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Influence of eye-related behavior on myopia among junior middle school students under the background of double reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic

To investigate the changes in the unhealthy eye-related behaviors of junior middle school students during the COVID-19 pandemic and the double reduction policy and its relationship with myopia.

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Prevalence, risks factors, and control of hypertension in Guinean older adults in 2021: a cross-sectional survey

The incidence of arterial hypertension increases with the aging of the population, but its magnitude remains insufficiently assessed. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hypertension and...

Quality of life and associated factors among people with epilepsy in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Epilepsy is a global health and economic burden with major problems that have an impact on physical, psychological, and social activities. Quality of life (QoL) is often disturbed and can be influenced by many...

Preparation of the pre-service teacher to deliver comprehensive sexuality education: teaching content and evaluation of provision

Despite the extensive benefits associated with the provision of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) within a school context, many initial teacher training programs inadequately prepare pre-service teachers...

Epidemiology of alcohol use disorder in the general population of Togo and Benin: the ALCOTRANS study

Access to data concerning mental health, particularly alcohol use disorders (AUD), in sub-Saharan Africa is very limited. This study aimed to estimate AUD prevalence and identify the associated factors in Togo...

Risk factors for maternal near-miss in an undeveloped province in south-central China, 2012–2022

To explore the risk factors for maternal near-miss (MNM) using the WHO near-miss approach.

Prevalence of dental carries and its association with breastfeeding duration among young children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Breastfeeding is a crucial feeding practices that significantly contributes to the healthy development of children. However, the effect of breastfeeding duration on caries risk is unclear, as different studies...

Non-pharmaceutical interventions in containing COVID-19 pandemic after the roll-out of coronavirus vaccines: a systematic review

Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have been widely utilised to control the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is unclear what the optimal strategies are for implementing NPIs in the context of coronavirus va...

Social protection as a strategy for HIV prevention, education promotion and child marriage reduction among adolescents: a cross-sectional population-based study in Lesotho

Lesotho’s government has shown consistent efforts to implement social protection programmes. However, while recent evidence established a positive causal relationship between some of these programmes and food ...

The “supercompensation” effect of children’s lockdown during COVID-19: based on the analysis of changes in physical activity, sleep, and psychology

To investigate the “supercompensation” effect of preschoolers during the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown by comparing the changes in physical activity (PA), psychological, and sleep indicators before and aft...

Use of contraception during first sexual intercourse among Norwegian adolescents: a national cross-sectional study

Most Norwegian adolescents experience their first sexual intercourse during late adolescence. Use of contraception is important to avoid unwanted pregnancy, while condoms can also protect against sexually tran...

Lost years, mortality burden: the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on premature death due to road traffic accidents in a northern state in Malaysia

This study addresses the persistent global burden of road traffic fatalities, particularly in middle-income countries like Malaysia, by exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Road Traffic Accident (R...

Climate-sensitive health counselling in Germany: a cross-sectional study about previous participation and preferences in the general public

In response to climate change (CC), medicine needs to consider new aspects in health counselling of patients. Such climate-sensitive health counselling (CSHC) may include counselling patients on preventing and...

Prevalence rate of primary osteoporosis in China: a meta-analysis

Primary osteoporosis (POP) is recognized as a “silent disease” and often ignored. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of POP in the Chinese population over the past 20 years to raise awareness...

HIV-related public stigma in the era of “Undetectable = Untransmittable”: a population-based study in Hong Kong

While global efforts are increasingly relying upon biomedical advancements such as antiretroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to end the HIV epidemic, HIV-related stigma remains a concern. This...

“Are we working (too) comfortably?”: a focus group study to understand sedentary behaviour when working at home and identify intervention strategies

The Covid-19 pandemic initiated an enduring shift in working patterns, with many employees now working at home (w@h). This shift has exacerbated existing high levels of occupational sedentary behaviour (SB) in...

Older adults’ perceptions about meat consumption: a qualitative study in Gasabo district, Kigali, Rwanda

The global population is increasingly aging, imposing a substantial burden on social and healthcare systems as aging is associated with gradual muscle wasting and functional decline. Consumption of protein-ric...

Parents’ attitudes towards the No Jab No Play legislation in Western Australia: a mixed methods study

Mandates provide a relatively cost-effective strategy to increase vaccinate rates. Since 2014, five Australian states have implemented No Jab No Play (NJPlay) policies that require children to be fully immunis...

Smoking data quality of primary care practices in comparison with smoking data from the New Zealand Māori and Pacific abdominal aortic aneurysm screening programme: an observational study

Quality smoking data is crucial for assessing smoking-related health risk and eligibility for interventions related to that risk. Smoking information collected in primary care practices (PCPs) is a major data ...

Prevalence, patterns, and determinants of breastfeeding cessation among mothers of children under 24 months in Uganda

Breastfeeding duration is a critical component of infant and child nutrition, providing immediate and long-term benefits to both children and their mothers. This study uses data from the lot quality assurance ...

Prevalence of somatic symptoms among Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) survivors in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Many Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors have reported somatic and neuropsychological symptoms after discharge from the Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU). Since the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, various st...

Social contact and the perceived impact of social distancing on health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic among community dwelling older adults taking part in the OPAL cohort study

During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and reduced social contact may have affected older adults’ health.

Stress management: how does the academic staff cope with it? a cross-sectional study at the university of Udine

Increasing work-related stress in academia can have an impact on physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to analyse the coping strategies of staff employed at the University of Udine and to verif...

The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in secondary school teachers: a prospective cohort study

Mid-March 2020, Belgium went in lockdown to combat the COVID-19-pandemic. Having to provide school-based day care and adapt to online teaching, while all social, cultural and sports events and activities were ...

Trends in prevalence of arthritis by race among adults in the United States, 2011–2018

There is currently a lack of comprehensive prevalence information on arthritis and its various classifications among adults in the U.S., particularly given the notable absence of detailed data regarding the As...

A multilevel intervention to promote HPV vaccination among young adults in Texas: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections can cause cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and oropharynx. The most recently approved HPV vaccine, Gardasil-9, protects against HPV infection and can pre...

Climate protection, health and other motives for active transport – results of a cross-sectional survey in Germany

Active transport– for example walking and bicycling to travel from place to place– may improve physical fitness and health and mitigate climate change if it replaces motorised transport. The aim of this study ...

Understanding variation in catastrophic health expenditure from socio-ecological aspect: a systematic review

Out-of-pocket (OOP) payment is one of many countries’ main financing options for health care. High OOP payments push them into financial catastrophe and the resultant impoverishment. The infrastructure, societ...

