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Global health development aid initiatives and the quality of medical laboratory services in sub-Saharan Africa:a narrative review

Musuka HAZEL ; Mano OSCAR ; Patrick Gad IRADUKUNDA ; Pierre GASHEMA ; Ferris Tatenda MUNYONHO ; Moyo ENOS ; Dzinamarira TAFADZWA

Global Health Journal.2025;9(2):104-112. doi:10.1016/j.glohj.2025.06.006

Background:Medical laboratory diagnostic services play a critical role in the diagnosis,treatment,and manage-ment of diseases,forming the cornerstone of effective healthcare systems.Despite the crucial role of laboratory services,the quality and accessibility of medical laboratory services in sub-Saharan Africa(SSA)face signifi-cant challenges.Global health development aid has been pivotal in supporting SSA laboratory services.This study aimed to examine global health development aid initiatives that have successfully enhanced the quality of medical laboratory services and the challenges and barriers to effectively improving medical laboratory services through global health development aid in SSA.Methods:We used a narrative review study design.We searched PubMed,Web of Science and Scopus for articles published in the last 15 years.These three databases are generally considered premier databases for peer-reviewed articles in global health,public health,health systems,and biomedical sciences.The inclusion criteria for this review included research studies,reports,and grey literature.Only articles published in English from 2010 on-ward were considered.The analysis followed a qualitative approach,emphasizing thematic synthesis and critical interpretation.Results:Forty articles were included in this study.Of these,18 were primary research studies,11 were reports,7 were commentaries,and 4 were reviews.Five sub-themes from the successful global health development aid initiative themes were capacity building and training programs,infrastructure development,partnership models,policy advocacy and regulatory support,quality control and standardization of laboratory services.The sub-themes from the challenges and barrier theme were insufficient funding and resource allocation,human resource constraints,inadequate infrastructure and equipment,and political and institutional barriers.This review re-vealed that several factors,including financial sustainability,human resource capacity,institutional support,resilience,and effective monitoring systems,shape the sustainability of improvements in medical laboratory services in SSA.Conclusion:Achieving long-term sustainability requires strategies that ensure financial self-sufficiency,foster a skilled and stable workforce,and integrate laboratory services into national health frameworks.

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Implementation of school-based mass drug administration of praziquantel in Nigeria:barriers,facilitators and opportunities for improvement

Ezezika OBIDIMMA ; Olorunbiyi OMOLOLA ; Gongd JENNY ; Ogoji JONATHAN ; Nebe OBIAGELI

Global Health Journal.2025;9(2):136-144. doi:10.1016/j.glohj.2025.06.007

Objective:The World Health Organization recommends annual preventive chemotherapy with a single dose of praziquantel at ≥ 75％treatment coverage,but as of 2021,the national coverage rate in Nigeria among children falls below 10％.This qualitative study sought to explore the barriers and facilitators to implementing large-scale praziquantel mass drug administration(MDA)programs for school-aged children in Nigeria to delineate tools and strategies that could improve the scaling-up and effectiveness of school-based praziquantel MDA programs.Methods:An exploratory qualitative study was conducted with stakeholders with experience in MDAs involving praziquantel or related preventive chemotherapy drugs in Nigeria.Through snowball sampling,30 stakeholders with experience in praziquantel school-based MDA in Nigeria were interviewed.An inductive approach was used to generate broad themes based on the barriers and facilitators identified by the key informants.Results:A total of 45 barriers and 36 facilitators were identified and grouped inductively into eight themes:funding and resources,design and composition of praziquantel tablets,knowledge and awareness mobilization,government,nongovernmental organization,and school engagement,data management,logistics,training,and security.Conclusion:This qualitative study reveals a wide range of barriers and facilitators in the MDA of praziquantel in Nigeria and uncovered critical points along the implementation pathway based on the locus of the barriers and facilitators identified.Collaboration with national,international,and non-profit organizations,and drug education through promotional materials,were the most frequently mentioned facilitators of the MDA program.In addition,insufficient program funding,and the complexity of the supply chain were the most cited barriers.

