of research?

I have published in several high-impact journals on implementation science and interdisciplinary healthcare journals on cancer survivorship and psychosocial well-being. I was recently awarded a Canadian Institute of Health Research grant, a Social Science Humanities Research grant, and a Breast Cancer Canada grant. I think that is one of the leading breakthroughs when you look at digital health innovations in psychosocial oncology and transitions in care and co-creating a community-based supportive and survivorship model of care through the lens of an integrated community navigation network in rural and remote communities in British Columbia. This has led me to look at what are the contextual psychosocial issues that are faced by Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, and senior people living in these rural and remote areas. There are barriers that immigrant and refugee people face when they access care, and some of them could be related to cross-cultural communication, language barriers, limited health literacy, and the cultural stigma and fear surrounding cancer and the growing evidence of mental health diagnosis with emerging health issues, and people struggle when they navigate the complex healthcare system, leading to gaps in receiving timely and adequate professional psychosocial supports. That has led me to look at the emphasis we could place on creating and evaluating more effective approaches in psychosocial oncology care, incorporating culturally relevant practices, such as language support groups, and culturally specific coping strategies, such as socio-cultural and traditional practices, which have shown promise in improving emotional well-being, mental health and reducing isolation and fear of the unknown. Interdisciplinary approaches that combine counseling, mentorship, and navigation services through integrated supportive and survivorship models of care are emerging as effective strategies to address the multifaceted needs of immigrants in rural communities. One is in addressing the needs of immigrant and refugee people who are dealing with cancer, and the second is with digital health innovations for people who are hesitant to speak or to ask for help due to reduced access, stigma, embarrassment, and the logistic challenges they face with deciding treatment options that are best for them in the communities that they live and thrive in.

3. Could you describe the difficulties and breakthrough innovations encountered in your current research?

I think some of the struggles that we face in our current research is that when we look at studies that address the psychosocial well-being of immigrant adults, very few studies talk about the angle of social justice, access, equity, diversity, or inclusiveness of creating a living library of people's voices in what their preferences and needs are and what they identify as priorities in their new diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and transitions in care.

The second thing I think we face when we look at the breakthrough is looking at very specific barriers, such as the financial impact, economic burden, the language that they speak, and also the professional mentors, tailored education, and peer support groups that they have, especially for those living in very rural and remote communities and the immigrants and refugees who come through here.

Associated with that, with the caregiver, the care partner, or the care provider—or even their children and family members—there are a lot of changes that are faced through this. One of the breakthroughs that I think is important to see is cancer-supportive care and early survivorship models of care in Canada, and the effectiveness and the efficacy of that, whatever the phase, the diagnosis, or the pathological reports that they have. One of the models of care was looking at integrated community support and survivorship, models of care that can incorporate different multidisciplinary team members through an integrated community navigation network to look at different approaches in very specific supportive counseling, psychosocial support, and distress management for strengthening emotional, social, and practical aspects of life.

4. Does technological progress provide new opportunities for the topic you are researching? Does it bring any potential risks? How do you think these factors will affect future research trends on this topic?

Digital health and technological innovations have had a very big impact on the lives of people and progressive society today. It creates that significant contribution to empowering lives and thus leads to speaking up for a better quality of life. I think one thing for advancing science and research, and for me, through digital innovations, is knowledge translation in action, and I think it's about that growing body of contextual evidence-informed knowledge and practice in nursing and keeping pace with that, with the current trends and advancements in oncology nursing practice. So, for example, as I said, I lead in the cancer navigation and reported outcomes project, and with digital health innovations, it's sometimes making that continuous effort to contribute to enhancing psychosocial oncology and cancer-supportive care in early diagnosis and survivorship and transitions in care, with the focus on underserved and underrepresented populations that play a key role, especially here, when you look at newer models of care, which will happen with the quantum leap of artificial intelligence-assisted cancer care in a smart technology-driven virtual platform in the post-COVID-19 era.