Individual and community level factors associated with discriminatory attitudes against people living with HIV/AIDS among women of reproductive age in three sub-Saharan African countries: evidence from the most recent demographic and health survey (2021/22)

HIV-related stigma and discrimination significantly affects health, and well-being, willingness to be tested for HIV, initiation and adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and quality of life. However, the findi...

Sense of coherence, mental health, and hair cortisol concentrations among older people during the COVID -19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

A person’s sense of coherence (SoC) is likely to affect coping when exposed to a life changing event like the COVID -19 pandemic, which impacted the older population especially hard, an age group that already ...

Differential impacts of health systems and sociocultural environment on vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons from four Asia-Pacific countries

This study aims to evaluate healthcare systems and pandemic responses in relation to marginalized and vulnerable groups, identify populations requiring urgent care, and assess the differential impacts on their...

Assessment of the pathogen genomics landscape highlights disparities and challenges for effective AMR Surveillance and outbreak response in the East African community

The East African Community (EAC) grapples with many challenges in tackling infectious disease threats and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), underscoring the importance of regional and robust pathogen genomics ca...

“I’m not sure whether I will implement it”: exploring barriers and facilitators to implementing a digital “healthy eating” resource in early education and care settings - teachers’ perspectives

Scaling up effective interventions to promote healthy eating habits in children in real-world settings is a pressing need. The success of implementation hinges crucially on engaging end-users and tailoring int...

Mediating effect of depression and acute stress between exposure to Israel-Gaza war media coverage and insomnia: a multinational study from five arab countries

In the context of persistent wars and conflicts worldwide, the impact of acute, excessive and constant exposure to media coverage of such events on mental health outcomes becomes a serious problem for public h...

Cross-border healthcare-seeking and utilization behaviours among ethnic minorities: exploring the nexus of the perceived better option and public health concerns

Many ethnic minorities in Hong Kong seek medical tourism after encountering inequalities in access to local healthcare because of language barriers and cultural-religious differences. The present study explore...

Trends of fear and anger on YouTube during the initial stage of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea

The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most widespread and threatening health crisis experienced by the Korean society. Faced with an unprecedented threat to survival, society has been gripped by social fear and a...

Association between exposure to metalworking fluid aerosols, occupational noise and chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study in China

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) carries a high public health burden yet little is known about the relationship between metalworking fluid (MWF) aerosols, occupational noise and CKD. We aimed to explore the relati...

Factors influencing unintended pregnancy and abortion among unmarried young people in Nigeria: a scoping review

Unintended pregnancies and abortions among unmarried adolescents in Nigeria are outcomes of the interplay of multifaceted factors. Abortion, a global public health and social issue, impacts both developed and ...

Body image, eating distress and emotional-behavioral difficulties among adolescents in Mbarara, Southwestern Uganda

Adolescents frequently have emotional and behavioral difficulties as they struggle with the challenges of transition from childhood to adulthood. Many struggle with issues of body image and eating distress as...

Loneliness shapes disparities in healthy life expectancy: a multi-state analysis from China

To assess the influence of loneliness on the healthy life expectancy of older adults in China and its gender disparities across different health indicators, in order to provide insights for enhancing the healt...

Adherence to Legionella control regulations and guidelines in Norwegian nursing homes: a cross-sectional survey

Infection by Legionella bacteria is a risk to elderly individuals in health care facilities and should be managed by preventing bacterial proliferation in internal water systems. Norwegian legislation calls for a...

Effects of mobile Internet use on the health of middle-aged and older adults: evidences from China health and retirement longitudinal study

The rapid development of digital technology has radically changed people’s lives. Simultaneously, as the population is rapidly aging, academic research is focusing on the use of Internet technology to improve ...

Fear of COVID-19 associated with burnout syndrome in dentists of the Health Directorate of the National Police of Peru: a cross-sectional study at national level under multivariable regression model

During the pandemic, many police dentists had the crucial responsibility of ensuring law and order while providing dental care by taking government-approved health measures to stop the spread of the coronaviru...

Correction: Age- and cause-specific contributions to increase in life expectancy at birth in Korea, 2000–2019: a descriptive study

The original article was published in BMC Public Health 2024 24 :431

Association of Medicaid expansion with birth outcomes: evidence from a natural experiment in Texas

Empirical evidence on the effects of Medicaid expansion is mixed and highly state-dependent. The objective of this study is to examine the association of Medicaid expansion with preterm birth and low birth wei...

Childhood undernutrition mediates the relationship between open defecation with anemia among Ethiopian children: a nationally representative cross-sectional study

Poor sanitation and/or open defecation are a significant public health problem in Ethiopia, where access to improved sanitation facilities is still limited. There is a growing body of literature about the effe...

Condom use increased after a peer group intervention implemented by community volunteers in Malawi

HIV prevention remains a global priority, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Our research team previously developed an evidence-based peer group program for HIV prevention called Mzake ndi Mzake (Friend to Friend)...

Barriers and facilitators to viral hepatitis testing in Uzbekistan: scoping qualitative study among key stakeholders, healthcare workers, and the general population

In the World Health Organization European Region, an estimated 14 million people live with a chronic hepatitis B virus infection (HBV), and 12 million are affected by a hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). Uzbek...

Review of clinical characteristics and mortality outcomes in patients on maintenance hemodialysis during the Omicron surge: a single center experience

This hemodialysis center experienced the pandemic from December 2022 to January 2023. Therefore, we sought to describe the clinical characteristics and mortality outcomes in hemodialysis patients during this O...

Hotspots and trends in health-oriented physical literacy research: a visual analysis based on the WOS database

The World Health Organization has proposed that physical activity is a meaningful way to improve the quality of human life and reduce the probability of chronic non-communicable diseases and that humans should...

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Sexual minority health inequalities — why are we unable to do more?

Authors: Amal R. Khanolkar

Subclinical tuberculosis linkage to care and completion of treatment following community-based screening in rural South Africa

Authors: Zolelwa Sifumba, Helgard Claassen, Stephen Olivier, Palwasha Khan, Hloniphile Ngubane, Thokozani Bhengu, Thando Zulu, Mareca Sithole, Dickman Gareta, Mahomed-Yunus S. Moosa, Willem A. Hanekom, Ingrid V. Bassett and Emily B. Wong

Piloting “From the Inside Out” — a toolkit addressing tuberculosis-related self-stigma

Authors: Stephen H.-F. Macdonald, Nadine Ferris France, Ian Hodgson, Fadhil Ali, Christa Dewi, Iman Abdurrakhman, Yeremia Mozart Runtu, Alva Juan, Jhon Sugiharto, Elaine Byrne and Ronan M. Conroy

Global efforts to identify and support people with tuberculosis

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The impact of the exodus of big pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria on antimicrobial resistance in the West African subregion

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Comparing tuberculosis symptom screening to chest X-ray with artificial intelligence in an active case finding campaign in Northeast Nigeria

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Nutritionally acquired immunodeficiency must be addressed with the same urgency as HIV to end tuberculosis

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Early user perspectives on using computer-aided detection software for interpreting chest X-ray images to enhance access and quality of care for persons with tuberculosis

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Page 1 of 8

Transforming adolescent menstrual health through policy: the role of value added tax exemptions in improving access to sanitary products

In Namibia, the Value Added Tax (VAT) Amendment Act 2022, which reclassified the supply of sanitary pads as zero-rated, has significant implications for adolescent girls’ menstrual health and education. The po...

