Journal Description
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
is a transdisciplinary, peer-reviewed, open access journal published monthly online by MDPI. It covers Global Health, Healthcare Sciences, Behavioral and Mental Health, Infectious Diseases, Chronic Diseases and Disease Prevention, Exercise and Health Related Quality of Life, Environmental Health and Environmental Sciences. The International Society Doctors for the Environment (ISDE) and Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA) are affiliated with IJERPH and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, PMC, Embase, GEOBASE, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q1 (Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 29.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about IJERPH.
- Sections: published in 7 topical sections.
Latest Articles
Sex Ratio at Birth after Concurrent Events of Earthquakes and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Croatia
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050572 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The sex ratio at birth (ratio of males to females) has been known to be affected by exogenous shocks such as wars, pollution, natural catastrophes, economic crises, and others. Among these stressful events, both earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic have been reported to
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The sex ratio at birth (ratio of males to females) has been known to be affected by exogenous shocks such as wars, pollution, natural catastrophes, economic crises, and others. Among these stressful events, both earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic have been reported to lower the sex ratio at birth. In this article, a rather unusual situation of two episodes of simultaneous events of COVID-19 lockdown and earthquakes approximately nine months apart (March and December of 2020) is investigated to assess whether they were associated with a bias in sex ratio at birth 3–5 months later (in utero loss) and 9 months later (loss at conception) in Croatia. The monthly time series of sex ratio at birth, total number of births, and total number of both male and female births from January 2010 to December 2021 were analyzed. Seasonally adjusted autoregressive moving-average models were used to estimate the functional form of the time series from January 2010 to February 2020. These results were used to predict the future values of the series until December 2021 and to compare them with the actual values. For all series used, there was no indication of deviation from the values predicted by the models, neither for 3–5 months nor for 9 months after the COVID-19 lockdown and earthquake events. The possible mechanisms of the absence of bias, such as the threshold of the stressful events and its localized reach, as well as the statistical methods employed, are discussed.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Behavioral Ecology and Health Outcomes)
Open AccessArticle
Effect of Peanut Butter Intake on Sleep Health in Firefighters: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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Tiffany J. Oberther, Andrew R. Moore, Austin A. Kohler, David H. Shuler, Nicole Peritore and Angelia M. Holland-Winkler
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050571 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Sleep is often impaired in firefighters due to the psychologically and physiologically intense nature of their work and working shift schedules. Peanut butter is affordable and a substantial source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which may aid sleep health. Thus, this study sought to
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Sleep is often impaired in firefighters due to the psychologically and physiologically intense nature of their work and working shift schedules. Peanut butter is affordable and a substantial source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which may aid sleep health. Thus, this study sought to determine if a daily serving of peanut butter consumed before bedtime for seven weeks altered sleep quality and quantity among full-time firefighters. Forty firefighters (peanut butter group = 20; control group = 20) participated in this eight-week randomized controlled trial. All participants completed a subjective questionnaire on mood, focus, and alertness twice daily and wore an Actigraph wristwatch to measure sleep variables, including latency, efficiency, time in bed, time asleep, wake after sleep onset, number of awakenings, and time spent awake. After a baseline week, the peanut butter group consumed two tablespoons of peanut butter two hours prior to bedtime for seven weeks. Compared to the control group, the peanut butter group did not demonstrate significant changes (p > 0.05) in sleep measures or subjective feelings of mood, focus, or alertness after consuming peanut butter for seven weeks. Therefore, peanut butter as a source of peanuts did not alter sleep quality or quantity in this group of firefighters. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06364202.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Reducing Loneliness through the Power of Practicing Together: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Online Dyadic Socio-Emotional vs. Mindfulness-Based Training
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Hannah Matthaeus, Malvika Godara, Sarita Silveira, Martin Hecht, Manuel Voelkle and Tania Singer
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050570 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Loneliness has become a pressing topic, especially among young adults and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a randomized controlled trial with 253 healthy adults, we evaluated the differential efficacy of two 10-week app-delivered mental training programs: one based on classic mindfulness and one