When you look at digital health innovations, it helps planners, decision-makers, and policymakers also look at creating that digital literacy environment of cancer-supportive care and early survivorship; it informs praxis, open education, open access, open tech, synthesizing the research aspects into beneficiary, revolutionary, future innovations and creating that technology that can close the gap between education and practice and advance research applications to be able to translate its impetus to the people in action.

5. What appealed to you about the IJERPH journal that made you want to submit your paper? In your opinion, what can authors expect when they submit to IJERPH?

Publishing in IJERPH aligned with our article’s focus on sociocultural, environmental, and psychosocial aspects of the experiences of breast cancer in immigrant populations. I think the one important aspect to know is the context of our systematic review to inform education and practice through environmental research and public health. Choosing this journal because it has an expedited review and publication process and a model of open access, which truly speaks to wider accessibility for authors and scholars in this work. It covers a wide range of relevant topics related to our work, whether it be equity, diversity, inclusiveness, social justice in cancer care, social determinants of health, culture, and environment, and the emphasis on preventive and promotion models of care, which we should talk about in cancer care, cancer control, and quality surveillance, and this aligns very well with the interdisciplinary team members who worked on this project.

Another reason is that there was no restriction on the length of the paper, which allowed us to provide very comprehensive detail on conducting the systematic review, methodologies, tools, critical appraisals, data transformation, and the quality of the review.

We decided to publish here also because of the rapid dissemination and mobilization of knowledge, which we need in this fast-paced oncology field because there is growing innovation and groundbreaking research. IJERPH took multiple rigorous peer reviews, very few weeks to be able to publish it, and very professional conduct throughout the process, and I was very impressed with the genuine efforts of the editorial and review team members.

So, looking at my experience and the process here, it's very positive and has paved the way forward for the implementation of science and research. I think there was a robust, academic, and rigorous scientific process. The critical reviews we received were very objective and subject-oriented to the scientific methodologies and approaches. It was helpful, the journal and the authors went back and forth for revisions, and I appreciated the commitment they had to pushing us to produce the most critically thoughtful and analytical manuscript possible.

This exceptional interview is a very good example of sustaining in publishing; here,  I would say I plan to make submissions to the MDPI database and the journals in the future because of the positive experiences we have had thus far.

We are thrilled to share the updated Exceptional Reviewers List 2025. This program was designed to recognize and honor scholars who have delivered consistently exceptional review reports to our journal. Committed to fostering rigorous research and promoting knowledge exchange, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH, ISSN: 1660-4601) recognizes the significant role our reviewers play in maintaining the quality and integrity of the articles we publish. According to recent surveys conducted in 2024, 92% of our authors rate the peer review as good or excellent, thanks to our pool of excellent reviewers.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the reviewers who have generously volunteered their time and expertise to assist in IJERPH’s peer-review process. Their dedication and attention to detail in evaluating manuscripts, offering valuable feedback, and contributing to academic rigor are truly commendable.

The Exceptional Reviewers List was introduced in April 2025. Each quarter, we will be selecting a group of outstanding reviewers and will introduce them here.

Q1:

• Name: Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad
  Affiliation: Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
  “I want to keep reviewing for IJERPH; it's an incredible platform that provides me with a great chance to engage with outstanding research worldwide while also serving as a wonderful learning opportunity.”

• Name: Dr. Jia Sun
  Affiliation: SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, NY, USA
  “Reviewing for IJERPH is a rewarding way to support rigorous science, stay current with emerging research, and contribute to advancing public and environmental health knowledge.”