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Informing evidence-based policy during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery period: learning from a national evidence centre

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the vital need for research to inform policy decision-making and save lives. The Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre (WCEC) was established in March 2021 and funded for two years,...

Leaving no one behind in armed conflict-affected settings of Africa: is universal health coverage a possibility or mirage?

The world is off track six years to the 2030 deadline for attaining the sustainable development goals and universal health coverage. This is particularly evident in Africa’s armed conflict-affected and humanit...

Policy perception, job satisfaction and intentions to remain in rural area: evidence from the National Compulsory Service Programme in China

Exploring factors that may influence general practitioners (GPs)’ intentions to remain in rural area is necessary to inform the training and placement of future medical workforce in rural area. However, little...

Projections of functional dependence among the late middle-aged and older population from 2018-2048 in China: a dynamic microsimulation

The population of China is aging rapidly. However, the long-term trajectories of functionally dependent late middle-aged and older Chinese people are currently absent. The present study aimed to estimate the p...

Correction: UN peacekeeper health and risk factors --- a systematic scoping review

The original article was published in Global Health Research and Policy 2024 9 :13

UN peacekeeper health and risk factors --- a systematic scoping review

Conflicts, natural disasters, and complex emergencies present substantial health challenges to United Nations (UN) peacekeepers deployed in mission areas. This scoping review aims at summarizing previous resea...

The Correction to this article has been published in Global Health Research and Policy 2024 9 :14

Access to essential medicines for diabetes care: availability, price, and affordability in central Ethiopia

Diabetes is a major global public health burden. Effective diabetes management is highly dependent on the availability of affordable and quality-assured essential medicines (EMs) which is a challenge especiall...

Development of the China’s list of ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs): a study protocol

The hospitalization rate of ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) has been recognized as an essential indicator reflective of the overall performance of healthcare system. At present, ACSCs has been wid...

Government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: good practices and lessons for future preparedness

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically threatened the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries which have a large proportion of foreign workers. The governments of GCC countries have proactively implemented a ...

Association of pre-migration socioeconomic status and post-migration mental health in Syrian refugees in Lebanon: a descriptive sex-stratified cross-sectional analysis

Refugee populations present with high levels of psychological distress, which may vary among sociodemographic characteristics. Understanding the distribution across these characteristics is crucial to subseque...

Access, interest and equity considerations for virtual global health activities during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Global health activities (GHAs) reduce health disparities by promoting medical education, professional development, and resource sharing between high- and low- to middle-income countries (HICs and LMICs). Virt...

Development assistance, donor–recipient dynamic, and domestic policy: a case study of two health interventions supported by World Bank–UK and Global Fund in China

This study views sustainability after the exit of development assistance for health (DAH) as a shared responsibility between donors and recipients and sees transitioning DAH-supported interventions into domest...

The effects of social networks on HIV risk behaviors among Vietnamese female sex workers: a qualitative study

Female sex workers (FSWs) experience heightened vulnerability to HIV and other health harms, and cross-border FSWs face additional challenges due to language issues, higher mobility, and weaker negotiation ski...

Assessing the impact of comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus on the disease burden of chronic hepatitis B virus infection and its complications in China from 2006 to 2030: a modeling study

China bears a high burden of both hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM accelerates the progression of liver disease among individuals infected with HBV. This study aims t...

Mapping of health technology assessment in China: a comparative study between 2016 and 2021

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in China has recently expanded from purely academic research to include policy or decision-oriented practice, especially after HTA evidence was used to update the National Re...

Reimagining gendered community interventions: the case of family planning programs in rural Bangladesh

Family planning programs in Bangladesh have been successfully operating for over half a century, achieving phenomenal reductions in fertility rates. Acknowledging restrictions on women’s freedoms, much of the ...

Building a resilient health system for universal health coverage and health security: a systematic review

Resilient health system (RHS) is crucial to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and health security. However, little is known about strategies towards RHS to improve UHC and health security. This systema...

Integrated health reporting within the UN architecture: learning from maternal, newborn and child health

Despite a proliferation of the United Nations General Assembly high-level meetings on a range of health issues and developmental challenges, global funding continues to flow disproportionately to HIV and mater...

Correction: Strengthening the primary health care for non-communicable disease prevention and control in the post-pandemic period: a perspective from China

The original article was published in Global Health Research and Policy 2023 8 :49

Building quality primary health care development in the new era towards universal health coverage: a Beijing initiative

Primary health care (PHC) is the most effective way to improve people's health and well-being, and primary care services should act as the cornerstone of a resilient health system and the foundation of univers...

Human trafficking risk factors, health impacts, and opportunities for intervention in Uganda: a qualitative analysis

Human trafficking is a global public health issue that is associated with serious short- and long-term morbidity. To address and prevent human trafficking, vulnerabilities to human trafficking and forces susta...

Economic costs of alcohol consumption in Thailand, 2021

Alcohol is one of the leading risk factors contributing to avoidable economic loss worldwide. Estimates from the economic cost of alcohol consumption studies play an important role in prioritizing healthcare r...

Childhood immunization uptake determinants in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: ordered regressions to assess timely infant vaccines administered at birth and 6-weeks

Despite global efforts to reduce preventable childhood illness by distributing infant vaccines, immunization coverage in sub-Saharan African settings remains low. Further, timely administration of vaccines at ...

Strengthening the primary health care for non-communicable disease prevention and control in the post-pandemic period: a perspective from China

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become the leading cause of deaths in China and many other countries worldwide. To call for actions in strengthening primary health care (PHC) and accelerate NCD preventio...

The Correction to this article has been published in Global Health Research and Policy 2023 8 :54

Global health collaborative research: beyond mandatory collaboration to mandatory authorship

Collaborative research between the global north and global south is common and growing in number. Due to inability of local governments to fund research, global north actors provide the bulk of research fundin...