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The intersection of mpox outbreak and mental health:a bibliometric analysis of current research trends

Ejiohuo OVINUCHI ; Cyril Onwuelazu UTEH ; O.Olaleye OLUBUSOLA ; Samuel Adefisoye LAWAL ; Abdulkadir Yusif MAIGORO ; Onyeaka HELEN

Global Health Journal.2025;9(2):124-135. doi:10.1016/j.glohj.2025.06.009

Background and objectives:The ongoing mpox outbreaks have garnered significant attention due to their public health implications,particularly the potential mental health impacts.Despite the growing concern,there has been limited exploration of the intersection between mpox and mental health within the research literature.This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to examine global research trends,regional distribution,and thematic focus areas related to mpox's psychological and psychiatric implications.Methods:We conducted a bibliometric analysis using Scopus and the Web of Science database.The analysis was carried out using the R-bibliometrics package and involved identifying literature on mpox and mental health,focusing on global research trends,regional distribution,and thematic areas of study.The analysis included 416 documents obtained from 295 sources from January 1,2014 to August 27,2024.Results:Our analysis revealed a growing but unevenly distributed literature on mpox and mental health.Most studies concentrated on the relationship between mpox and conditions such as depression and anxiety,while other psychiatric outcomes remain underexplored.The geographic distribution of research was also uneven,with regions like Europe and the Americas receiving more focus than others.Conclusions:The study highlights the need for more targeted research on the mental health sequelae of mpox,particularly for vulnerable populations and regions that are currently underrepresented in the literature.Future research should include longitudinal studies to assess the long-term effects of mpox on mental health and the development of robust methodologies to establish causality.Integrating mental health considerations into public health responses to mpox outbreaks is crucial,with significant implications for research,policy,and clinical practice.

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Occupational influences on dietary quality among postpartum women:a cross-sectional study in Beijing,China

Zhao JIAN ; Zhang MIN

Global Health Journal.2025;9(2):94-103. doi:10.1016/j.glohj.2025.06.003

Objective:Postpartum nutrition plays a critical role in maternal recovery and long-term health.However,the nutritional status of working mothers in the postpartum period remains understudied.This study aimed to assess the dietary quality of postpartum women in urban Beijing,identify occupational-related factors influencing their diet,and explore potential interventions to improve maternal nutrition during the postpartum period.Methods:In this cross-sectional analysis,554 women one year after delivery were recruited from ten community health centers.Sociodemographic,occupational and postpartum care variables were collected via questionnaire.Dietary intake over the preceding year was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.The modified dietary balance index for postpartum women were used for dietary quality assessment.Results:The study revealed severe dietary imbalances among postpartum women,characterized by excessive consumption of cereals,eggs,and meats,while their intake of vegetables,fruits,and dairy products was inade-quate.According to dietary balance index for postpartum women,66.25％of mothers showed varying degrees of excessive intake.45.31％of mothers experienced varying levels of insufficient intake,with only 19.86％of participants having a relatively balanced diet.Occupational differences were observed,with women in the commercial employment group showing higher levels of excessive food intake.The analysis of influencing fac-tors showed that family monthly income,maternity leave,and postpartum care significantly affected the dietary quality.Conclusions:Postpartum women in Beijing experience widespread dietary imbalances,with both excesses and deficiencies.Occupational context and related factors significantly shape diet quality.These findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional interventions tailored to the specific challenges of different occupational groups.

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Digital health interventions for pregnant women and mothers with under 5-year-olds in low-and middle-income countries:a scoping review

Adusei-Mensah FRANK ; Muthelo LIVHUWANI ; Mxolisi Welcome NGWENYA ; Mphasha MH ; Kauhanen JUSSI

Global Health Journal.2025;9(2):113-123. doi:10.1016/j.glohj.2025.06.008

Objective:This scoping review explores digital health interventions used to improve maternal health and the health of children under-5-year-olds in rural areas of low-and middle-income countries(LMICs),identifying current practices and research gaps.Methods:Guided by PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews,a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed,Web of Science,and grey literature search with Google Scholar,and the South African National Elec-tronic Theses and Dissertations Portal.MeSH terms and Boolean operators were used.Studies were screened using the Population,Concept,and Context framework,and data were extracted systematically.Results:Of 5,114 records,63 met inclusion criteria.Digital health interventions,particularly mobile health,were found to enhance service delivery,education,and support for maternal and child health in LMICs.However,challenges such as limited access to technology,digital literacy,and cultural barriers persist.Contextual factors,including geography and sociocultural norms,significantly influenced implementation success.Conclusion:Digital health interventions show promise in improving maternal and child health in LMICs.How-ever,regional disparities,technological limitations,and cultural misalignment hinder scalability.Future research should focus on culturally adaptive,community-engaged approaches and long-term impact assessments to sup-port sustainable health promotion in low-resource settings.

