Search Results (2,052)

Background/Objectives: The proportion of middle-aged and elderly people in the total population is increasing, and it is of utmost importance to monitor their quality of life (QoL), which largely depends on mobility, health and mental state, diet, nutritional status (especially overweight and obesity). The population in Croatia is among the leading in terms of the proportion of overweight and obese people, therefore the aim is to study QoL and determine which aspects can potentially be mitigated by public health actions. Methods: In accordance with the available data from the SHARE study (Survey on Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe), data were taken from the most recently published—9th wave conducted in 2021/2022. In this study, the Croatian population older than 50 years is represented by 4687 respondents. Health-related parameters were monitored (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, mental health, handgrip strength (HGS) as a biomarker in older people and body mass index) and quality of life (self-assessed quality of life (CASP, self-assessed health SPH, physical activity) and dietary habits. A logistic regression model was used to link HGS as a biomarker in older people with quality of life and health parameters. Results: There is an undeniable decline in social and physical activity with age; the proportion of people engaged in vigorous physical activity decreased from 47% in the 51–64 age group to only 5.4% in people over 85 years of age, while physical inactivity increased from 3% to 37.7%. Chronic diseases, especially hypertension, accumulate with age, while self-rated health worsens with age, as does mental health (the proportion of depressed people (according to the EURO-D scale) increased significantly from 21.1% in the 51–64 age group to 54.1% in those over 85 years of age). Results of multinomial logistic regression showed that sports (in)activity was consistently associated with a lower likelihood of reduced handgrip strength (OR = 1.94 for low strength, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Sports activities and social engagement are crucial for maintaining good handgrip strength. Higher BMI, lower education and adverse psychological states are risk factors for a weaker handgrip. These findings highlight the need for an integrated public health approach that promotes physical activity, balanced nutrition and mental and social well-being in the older population. Full article

Unintended pregnancies among adolescent and young women in low- and middle-income countries pose major public health challenges, underscoring the need for improved access to modern contraceptives. This study examined prevalence, preferences, and correlates of modern contraceptive use among young women living in urban slums of Kampala, Uganda, to inform targeted interventions. We analyzed baseline data from The Onward Project On Wellbeing and Adversity (TOPOWA), an NIH-funded, multi-component prospective cohort study on mental health among women aged 18–24 years. In 2023, 300 participants were recruited from three sites (Banda, Bwaise, Makindye). Interviewer-administered surveys assessed contraceptive choices, lifestyle, and demographic factors. Modified Poisson regression was used to examine correlates of contraceptive use. Among participants, 66.0% had ever used contraception, 40.0% were current users, and 38.0% reported modern contraceptive use. Multivariable analyses showed that having a consistent partner (PR = 3.28; 95% CI: 1.90–5.67), engaging in sex work (PR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.46–3.02), older age (PR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01–1.16), and having children (PR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.12–2.66) were associated with higher modern contraceptive use. Findings highlight important gaps in sustained contraceptive use and the need for tailored interventions addressing economic, social, and educational barriers to improve reproductive health in this low-resource setting. Full article

Background: Mental health conditions are a growing public health concern among U.S. adolescents, particularly high school students. Emerging data show a strong link between exposure to neighborhood violence and increased risk of poor mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and persistent sadness. Objective: This study examined the relationship between neighborhood violence exposure and mental health outcomes among high school students. Method: This is a cross-sectional study using the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The sample included 19,910 students in grades 9–12 across gender and race. Mental health status and exposure to neighborhood violence were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression models. Results: Students exposed to neighborhood violence had significantly higher odds of reporting poor mental health outcomes (AOR = 1.789, 95% CI: 1.573–2.035, p < 0.001) than the unexposed. Additionally, female, Hispanic/Latino, and multiracial students reported higher rates of mental health disorders than the male students. Conclusions: Neighborhood violence exposure was significantly associated with poor mental health outcomes among high school students. These findings signify the need for targeted interventions to support affected students and reduce neighborhood violence exposure, particularly in marginalized communities. The findings will inform public health professionals, educators, and policymakers to make targeted school-based mental health interventions and community-centered policies addressing neighborhood safety and adolescent mental health. Full article

Background: Healthy aging involves ensuring a good quality of life and maintaining autonomy. Physical performance is a key indicator of health and autonomy in old age, and it is influenced by social determinants of health. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in physical performance and geriatric health outcomes among older adults attending a community center, according to their educational level, pension status, and access to health services. Methods: An observational, descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study was carried out using the database of subjects aged 60 and over who attend a community gerontological center. Results: A total of 536 older adults (mean age 70.7 ± 8.4 years, 71.5% women, 86.9% with public health coverage) with an average age of 70.7 ± 8.4 years were included; subjects with higher education had higher weight, as well as better indicators of physical functionality: higher scores in the Barthel and Lawton–Brody indices, greater walking speed, less time in the test to get up from the chair and in the test “Time Up and Go” (TUG), and increased prehensile strength. Conclusion: Social determinants, including education, economic independence, health coverage, and pension status, significantly influence physical performance and geriatric syndromes in older adults. Full article