Awareness of and participation in mass drug administration programs used for onchocerciasis control in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District, Ghana

Studies on Mass drug administration (MDA) in Ghana targeting various diseases, have mostly focused on factors that affect coverage and compliance to MDA with limited focus on evidence regarding awareness and c...

Adaptation of the CUGH global health competency framework in the Chinese context: a mixed-methods study

In 2014, the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) developed a global health competency framework and called for its validation. Given China's increasing engagement in global health over the past...

Factors associated with the utilization of diagnostic tools among countries with different income levels during the COVID-19 pandemic

Disparities in the utilization of essential medical products are a key factor contributing to inequality in health outcomes. We aimed to analyze the trends and influencing factors in using Coronavirus disease ...

Belt and road initiative and healthy silk road: an alternative path for Pacific island countries to participate in global public health governance

Pacific island countries (PICs) located in a region with relatively insufficient capacity to respond to public health emergencies, establishing reliable public health cooperation is conducive to maintaining se...

Depression and health-related quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes attending tertiary level hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and depression are closely linked. People with T2DM are at increased risk of developing depression and vice versa. T2DM and depression comorbid conditions adversely affect Healt...

The development and application of a two-step surveillance process for Healthy China Initiative based on wide coverage interagency data

Healthy China is a nationwide health strategy aiming at improving health from diverse dimensions, and strengthening high-quality assessment is essential for its stimulation. However, there is limited evidence in ...

Household satisfaction and associated factors with community-based health insurance scheme in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Community-based health insurance (CBHI) schemes are crucial for households to avoid financial hardship, improve healthcare quality, and engage in health policies. Household satisfaction is a key indicator for ...

Malaria rapid diagnostic tests in community pharmacies in Rwanda: availability, knowledge of community pharmacists, advantages, and disadvantages of licensing their use

Presumptive treatment of malaria is often practiced in community pharmacies across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).To address this issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that malaria Rapid Diagnostic T...

A mixed method analysis of the Botswana schistosomiasis control policy and plans using the policy triangle framework

The present goal of the World Health Organization (WHO) 2021–2030 roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases is to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem, and reduce its prevalence of heavy infectio...

Infectious disease control: from health security strengthening to health systems improvement at global level

Since the twenty first century, the outbreaks of global infectious diseases have caused several public health emergencies of international concern, imposing an enormous impact on population health, the economy...

Geriatric assessment for older people with cancer: policy recommendations

Most cancers occur in older people and the burden in this age group is increasing. Over the past two decades the evidence on how best to treat this population has increased rapidly. However, implementation of ...

The priority areas and possible pathways for health cooperation in BRICS countries

As one of the largest alliances of middle-income countries, the BRICS, known as an acronym for five countries including “Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa”, represents half of the global populatio...

Mental health around retirement: evidence of Ashenfelter’s dip

Mental health issues among retirees have become increasingly concerning because the aging population presents a significant challenge globally, particularly in Western countries. Previous studies on this issue...

Correction: Cost of diabetes and its complications: results from a STEPS survey in Punjab, India

The original article was published in Global Health Research and Policy 2023 8 :11

Effect of workplace violence on health workers injuries and workplace absenteeism in Bangladesh

Workplace violence (WPV) is an emerging problem for health workers (HWs) and a global concern in health systems. Scientific literatures infer that WPV against HWs is often attributed to workplace injuries and ...

A life course health development model of HIV vulnerabilities and resiliencies in young transgender women in Peru

Globally transgender women (TW) are at heightened vulnerability for HIV infection. In Lima Peru, sharp increases in HIV prevalence are seen among TW ages 25 years and older highlighting the need for early HIV ...

High performing primary health care organizations from patient perspective: a qualitative study in China

There is a global call to build people-centred primary health care (PHC) systems. Previous evidence suggests that without organization-level reform efforts, the full potential of policy reforms may be limited....

Addressing neglected tropical diseases in Africa: a health equity perspective

Africa accounts for over one-third of the global burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Although continental efforts have been made to combat these diseases, there still exists a significant gap in the ...

Optimized segmented regression models for the transition period of intervention effects

The interrupted time series (ITS) design is a widely used approach to examine the effects of interventions. However, the classic segmented regression (CSR) method, the most popular statistical technique for an...

Oral health of adolescents in West Africa: prioritizing its social determinants

Oral health is a major public health issue in West Africa, yet it has gotten little attention. Individual and group disparities in health status are influenced by social determinants of health (SDH), which als...

Population health and sociodemographic variables as predictors of access to cardiac medicine and surgery in Haiti

In Haiti, cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with congenital and rheumatic heart disease comprising a large portion of disease burden. However, domestic disparities in cardia...

Evolving market-shaping strategies to boost access to essential medical products in developing countries with HIV self-testing as a case study

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health inequities among countries in the Global South with limited access to essential medical products, leading to a higher infection and mortality rate, especially among...

Prevalence and trends of polypharmacy in U.S. adults, 1999–2018

Polypharmacy is one of the most important health issues for its potential impacts on disease burden and healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to update a comprehensive picture of prevalence and trends in...

Patient views of the good doctor in primary care: a qualitative study in six provinces in China

China has been striving to train primary care doctors capable of delivering high-quality service through general practitioner training programs and family doctor team reforms, but these initiatives have not ad...

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Global Health Research and Policy

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New principles to underpin equitable research partnerships in global health

Transboundary partners and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine have co-developed seven principles that are fundamental to enabling equitable research partnerships.

The careful co-development process through which the principles were developed has been published in a new paper in PLOS Global Public Health , co-authored by colleagues from both LVCT Health, a Kenyan healthcare NGO and LSTM.

The principles are part of LSTM’s ongoing efforts to improve and undo harmful power structures that perpetuate inequities in global health partnerships.

The summarised seven principles are:

• Opportunity for all partners to input into research design, agenda setting and outputs to reflect priorities.
• Transparency to guide all stages of the partnership from agenda setting, budgeting, data ownership, authorship, training and education.
• Recognition that relevance is key to shaping agendas and conducting research that is appropriate and impactful in research settings.
• Acknowledgement that professional development at all levels requires mutual, multi-directional capacity strengthening and exchange.
• Commitment to deliberate and strategic promotion of leadership of LMIC partners in collaborations with LSTM.
• Commitment and adherence to a multi-centric model of partnership with no centralised power.
• Commitment to the four values of the Global Code of Conduct within all collaborations: Fairness, Respect, Care, Honesty and pay attention to institutional values.