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Loneliness has become a pressing topic, especially among young adults and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a randomized controlled trial with 253 healthy adults, we evaluated the differential efficacy of two 10-week app-delivered mental training programs: one based on classic mindfulness and one on an innovative partner-based socio-emotional practice (Affect Dyad). We show that the partner-based training resulted in greater reductions in loneliness than the mindfulness-based training. This effect was shown on three measures of loneliness: general loneliness assessed with the 20-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, state loneliness queried over an 8-day ecological momentary assessment in participants’ daily lives, and loneliness ratings required before and after daily practice. Our study provides evidence for the higher efficacy of a mental training approach based on a 12 min practice conducted with a partner in reducing loneliness and provides a novel, scalable online approach to reduce the increasing problem of loneliness in society.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Consequences of Social Isolation and Loneliness)
Open AccessArticle
Association of School Instructional Mode with Community COVID-19 Incidence during August–December 2020 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio
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Pauline D. Terebuh, Jeffrey M. Albert, Jacqueline W. Curtis, Kurt C. Stange, Suzanne Hrusch, Kevin Brennan, Jill E. Miracle, Wail Yar, Prakash R. Ganesh, Heidi L. Gullett and Johnie Rose
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050569 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Remote and hybrid modes of instruction were employed as alternatives to in-person instruction as part of early mitigation efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the impact of a public school district’s instructional mode on cumulative incidence and transmission in the
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Remote and hybrid modes of instruction were employed as alternatives to in-person instruction as part of early mitigation efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the impact of a public school district’s instructional mode on cumulative incidence and transmission in the surrounding community by employing a generalized estimating equations approach to estimate the association with weekly COVID-19 case counts by zip code in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, from August to December 2020. Remote instruction only (RI) was employed by 7 of 20 school districts; 13 used some non-remote instruction (NRI) (2–15 weeks). Weekly incidence increased in all zip codes from August to peak in late fall before declining. The zip code cumulative incidence within NRI school districts was higher than in those offering only RI (risk ratio = 1.12, p = 0.01; risk difference = 519 per 100,000, 95% confidence interval (123–519)). The mean effect for NRI on emergent cases 2 weeks after mode exposure, controlling for Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), was significant only for high SVI zip codes 1.30, p < 0.001. NRI may be associated with increased community COVID-19 incidence, particularly in communities with high SVI. Vulnerable communities may need more resources to open schools safely.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Consumption of Food Offered by Delivery Applications (Apps)
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Jamile Carvalho Tahim, Sara Maria Moreira Lima Verde, Carla Soraya Costa Maia and Ilana Nogueira Bezerra
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050568 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate whether the use of food delivery applications is related to food consumption practices. Methods: Data collection was carried out between 5 and 20 June 2020 in a Brazilian capital with a final sample of 2113 individuals. The instrument
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This study aimed to investigate whether the use of food delivery applications is related to food consumption practices. Methods: Data collection was carried out between 5 and 20 June 2020 in a Brazilian capital with a final sample of 2113 individuals. The instrument included questions about socioeconomic characteristics, anthropometric data, and information about eating practices and the use of delivery apps. Logistic regression models were developed with the consumption of each food group as the outcome variable and the use of the application as the exposure variable. Results: Of those interviewed, 78.1% used delivery apps to purchase food. The frequencies of the consumption of foods considered markers of healthy eating were higher for individuals who did not use the applications (59.7% vs. 38.7% for the daily consumption of fresh fruit, respectively, p < 0.0001). The frequencies of the consumption of items considered markers of unhealthy eating were higher for individuals who used apps to purchase food prepared outside the home compared to those who did not (53.7 vs. 38.1 for weekly consumption of hamburgers, respectively, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The use of delivery applications influenced the users’ eating practices through the acquisition of food within the digital scope and is related to a greater frequency of the consumption of unhealthy items by users.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Health Status and Environmental Factors on Food Intake)
Open AccessArticle
Bodily Practices and Meanings Articulated in the Physical Exercise of Older Adults in Santiago de Chile Post-COVID-19
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Alexis Sossa Rojas
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050567 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
This article presents the results of almost nine months of ethnographic research on the relationship between physical exercise and health in older people in the post-COVID-19 context. Via exploratory–descriptive qualitative research and the use of a convenient sample, I shed light on this