This research study addresses the critical contradiction within global food systems: unsustainable consumption patterns and persistent food insecurity coexist and are exacerbated by food waste, which deepens socioeconomic inequalities and generates negative environmental externalities. In this scenario, higher education plays a central role in adopting comprehensive strategic frameworks to develop specialized human capital and influence society. This study analyzes a Service Learning model that integrates the CFS-IRA Principles to promote the SDGs and ensure responsible consumption. Based on a case study of the Food Bank Chair spanning 10 years and 212 projects, the implementation of this model was evaluated using the Working with People (WWP) method, which combines the development of postgraduate students’ skills with community service to address social problems. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the SL-WWP model in strengthening students’ technical, social, and ethical competencies while reducing food waste. The evaluation showed strong alignment with key SDGs, with outstanding performance in governance, although the need to strengthen environmental and social criteria was identified. The originality lies in integrating the CFS-IRA Principles into an SL model that encourages innovative cooperation among universities, civil society, and public–private sectors, offering a replicable proposal for higher education institutions to establish themselves as agents of change towards sustainability. Full article

Recent technological advancements have made Large Language Models (LLMs) easily accessible through apps such as ChatGPT, Claude.ai, Google Gemini, and HuggingChat, allowing text generation on diverse topics with a simple prompt. Considering this scenario, we propose three machine–machine collaboration models to streamline and accelerate Delphi execution time by leveraging the extensive knowledge of LLMs. We then applied one of these models—the Iconic Minds Delphi—to run Delphi questionnaires focused on the future of work and higher education in Brazil. Therefore, we prompted ChatGPT to assume the role of well-known public figures from various knowledge areas. To validate the effectiveness of this approach, we asked one of the emulated experts to evaluate his responses. Although this individual validation was not sufficient to generalize the approach’s effectiveness, it revealed an 85% agreement rate, suggesting a promising alignment between the emulated persona and the real expert’s opinions. Our work contributes to leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Futures Research, emphasizing LLMs’ potential as collaborators in shaping future visions while discussing their limitations. In conclusion, our research demonstrates the synergy between Delphi and LLMs, providing a glimpse into a new method for exploring central themes, such as the future of work and higher education. Full article

Background: Obesity and insomnia are prevalent public health issues with shared behavioral and physiological pathways. However, their interplay remains understudied in occupational cohorts. Obesity and insomnia are prevalent public health issues with shared behavioral and physiological pathways. However, their interplay remains understudied in occupational cohorts. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, and insomnia severity with multiple obesity indices in a large population of Spanish workers. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 84,898 workers (2021–2024). Data were obtained from annual occupational health assessments conducted across multiple Spanish regions between 2020 and 2024. Insomnia severity was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), dietary quality using the 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS-14), and physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Adiposity was measured using Body Mass Index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), the Clínica Universidad de Navarra–Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE), and the Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine associations adjusted for age, sex, education, and occupational social class. Results: Higher ISI scores were significantly and independently associated with elevated adiposity across all indices, with the strongest association observed for METS-VF (odds ratio = 1.19, 95% CI 1.14–1.25, p < 0.001). Women showed higher mean CUN-BAE and METS-VF values than men (CUN-BAE: 37.4 ± 6.2 vs. 25.6 ± 6.4; p < 0.001; METS-VF: 5.7 ± 0.7 vs. 6.4 ± 0.6; p < 0.001), despite lower BMI (25.3 ± 4.8 vs. 26.8 ± 4.3; p < 0.001). Lower physical activity (OR = 5.70; 95% CI 4.91–6.50), poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet (OR = 3.29; 95% CI 2.88–3.70), smoking (OR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.22–1.36), and lower occupational class (Class III: OR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.56–1.97) were also significantly associated with higher obesity markers. Associations were more pronounced among women and participants with severe insomnia symptoms. Conclusions: Insomnia severity, sociodemographic disadvantage, and unhealthy behaviors (low physical activity, poor diet, smoking) were all independent correlates of general and visceral adiposity. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive workplace health programs that integrate sleep quality assessment, dietary improvement, and physical activity promotion to prevent obesity and its metabolic consequences. Full article