The co-development process involved an online survey and a series of interviews with a wide range of LSTM’s international partners. Findings were presented and discussed in a participatory workshop to co-develop the principles, which were refined and consulted on with stakeholders. This work then fed into the establishment of a Global Hubs and LSTM Council which is envisaged as a starting point for co-ordination of strategic exchange, mutual support and development between transboundary partners.

The seven principles are incorporated into the Terms of Reference of the LSTM & Global Hubs Council, which involves representatives from CeSHHAR Zimbabwe, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), LSTM, and the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme.

Professor Bertie Squire, Dean of Partnerships at LSTM, said: “It is essential that we amplify the perspectives of colleagues and organisations based in low-and-middle-income countries in the development of our global academic partnerships.  These seven principles are now at the core of the newly established LSTM & Global Hubs Council and they guide the way in which LSTM works within long-established collaborations with partners in Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe.  It is such a delight to see the process of co-development of these principles published in PLOS Global Public Health and I look forward to working on how to strengthen their influence more widely.”

Dr Lilian Otiso, Executive Director at LVCT Health: “It was a pleasure to work with LSTM and other LMIC partners on this research to co-develop these principles. It is even more exciting to see LSTM already applying them as demonstrated in joint projects that we have with them where equitable partnerships are a core value and shared learning is practiced. I look forward to seeing the principles articulated further and forming a basis of learning for other global partnerships.”

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Global Master of Public Health

Apply by July 8 to secure a spot! | Join our admission webinar here

Imperial College London

#2-ranked university in the world

QS World University Rankings 2025

24 - 36 months

16 specialisations, 18-24 hours a week

100% online

Expert tuition in a flexible, digital-first environment

£7,450 (UK students) - £12,300 (overseas) a year

With payment plans and early payment discount available

Develop vital research skills and learn to shape public health policy, with an internationally respected master’s from Imperial College London, one of the world’s top 10 universities

The Global Master of Public Health from Imperial College London is a highly respected master’s. Imperial College London ranked 2nd globally in QS World University Rankings 2025, placed in the top 10 for Times Higher Education Rankings 2023, and received the University of the Year title from the Guardian University Guide 2023.

This programme, specifically designed for online learning, will let you work full time while you study to launch or progress your public health career, joining faculty members and a diverse cohort of peers as part of a worldwide community of public health professionals. 

Accessing a range of career-building networking opportunities, you’ll engage with experts from various public health fields (in recent years GMPH students have engaged with international experts from the WHO on a virtual trip to Geneva). You’ll learn directly from the experts who shaped global policy and responded to major public health events such as Covid-19 and Ebola. You’ll explore and critically evaluate vital research that improves the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. 

In the process, you’ll develop quantitative analytical and research skills across a broad range of interrelated disciplines, encompassing all aspects of public health. In addition to core specialisations such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health services and public health research, you’ll choose from elective modules to match your studies to your specific career needs. 

Graduating from the Imperial College London’s School of Public Health, your much-needed skill set and research portfolio will allow you to apply for a wide range of exciting public health roles in academia, government or non-governmental organisations, as well as pharmaceutical industry roles.

What makes this degree unique?

Applications are open for the Fall 2024 cohort!

Application deadline: July 8

Join the Global Master of Public Health Admissions Webinar by registering here

To apply, you will need to apply online directly with Imperial College London .

If you have any questions about the admissions process or the programme, please do not hesitate to get in touch via [email protected] .

View the Welcome Booklet 2023/24.

Get started today

Request more information about this programme.

Choose your path

Combine your master’s degree studies with your schedule in a way that works for you, your family and your lifestyle. This programme is available as either: 

A two-year course (with a 16-24 hour study commitment a week)

A three-year course (with a 12-18 hour study commitment a week)

Learn about admissions requirements

Pay-as-you-go-tuition and flexibility to study on your schedule

• £7,450 (UK students) - £12,300 (overseas) per year With flexible payment options, you can pursue a high-quality education at the pace that suits you (figures shown are for a two-year programme)
• Payment plans You can pay your fees in instalments, and there’s discounts available if you pay early
• Funding & scholarships You may find potential sources of funding and scholarships here .

Become a master researcher at one of the world’s most respected universities

Consistently ranked amongst the top 10 universities in the world, Imperial is home to a global community of scientists, engineers, medics and business experts.

#2-ranked university in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025)

University of the Year (The Guardian University Guide 2023)

#1-ranked UK university for “world-leading” research and #1 ranked in Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care (REF 2021)

#1-ranked in Graduate Employability (Guardian University Guide 2023)

Top 10 universities in the world (Times Higher Education Rankings 2023)

Applications are now open

Submit your application to secure a spot

Not ready to commit to a full degree yet?

The Postgraduate Certificate is an opportunity to achieve a widely recognised public health qualification online and part-time in just 12 months. The Certificate allows students to explore their interest in public health, giving the option to continue working towards a Master’s degree, if it is the right fit for them.

Prepare for this degree

These courses may provide you with a preview of the topics, materials and instructors in a related degree program which can help you decide if the topic or university is right for you.

Participatory Approaches in Public Health

Applying participatory approaches in public health.

Beginner · Specialization

Health Systems Development

Quality Improvement in Healthcare

Frequently asked questions, do i need a medical or scientific background.

No - while most of our candidates tend to have a background in medicine, health sciences, biological sciences or environmental sciences, this course is suitable for you as long as you have a 2:1 or MBBS degree. A science background isn’t mandatory.

Is this degree accredited?

While this degree isn’t accredited by any particular public health agency or professional body, we’ve designed, developed and delivered an innovative and comprehensive curriculum whose aims and outcomes are aligned with the European standards outlined by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA).

The Imperial GMPH will easily meet any domestic qualification standard, allowing you to work anywhere in the world, as these two US-based graduates can attest.

“There’s never any issue about where my degree came from…at no point has anyone suggested there’s any issues with my MPH for government service (or positions) at CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)”

George Morris, Imperial MPH graduate, US

“The Imperial degree was highly respected and I had no issues sharing it”

Sue Meier, Imperial MPH graduate, US

Are there networking opportunities to interact with peers and faculty members?

Yes, plenty. You’ll be working on collaborative projects and tasks with your fellow students, and there’ll be lots of other networking opportunities, such as informal coffee chats with faculty members. For the past few years, GMPH students have experienced a virtual trip to Geneva, engaging with experts from the WHO.

Will I receive the same degree as graduates of the on-campus programme?

Yes, you’ll receive the same Master of Public Health degree as students who study on-campus in London.

Can I transfer credits into the programme?

Unfortunately not. You’ll need to meet the entry requirements and complete all the modules to earn your GMPH from Imperial College London.

Are there online office hours with instructors?

Yes. You’ll have regular access to faculty staff - each one an expert in their field - through a mix of regular office hours and live interactive webinars where they’ll instruct and support your learning.

