BMC Public Health

This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of physical activity and its association with sociodemographic factors and lifestyle indicators among physical education students at a Brazilian public university. This was a cross-sectional observational study with a quantitative approach. A total of 190 students enrolled in on-site undergraduate programs (teacher training and bachelor’s degree) partici…

Population aging has received considerable attention across economies presenting significant social, economic, and health challenges. While research has focused on demographics and health, limited attention has been given to the context, processes and outcomes of active aging in Ghanaian society. An exploration into this is essential to understanding the underlying dynamics between social stabili…

Home caregiving environments are critical to early childhood development (ECD), but evidence on the primary caregiver factors in this link is limited. This study examines associations between primary caregiver anxiety, primary caregiver role, and ECD outcomes. This population-based survey was conducted in January 2024 across all 38 districts of Chongqing, China, using a stratified cluster samplin…

Abstract Background Suicide prevention among older adults is a major public health concern in Japan, where the population is rapidly ageing. In 2020, approximately 40% of all suicide deaths occurred among people aged 60 years and older. Previous suicide prevention efforts have focused primarily on early detection and management of depression, while the social determinants of suicide among older a…

Abstract Background HIV/AIDS remains a public health concern globally. Comorbidities add to the disease burden among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and may be associated with poorer health-related quality of life. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of comorbidities, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and associated factors among people living with HIV in Gandaki Province, Nepal. Metho…

Childhood immunization through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) remains central to reducing vaccine-preventable disease morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Zimbabwe’s national EPI coverage for pentavalent 3 stood at 83% in 2023, below the 90% global target. Nyaure Clinic in Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East Province, recorded coverage of 65%, 62%, and 67% for pentavalent…

Understanding how disability prevalence differs between social and medical models across socioeconomic contexts helps inform policies aimed at improving the well-being of children with disabilities. Additionally, consistent data collection methods are essential to support the shift from medical to social models of disability. This study examined associations between two measures of disability: pa…

Population ageing is a growing public health concern. Despite the Ugandan Government’s efforts, like the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) programme, malnutrition and poor Quality of Life (QoL) are still older persons’ challenges. This study assessed the nutritional status and QoL of older persons on the SAGE programme in Kampala City, Central Uganda. A cross-sectional study with a q…

Abstract Background Prisoners have been identified in various international studies as one of the populations most vulnerable to mental health problems, yet the system’s response has been notably limited. Enhancing the prison healthcare system to effectively address the challenges involved a complex undertaking compounded by the prevailing constraints and stressors faced by both inmates and priso…

Abstract Background Middle age is increasingly recognized as a critical period for the emergence of functional and mobility limitations. However, no prior systematic review has synthesized prevalence or incidence data specifically for this age group. This review aimed to summarize epidemiological evidence on self-reported functional and mobility limitations among middle-aged adults and to examine…

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between maternal and child anemia and development in 2,473 children up to 72 months old in Ceará, Brazil. Hemoglobin was measured using HemoCue Hb 201, and child development was assessed via the Ages and Stages Questionnaires-Brazil (ASQ-BR). In multivariate analyses, neither maternal anemia nor child anemia (overall) was associated with con…

Abstract Background Racially/ethnic minoritised people with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) face inequalities across different dimensions of healthcare, yet little is known about how to improve their healthcare outcomes. This systematic review and narrative synthesis seeks to identify and describe healthcare interventions designed to improve health outcomes for racially/ethnic minoritised p…

Abstract Background Despite South Korea’s achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), regional health inequities persist as a significant public health challenge. Traditional urban-rural classifications often fail to capture the nuanced spatial dynamics of modern settlement patterns. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) across the urbani…

Abstract Background Spatial planning plays a pivotal role in shaping the health and well-being of urban populations. Since 2016, most Chinese cities have incorporated health-related elements into their Territorial Spatial Planning (TSP) 2035 Schemes as part of national healthy city initiatives. It is essential to examine how health is represented in these statutory planning documents and whether …

Abstract Background Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the highest incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer (CC), largely due to limited screening coverage. Community health workers (CHWs) are lay health providers who strengthen healthcare delivery; however, their influence on cervical cancer screening (CCS) uptake remains insufficiently explored. This systematic review evaluates the impact of …

Abstract Background Healthcare guidelines are intended to standardize health practitioners’ practice and improve patient outcomes, yet their implementation in public health is often inconsistent. This umbrella review aimed to identify barriers and facilitators influencing guideline implementation and to provide an overview of effective strategies to enhance guideline adherence in public health. M…