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Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Global Perspective: Disease and Threats

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 12910

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lillian Mwanri

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Guest Editor

Research Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide Campus, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
Interests: migration and migrants health; health inequities; communicable and non-communicable disease; social determinants of health; mixed methods research; global and public health in general
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Laurent Mourot

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Guest Editor

Exercise Performance Health Innovation Platform, University of Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France
Interests: exercise physiology; non-pharmacological intervention; cardiovascular system

Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Kadotani

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Guest Editor

Department of Psychiatry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu City 520-2192, Shiga, Japan
Interests: sleep disorder; mental health; epidemiology; portable monitors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce this Collection titled “Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Global Perspective: Disease and Threats”. This issue will be a collection of research papers invited by the Editorial Board Members. The aim is to provide a venue for networking and communication between IJERPH and scholars in the fields of public health, health inequities and global health. Both qualitative and quantitative studies will be accepted. All papers will be fully open access upon publication after peer review.

Dr. Lillian Mwanri
Dr. Laurent Mourot
Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Kadotani
Guest Editors

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2500 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

global health
public health
social determinants of health
communicable disease
non-communicable disease
migrants’ health
health inequities
mixed-methods research
perspective
mental health
sleep
quality of life

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 288 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pregnancy Termination Among Women of Reproductive Age: Evidence from the Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey

by Rosnani Rosnani, Rifky Octavia Pradipta, Bayu Satria Wiratama, Nelsensius Klau Fauk, Paul Russell Ward, Heri Kuswanto, Nikson Sitorus, Joni Haryanto and Hidayat Arifin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(4), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040564 - 4 Apr 2025

Viewed by 360

Abstract

The consequences associated with pregnancy termination have garnered attention from healthcare professionals, particularly in Indonesia. However, national-level evidence on the factors driving pregnancy termination in Indonesia remains limited. This research aimed to identify patterns and characteristics associated with pregnancy termination among reproductive-age women in Indonesia. A cross-sectional study analyzed secondary data from the 2012 and 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey, involving women aged 15–49. The weighted sample included 42,269 individuals in 2012 and 47,001 in 2017. Binary logistic regression identified the correlates of pregnancy termination. Among 89,270 women of reproductive age, the prevalence of pregnancy termination was 12.68% in 2012 and 12.95% in 2017. Pregnancy termination was more frequently reported among women aged 44–49 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.54–5.33), those with secondary education (AOR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.14–1.46), married women (AOR: 195.40, 95% CI: 114.70–332.90), employed women (AOR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00–1.09), individuals with health insurance (AOR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02–1.11), those who had experienced domestic violence (AOR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02–1.11), and regular television viewers (AOR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.05–1.15). Conversely, pregnancy termination was less commonly reported among women with 1–2 living children (AOR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.74–0.87), those who expressed no preference for having more children (AOR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.84–0.94), and women using modern contraception (AOR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.72–0.80). The findings revealed that the prevalence did not observe any changes in the incidence of pregnancy terminations between 2012 and 2017. Further evaluation by healthcare professionals is crucial to understanding the reasons behind pregnancy termination, especially among women of reproductive age. Insights into factors related to pregnancy termination, especially sociodemographic factors, can help mitigate the pregnancy termination in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Global Perspective: Disease and Threats)

17 pages, 735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Performance of Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition Programs in Somalia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Andre M. N. Renzaho, Chandrakala Jaiswal, Annastancia Chineka, Musdafa Omar Aden, Abdikadir Dahir, Hanad Abdi Karie, Simon Karanja, Ajwang Fatuma, Bashir Abdi Shire, Kh Shafiur Rahaman, Mohamed Isse Mohamed, Farhan Mohamed, Nejmudin Kedir Bilal, Gabriel Ocom, Mohamed Ag Ayoya, Biram Ndiaye and Eric Alain Ategbo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(3), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030378 - 5 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Background: Globally, acute malnutrition remains a significant public health challenge. Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is the most lethal type of acute malnutrition. This study aimed to produce pooled estimates of the effectiveness of integrated management of acute malnutrition (IMAM) programs in addressing SAM in Somalia. Methods: Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, CINAHL, ProQuest, Google Scholar, eLENA, and the UNICEF website were searched with no language or date restrictions. Random effect models were used to estimate the pooled estimates of outpatient therapeutic program (OTP) and stabilization centres (SC) performance outcomes (I² > 50%). Results: Of 186 identified studies, three included data from IMAM programs in Somalia but were excluded, as they had incomplete data. Included were seven datasets identified through the authors’ list, which screened 36.34 million and admitted 2.31 million (6.35%) children aged 6–59 months. The pooled estimates of IMAM performance outcomes [%, (95% confidence interval)] for OTPs and SCs were, respectively, 2.45 (2.18, 2.56) and 4.11 (95%CI: 3.33, 4.90) for relapse, 95.39 (94.87, 95.90) and 80.81 (79.25, 82.37) for recovery, 0.18 (0.15, 0.21) and 1.73 (1.51, 1.95) for death, 2.57 (2.34, 2.79) and 2.75 (2.37, 3.12) for defaulter, 1.86 (1.55, 2.17), and 0.84 (0.66, 1.02) for non-recovery. Conclusions: OTP and SC performance outcomes in Somalia exceeded the Sphere Minimum Standards and compare favourably with results from the region. The adaptation of IMAM programs to meet multiple challenges in Somalia, supported by well-designed, coordinated, standardized, integrated, and harmonized implementation plans, is a strength. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Global Perspective: Disease and Threats)