More questions?

June 4, 2024

Winning papers announced for 2024 Population Health Library Research Awards

This award was created in 2017 in partnership with the University of Washington Libraries and is open to undergraduates from all three UW campuses. The projects submitted were completed for either UW course credit or for the Undergraduate Research Program.

The key factors for choosing awardees included the innovativeness of their research hypothesis, the quality of their writing and how well they connected their work to the theme of population health. The following section describes the four awardees, their majors, the titles of their projects and summaries of their projects.

Lindsay Lucenko (Law, Societies, and Justice), "Gender Dynamics in King County Drug Diversion Court: Exploring Experiences and Perspectives"

This research explores the experiences of men and women in the King County Drug Diversion Court, a rehabilitative program for drug-related offenses. Participants undergo a five-phase program with the potential for charge dismissal, but concerns about coercion persist. Participants must maintain sobriety, undergo frequent tests, attend support meetings, communicate with case managers, find employment, and fulfill familial duties.

The study investigates how gender influences these obligations’ fulfillment, especially considering the court’s predominantly male population. Through nine semi-structured interviews, I examined participants’ experiences with the criminal justice system, focusing on gender impacts. Findings reveal nuanced gendered experiences, informing justice system reform. By combining qualitative interviews and existing research, this study sheds light on gender dynamics within the court, contributing to policy and practice for a fairer criminal justice system.

Evelyn Erickson (Chemical Engineering), "Tandem dechlorination and hydrogenolysis of waste PVC plastic into value added chemicals "

Plastic waste is a serious problem with detrimental environmental impacts, within this mixed plastics pose a significant challenge in depolymerization. My project focuses on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a particularly difficult plastic to break down due to the chlorine atom. Chlorine can poison catalysts and release harmful by products like hydrochloric acid or chlorine gas.

I have been working to dechlorinate PVC and then further break down this waste plastic to form value added products. Once dechlorinated PVC becomes a hydrocarbon and can be treated similar to other waste plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene. This tandem dechlorination and depolymerization occur in a single step through a strong amine base and ruthenium catalyst helping to activate the reaction.

Nede Ovbiebo (Pre-science - Biochemistry), "What are the health outcomes of phytochemical supplements versus fruits and vegetables?"

This research stems from concerns about the efficiency of modern diets, which increasingly rely on supplements rather than natural food sources. I analyzed data and reviewed information to compare the effectiveness of phytochemical supplements and whole fruits and vegetables. The study emphasized that while phytochemicals are used in various therapies, their individual effects cannot be compared to the combined benefits of whole foods based on current scientific developments. I have placed the results in a booklet to be printed and disseminated in the future to enable more people to plan their diets wisely and incorporate phytochemicals flexibly into their daily routines.

Hayden Goldberg (Public Health-Global Health, Biochemistry), "An Evaluation of Agricultural Safety and Health in Pesticide Application Technology"

The use of pesticides in the Pacific Northwest is essential in the process of safeguarding public health, most notably by mitigating pests, protecting our food supply, and aiding in produce distribution. However, long-term exposure to pesticides can result in illness for those handling the substances as well as their families. Newer methods, such as aerial drone spraying involve the use of emerging technologies that are poised to change the landscape of the agricultural industry and health outcomes of farmworkers.

This project will be assessing thoughts regarding adoption of these technologies. Through the creation of an electronic survey, I will be obtaining a variety of responses from individuals involved in the application of pesticides on farms. I will then analyze responses both quantitatively and qualitatively. The main objective of my research project is to capture the attitudes of the pesticide application technologies to inform policy, regulations, and decision-making regarding their uses.

Please visit our funding page to learn more about these awards.

What is population health?

Population health is a broad concept encompassing not only the elimination of diseases and injuries, but also the intersecting and overlapping factors that influence health.

Population Health Twitter

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© 2024 University of Washington | Seattle, WA

What We Publish

Research articles.

Research Articles present the results of original research that address a clearly defined research question and contribute to the body of academic knowledge.

PLOS Global Public Health considers Research Articles and Clinical Trials in areas including but not limited to global health delivery; infectious diseases; non-communicable diseases; race and health; mental health, laboratory medicine; maternal, newborn, and child health; nutrition; sexual and reproductive health and rights; Indigenous health; environmental and planetary health; evidence use and policy; global health governance; social and behavioral health; humanitarian aid and conflict/displacement; injuries, trauma and global surgery; global health financing and trade; and global health security.

In keeping with our mission to publish all methodologically and ethically rigorous research, we will consider Research Articles reporting negative and null results.

Research Articles typically consist of the following headings:

• Introduction
• Materials and Methods
• Conclusions

Submitted Research Articles are evaluated against the PLOS Global Public Health criteria for publication and should also adhere to the author submission guidelines .

Articles reporting new methods

PLOS Global Public Health  considers Research Article submissions which report new methods, software, databases and tools as the primary focus of the article. These should also adhere to the utility, availability and validation criteria in the  guidelines for specific study types .

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials report the results of studies in which participants are prospectively assigned to a health-related intervention in order to evaluate the effects on health outcomes.  PLOS Global Public Health  assesses Clinical Trials manuscripts against the same  publication criteria  as Research Articles, but they must also meet the additional requirements outlined in the  submissions guidelines for Clinical Trials .

Commissioned Article Types

PLOS Global Public Health does not consider unsolicited submissions of the article types below - these articles must be commissioned or invited by the PLOS Global Public Health editors, or, in the case of Collection Reviews and Collection Overviews, by Guest Editors of Collection partners.

Formal Comments

Formal Comments are invited by  PLOS Global Public Health  editors to promote scientific discourse about  PLOS Global Public Health  articles. They provide additional perspectives or context on a publication, especially in areas of policy, societal relevance, or ongoing scientific debate.

PLOS Global Public Health  may invite a Formal Comment as:

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Homelessness and Public Health: A Focus on Strategies and Solutions

David a. sleet.

1 School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; moc.liamg@teelsadivad

2 Veritas Management, Inc., Atlanta, GA 30324, USA

Louis Hugo Francescutti

3 School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada

4 Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada

5 Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9, Canada

On any given night, hundreds of thousands of people are homeless in the United States and Canada. Globally, the problem is many times worse, making homelessness a global public health and environmental problem. The facts [ 1 ] are staggering:

• On a single night in January 2020, 580,466 people (about 18 out of every 10,000 people) experienced homelessness across the United States—a 2.2% increase from 2019.
• While 61% percent of the homeless were staying in sheltered locations, the remainder—more than 226,000 people—were in unsheltered locations on the street, in abandoned buildings, or in other places not suitable for human habitation.
• Homelessness has increased in the last four consecutive years.
• The increase in unsheltered homelessness is driven largely by increases in California.
• In 2020, 171,575 people in families with children experienced homelessness on a single night.
• A total of 3598 homeless people were children under the age of 18 without an adult present.
• Veterans comprised 8% of all homeless adults (over 46,000 veterans struggle with homelessness).
• People of color are significantly over-represented among those experiencing homelessness.