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Access to health services and factors affecting musculoskeletal disorders among outdoor pollution workers following Sustainable Development Goals:a weakness in Thailand

Thetkathuek ANAMAI ; Kongsombatsuk MARISSA ; Nakyai TEERANUN ; Chan Pattama POLYONG

Global Health Journal.2025;9(2):85-93. doi:10.1016/j.glohj.2025.06.002

Background:People working outdoors in the Map Ta Phut pollution control area of Thailand require comprehen-sive health monitoring.In the past,studies have been done on the health effects of pollutants.However,there are few studies on musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs),and Thailand is struggling to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.Methods:This cross-sectional study examines access to health services and factors affecting MSDs among outdoor pollution workers(OPWs).The sample group includes OPWs,including local fisherman,street vendors,public car drivers,and traffic police.We studied 50 people from each of these groups,for a total of 200 people.Data were analyzed with inferential statistics using Chi-square test,McNemar test,and Univariate logistic regression.Results:The OPWs reported experiencing significantly more total MSDs pain than they did in the past(P＜0.05).Factors affecting current MSDs pain,including occupation and working days per week,were significant(P＜0.05).The street vendor group and public car driver group had(odds ratio[OR]=2.253,95％confidence interval[CI]:1.101 to 5.019)and(OR=2.681,95％CI:1.191 to 6.032)times higher risks of MSDs pain,respectively.OPWs who work＞5 days per week had a(OR=1.464,95％CI:1.093 to 2.704)times higher risk of MSDs pain.52.7％of OPWs with MSDs,pain(n=110)had received an annual health check-up.In the past year,50.9％had minor illnesses and 21.8％had severe illnesses.OPWs receiving free treatment and visiting health service stations for no cost comprised 77.3％and 51.8％,respectively.60.9％used their right to receive treatment with universal health insurance cards.Conclusions:The study indicates that occupational groups with MSDs pain problems should exercise this right,according to the worker protection law.Local health agencies should organize activities or create accessible media to promote preventive medicine services,as many OPWs believe that health services can only be accessed when illness occurs.

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Mortality trends and discrepancies among geographic and demographic factors in the USA:pre-,during and post-pandemic analysis

Siddharth Raj GUPTA

Global Health Journal.2025;9(2):159-180. doi:10.1016/j.glohj.2024.12.001

Objective:Human mortality is affected by a lot of different factors.Geographic and demographic variations are two such criteria that play significant importance in establishing the variation in mortality rate.Methods:The current work uses data collected from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2018 to 2021 to study the dependence of mortality on several parameters such as gender,race,and age group.The analysis looks at all the different causes of death registered in the database and shows how they vary with not only the demographic variables mentioned above but also geographic variables such as states in the USA.The variation in trends pre-,during,and post-pandemic is also investigated.The study undertakes several multi-factorial relations such as location-age group,location-gender,age group-gender,and a blanket study across all the races for 2018-2021.Results:Texas,California,and Florida were analyzed to be the states with the most number of deaths for the majority of causes.The study shows that before the pandemic two of the most critical causes of death identified were Atherosclerotic heart disease and Alzheimer's disease which was outnumbered by coronavirus disease 2019 in years 2020 and 2021 for the age groups of 35-84 years.Conclusion:The outcome of the study clearly shows the irrational availability of data among different ages,states,and races.In addition,it helps to provide interesting insights into how the mortality trends relate to demographic and geographic factors and point out the discrepancies among them.