• Name: Dr. Florence Mei Fung Wong
  Affiliation: Tung Wah College, Homantin, Hong Kong

• Name: Dr. Cameron Davidson
  Affiliation: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA

• Name: Dr. Eric Schussler
  Affiliation: Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA

• Name: Dr. Felipe Alckmin-Carvalho
  Affiliation: University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal

Name: Prof. Dr. Stephen H. Linder
Affiliation: Institute for Health Policy, Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, USA
Interests: health policy; environmental policy; cumulative risk; community-based environmental assessment; policy design

The following is a short interview with Prof. Dr. Stephen H. Linder:

1. Could you give us a brief introduction about yourself and your current research topic to our readers?
I am a professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston at their School of Public Health, also known as UT Health Houston School of Public Health, and I’ve been here since the 80s. It’s been an exciting and gratifying place to work, especially through the COVID-19 years. More recently, it’s been an engaging time for a researcher to be able to contribute to public health by directly working through and with local authorities for technical assistance and data analysis. The work I do is in the Department of Management Policy and Community Health. I teach courses on research methodology, ethics, and policy, and include a policy emphasis in all of my teaching. Much of the work I do is with my graduate students. We prepare them for positions in nonprofit and governmental organizations that focus on public health or are related in some way to the helping professions. We prepare them for academic careers, as well as commercial careers in the health sector more generally.

2. As a reviewer, how do you balance the encouragement of research innovation with the strict requirements for method reliability? Can you give an example?
I spend a lot of time trying to craft comments that include constructive suggestions rather than limitations. In fact, I rarely talk about limitations directly unless it’s coupled with what I think a remedy would be, and offer that to the authors. They are in the more exposed position, having their work peer-reviewed.

I have had my peer-reviewed work come back needing remediation, and I know how the process works after a number of years.  So I really try to cultivate a positive kind of orientation in the reviews and offer as constructive a set of suggestions as I can make. Usually, I number them so they’re clear and have no run-on narratives. I like to give them what’s basically a checklist of things they need to attend to in their next round.

3. In addition to "error correction", what unique value do you think excellent peer review can provide to the academic community?
Generally, in the areas that I cover, two potential weaknesses may need strengthening in manuscripts. One is that they may have difficulty with the logic, because they’ve tried to fit too much in, and so there is a drift away from the central issues. Being very careful with the logic and sequence in the discussion, and how it is presented as an argument are critical features that I look for first. Besides the logic, other patterns that I see in need of critical assessment are details in reporting that have been overlooked or omitted.

Typically, then, my reviews will have two kinds of comments: One comment is about the logic and addressing a core set of claims, trimming away the unnecessary information, and focusing on the paper’s main argument. The second set of claims will have to do with areas where more information is needed, such as when something was underreported. Whether it’s a justification for a particular method, the selection of a variable, or the creation of an indicator—we need to know about that process and the reasons behind it.  By and large, the revisions requested will be of those two kinds.

4. For submissions from non-English speaking researchers, what factors that may affect the quality of scientific expression will you pay special attention to?
There are a few things I’ve noticed. I review a lot of manuscripts from Chinese investigators, and translation into English may be difficult. This can include the use, or coining, of new expressions that don’t have a direct parallel in English. Maybe a technical term will have an ending added to it in translation. Although it’s not a proper English word, it expresses something important not to miss. I try to figure out what that is and then suggest word substitutes that might be made with only a minor correction.

The other practice that I see is the omission of definite/indefinite articles and prepositions which help make English flow. I’ll find some nouns and verbs that have no linkage, or no prepositions, etc. However,  these can usually be deciphered, so the authors can have some suggestions.

I haven’t found that either of these minor translation imperfections impinge on the scientific quality of the research. That would usually be a function of other kinds of factors, such as research design, the data used as evidence, and the questions that they’re trying to answer. I haven’t had a problem with any of the submissions that have come in more recently. The exception is when the manuscript doesn’t meet the threshold for publication or revision. Those are generally pieces that represent research fragments that can’t stand on their own. Either it is an incomplete treatment of data, or the data themselves are just inadequate for the kinds of questions that are being asked. Those generally get rejected out of hand. But, it is not so much the quality as it is the fragmentary nature of the piece that leads to an outright rejection.

5. In your research career, is there an experience in which the review opinions promoted research breakthroughs?
I can think of at least two kinds of suggestions that were made. One was a framing suggestion. I hadn’t made the association with another field of research that was highly relevant and the suggestion of reframing made a significant difference.

I have also had suggestions regarding references that were in a related field that I was unaware of that made a difference in the direction that I pursued. Both of those had a positive impact on my research.

