Introduction Inflammation is causally related to cancer progression and cardiovascular toxicities of anticancer treatments. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) air filtration lowers interleukin-6 and C reactive protein (CRP) levels in high-risk cardiopulmonary groups, though potential synergistic or confounding effects with routine medications—statins, cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors, beta-blockers—remain poorly understood. Whether overnight in-bedroom PM 2.5 air filtration effectively reduces inflammation and prothrombotic biomarkers in survivors of adult-onset cancer at high cardiovascular…
Introduction Both children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their parents are at a high risk of experiencing anxiety and depression. Recent studies have indicated that laughter yoga can create happiness and reduce negative emotions in adults. However, there are limited studies about how laughter yoga benefits children with ASD and parents of children with ASD. This feasibility study aims to explore the recruitment, retention rate, protocol adherence and acceptability of a laughter yoga programme in children with ASD and their parents. Moreover, it investigates the safety issues and the…
Objectives This study aimed to estimate the spatial accessibility of inpatient mental health services in Kerala, India. We also aimed to calculate bed-to-population ratios for these services for each district in the state. Design We used a Geospatial Information System (GIS)-based travel time isochrone analysis to estimate potential spatial accessibility. Setting Kerala, India. Data sources and methods A list of all mental health facilities licensed to admit patients was obtained from data published by the Kerala State Mental Health Authority in 2025. The facilities were geocoded and mapped…
Background Unsafe abortion remains a major public health concern in Africa, contributing substantially to maternal morbidity and mortality across the continent. Although legal restrictions, stigma and socio-cultural factors are well-documented barriers to safe abortion access, health systems-related barriers are not adequately explored. This systematic review aims to examine how health systems-related barriers hinder access to safe abortion in clinic settings in Africa over the past decade. Methods and analysis A comprehensive search strategy will be employed to retrieve relevant studies from…
Objective To explore the feasibility and acceptability of stool sampling and testing for childhood tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis among adolescents, child caregivers and healthcare workers (HCWs) who participated in a diagnostic accuracy study and among National Leprosy and TB Control Programme (NLTP) officials in The Gambia. Design This was a qualitative cross-sectional study that used semi-structured interviews. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework guided our analysis. Setting The study was conducted in The Gambia at the TB clinic of the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the…
Introduction Pathology testing accounts for over half of non-labour costs in Australian Emergency Departments (EDs), yet up to one-fifth of tests are unnecessary. Despite national guidance from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA), variation in test ordering persists across departments and across clinical presentations. The Unnecessary Tests in Emergency (UNTIE) study aims to evaluate whether audit and feedback using a novel indicator can reduce unnecessary pathology testing. Methods and analysis UNTIE is a…
Introduction Cancer survivorship places substantial and enduring demands not only on survivors themselves but also on their families and informal caregivers. Family adaptation and family resilience are increasingly recognised as key family-level processes that may alleviate caregiver burden and foster post-traumatic growth (PTG). However, the existing evidence remains fragmented because of inconsistencies in conceptual definitions, theoretical frameworks, study designs and outcome measures. Objectives This scoping review aims to systematically map the existing literature on family adaptation…
Objectives Despite policy commitments to social inclusion for people with disabilities, the effectiveness of interventions remains unclear, particularly in high-income countries. This systematic review synthesises evidence and examines variation by population, setting and intervention. Design Systematic review. Setting All settings in which social inclusion interventions might be implemented in high-income countries. Participants Children and adults with disabilities (0–65 years) living in high-income countries. Interventions Promoting social inclusion for people with disabilities. Eligibility…
Objectives Traumatic brain injury commonly causes dizziness and balance problems. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most frequent cause of inner-ear related post-traumatic vestibular dysfunction. However, optimal assessment and treatment practices are poorly evidenced. Using a mixed methods approach, we aimed to explore the feasibility of managing post-traumatic BPPV. Design A mixed-methods randomised feasibility study. In this paper, quantitative and qualitative data relating to key feasibility targets around recruitment, randomisation and assessment and treatment were…
Objective To estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis Data sources Searches were carried out in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar and Dimensions AI with no date or language filters. Eligibility criteria for selection of studies Cross-sectional studies that reported estimates of GERD prevalence from Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries were included. Data extraction and synthesis Two reviewers independently extracted…
Introduction Media and digital technologies shape adolescent development across interconnected online and offline contexts, offering opportunities for learning and connection while also exposing young people to risks that can affect wellbeing. Wellbeing-focused media literacy interventions aim to support young people in understanding and managing how media and technology shape their experiences and wellbeing. Schools are well placed to deliver such interventions at scale through curricular integration. However, existing interventions vary widely in focus, design and evaluation quality making…
Introduction Unintentional injury is a leading cause of hospitalisation and disability in children globally. Families may experience a second crisis of injury after the child’s discharge from the hospital, with the traumatic nature of injuries affecting physical and psychosocial recovery. This scoping review aims to summarise the literature on the perspectives of injured children’s caregivers and service providers on the hospital discharge process, the challenges and opportunities to improve discharge planning evident from qualitative and interventional studies, and the investigation of…
This cohort study assesses 3-year continuation and typical-use contraceptive failure rates for 7 highly effective reversible (HER) contraceptive methods.
This randomized clinical trial evaluates the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of task-shifted delivery of full and mini versions of group interpersonal psychotherapy for depression among perinatal adolescents in Kenya.
This cohort study uses insurance claims data to examine factors associated with uptake of metabolic bariatric surgery among individuals with an incident obesity diagnosis.
This cohort study of hospitalized adults with opioid use disorder examines whether there is an association of timing and dose of short-acting opioids for opioid withdrawal syndrome with early patient-directed discharge.
This qualitative study explores the perspectives of opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment program clinicians and staff about how broader policy and payment structures affect adoption of buprenorphine treatment and low-barrier care practices that promote access and retention.
Survodutide led to significant weight loss in adults with obesity and without diabetes, according to results from the randomized, placebo-controlled SYNCHRONIZE-1 trial published June 7 in NEJM.
Objectives Active learning strategies, including case-based learning (CBL), problem-based learning (PBL) and team-based learning (TBL), have been extensively studied in clinical and basic science education; however, their application in public health programmes remains under-explored. Public health professionals address population-level challenges that differ substantially from clinical practice, making it necessary to evaluate whether these pedagogies are effective in this field. This review examines how CBL, PBL and TBL have been used in public health education and what outcomes have been…
Introduction Loneliness and social isolation are critical public health issues linked to significant adverse health outcomes and increased healthcare utilisation, including visits to the emergency department (ED). The ED often serves as a primary societal safety net, providing care for vulnerable populations who may be disproportionately affected by these conditions. In fact, loneliness and social isolation might be the underlying reasons they presented to the ED in the first place either consciously or not. For such individuals, the ED encounter may represent a rare point of human contact…