2026-03-27
Arnaud Chiolero
Evidence-based public health demands that study findings provide meaningful insights into improving the health of target populations, making representativeness a widely regarded hallmark of high-quality epidemiological research. However, big data and the digital health datademic are changing the way target and study populations are defined and how to ensure the external validity of study findings. What matters is assessing the degree of transportability of these findings—how well they inform about the target population. I review the gain of shifting the focus away from study representativeness and instead prioritizing the explicit assessment and reporting of transportability.
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2026.16093062026-03-24
Yamma Khalid Aria, Amanda Mason-Jones, Ada Keding
ObjectivesTo synthesise existing evidence on the prevalence of perinatal mental health disorders among forced migrant women and to identify factors influencing mental health outcomes in this population.MethodsA scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O’Malley framework. Electronic databases and grey literature sources were searched for studies published in English between 1951 and August 2022. Studies were included if they examined perinatal mental health among forced migrant women and clearly distinguished forced from voluntary migration.ResultsA total of 1,105 records were identified, of which 16 studies met the inclusion criteria (12 quantitative, three qualitative, and one mixed-methods study). Two main themes emerged: the prevalence of perinatal mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and factors influencing mental health outcomes, such as social support, exposure to traumatic events, and stigma.ConclusionForced migrant women experience a high burden of perinatal mental health difficulties. Improved clarity in migration definitions and consistency in outcome measurement may strengthen future research and support more effective responses to perinatal mental health needs in this population.
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2026.16088452026-03-17
Saliha Büşra Aksu, Seda Özmen Sever, Yağmur Gökseven Arda, Güzin Zeren Öztürk
ObjectivesTo assess maternal vaccination coverage in primary care and to examine its association with completion of antenatal care visits and maternal characteristics in Türkiye.MethodsA retrospective record-based observational study including 996 pregnancies registered at Family Health Centers in Istanbul (2020–2022) was analyzed. Vaccination records for tetanus–diphtheria (Td), tetanus–diphtheria–acellular pertussis (Tdap), hepatitis B, influenza, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were retrieved from electronic health records and the National Vaccination Tracking System. Women attending all four scheduled antenatal care visits were classified as having complete antenatal care. Descriptive analyses, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were performed.ResultsOverall, 89.7% of pregnant women received at least one vaccine. Complete vaccination rates were 79.7% for Td/Tdap, while complete hepatitis B immunization status was observed in 9.8%, and complete COVID-19 vaccination in 10.7%. Two-thirds (66.4%) completed antenatal care visits. Complete antenatal care was independently associated with higher odds of vaccination during pregnancy (aOR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.91–4.44), having a lifetime immunization record (aOR = 3.12, 95% CI: 1.74–5.61) and complete Td/Tdap vaccination (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.57–2.98).ConclusionMaternal vaccination coverage in Türkiye remains below international targets except for Td/Tdap. Greater continuity of structured antenatal care and continuity of care visits may be associated with higher maternal vaccination uptake. In addition integrating all recommended maternal vaccines into national protocols may support improvements in immunization coverage.
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2026.16092332026-03-17
Yangyang Wang, Chang Xu
ObjectivesMounting concerns over “AI psychosis” highlight the need to examine psychological risks of GenAI chatbots. Loneliness is a critical outcome of prolonged AI use, often mediated by distorted emotional and cognitive processes. This study tests how GenAI chatbots use is associated with negative emotions, which in turn heighten loneliness through two concurrent mechanisms.MethodsWe surveyed 516 adults online and applied PLS-SEM with bootstrapped indirect effects and comparative pathway analysis.ResultsGenAI chatbots use significantly predicted perceived misinformation exposure (β = 0.318, 95% CI [0.231, 0.409]) and user trust (β = 0.383, 95% CI [0.294, 0.473]). Both pathways increased loneliness via negative emotions, with the information-quality pathway (β = 0.062, 95% CI [0.036, 0.099]) stronger than the emotional-trust pathway (β = 0.023, 95% CI [0.009, 0.040]); overall chain effects did not differ.ConclusionGenAI chatbots use contributes to loneliness through dual cognitive and emotional mediations. Given emerging AI psychosis risks, interventions should strengthen misinformation recognition and address trust-related vulnerabilities.