Throughout the first quarter of 2025, research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH, ISSN: 1660-4601) was featured over 167 times in news articles published by reputable media sources, such as U.S. News, New York Post, National Geographic, Forbes, and BBC News.

Learn more about this research below.

“”Children are attracted to fast-paced, stimulating violent content, which often features appealing characters like superheroes who commit and are rewarded for aggressive acts, thus increasing the likelihood of exposure”, the researchers wrote in their paper, which appears in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.”
U.S. News—“TV Violence Linked To Aggression In Teenage Boys”
IJERPH—“Prospective Associations Between Preschool Exposure to Violent Televiewing and Externalizing Behavior in Middle Adolescent Boys and Girls“
Article link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/1/129

“Focusing on the hip flexors is crucial to maintaining mobility in our golden years. A 2021 analysis found that stretching and strengthening the hip flexors positively affects the joints, ligaments and muscles around the hip, improving balance and reducing lower back pain.”
New York Post—“These 4 simple movements can help with hip pain, according to a physical therapist.”
IJERPH—“The Influence of Stretching the Hip Flexor Muscles on Performance Parameters. A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis”
Article link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/4/1936

“All cooking involves heat that generates a large amount of indoor pollutants. Gas stoves are especially problematic, because they release nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde that affect a person’s airways. Nearly 13 percent of childhood asthma cases in the U.S. have been linked to gas stoves; in some states, like Illinois and California, the figure is closer to 20 percent. ”
National Geographic—“Winter brings more air pollution inside. Here’s how to minimize your risks”
IJERPH—“Population Attributable Fraction of Gas Stoves and Childhood Asthma in the United States”
Article link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/1/75

“A 2022 review found that prolonged stress and burnout significantly increase anxiety and depression, with burnout rates reaching 74% in high-pressure environments. While focused on teachers, the study reflects a larger issue—the relentless pressure to keep up takes a toll on mental and physical health. At its core, time sickness is the overwhelming sense that life is slipping away in a race you can never win.”
Forbes—“3 Ways To Fight ‘Time Sickness’—By A Psychologist”
IJERPH—“Stress, Burnout, Anxiety and Depression among Teachers: A Scoping Review”
Article link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/17/10706

“Yoga therapy, she says, can help PTSD sufferers to tolerate the physical or sensory experiences associated with their trauma. Giving people the means to control their symptoms in this way, say experts, indicates yoga has an "important role to play in the field of trauma recovery". Yoga is often used in tandem with other types of treatment. Just one of a list of complementary interventions – such as acupuncture, guided imagery and hypnotherapy – yoga can offer a second-line treatment option.”
BBC News—“The mind-altering power of yoga could improve your mental health”
IJERPH—“A Rapid Review Exploring the Role of Yoga in Healing Psychological Trauma”
Article link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/23/16180

Name: Dr. Antonio Gattamelata
Affiliations: ¹ Escuela de Doctorado en Psicología, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain;
² Department of Psychology, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, Ed.C5, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Interests: social psychology, sexology, reproductive health, intercultural communication psychology, analytical psychology

“Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Italian Version of the Childbearing Motivations Scale”
by Antonio Gattamelata, Maria Elisabetta Coccia, Giulia Fioravanti, Vanessa Prisca Zurkirch and Nieves Moyano
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22020186
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/2/186

The following is a short interview with Dr. Antonio Gattamelata:

1. Congratulations on your published paper! Could you give us a brief introduction about yourself and your current research?
My name is Antonio Gattamelata, and I am a licensed psychologist with a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Florence. I have a postgraduate specialization in sexology and reproductive health, focusing on psychological aspects related to assisted reproductive technology. Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Jaén, Spain, under the supervision of Prof. Nieves Moyano.