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This article presents the results of almost nine months of ethnographic research on the relationship between physical exercise and health in older people in the post-COVID-19 context. Via exploratory–descriptive qualitative research and the use of a convenient sample, I shed light on this relationship using the stories and life experiences of 40 older people (10 men and 30 women, including two women instructors for senior classes) who exercise regularly. The meanings they attributed to physical exercise during COVID-19 and after it are explained, emphasising first that there is no health in a context of not feeling safe; once there is a feeling of security, the most relevant meanings can be exposed in three directions. First, exercise produces a sense of identity linked to “being an athlete” and “belonging to a group”. Second, exercising is valued as participating in something meaningful (the meanings range from self-realisation, independence, and autonomy to feelings of happiness). Finally, and linked to the sense of identity, those who train alone show more commitment and total hours spent in physical exercise and physical activity than those who train in groups. Even though older people are not a homogeneous group, they generally faced the pandemic as an ageist situation that affected their lives and how they saw sports and health. This article describes the strategies they used during COVID-19 related to exercise and well-being and those used once the pandemic restrictions were no longer present. The qualitative aspects that physical exercise brings to this population are highlighted. The research results give voice to older people, showing their heterogeneity and the meanings and practices that unite them. These inputs are rich material for studies on physical activity, older people, and well-being.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Physical Fitness in an Aged Population)
Open AccessArticle
Prevalence and Clinical Profile of Adults with ADHD Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital for Five Years
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Rabab Mohammed Bedawi, Yahya Al-Farsi, Hassan Mirza, Salim Al-Huseini, Tamadhir Al-Mahrouqi, Omaima Al-Kiyumi, Mohammed Al-Azri and Samir Al-Adawi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050566 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
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(1) Objectives: This study aimed to assess the 5-year prevalence and clinical profile of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) among adult patients seeking care in a tertiary care hospital in Oman. (2) Methods: The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and
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(1) Objectives: This study aimed to assess the 5-year prevalence and clinical profile of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) among adult patients seeking care in a tertiary care hospital in Oman. (2) Methods: The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and standardised prevalence estimates were calculated. (3) Results: Of the 39,881 hospital visits, 1.77% were made by adults with ADHD. This is equivalent to 17.8 visits per 1000 outpatients. The year 2021 saw the highest prevalence among the five years considered, while 2020 had the lowest prevalence. Although the age distribution indicated that the age group ‘under 20’ had the highest prevalence, the gender distribution showed that ADHD was more common among adult men. Among the various subtypes of ADHD, inattention was the most common. (4) Conclusions: This study specifically compared the prevalence and associated factors between an adult cohort with ADHD and those other psychiatric clinic attendees during the same period. The study offers important information on the prevalence and clinical profile of adults with ADHD in the population under consideration.
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Open AccessArticle
A Mixed-Methods Evaluation to Inform the Hawaiʻi Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan
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Saikaew Dudla, Tarin T. Tanji, Jeanelle Sugimoto-Matsuda, Jane J. Chung-Do, Eric Agluba, Tricia Khun, Shivani Trivedi and Deborah Goebert
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050565 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The Prevent Suicide Hawaiʻi Taskforce is a state, public, and private partnership of individuals, organizations, and community groups that leads statewide suicide prevention efforts in Hawaiʻi. The purpose of this evaluation was to identify the progress and barriers of the Taskforce to inform
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The Prevent Suicide Hawaiʻi Taskforce is a state, public, and private partnership of individuals, organizations, and community groups that leads statewide suicide prevention efforts in Hawaiʻi. The purpose of this evaluation was to identify the progress and barriers of the Taskforce to inform the upcoming 2025 Hawaiʻi Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan in the following areas: Hope, Help, Heal, Research and Evaluation, and Policy and Advocacy. Utilizing a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach, 18 key informants were interviewed, followed by a 13-question survey sent to the Taskforce member listserv. Results were analyzed using qualitative coding techniques and descriptive statistics. Interview findings contained six themes: importance of community relationships, interconnection of suicide prevention efforts, progress in diversifying training, organizational challenges, adaptations to the COVID-19 pandemic, and funding challenges. Of the 34 survey respondents, most were involved in the area of Hope (91%). The respondents reported the area with most progress was Hope (87%), and the most important area to address was Help (41%). The majority (82%) of the respondents characterized the level of Taskforce communication as Excellent or Good. Interview and survey data corroborated each other and revealed new insights about the successes and barriers of the Taskforce and their progress in implementing the Strategic Plan. Recommendations included advocating for long-term funding for suicide prevention and building community relationships.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Suicide in Asia and the Pacific)