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Trends in burdens of dengue fever among children aged 0-14 years in China from 1990 to 2021:findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021,and projections up to 2035

Tao LUQIU ; Zou YANZHENG ; Liu TAO ; Tan GAO ; Sun LI ; Liu XIAOLI ; Wang WEI

Global Health Journal.2025;9(2):145-152. doi:10.1016/j.glohj.2025.06.010

Objective:Children below 14 years of age are highly vulnerable to dengue infection and are at a greater risk of developing severe dengue illness.This study aimed to investigate the trends in the burden of dengue fever among children below 14 years of age in China from 1990 to 2021 and to project the disease burden from 2022 to 2035.Methods:Based on the datasets derived from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021,the following data were collected from dengue-affected children aged ≤14 years in China from 1990 to 2021:number and rate of incident dengue cases,number of prevalent dengue cases,number of deaths due to dengue,and disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)lost due to dengue.The trends in disease burden were examined based on average annual percent change(AAPC)and annual percent change,and the burdens were projected from 2022 to 2035 by using a Bayesian age-period-cohort model.Results:The incidence and prevalence of dengue fever were increased in children aged ≤14 years in China from 1990 to 2021(AAPC=5.42％and 5.44％,respectively,P＜0.001),while the mortality and DALYs rates were reduced(AAPC=-8.21％and-7.55％,respectively,P＜0.001).The burden was comparable between genders,with numerically lower incidence and prevalence in boys than in girls.The lowest incidence and prevalence and the highest mortality and DALYs rates were observed in children aged＜5 years.The incidence and prevalence rates were projected to increase from 2022 to 2035;in contrast,the mortality and DALYs rates were projected to decrease during this period.Conclusions:Although the mortality and DALYs rates of dengue fever decreased significantly in children aged 0-14 years in China from 1990 to 2021,the incidence and prevalence increased remarkably.Enhanced surveil-lance and ample health education programs and preventive interventions are recommended for targeting this high-risk population.

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Work engagement levels and correlates among physician assistants in Ghana:a cross-sectional study

Patrick Kwame AKWABOAH ; Kofi Adjei NTIRI ; Baah GEORGE ; Larweh RICHMOND ; Akosua Animwah SOMUAH

Global Health Journal.2025;9(2):153-158. doi:10.1016/j.glohj.2025.06.011

Background:Work engagement(WE)is critical to quality primary healthcare delivery.However,limited research has explored its levels and determinants among healthcare professionals in low-and middle-income countries.This study assessed the levels and correlates of work engagement among physician assistants(PAs)in Ghana.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 439 PAs from October to December 2024.Participants were recruited via emails,social media platforms,and posters featuring study links and scannable questionnaire codes.WE was measured using the validated Utrecht Work Engagement Scale questionnaire.Results:Overall,WE levels were average,with similar trends across the three subdomains.In the bootstrapped multivariate linear regression model,anxiety was negatively associated with WE(β=-0.49,95％confidence interval[CI]:-0.77 to-0.21).Conversely,working in an urban area(β=0.36,95％CI:0.05 to 0.67),holding the rank of PA/Senior PA(β=0.27,95％CI:0.03 to 0.52),reporting good self-rated health(β=0.54,95％CI:0.19 to 0.88),and working at health centers(β=0.86,95％CI:0.22 to 1.50)were positively associated with WE levels.Conclusion:WE levels are average in the study sample,highlighting the need for strategic interventions to improve and sustain the healthcare workforce's motivation and performance.Addressing workplace stressors,enhancing professional development opportunities,and fostering supportive work environments could improve engagement among PAs and healthcare professionals in general.Strengthening WE is essential for ensuring resilient quality primary healthcare systems and achieving the goals of universal health coverage.

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Occupational health in agriculture:a re-emerging frontier in worker protection

Zhang MIN ; Kim ROKHO

Global Health Journal.2025;9(2):65-71. doi:10.1016/j.glohj.2025.06.001

Agricultural workers are among the most vulnerable groups facing occupational health risks,yet their protection remains insufficient globally.Despite employing nearly one-third of the global workforce,agriculture is one of the most hazardous sectors,with risks intensified by climate change and limited regulatory coverage.This commentary examines emerging challenges,research gaps,and policy directions,with a focus on international frameworks and China's recent experiences.While initiatives like Healthy China 2030 and pilot projects using international tools have advanced rural occupational health,major barriers persist,especially for precarious and informal agricultural workers.Strengthening national actions and international coordination is urgently needed.Reviving the Joint ILO/WHO Committee on Occupational Health would help bridge the gap between global commitments and local implementation.Protecting agricultural workers is essential for promoting human rights,advancing public health resilience,and achieving sustainable development goals related to health,labor,and food security.

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