University Dual Training is constructed at the intersection of academic and professional spheres, shaping a complex and multifaceted educational model. The aim of this study is to analyze the media representation of University Dual Training within the Spanish higher education landscape. The analysis focused on news articles published in the digital press of Spanish universities between 2021 and 2025. Following the methodological principles of a systematic review, a total of 81 news items (comprising 747 lexical segments) were identified and categorized 60 from 25 public universities and 21 from 7 private institutions. Data analysis, supported by the MAXQDA 24 software, enabled the identification of trends in the use of keywords, temporal evolution, and prevailing themes, along with the degree of relevance attributed to this training modality. The findings reveal an institutional tendency in media dissemination centred on promoting University Dual Training as a pathway for educational innovation, highlighting experiences and collaborations with companies, and projecting a discourse in which universities present themselves as committed to this modality. The study concludes that digital university newspapers convey the relevance and impact of University Dual Training as a modality that brings together diverse stakeholders, creating a space of collaboration and shared responsibility that strengthens student training and employability. Full article

Cyber-sexual crimes have become a growing concern in the digital age, as rapid technological progress continues to create new forms of violence and victimization. These offenses affect society unevenly, striking more intensely among minors, women, and other vulnerable groups. Their prevalence is shaped by structural inequalities, educational, economic, and technological, that condition both exposure to digital risks and the capacity for protection. Although international research has connected these disparities with digital victimization, evidence from Spain remains limited. The aim was to analyze the regional distribution of cyber-sexual crimes in Spain between 2011 and 2022 and to explore how education, income, and digital access relate to their incidence. To this end, official data from the Spanish Statistical Crime Portal (PEC) were combined with structural indicators provided by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics. The analysis encompassed reported cases of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, corruption of minors, online grooming, exhibitionism, pornography, and sexual provocation, using standardized incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants. Statistical methods included ANOVA with post hoc comparisons, correlation analyses, and K-means clustering to identify territorial patterns. Results revealed a sustained national increase in cyber-sexual crimes, with grooming and sexual harassment showing the most pronounced growth. The Balearic Islands (mean 4.9), Canary Islands (4.0), and Andalusia (3.9) registered the highest incidence rates, well above the national average (3.0). Educational disadvantages and low income were linked to sexual abuse and corruption of minors, whereas greater digital connectivity, expressed through higher mobile phone use, broadband access, and computer ownership, was strongly associated with grooming and other technology-facilitated offenses. Cluster analysis identified three distinct territorial profiles: high-incidence regions (Balearic and Canary Islands, Andalusia), intermediate (Murcia, Madrid, Navarre, Valencian Community), and low-incidence (Galicia, Catalonia, Castile and León, among others). In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that cyber-sexual crimes in Spain are unevenly distributed and closely linked to persistent structural vulnerabilities that shape digital exposure. These results underscore the need for territorially sensitive prevention strategies that reduce educational and economic inequalities, foster sexual and digital literacy, and promote safer online environments. Without addressing these underlying structural dimensions, public policies risk overlooking the conditions that sustain regional disparities and limit adequate protection against technology-driven sexual crimes. Full article

Background/objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health concern, and misuse of antibiotics in livestock farming contributes to its emergence. In Blantyre, Malawi, small-scale pig and poultry farming is widespread, but the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) driving antimicrobial use (AMU) remain poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the KAP regarding AMU and manure management among pig and poultry farmers in Blantyre, Malawi. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 118 randomly selected farmers to assess AMU patterns, sources of antibiotics, adherence to withdrawal periods, disposal practices, and awareness of AMR and regulations. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and inferential tests (with statistical significance set at p < 0.05). Results: Antibiotic use was reported by 88% of farmers, primarily for therapy (93.3%) and prophylaxis (85.6%), including for viral diseases such as Newcastle disease in poultry and African swine fever in pigs. Oxytetracycline (91.5%), penicillin (50.8%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (39.8%) were the most used antibiotics, predominantly sourced from agrovet shops (73.7%). While 61% of farmers knew antibiotic misuse could lead to AMR, significant gaps were observed: 68.6% had no formal training, 55.9% were unaware of regulations, and 42% sold/consumed products before the end of the withdrawal period. Most farmers disposed of expired antibiotics (80.5%) and packaging (92.4%) in household waste. Higher education and prior training were significantly associated with good knowledge. Conclusions: This study reveals significant knowledge–practice gaps and high-risk behaviors, such as misuse for viral diseases and unsafe disposal, that exacerbate AMR risks. Interventions must prioritize targeted farmer education, strengthening of veterinary extension services, and stricter regulation of agrovet shops to promote antimicrobial stewardship and support Malawi’s National Action Plan on AMR. Full article

Biotechnology is increasingly recognized as a key driver for achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, public awareness of its role remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perceptions and opinions regarding the relationship between the SDGs and biotechnology among the general adult population in Spain. A validated online survey was distributed, yielding 274 responses. Although 84.3% of the respondents were familiar with the 2030 Agenda, positive perceptions of the SDGs were especially common among women and individuals with higher levels of education. Regarding biotechnology, 54.4% considered themselves knowledgeable, and nearly half (48.2%) recognized its potential contribution to health (SDG 3) and environmental sustainability, but its role in social and economic SDGs was less recognized. This study highlights the need for targeted educational and communication strategies to raise awareness and show how concrete biotechnological applications can contribute to sustainable development. Emphasizing these practical contributions can position biotechnology as a visible driver of progress and foster greater public engagement with science in achieving the 2030 Agenda. Full article