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Open AccessArticle
Disclosing Strain: How Psychosocial Risk Factors Influence Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Healthcare Workers Preceding and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Carla Barros and Pilar Baylina
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050564 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Healthcare workers, particularly nurses, engage in a daily work routine that takes a toll on their emotional well-being, rendering them vulnerable to psychosocial risk factors. This research seeks to analyse the influence of psychosocial risk factors on the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders
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Healthcare workers, particularly nurses, engage in a daily work routine that takes a toll on their emotional well-being, rendering them vulnerable to psychosocial risk factors. This research seeks to analyse the influence of psychosocial risk factors on the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses. An additional analysis was performed to understand the role of age in work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the perception of psychosocial risk factors. The study was conducted during two separate periods—pre-pandemic and pandemic times—involving a sample of 456 nurses from both public and private hospitals in Portugal. The INSAT—Health and Work Survey—was used as measuring instrument. The primary observations indicated a consistency between psychosocial risk factors and the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The findings revealed a significant exposure to psychosocial risk factors, with work pace, intensity, work relationships, and emotional demands exhibiting higher global average percentages during both periods, pre-pandemic and pandemic. Nonetheless, we find that the psychosocial risk factors change when we analyse the pre-pandemic and pandemic results. During the period before the pandemic, the psychosocial risk factors that were most commonly reported included the demanding pace of work, long working hours, and emotional demands. Through the pandemic, the most pronounced psychosocial risk factors were work relationships, employment relationships, and ethical and values conflicts. Therefore, research in this domain is essential to understanding psychosocial risk factors and assessing the less obvious links between work and health.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ergonomics, Human Factors and Safety for Occupational Health)
Open AccessEssay
A Holistic Approach to Early Relational Health: Cultivating Culture, Diversity, and Equity
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Dominique Charlot-Swilley, Kandace Thomas, Christina F. Mondi, David W. Willis and Marie-Celeste Condon
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050563 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Early Relational Health (ERH) is the foundation for infant and child emotional and social wellbeing. ERH is a quality of relationships co-created by infants, caregivers, and other members of their families and communities from pregnancy through childhood. Relationships themselves are not ERH; rather,
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Early Relational Health (ERH) is the foundation for infant and child emotional and social wellbeing. ERH is a quality of relationships co-created by infants, caregivers, and other members of their families and communities from pregnancy through childhood. Relationships themselves are not ERH; rather, ERH can be a feature of relationships. Those that are characterized by positive, shared emotionality become contexts within which members co-develop mutual capacities that enable them to prevail and flourish. This essay offers a synthesis of current knowledge about ERH in the US and begins to integrate Indigenous and non-Indigenous research and knowledge about ERH in the hope that readers will embrace “Etuaptmumk”—“Two-Eyed Seeing”. The authors maintain that systems of care for infants, families, and their communities must first and foremost attend to revitalization, cultural context, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Authors discuss key concepts in ERH; Indigenous and non-Indigenous research that inform ERH; structural and systemic factors in the US that affect ERH ecosystems; the critical intersections of culture, diversity, equity; the broader concept of village support for fostering ERH; and efforts to revitalize ERH discourse, practices, and policies. The authors advocate for a holistic approach to ERH and suggest future directions for research and advocacy.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family-Based Treatment Approaches in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
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Open AccessArticle
Undesirable Levels of Practice Behaviours and Associated Knowledge amongst Community Health Workers in Rural South India Responsible for Type 2 Diabetes Screening and Management
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Anirudh G. Gudlavalleti, Giridhara R. Babu, Varun Agiwal, G. V. S. Murthy, Nicolaas C. Schaper and Onno C. P. van Schayck
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050562 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) poses an enormous global health care challenge, especially among rural communities. Healthcare in these areas can be inadequate and inaccessible due to socio-demographic barriers. To overcome this situation, many low- and middle-income countries are resorting to task shifting,