My research project, titled “Risk and Protection Factors in Psychological and Sexual Health During Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Treatment”, explores various psychological and sexual health factors in individuals and couples undergoing ART treatment. This includes examining risk and protective elements, motivations, psychological distress, and dyadic adjustments during the ART process. Beyond my academic work, I have been actively involved in counseling and research projects that aim to support individuals undergoing assisted reproductive treatments. By integrating psychological assessment tools into clinical settings, I hope to enhance reproductive counseling services and contribute to a better understanding of the emotional and relational dynamics in ART patients. My research has important implications for both clinical practice and public health, particularly in addressing the psychological and sexual well-being of individuals by navigating fertility challenges.

2. Could you describe the difficulties and breakthrough innovations in this research field?
One of the most significant challenges in this field is the stigma surrounding infertility, which makes it difficult for researchers to gather reliable data through interviews and surveys. Many individuals and couples feel reluctant to discuss their reproductive choices, especially when facing fertility issues. In our study, we conducted extensive interviews at the University Hospital of Careggi in Florence, where we encountered a wide range of social and economic factors influencing reproductive decisions.

A major difficulty was addressing the complex relationship between traditional family values, evolving social expectations, and financial constraints. Italy, like many other Southern European countries, has one of the lowest birth rates in Europe. Economic instability and job insecurity make it difficult for younger generations to consider parenthood, leading to a decline in fertility rates.

One of the most innovative aspects of our study was the comprehensive validation of both positive and negative childbearing motivations. Previous research often focused primarily on the desire to have children, overlooking the significant impact of concerns such as financial stability, career aspirations, and personal fulfillment. By using a large sample size of 522 participants and employing advanced statistical methodologies, we were able to develop a more nuanced understanding of reproductive decision-making.

Our findings provide policymakers and clinicians with a validated psychological scale that can be used to assess childbearing motivations in the Italian context. This tool will be instrumental in shaping future interventions aimed at supporting individuals and couples in making informed reproductive choices.

3. What motivated you to conduct this research?
My motivation stemmed from the lack of comprehensive tools available to measure childbearing motivations in Italy. Despite the country’s persistently low fertility rate, there was a surprising gap in research addressing the psychological and socio-economic factors influencing reproductive choices.

During my academic training, I realized that existing studies often failed to capture the full complexity of reproductive decision-making. Many focused solely on demographic trends or economic factors, without considering the psychological and emotional aspects that drive individuals to have—or not have—children.

By developing a culturally adapted and scientifically validated scale, I hoped to contribute to a deeper understanding of fertility motivations and provide valuable insights for both researchers and policymakers. My goal is to bridge the gap between psychological research and public policy to help address Italy’s demographic challenges more effectively.

4. How do you evaluate research trends in this field, and what advice would you give to young researchers?
The field of reproductive psychology is rapidly evolving, with increasing attention being given to the intersection of psychological well-being and demographic trends. More researchers are beginning to recognize the importance of integrating psychological, social, and economic factors in fertility studies.

One key trend is the growing emphasis on culturally sensitive measurement tools. Many psychological assessments are developed in one country and applied universally, often without considering cultural differences. Our research highlights the importance of adapting these tools to reflect the specific social and economic conditions of different populations.

For young researchers, my advice would be:

• Use culturally sensitive measurement tools—Ensure that your research instruments are tailored to the specific context in which you are working;
• Consider both positive and negative motivations—Many studies focus only on why people want children, but understanding the reasons people choose not to have children is equally important;
• Take an interdisciplinary approach—Integrating psychology with anthropology, sociology, and economics can provide a more holistic understanding of reproductive choices;
• Conduct longitudinal studies—While cross-sectional studies provide valuable insights, following individuals over time can help identify trends and changes in fertility motivations;
• Ensure practical applications—Research should not only contribute to academic knowledge but also have real-world implications for policymakers, clinicians, and support services.

5. How was your publishing experience with IJERPH?
Publishing with IJERPH was a highly positive experience. The journal’s digital infrastructure is efficient, and the submission system is user-friendly. The peer-review process was both constructive and fast, providing us with valuable feedback that significantly improved our paper.