This study conducts a systematic scoping review to explore how universities are integrating digital and emerging technologies into administrative processes. Following the PRISMA-ScR methodology, we systematically searched four major databases—Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar—for peer-reviewed publications between 2019 and 2024. Fifty-two studies met the inclusion criteria after rigorous screening and quality assessment using the CASP and JBI checklists. The originality of this review lies in synthesizing cross-disciplinary perspectives—encompassing digital marketing, artificial intelligence (AI), learning management systems (LMSs), open data, and collaborative digital tools—into a unified framework of administrative innovation. Findings reveal that digital marketing strategies enhance student engagement and institutional visibility, AI improves efficiency and decision-making, LMSs streamline academic and administrative coordination, and open data initiatives promote transparency but encounter legal and cultural resistance. Despite the potential of these technologies, persistent challenges include data privacy concerns, uneven digital infrastructure, and limited institutional readiness. This review contributes to the literature by mapping the intersection of technological innovation and university governance, identifying research gaps, and outlining directions for sustainable digital transformation in higher education. Full article

Understanding the factors that influence academic engagement and the perception of ethical–practical suitability is essential for improving university training processes in Social Work. In this context, academic satisfaction plays a key role. This study, with a cross-sectional design and a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach, aimed to examine the direct and indirect relationships among academic engagement, ethical–practical suitability, and academic satisfaction in a sample of Social Work students in Chile. A total of 298 Social Work students participated in this study, from 9 public and private universities (23.1% men, 76.9% women), with a mean age of 21.74 years (SD = 3.470). The results, obtained from a structural equation model, confirm that academic satisfaction significantly and partially mediates the relationship between ethical–practical suitability and academic engagement. Likewise, positive direct effects were observed among the three variables. Confirming a partial mediating effect of academic satisfaction in the relationship between professional suitability and academic engagement. The results are discussed in terms of their relevance for designing training strategies aimed at strengthening academic engagement and the perception of professional readiness in higher education. Full article

Background/Objectives: Identifying adults at high risk of frailty and implementing appropriate interventions are critical for extending healthy life expectancy. This retrospective cohort study examined whether abdominal obesity predicts frailty progression over one year among 2962 community-dwelling adults aged 30–79 years in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Methods: Data were collected from 2962 individuals (mean age, 62.7 ± 8.8 years) who completed annual surveys through a health application in both 2023 and 2024 and had available waist circumference data. Frailty was assessed using the Kihon Checklist. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of frailty progression. Results: At baseline (2023), 23% of participants had abdominal obesity, and 18% were categorized as frail. Among 2431 participants who were non-frail at baseline, the incidence of frailty after one year was significantly higher among those with abdominal obesity than those without (10.5% vs. 7.2%, p = 0.011). However, in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, frailty awareness (“know well” vs. “do not know,” adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.341, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.212–0.548), regular exercise habits (aOR = 0.596, 95% CI 0.382–0.930), and prefrailty status (aOR = 1.767, 95% CI 1.602–1.950) were significant predictors of frailty development, whereas abdominal obesity was not independently associated with frailty progression after adjustment. Conclusions: Although abdominal obesity was associated with frailty onset in crude analyses, this association became non-significant after adjustment. Greater frailty awareness and regular exercise appear to reduce the risk of frailty development, suggesting that lifestyle education and public awareness initiatives may help mitigate the impact of abdominal obesity on frailty progression. Full article

Background: eHealth literacy (eHL) is the ability to seek, find, understand, and apply digital health information. Adolescents often overestimate their eHL skills, potentially leading to poor health decisions and posing a public health concern. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward eHL and seeking health information online among a sample of Italian adolescents aged 10–19 to identify the sociodemographic characteristics and other variables that are associated with the outcomes of interest. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire, including the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Results: A total of 793 Italian adolescents from seven public schools in Naples, southern Italy, participated in the survey. Among the participants, 58.6% had an eHEALS score below 27. A higher eHL was associated with being male, perceiving the Internet as useful for health decisions, the use of electronic devices for seeking health information, consulting institutional/scientific sources, having a mother with lower education, and having parents without underlying chronic conditions. Additionally, a higher eHL, male sex, younger age, and Internet use for seeking health information in the last three months were linked to perceiving the Internet as a helpful tool for health decision making. Conclusions: Overall, Italian adolescents reported suboptimal eHL with sex, attitudes, and parental factors playing significant roles. Targeted educational interventions are needed to enhance eHL in this specific age group. Full article