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Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) poses an enormous global health care challenge, especially among rural communities. Healthcare in these areas can be inadequate and inaccessible due to socio-demographic barriers. To overcome this situation, many low- and middle-income countries are resorting to task shifting, using community health workers (CHWs) for diabetes management. However, its successful implementation depends on the practice behaviours and knowledge of these workers. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the proficiency of CHWs involved in diabetes screening and management in rural South India by identifying the existing practice behaviours and knowledge gaps. Methods: Employing a customised questionnaire, developed through inputs from experts and government officials, we assessed practice behaviours and the corresponding knowledge base of 275 CHWs. Analytical methodologies consisted of descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and mosaic plots for comprehensive data interpretation. Results: The study showcased significant deficiencies in both practice behaviours (97%) and knowledge (95%) with current mean levels ranging from 48 to 50%, respectively, among the participants. The identified areas of insufficiency were broadly representative of the core competencies required for effective diabetes management, encompassing diabetes diagnosis and referral, HbA1c testing, diabetes diet, diabetes type and self-management, microvascular complications and their screening, peripheral neuropathy management, and diabetes risk assessment. In several areas, correct practice behaviour was reported by a relatively large number of CHWs despite incorrect answers to the related knowledge questions such as referral to the health centres, self-management, and calculation of diabetes risk assessment. Conclusion: This study highlights widespread deficiencies (97% CHWs) in diabetes management practices and knowledge (95% CHWs). To overcome these deficiencies, a thorough needs assessments is vital for effective CHW training. Training of CHWs should not only identify prior knowledge and/or behaviour but also their interrelationship to help create a robust and flexible set of practice behaviours.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Care Sciences)
Open AccessArticle
Identifying and Responding to Lead in Drinking Water in a University Setting
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Audrey G. Bousquet, Lauren A. Eaves, Kim Haley, David Catalano, Gregory B. Williams, Hadley J. Hartwell, Catherine Brennan and Rebecca C. Fry
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050561 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
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Lead is an established neurotoxicant, and it has known associations with adverse neurodevelopmental and reproductive outcomes. Exposure to lead at any level is unsafe, and the United States (US) has enacted various federal and state legislations to regulate lead levels in drinking water
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Lead is an established neurotoxicant, and it has known associations with adverse neurodevelopmental and reproductive outcomes. Exposure to lead at any level is unsafe, and the United States (US) has enacted various federal and state legislations to regulate lead levels in drinking water in K-12 schools and childcare facilities; however, no regulations exist for higher education settings. Upon the discovery of lead in drinking water fixtures in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) campus, a cross-campus water testing network and sampling plan was developed and deployed. The campaign was based on the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 3Ts (Training, Testing, and Taking Action) guidance. The seven-month campaign involved 5954 tests on 3825 drinking water fixtures across 265 buildings. A total of 502 (8.43%) tests showed lead above the limit of detection (1 part per billion, ppb), which represented 422 (11.03%) fixtures. Fewer than 1.5% of the tests were above the EPA action level for public water systems (15 ppb). In conclusion, systematic testing of all the fixtures across campus was required to identify localized contamination, and each entity in the cross-campus network undertook necessary roles to generate a successful testing campaign. UNC-CH established preventative measures to test drinking water fixtures every three years, which provide a framework for other higher education institutions in responding to lead contamination.
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Open AccessArticle
Utilization of Whey for Eco-Friendly Bio-Preservation of Mexican-Style Fresh Cheeses: Antimicrobial Activity of Lactobacillus casei 21/1 Cell-Free Supernatants (CFS)
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Victor E. Vera-Santander, Ricardo H. Hernández-Figueroa, Daniela Arrioja-Bretón, María T. Jiménez-Munguía, Emma Mani-López and Aurelio López-Malo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050560 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Using whey, a by-product of the cheese-making process, is important for maximizing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable practices in the food industry. Reusing whey can help minimize environmental impact and produce bio-preservatives for foods with high bacterial loads, such as Mexican-style fresh cheeses.
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Using whey, a by-product of the cheese-making process, is important for maximizing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable practices in the food industry. Reusing whey can help minimize environmental impact and produce bio-preservatives for foods with high bacterial loads, such as Mexican-style fresh cheeses. This research aims to evaluate the antimicrobial and physicochemical effect of CFS from Lactobacillus casei 21/1 produced in a conventional culture medium (MRS broth) and another medium using whey (WB medium) when applied in Mexican-style fresh cheese inoculated with several indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes). The CFSs (MRS or WB) were characterized for organic acids concentration, pH, and titratable acidity. By surface spreading, CFSs were tested on indicator bacteria inoculated in fresh cheese. Microbial counts were performed on inoculated cheeses during and after seven days of storage at 4 ± 1.0 °C. Moreover, pH and color were determined in cheeses with CFS treatment. Lactic and acetic acid were identified as the primary antimicrobial metabolites produced by the Lb. casei 21/1 fermentation in the food application. A longer storage time (7 days) led to significant reductions (p < 0.05) in the microbial population of the indicator bacteria inoculated in the cheese when it was treated with the CFSs (MRS or WB). S. enterica serovar Typhimurium was the most sensitive bacteria, decreasing 1.60 ± 0.04 log10 CFU/g with MRS-CFS, whereas WB-CFS reduced the microbial population of L. monocytogenes to 1.67 log10 CFU/g. E. coli and S. aureus were the most resistant at the end of storage. The cheese’s pH with CFSs (MRS or WB) showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) after CFS treatment, while the application of WB-CFS did not show greater differences in color (ΔE) compared with MRS-CFS. This study highlights the potential of CFS from Lb. casei 21/1 in the WB medium as an ecological bio-preservative for Mexican-style fresh cheese, aligning with the objectives of sustainable food production and guaranteeing food safety.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Foods and One Health)