One aspect that stood out was the high level of professionalism demonstrated by the editorial team. Communication was clear throughout the review process, and we were provided with realistic timelines for each stage of publication. Additionally, the journal’s emphasis on methodological transparency and data availability aligned with our research objectives, ensuring that our findings met international research benchmarks.

Overall, IJERPH provided an excellent balance of academic rigor and author support, making it an ideal journal for researchers in our field.

Name: Prof. Dr. Delia Grace Randolph
Affiliations: ¹ Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Medway ME4 4TB, UK;
² International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Interests: food safety in informal markets in low- and middle-income countries

“Biological Hazards and Indicators Found in Products of Animal Origin in Cambodia from 2000 to 2022: A Systematic Review”
by Shwe Phue San, Rortana Chea, Delia Grace, Kristina Roesel, Sothyra Tum, Stephen Young, Tumnoon Charaslertrangsi, Nazanin Zand, Shetty Seetharama Thombathu, Ra Thorng, Leab Kong, Kuok Fidero and Linda Nicolaides
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(12), 1621; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21121621
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/12/1621

The following is a short with Prof. Dr. Delia Grace Randolph:

1. Could you give us a brief introduction about yourself and your current research topic?

My name is Delia Randolph (although I publish under my maiden name Delia Grace). I have been working in food safety in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) since 2006, making it my primary research focus for nearly 20 years. My broader interests also include One Health and veterinary public health.

The paper we recently published is part of a long-term research agenda that I have been leading, aiming to develop the best evidence on hazards and illnesses associated with food in LMICs. Foodborne diseases pose an immense health burden, with estimates showing that their impact is comparable to malaria, HIV/AIDS, or tuberculosis. More than 90% of this burden falls on people in LMICs, making it a critical research priority.

2. Could you describe the difficulties and breakthrough innovations in this research field?

One of the biggest challenges in this field is the limited and often low-quality literature available for many LMICs. Conducting rigorous systematic literature reviews in such contexts requires flexibility and adaptation. One of my earlier papers, titled “Where Literature is Scarce”, specifically addressed these challenges. Despite these difficulties, we were able to successfully conduct the first-ever systematic literature review on biological hazards in fish in Cambodia. Cambodia has recently made advancements in its food safety legal framework, including the implementation of food safety laws and the release of technical orders concerning the use of veterinary medical products in aquaculture. This study is valuable not only to policymakers and the scientific community but also to local fish farmers and exporters aiming to strengthen food safety measures. The paper was largely conducted by a Ph.D. student, Shwe San, supervised by myself and my University of Greenwich colleagues Dr. Linda Nicolaides, Prof. Nazanin Zand, and Dr Rortana Chea at the National of Animal Health and Production Research Institute (NAHPRI). Shwe is from Myanmar and is currently studying at the University of Greenwich. Her dedication played a key role in completing this important research.

3. What motivated you to conduct this research?

The sheer scale of the problem is highly motivating. Foodborne disease in LMICs is a serious issue, yet it remains neglected in terms of investment and policy action. For example, a study I conducted with the World Bank showed that, despite the massive burden of foodborne diseases in Africa, investments in improving food safety remain extremely low.

This combination of a significant public health issue and a lack of attention makes food safety research both urgent and rewarding. There is still much to be done, and each study contributes to raising awareness and improving global food safety standards.

4. How do you evaluate research trends in your field, and what are your suggestions for young scholars?

This is a critical and expanding area of research, with many opportunities for young scholars. Since food safety in LMICs has been underexplored, there is still plenty of “low-hanging fruit” for researchers to investigate. The field is highly interdisciplinary, intersecting human health, animal health, and environmental factors. Many of the most important foodborne diseases are zoonotic, and their prevalence is expected to change with climate shifts. Emerging diseases such as Clostridium difficile are also gaining attention. Given these complexities, researchers from various backgrounds—including environmental science, agriculture, and public health—can make meaningful contributions to this field.