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2026.16090172026-03-13
Yuki Suzaki, Shinichi Imafuku, Jing Chen, Jennifer Si, Viola Xiang, Vince Grillo, Takahiko Imai, Jerusha Naidoo, Sumitra Shantakumar
ObjectivesTo assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards herpes zoster (HZ) and HZ vaccination in Japan.MethodsThis mixed-methods study was conducted across two phases. In Phase 1, concept elicitation interviews were conducted with the public (N = 24) and physicians (N = 6), and the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior model of behavioral change was used to identify themes surrounding KAP. These themes were validated in Phase 2 via self-administered quantitative surveys conducted with a larger group of respondents (public: N = 600; physicians: N = 60).ResultsDespite high awareness of HZ (92.9%–94.0%) and HZ vaccination (76.0%–80.4%) among the public, knowledge about HZ, HZ vaccination rates (13.1%–32.0%), and intention to vaccinate (12.6%–18.2% among non-HZ-vaccinated respondents) were low. Public respondents were likely to vaccinate against HZ upon physician recommendation (78.7%–84.0%), but physician recommendation was limited by barriers including perceived low patient willingness (51.7%) and vaccine cost (51.7%). Various forms of government support could encourage patient-physician discussions regarding HZ and aid HZ vaccination uptake among the public (30.0%–53.3%).ConclusionThese findings may inform public health strategies to overcome barriers to HZ vaccine uptake in Japan.
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2025.16081212026-03-11
Guomiao Zhang, Huiqin Mei, Qichao Sheng, Yang Chen, Xinlv Zhang, Anthony Diwon, Hui Wang, Yuxin Chen, Ziyi Wang, Xiaoyu Zhang, Qingyang Mao, Dapeng Li, Chao Zheng, Guangyun Mao, Fang Shi
ObjectivesThis study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the burden of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) attributable to behavioral risks.MethodsUtilizing the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data for secondary modeling, we analyzed the burden of T2D attributable to behavioral risks, stratified by age, gender, risk factors, and regions. A Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model projected burden trajectories from 2022 to 2050 under the continuation of historical trends.ResultsFrom 1990 to 2021, global deaths and DALYs of T2D attributable to behavioral risks increased by 133.87% and 187.68%. The greatest rises in ASMR and ASDR occurred in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Southern Sub-Saharan Africa. Dietary risks remained the primary contributor, whereas the T2D burden attributable to high alcohol use exhibited the steepest increase from 1990 to 2021. The global ASMR and ASDR increased exponentially with age and were consistently higher in males. Projections from the BAPC model indicate that ASDR is expected to continue increasing through 2050.ConclusionT2D burden attributable to behavioral risks is increasing rapidly, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and public health education.
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2026.16087652026-03-11
Małgorzata Niemiec, Maria Stec, Jacek Grzybowski, Urszula Cegłowska, Anna Wiśniewska, Kacper Hałgas, Kinga Czepczor, Maciej Podolski, Bartosz Gruchlik, Gabriela Orzeł-Łomozik, Daniel Cieśla, Mariusz Gąsior, Tomasz Hryniewiecki, Przemysław Leszek, Alida L. P. Caforio, Katarzyna Mizia-Stec
ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to comprehensively characterize the population of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients in Poland in 2016–2021, including the analysis of annual incidence, prevalence, comorbidities, and therapeutic paths.MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Polish National Health Fund database. The analysis included a registered annual incidence and prevalence rates, mortality, prognosis, and data on patients pathways in the healthcare system.ResultsIn 2016, the registered annual incidence of HCM diagnosis in Poland was 1,494 cases (3.89/100,000), decreasing to 808 cases (2.11/100,000) in 2021. Despite the decline in new diagnoses, the registered prevalence of HCM increased from 13,271 cases (34.53/100,000) in 2016 to 13,880 cases (36.23/100,000) in 2021, indicating improved patient survival. Annual mortality rose from 824 deaths (2.14/100,000) in 2016 to 1,022 deaths (2.67/100,000) in 2021, with the highest mortality observed in older adults (60+ years).ConclusionThe study highlights significant underdiagnosis of HCM in Poland. Mortality in HCM population remains high, underscoring the need for improvement in earlier detection and comprehensive care strategies in Polish healthcare system.
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2026.16086932026-03-03
Leida C. Tolentino, Joao Filipe G. Monteiro, Cláudia Brito Pires, Antónia Fortes
ObjectivesMovement disorders (MDs), including Parkinson’s disease (PD) and essential tremor, are growing causes of disability globally. Yet, data on MDs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Cabo Verde, remain scarce. This study aimed to estimate MD prevalence and incidence, identify at-risk groups, and evaluate access to care.MethodsA multi-site, country-level cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2024, including 110 adults with confirmed MDs. Data were obtained via clinical record reviews, interviews, and a structured questionnaire. Analyses included descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression, and thematic analysis of open-text responses.ResultsThe age-standardized MD prevalence was 17 per 100,000 population (95% CI: 13–20), with higher rates in men [19 (14–25)] and in those over 60 [117 (89–145)]. PD accounted for 79% of cases. While 78% used pharmacotherapy, 70% faced moderate or severe difficulties accessing medication, and 35% of those who sought therapy reported facing barriers. Fifty-one percent experienced a significant life impact.ConclusionFindings reveal significant access challenges and rising MD burden, underscoring the need for early diagnosis, decentralized services, and public health system strengthening in LMICs.
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2026.1608728