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Open AccessArticle
DEXA Body Composition Asymmetry Analysis and Association to Injury Risk and Low Back Pain in University Soccer Players
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Nicolas Vaillancourt, Chanelle Montpetit, Victoria Carile and Maryse Fortin
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050559 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Soccer is a laterally dominant sport owing to the repetitive nature of unilateral kicking. The relationship between functional and body composition asymmetries related to limb dominance in soccer players has yet to be established. When present, asymmetries can increase the risk of injury
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Soccer is a laterally dominant sport owing to the repetitive nature of unilateral kicking. The relationship between functional and body composition asymmetries related to limb dominance in soccer players has yet to be established. When present, asymmetries can increase the risk of injury and low back pain. Our study investigated whether lateral dominance is associated with limb asymmetries in a comprehensive body composition assessment among varsity soccer players. Twenty-seven varsity soccer players (age 20.4 ± 1.7 years old; BMI 22.6 ± 4.6 kg/m2) participated in this study. Body composition was assessed through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans. Results showed low lower limb asymmetry indices in both males (3.82%) and females (3.36%) compared to normal ranges. However, upper limb lean mass exhibited high asymmetry, surpassing thresholds in males (7.3%) and females (4.39%). Significant differences were found in total bone mass among males and total lean body mass among females. Male players exhibited higher asymmetry indices in both arm and trunk mass compared to females. Despite these asymmetries, no significant correlations were found between asymmetry indices and occurrences of lower limb injury or low back pain. The study suggests that while evaluating body composition for injury prevention in soccer shows potential, lateral dominance may be influenced by factors extending beyond sport-specific adaptations.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Injury and Rehabilitation)
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Open AccessArticle
The Impact of Climatic Factors on Temporal Mosquito Distribution and Population Dynamics in an Area Targeted for Sterile Insect Technique Pilot Trials
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Theresa Taona Mazarire, Leanne Lobb, Solomon Wakshom Newete and Givemore Munhenga
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050558 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
It is widely accepted that climate affects the mosquito life history traits; however, its precise role in determining mosquito distribution and population dynamics is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the influence of various climatic factors on the temporal distribution of
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It is widely accepted that climate affects the mosquito life history traits; however, its precise role in determining mosquito distribution and population dynamics is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the influence of various climatic factors on the temporal distribution of Anopheles arabiensis populations in Mamfene, South Africa between 2014 and 2019. Time series analysis, wavelet analysis, cross-correlation analysis, and regression model combined with the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model were utilized to assess the relationship between climatic factors and An. arabiensis population density. In total 3826 adult An. arabiensis collected was used for the analysis. ARIMA (0, 1, 2) (0, 0, 1)12 models closely described the trends observed in An. arabiensis population density and distribution. The wavelet coherence and time-lagged correlation analysis showed positive correlations between An. arabiensis population density and temperature (r = 0.537 ), humidity (r = 0.495) and rainfall (r = 0.298) whilst wind showed negative correlations (r = −0.466). The regression model showed that temperature (p = 0.00119), rainfall (p = 0.0436), and humidity (p = 0.0441) as significant predictors for forecasting An. arabiensis abundance. The extended ARIMA model (AIC = 102.08) was a better fit for predicting An. arabiensis abundance compared to the basic model. Anopheles arabiensis still remains the predominant malaria vector in the study area and climate variables were found to have varying effects on the distribution and abundance of An. arabiensis. This necessitates other complementary vector control strategies such as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) which involves releasing sterile males into the environment to reduce mosquito populations. This requires timely mosquito and climate information to precisely target releases and enhance the effectiveness of the program, consequently reducing the malaria risk.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Climate Change and Public Health)
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Open AccessArticle
Social Support Postpartum: Bengali Women from India on Their Coping Experiences following Childbirth