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14 pages, 319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decentralization Matters: Association of Adherence to Treatment and Distance for the Management of Non-Communicable Diseases in Rural Tanzania

by Paolo Belardi, Noemi Bazzanini, Francesca Cera, Katunzi Mutalemwa, Francesca Tognon, Emmanuel Ndile, Alessandro Mele, Rehema Itambu, Rhoda Naftali, Bernard Kakala, Veronica Kayombo, Benjamin Mfaume, Bruno Ndunguru, Samwel Marwa and Mario Saugo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(11), 1506; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21111506 - 13 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1173

Abstract

Since March 2019, a non-communicable diseases program has been established at hospital level, with enrollment and clinical reassessment every 6 months. Since July 2023, monthly enrollment and visits have also been conducted at health center level. This study aimed at assessing the adherence to scheduled follow-up visits following the decentralization of the integrated NCDs program from Hospital to Health Center level and investigate factors influencing follow-up adherence. The study was performed in a rural district in Iringa Region, Tanzania. Adherence was measured at both levels. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to describe socio-demographic and clinical factors influencing attendance at the 6-month hospital-level visit. Among 2198 patients enrolled at the hospital level, weighted adherence over 42 months was 40.8% (95% CI 39.0–42.6%) at the 6-month visit. Multivariate analysis revealed that as the distance from the hospital increased, the probability of attendance decreased (OR 0.17; 95% CI: 0.08–0.39). Among 571 patients enrolled at the residence level, adherence over the first 10 months of program implementation was 91.6% (90.4–92.8%). The findings showed that distance was by far the most important barrier to follow-up adherence and suggested that decentralizing the program from the hospital to peripheral health centers may ensure high follow-up rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Global Perspective: Disease and Threats)

14 pages, 491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Hidden Hunger among Nepalese Non-Pregnant Women Aged 15–49 Years: The Role of Individual, Household, and Community-Level Factors

by Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, Stanley Chitekwe, Biniyam Sahiledengle, Lucy Ngaihbanglovi Pachuau, Sanjay Rijal, Naveen Paudyal, Sanjeev Kumar Sahani and Andre Renzaho

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070875 - 4 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1959

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiencies remain a public health burden among non-pregnant women in developing countries, including Nepal. Hence, this study examined micronutrient deficiencies among non-pregnant Nepalese women aged 15–49 using the 2016 Nepal National Micronutrient Status Survey (NNMSS). Data for 2143 non-pregnant women was extracted from the 2016 NNMSS. The study analysed the levels of ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), red blood cell (RBC) folate, and zinc of the participants. Multivariable logistic analysis was carried out to assess factors associated with micronutrient deficiencies. The prevalence of ferritin, sTfR, folate, and zinc was observed to be 19%, 13%, 16%, and 21%, respectively. Non-pregnant women from the Janajati region were significantly less prone to high levels of ferritin [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25, 0.80], and those who had body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m² or higher had significantly elevated ferritin levels [AOR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.01, 7.17]. Non-pregnant women aged 35–49 years were significantly less predisposed to folate deficiency [AOR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.83], and the odds of zinc deficiency were significantly lower among non-pregnant women from wealthier households [AOR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.76]. This study provides further insight into screening high-risk subgroups and instituting public health interventions to address the prevailing micronutrient deficiencies among non-pregnant Nepalese women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Global Perspective: Disease and Threats)