5. How was your publishing experience with IJERPH?

I first published in IJERPH in 2015, when I authored a paper on foodborne diseases in informal markets in LMICs. More recently, my Ph.D. student and I were drawn to the journal due to the opportunity to publish in an anniversary Special Issue with waived publication fees. Given that she is self-funded and from an LMIC, this was a perfect opportunity for her to share her research. Our publishing experience with IJERPH was positive, and we appreciate the journal’s role in increasing visibility for important but underrepresented research topics.

World Health Day aims to draw global attention to pressing health challenges, reinforcing our commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” highlights the importance of maternal and infant health. Current estimates show that a woman dies every two minutes from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Urgent action is needed to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and to prioritize women’s long-term health and well-being.

To provide high-quality care before, during, and after childbirth, we must engage in critical discussions and foster collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. Health systems must evolve to address the full spectrum of maternal and newborn health issues—from obstetric complications to mental health conditions, noncommunicable diseases, and family planning.

In recognition of World Health Day 2025, we invite you to explore a curated selection of articles, journals, and Special Issues spanning multiple disciplines. These resources offer valuable insights into the complexities of maternal and infant health and outline actionable steps toward lasting, positive change.

Together, we can build a world where every mother and child have the opportunity for a healthy, hopeful future.

Maternal Health
“Relationship Between Plasma Acid Sphingomyelinase and Alteration in Taste and Smell as Indicator of Long COVID in Pregnant Women”
by Federico Fiorani, Giulia Moretti, Laura Cerquiglini, Chiara Gizzi, Giulia Gizzi, Paola Signorelli, Samuela Cataldi, Tommaso Beccari, Elisa Delvecchio, Claudia Mazzeschi et al.
Reports 2024, 7(4), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports7040104
  
“Pregnant Women’s Perception of Gestational Anemia and Iron Supplements in Oman”
by Zalikha Khamis Al-Marzouqi, Nawal Said Alsereahi and Safiya Khalfan Al Maqbali
J. Oman Med. Assoc. 2024, 1(1), 10–22; https://doi.org/10.3390/joma1010003

“The Sri Lanka Mother and Newborn Growth (S-MaNGro) Cohort: Protocol of a Nationwide Prospective Study”
by Malshani Lakshika Pathirathna, Megumi Haruna, Satoshi Sasaki, Kaori Yonezawa, Yuriko Usui and Yasuhiro Hagiwara
Methods Protoc. 2024, 7(4), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/mps7040061

“Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: Complete versus Partial Hydatidiform Moles”
by Jeffrey Gonzalez, Meagan Popp, Stephanie Ocejo, Alvaro Abreu, Hisham F. Bahmad and Robert Poppiti
Diseases 2024, 12(7), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12070159

“Evaluating Thromboprophylaxis Strategies for High-Risk Pregnancy: A Current Perspective”
by Lucia Stančiaková, Kristína Brisudová, Ingrid Škorňová, Tomáš Bolek, Matej Samoš, Kamil Biringer, Ján Staško and Juraj Sokol
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(6), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060773

“Caring for Pregnant Patients with Cancer: A Framework for Ethical and Patient-Centred Care”
by Alma Linkeviciute, Rita Canario, Fedro Alessandro Peccatori and Kris Dierickx
Cancers 2024, 16(2), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16020455

“Histopathological Clues of Enhanced Inflammation in the Placental Tissue of Women with Chronic Venous Disease in Lower Limbs during Pregnancy”
by María Asunción Sánchez-Gil, Oscar Fraile-Martinez, Cielo García-Montero, María Del Val Toledo, Luis G. Guijarro, Juan A. De León-Luis, Coral Bravo, Raúl Díaz-Pedrero, Laura López-Gonzalez, Miguel A. Saez et al.
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14010087

“Challenges Related to Acquisition of Physiological Data for Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Models in Postpartum, Lactating Women and Breastfed Infants—A Contribution from the ConcePTION Project”
by Martje Van Neste, Annick Bogaerts, Nina Nauwelaerts, Julia Macente, Anne Smits, Pieter Annaert and Karel Allegaert
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(11), 2618; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15112618