A layman’s definition of homelessness is usually “a person that has no permanent home”. However, many scholars have divided the broad group of people characterized as homeless into three (or more) categories:

• - People without a place to reside;
• - People in persistent poverty, forced to move constantly, and who are homeless for even brief periods of time;
• - People who have lost their housing due to personal, social, or environmental circumstances.

While this definition refers specifically to homeless individuals, it is equally applicable to homeless families.

Homelessness is closely connected to declines in physical and mental health. Homeless persons experience high rates of health problems such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and Hepatitis A infections, alcohol and drug addiction, mental illness, tuberculosis, and other serious conditions. The health problems facing homeless persons result from various factors, including a lack of housing, racism and discrimination, barriers to health care, a lack of access to adequate food and protection, limited resources for social services, and an inadequate public health infrastructure. Legal and policy interventions have often been used to attempt to address homelessness, although not always from a public health perspective.

In health care, for example, if someone experiencing homelessness comes to an emergency department for medical aid, once treated, the only alternative is to release the patient back onto the street. This creates an endless cycle of emergency department visits, increasing costs and expending resources in the health care system.

Recent work [ 2 ] has emphasized the important role of public health, the health care system, and health care providers in homelessness prevention. In this Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH), we have brought together researchers, practitioners, and community organizers to articulate the public health problem of homelessness and identify clear strategies to reduce homelessness and provide more adequate health care and housing for this population. We also explore solutions for important subpopulations, including adults, families with children, adolescents, women, transitional aged youth, and those suffering from mental illness, PTSD, alcohol dependency, mental illness, adverse childhood experiences, and chronic homelessness.

We address many of these issues in the context of public health and explore the public health implications and potential solutions to homelessness, focusing on contemporary and emerging research and innovative strategies, and highlighting best practices to address homelessness among key populations. The papers in this Special Issue attempt to answer several questions related to homelessness and public health, such as:

• What is the extent of homelessness and why do people become homeless?
• What are the public health and health services implications of homelessness?
• What role does housing play as a precursor to and potential solution for homelessness?
• What public health and health care interventions are being employed, and what effectiveness is being achieved?
• What long-term strategies can be developed to prevent homelessness?

The 13 research papers and one commentary in this Special Issue are summarized as follows:

• Conceptualizing an Interdisciplinary Collective Impact Approach to Examine and Intervene in the Chronic Cycle of Homelessness. This study by Abdel–Samad et al. [ 3 ] focuses on a novel, interdisciplinary academic–practice partnership model for addressing the problem of homelessness. Whereas singular disciplinary approaches may fall short in substantially reducing homelessness, this approach draws from a collective impact model that integrates discipline-specific approaches through mutually reinforcing activities and shared metrics. The paper describes what is necessary for capacity-building at the institution and community levels, the complementary strengths and contributions of each discipline in the model, and future implementation goals to address homelessness in the Southern California region using a cross-disciplinary approach.
• Mental Illness and Youth-Onset Homelessness: A Retrospective Study among Adults Experiencing Homelessness . Iwundu et al. [ 4 ] conducted a retrospective study and evaluated the association between the timing of homelessness onset (youth versus adult) and mental illness. The results indicated that mental illness (as a reason for current homelessness) and severe mental illness comorbidities were each associated with increased odds of youth-onset homelessness, providing a basis for agencies that serve at-risk youth in order to address mental health precursors to youth homelessness.
• Well-Being without a Roof: Examining Well-Being among Unhoused Individuals Using Mixed Methods and Propensity Score Matching. Ahuja et al. [ 5 ] found that the mean overall well-being score of unhoused participants was significantly lower than that of matched housed participants, with unhoused participants reporting lower mean scores for social connectedness, lifestyle and daily practices, stress and resilience, emotions, physical health, and finances. The unhoused participants had a statistically significantly higher mean score for spirituality and religiosity than their matched housed counterparts. The qualitative interviews highlighted spirituality and religion as a coping mechanism for the unhoused.
• Combatting Homelessness in Canada: Applying Lessons Learned from Six Tiny Villages to the Edmonton Bridge Healing Program. Authors Wong et al. [ 6 ] discuss the Bridge Healing Program in Edmonton, Alberta, a novel approach to combatting homelessness by using hospital emergency departments (ED) as a gateway to temporary housing. The program provides residents with immediate temporary housing before transitioning them to permanent homes. The paper discusses effective strategies that underlie the Tiny Villages concept by analyzing six case studies and applying the lessons learned to improving the Bridge Healing Program and reducing repeat ED visits and ED lengths of stay among homeless individuals.
• Change in Housing Status among Homeless and Formerly Homeless Individuals in Quebec, Canada: A Profile Study. Kaltsidis et al. [ 7 ] used a cluster analysis to develop a typology of the housing status change for 270 currently or formerly homeless individuals who were residing in shelters and temporary or permanent housing. The findings suggest that the maintenance or improvement in the housing status requires the availability of suitable types and frequencies of service use (enabling factors) that are well-adapted to the complexity of health problems (needs factors) among homeless individuals. Specific interventions, such as outreach programs and case management, are prioritized as necessary services, especially for individuals at a higher risk of returning to homelessness.
• Urban Stress Indirectly Influences Psychological Symptoms through Its Association with Distress Tolerance and Perceived Social Support among Adults Experiencing Homelessness. To investigate the simultaneous impact of intrapersonal characteristics (distress tolerance) and interpersonal characteristics (social support) and their association with homelessness, Hernandez et al. [ 8 ] recruited homeless adults from six homeless shelters in Oklahoma City who self-reported urban life stress, distress tolerance, social support, major depressive disorder, and PTSD symptoms. Based on the resulting associations, their findings stress the importance of implementing interventions aimed at increasing social support for homeless persons, something that may also increase skill development for distress tolerance and indirectly lead to a reduction in depression and PTSD.
• “I Felt Safe”: The Role of the Rapid Rehousing Program in Supporting the Security of Families Experiencing Homelessness in Salt Lake County, Utah. Garcia and Kim [ 9 ] describe their research into The Road Home (TRH) program, which provides services to homeless individuals and families. TRH is known for their emergency shelters and also administers the Rapid Rehousing Program (RRHP), designed to help homeless families transition back into stable housing. After collecting qualitative data from focus groups with participants and families, landlords, case managers, and service providers, they make recommendations for program improvements that can increase the residential security of families experiencing homelessness.
• “It’s Just a Band-Aid on Something No One Really Wants to See or Acknowledge”: A Photovoice Study with Transitional Aged Youth Experiencing Homelessness to Examine the Roots of San Diego’s 2016–2018 Hepatitis A Outbreak. In this study, Felner et al. [ 10 ] examined the experiences and needs of transitional aged youth (TAY) aged 18–24 experiencing homelessness who may have been uniquely affected by an unprecedented outbreak of hepatitis A virus (HAV). The findings documented a stigmatization of TAY, interventions that failed to address root causes of the outbreak, and interactions with housing- and social support-related resources that limited rather than supported economic and social mobility. The findings have implications for understanding how media and public discourse, public health interventions, and the availability and delivery of resources can contribute to and perpetuate stigma and health inequities faced by TAY experiencing homelessness.
• Predictors of Overnight and Emergency Treatment among Homeless Adults. Iwundu et al. [ 11 ] aimed to identify the sociodemographic predictors associated with overnight and emergency hospital treatment among a sample of homeless adults. Participants were recruited from a shelter in Dallas, Texas and were predominantly uninsured, low-income men and women from various social and ethnic groups. In logistic regression models, gender emerged as the only predictor of overnight treatment in a hospital and treatment in an emergency department. Women were more likely than men to be treated overnight and use emergency care. The authors concluded that interventions and policies targeted toward homeless women’s primary health care needs would reduce health care costs.
• Association of Problematic Alcohol Use and Food Insecurity among Homeless Men and Women. In a study on alcohol use and food insecurity among homeless men and women, Reitzel et al. [ 12 ] investigated the link between problematic alcohol use and food insecurity among homeless adults in Oklahoma. Problematic alcohol use was measured using the Alcohol Quantity and Frequency Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire. Food insecurity was measured with the USDA Food Security Scale-Short Form. The results indicated that heavy drinking and probable alcohol dependence/abuse were each associated with increased odds of food insecurity. The results question whether alcohol may take precedence over eating or food purchases among this population of homeless individuals.
• Exploring Tiny Homes as an Affordable Housing Strategy to Ameliorate Homelessness: A Case Study of the Dwellings in Tallahassee, FL. “Tiny Homes” is an emerging strategy to combat homelessness, and Jackson et al. [ 13 ] raise a number of questions about the intentions, efficacy, and policy feasibility of this strategy. The paper seeks to understand the strategies used by stakeholders to plan, design, and implement a “Tiny Homes” strategy, and to assess their effectiveness. Using a case study, they examined how the community was planned, the experiences of residents, and the constraints to success. Their findings highlighted how funding constraints and NIMBYism (Not in My Backyard-ism) stymied stakeholder efforts to achieve equity and affordability, resulting in the inability to achieve project aims to develop affordable housing that served homeless populations.
• Predictors of Emergency Department Use among Individuals with Current or Previous Experience of Homelessness. The study by Gabet et al. [ 14 ] assessed the contributions of predisposing, enabling, and needs factors in predicting emergency department (ED) use among 270 individuals with a current or previous experience of homelessness. Participants were recruited from types of housing in Montreal, Quebec (Canada) and were interviewed about their ED use at baseline and again 12 months later. The findings revealed two needs factors associated with ED use: having a substance use disorder and low perceived physical health. Two enabling factors—the use of ambulatory specialized services and stigma—were also related to ED use. ED use was not associated with the type of housing. The authors suggest that improvements are needed to manage substance use disorders and the physical health of homeless individuals in order to reduce ED use.
• Being at the Bottom Rung of the Ladder in an Unequal Society: A Qualitative Analysis of Stories of People without a Home. The Mabhala and Yohannes article [ 15 ] examines the stories of homeless people and their perceptions of their social status using interviews in three centers for homeless people in Cheshire, in the English Northwest. Education, employment, and health were three domains that provided a theoretical explanation for the reasons that led to their homelessness. Participants catalogued their adverse childhood experiences, which they believe limited their capacity to meaningfully engage with social institutions for social goods, such as education, social services, and institutions of employment. They conclude that, although not all people who are poorly educated, in poor health, and unemployed end up being homeless, a combination of these together with multiple adverse childhood experiences may weaken resilience and contribute to homelessness.
• Commentary: Investing in Public Health Infrastructure to Address the Complexities of Homelessness. In a final commentary, Allegrante and Sleet [ 16 ] introduce the notion that investments in public health infrastructure are needed to address the complexities of homelessness, including the continued threats posed by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and its variants. The lack of affordable housing, widespread unemployment, poverty, addiction and mental illness, which all contribute to the risk of homelessness, would be well-served by improving the fundamental public health infrastructure. They argue that homelessness is exacerbated by system-wide infrastructure failures at the municipal, state and federal governments and from the neglect to invest in public infrastructure, including a modern public health system.

In conclusion, shelter is a basic human need. Thus far, we have an inadequate understanding of all the medical and nonmedical, public health, and infrastructural influences that drive homelessness and why so many people are living without adequate shelter. Housing is one of the most critical factors in addressing homelessness and one of the best-researched social determinants of health. Several articles here focus on innovative approaches to providing temporary or permanent housing for those who need it, and it is well known that selected housing interventions can improve health and decrease health care costs. From that perspective, some professionals in the field contend that housing equates to health [ 17 ] and that improved housing options for homeless individuals and families would advance population-level health.

Many of the articles in this Special Issue [ 18 ] focus on specific aspects of life, quality of life, and co-morbidities related to behavioral and social variables influencing homelessness. Explored in detail are factors such as lack of housing, distress, wellness, emergency department use, mental health, drug and alcohol addiction, poverty, low educational attainment, inadequate health care and social services, adverse childhood experiences, ongoing infections, unemployment, and public health infrastructure. In addition to highlighting the impact these factors can have on the likelihood that someone would become homeless, many of the articles also provide recommendations for relevant policies, practices, and interventions that could help reduce homelessness and improve overall well-being.

The intersection of environmental, behavioral, and social factors, in addition to the lack of an adequate infrastructure, must also be considered when studying the determinants of homelessness and designing appropriate interventions. Our ultimate goal in producing this Special Issue of IJERPH is to encourage the development of better evidence to inform public health, social services, and medical care policies and practices that will result in better health for homeless populations.

Acknowledgments

We thank the authors and reviewers for their commitment to preparing and editing these manuscripts and for adding to the knowledge base of this important public health problem.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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