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Moumita Gupta, Mahua Patra, Mohammad Hamiduzzaman, Helen McLaren and Emi Patmisari
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050557 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Undertaken in Kolkata, India, our study aimed to explore the experiences of Bengali middle-class women on perceived stressful events, social support, and coping experiences following childbirth. Becoming a mother following childbirth is a shared phenomenon irrespective of culture, social strata, or country, while
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Undertaken in Kolkata, India, our study aimed to explore the experiences of Bengali middle-class women on perceived stressful events, social support, and coping experiences following childbirth. Becoming a mother following childbirth is a shared phenomenon irrespective of culture, social strata, or country, while stress during the postpartum period or depression is not. Discrete medical intervention does not sufficiently address the complexities of postpartum experiences since influencing factors also include economic, political, cultural, and social backgrounds. Adopting a feminist and phenomenological approach, individual in-person interviews were conducted with twenty women recruited via snowball sampling. Our findings revealed that events experienced as stressful may lead to poor postpartum well-being. Underpinned by gendered discourse and biases, stressful events included familial imperatives for a male child, poor social and emotional support from the family, mostly partners and fathers, and systemic workplace barriers. The women in our study commonly resided with their mothers postpartum. They expressed feeling sheltered from these experiences, cared for, and supported. We discuss the women’s experiences from a feminist pragmatic worldview, which advocates for a flexible feminism recognizant of the unique and nurturing relationship experiences between Bengali middle-class women and their mothers. In conclusion, we advocate for culturally sensitive, women-centered postpartum care practices that may entail the inclusion of intergenerational care during this critical phase of maternal well-being. These insights underscore the necessity of tailoring postpartum support systems to align with the cultural and familial contexts of the individuals they serve.
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Open AccessArticle
The Risk Perception of the Chinese Diaspora during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Targeting Cognitive Dissonance through Storytelling
by
Doris Yuet Lan Leung, Shoilee Khan, Hilary Hwu, Aaida Mamuji, Jack Rozdilsky, Terri Chu and Charlotte Lee
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050556 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 required risk communications to mitigate the virus’ spread. However, social media not only conveyed health information to minimize the contagion, but also distracted from the threat by linking it to an externalized ‘other’—primarily those appearing to be
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The global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 required risk communications to mitigate the virus’ spread. However, social media not only conveyed health information to minimize the contagion, but also distracted from the threat by linking it to an externalized ‘other’—primarily those appearing to be of Chinese descent. This disinformation caused the attribution of blame to Chinese people worldwide. In Canada’s Greater Toronto Area, Chinese individuals reported widespread public stigma that compounded their risk of contagion; to the degree that it was driven by cognitive dissonance, it generated experiences of social and cultural vulnerability. In this paper, we draw on the aforementioned study’s findings to explain how the risk perception and threat appraisal of Chinese diaspora individuals were impacted by different cognitive dissonance pathways. These findings explore how storytelling is a viable intervention with which to target and mitigate cognitive dissonance. Indeed, the mechanisms of cognitive dissonance can modify risk perception and mitigate social and cultural vulnerability, thereby averting potential long-term negative consequences for one’s mental health and well-being. We hope our guidance, training educators to target pathways of cognitive dissonance by drawing on storytelling (with humour), can assist them to better convey information in ways that are more inclusive during public health emergencies.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of COVID-19, Healthcare Quality, Patient Safety and Quality of Life)
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Open AccessArticle
Public Dental Service Access Policies for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: A Pre-Evaluation Study
by
Ednaldo de Jesus-Filho, Sandra Garrido de Barros, Maria Isabel Pereira Vianna and Maria Cristina Teixeira Cangussu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050555 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study sought to carry out a systematic and preliminary evaluation of the policies on access to public dental services for people with ASD in a Brazilian city. The study, conducted between November/2019 and February/2020, was developed through document analysis, the design of
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This study sought to carry out a systematic and preliminary evaluation of the policies on access to public dental services for people with ASD in a Brazilian city. The study, conducted between November/2019 and February/2020, was developed through document analysis, the design of the theoretical logical model of the policies, and seven semi-structured interviews with key informants. The sample was intentionally selected. We also considered the answers to 108 questionnaires from a pilot study on the access of people with ASD to dental services applied to caregivers, dentists, and non-dental professionals. No refusals were recorded. The availability study showed that the policies’ objectives were not being achieved in terms of care network organization: there were no institutional flows, personal contacts were used between professionals to guarantee access to secondary attention, there was no specific training for the dentists about ASD, and the oral health care network was unknown to non-dentist professionals and caregivers. Most people with ASD have visited the dentist at least once in their lives, but a large percentage of those within this study did not do so in the last year. This study identified difficulties in implementing policies and suggested possible strategies for overcoming them as dimensions and subdimensions for evaluation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Approach to Promoting Oral Health)