“Umbilical Cord Diseases Affecting Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes”
by Gabriele Tonni, Mario Lituania, Alessandro Cecchi, Elisa Carboni, Serena Resta, Maria Paola Bonasoni and Rodrigo Ruano
Healthcare 2023, 11(19), 2634; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11192634

“Scientists’ Warning: Remove the Barriers to Contraception Access, for Health of Women and the Planet”
by Jan Greguš and John Guillebaud
World 2023, 4(3), 589–597; https://doi.org/10.3390/world4030036

“Trauma-Informed Care and Equity in Group Pregnancy Care for Women of Refugee Background: Reflections from the Workforce”
by Fran Hearn, Laura Biggs, Stephanie J. Brown, Ann Krastev, Josef Szwarc and Elisha Riggs
Trauma Care 2023, 3(3), 161–176; https://doi.org/10.3390/traumacare3030016

“Smoking Cessation Rates among Pregnant Women and Their Relapse Rates in the Postpartum Period in Samsun”
by Bektas Murat Yalcin, Tugba Kertmen and Muge Ustaoglu
J. Respir. 2023, 3(3), 118–129; https://doi.org/10.3390/jor3030012

“Effects of COVID-19 on Kenya’s Healthcare System: Healthcare Providers’ Experiences with Maternal Health Services Utilization in Coastal Kenya”
by Stephen Okumu Ombere and Agnetta Adiedo Nyabundi
World 2023, 4(1), 140–152; https://doi.org/10.3390/world4010010

Infant and Child Health
“Clinical Insight into Congenital Hypothyroidism Among Children”
by Hüseyin Anıl Korkmaz
Children 2025, 12(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010055

“Child and Adolescent Mental Health in a Period of Fewer COVID-19-Related Restrictions in an Urban Population in Germany”
by Anna Konopka, Amand Führer, Mascha Binder, Sophie Diexer, Thomas Frese, Michael Gekle, Matthias Girndt, Cornelia Gottschick, Jessica Hoell, Bianca Klee et al.
Psychiatry Int. 2024, 5(4), 718–737; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint5040050

“Differences in Farmers’ Market Patronage among Participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)”
by Renata Blumberg, Emily Fowler, Gabrielle Guerrero, Yeon Bai, Meena Mahadevan and Pankaj Lal
Dietetics 2024, 3(2), 179–190; https://doi.org/10.3390/dietetics3020015

“Maternal Depressive Symptoms in the First Year after Childbirth Predict Long-Term Developmental Risks in Sons and Daughters”
by Linda S. Pagani, Kianoush Harandian, Beatrice Necsa, Marie-Josée Harbec and George M. Tarabulsy
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(3), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21030264

“Inflammatory Biomarker Profiles in Very Preterm Infants within the Context of Preeclampsia, Chorioamnionitis, and Clinically Diagnosed Postnatal Infection”
by Jordan T. Ewald, Baiba Steinbrekera, Jennifer R. Bermick, Donna A. Santillan, Tarah T. Colaizy, Mark K. Santillan and Robert D. Roghair
Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(3), 483–493; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15030044

“A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial Evaluating a Regenerative Epithelial Suspension for Medium-Size Partial-Thickness Burns in Children: The BRACS Trial”
by Anjana Bairagi, Zephanie Tyack, Roy Kimble, Dimitrios Vagenas, Steven M. McPhail and Bronwyn Griffin
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(1), 121–141; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4010012

“The Impact of the Early COVID-19 Global Pandemic on Children Undergoing Active Cancer Treatment and Their Parents”
by Andrew Tran, Sharon H. J. Hou, Caitlin Forbes, Sara Cho, Victoria J. Forster, Mehak Stokoe, Claire E. Wakefield, Lori Wiener, Lauren C. Heathcote, Gisela Michel et al.
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(2), 2441–2456; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30020186

“Feature Advancements in Section “Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology””	“Global Neonatal Screening: Expanding Horizons in Diagnostic Technologies”
“Healthy Lifestyle for Pregnant and Postpartum Women”	“Advanced Pediatric Drug Formulation Strategies”