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17 pages, 601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Double Burden of Malnutrition: A Population Level Comparative Cross-Sectional Study across Three Sub-Saharan African Countries—Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe

by Tafadzwa Nyanhanda, Lillian Mwanri and William Mude

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(10), 5860; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20105860 - 18 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2964

Abstract

Background: The double burden of malnutrition in sub-Saharan African countries at different levels of economic development was not extensively explored. This study investigated prevalence, trends, and correlates of undernutrition and overnutrition among children under 5 years and women aged 15–49 years in Malawi, Namibia, and Zimbabwe with differing socio- economic status. Methods: Prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity were determined and compared across the countries using demographic and health surveys data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to ascertain any relationships between selected demographic and socio-economic variables and overnutrition and undernutrition. Results: An increasing trend in overweight/obesity in children and women was observed across all countries. Zimbabwe had the highest prevalence of overweight/obesity among women (35.13%) and children (5.9%). A decreasing trend in undernutrition among children was observed across all countries, but the prevalence of stunting was still very high compared to the worldwide average level (22%). Malawi had the highest stunting rate (37.1%). Urban residence, maternal age, and household wealth status influenced maternal nutritional status. The likelihood of undernutrition in children was significantly higher with low wealth status, being a boy, and low level of maternal education. Conclusions: Economic development and urbanization can result in nutritional status shifts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Global Perspective: Disease and Threats)

Review

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18 pages, 927 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Scoping Review of Non-Communicable Diseases among the Workforce as a Threat to Global Peace and Security in Low-Middle Income Countries

by Daniel Doh, Rumbidzai Dahwa and Andre M. N. Renzaho

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1143; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091143 - 29 Aug 2024

Viewed by 2511

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to pose a threat to public health. Although their impact on the workforce is widely recognized, there needs to be more understanding of how NCDs affect peace and security, particularly in low-middle-income countries. To address this, we conducted a scoping review and presented a narrative to explore how NCDs in the workforce threaten peace and security. Out of 570 papers screened, 34 articles, comprising 26 peer review and 8 grey literature, met the study criteria. Our findings reveal that while no study has drawn a direct relationship between NCDs in the workforce in LMICs and peace and security, several studies have demonstrated a relationship between NCDs and economic growth on one hand and economic growth and peace and security on the other. Therefore, using economic growth as a proximal factor, our findings show three pathways that link NCDs in the workforce to peace and security: (i) NCDs lead to low productivity and poor economic growth, which can threaten public peace and security; (ii) NCDs in the workforce can result in long-term care needs, which then puts pressure on public resources and have implications for public expenditure on peace and security; and (iii) household expenditures on caring for a family member with an NCD can destabilize families and create an unfavourable condition that threatens peace and security. This research highlights the dual threat of NCDs to health and security, as they impact human resources and community structures crucial for peace and security. The results underscore the importance of considering the workplace as a strategic setting for NCD prevention, which will have long-term implications for economic growth and peace and security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Global Perspective: Disease and Threats)

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10 pages, 237 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Barriers and Facilitators to Vaccine Equity Amidst the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout in the United States

by Rachael Piltch-Loeb, Josefina Nuñez Sahr, LaRon E. Nelson, David Vlahov and Robyn R. Gershon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(12), 1588; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21121588 - 28 Nov 2024

Viewed by 959

Abstract

State and local health departments were responsible for ensuring equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. This qualitative study aimed to identify the challenges, strategies, disappointments, and successes in achieving equity for hard-to-reach and at-risk populations. Using a purposive sampling strategy, 16 individuals affiliated with health departments across nine states, each holding leadership roles in vaccine distribution, were interviewed between late 2021 and mid-2022. The key factors promoting vaccine equity included (1) inviting community members to serve on vaccine advisory groups to participate in decision-making; (2) utilizing pre-existing community relationships and spaces to facilitate the planning and distribution of the vaccine; and (3) establishing and building upon community outreach to support accessibility and uptake of the vaccine. The barriers included (1) a lack of clarity on vaccine prioritization criteria; (2) language/communication access; and (3) the initial focus on mass vaccination sites for vaccine delivery. The stakeholders also highlighted potential facilitators for increasing equity in future vaccine rollouts. Overall, community engagement emerged as a critical factor in ensuring equity during disaster response efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Global Perspective: Disease and Threats)

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