Open AccessReview
The Influence of Social Dynamics on Biological Aging and the Health of Historically Marginalized Populations: A Biopsychosocial Model for Health Disparities
by
Lok Ming Tam, Kristin Hocker, Tamala David and Edith Marie Williams
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050554 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Historically marginalized populations are susceptible to social isolation resulting from their unique social dynamics; thus, they incur a higher risk of developing chronic diseases across the course of life. Research has suggested that the cumulative effect of aging trajectories per se, across the
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Historically marginalized populations are susceptible to social isolation resulting from their unique social dynamics; thus, they incur a higher risk of developing chronic diseases across the course of life. Research has suggested that the cumulative effect of aging trajectories per se, across the lifespan, determines later-in-life disease risks. Emerging evidence has shown the biopsychosocial effects of social stress and social support on one’s wellbeing in terms of inflammation. Built upon previous multidisciplinary findings, here, we provide an overarching model that explains how the social dynamics of marginalized populations shape their rate of biological aging through the inflammatory process. Under the framework of social stress and social support theories, this model aims to facilitate our understanding of the biopsychosocial impacts of social dynamics on the wellbeing of historically marginalized individuals, with a special emphasis on biological aging. We leverage this model to advance our mechanistic understanding of the health disparity observed in historically marginalized populations and inform future remediation strategies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenging Health Disparities through the Promotion of Health Equity)
Open AccessArticle
The Impact of Air Pollution on Asthma Severity among Residents Living near the Main Industrial Complex in Oman: A Cross-Sectional Study
by
Souad Mahmoud Al Okla, Fatima Al Zahra Khamis Al Rasbi, Hawida Said Al Marhubi, Shima Salim Al Mataani, Yusra Mohammed Al Sawai, Hasa Ibrahim Mohammed, Muna Ali Salim Al Mamari, Salwa Abdullah Abdulrahim Al Balushi and Abdul Qader Abbady
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050553 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Asthma is a widespread chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant public health challenge. The current study investigated the associations between air pollution and asthma severity among individuals residing near the Sohar industrial port (SIP) in Oman. Despite the presence of multiple
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Background: Asthma is a widespread chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant public health challenge. The current study investigated the associations between air pollution and asthma severity among individuals residing near the Sohar industrial port (SIP) in Oman. Despite the presence of multiple major industrial complexes in Oman, limited knowledge regarding their impact on respiratory health is accredited. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to offer valuable insights into the respiratory health consequences of industrial air pollution in Al Batinah North. Methods: The state health clinics’ records for patient visits related to asthma were collected for the timeframe spanning 2014 to 2022. Exposure was defined as the distance from the SIP, Majan Industerial Area (MIA), and Sohar Industerial Zone (SIZ) to determine high-, intermediate-, and low-exposure zones (<6 km, 6–12 km and >12 km, respectively). Exposure effect modifications by age, gender, and smoking status were also examined. Results: The conducted cross-sectional study of 410 patients (46.1% males and 53.9% females) living in over 17 areas around SIP revealed that 73.2% of asthmatics were under 50 years old, with severity significantly associated with closeness to the port. Risk ratios were estimated to be (RR:2.42; CI95%: 1.01–5.78), (RR:1.91; CI95%: 1.01–3.6), and (RR:1.68; CI95%: 0.92–3.09) for SIP, MIP, and SIZ areas, respectively, compared to the control area. Falaj Al Qabail (6.4 km) and Majees (6 km) had the highest number of asthma patients (N 69 and N 72) and highest percentages of severe asthma cases among these patients (28% and 24%) with significant risk ratios (RR:2.97; CI95%: 1.19–7.45 and RR:2.55; CI95%: 1.00–6.48), correspondingly. Moreover, severe asthma prevalence peaked in the 25–50 age group (RR:2.05; CI95%: 1.26–3.33), and this linkage between asthma and age was much more pronounced in males than females. Smoking and exposure to certain contaminants (dust and smoke) also increased the risk of severe asthma symptoms, but their effects were less important in the high-risk zone, suggesting much more important risk factors. A neural network model accurately predicted asthma risk (94.8% accuracy), with proximity to SIP as the most influential predictor. Conclusions: This study highlights the high asthma burden near SIP, linked to port proximity, smoking, and wind direction as major risk factors. These findings inform vital public health policies to reduce air pollution and improve respiratory health in the region, prompting national policy review.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)
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