Menon V, Coppard M, McEwen S
… +3 more, Romero L, Kennedy E, Azzopardi P
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 May · PMID 39927577
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Child and adolescent mental health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is a growing focus of global health policy, yet the evidence for effective intervention remains unclear. We undertook a scoping review of LMI...Child and adolescent mental health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is a growing focus of global health policy, yet the evidence for effective intervention remains unclear. We undertook a scoping review of LMICs in the East Asia and Pacific region. We searched four databases between 2010 and 2021 for evaluated interventions targeting child and adolescent mental health. We mapped intervention studies by location, evaluation method, and target of intervention: mental health , or . We included 69 unique studies from 12 countries: 32 RCTs, 31 before-after studies, and 6 post-intervention evaluations. There were several promising intervention studies, although these had methodological limitations. Three studies addressed mental health , 46 addressed , and 23 addressed There was a disproportionate focus on "individual capacity" and "clinical management" . There were few studies in mental health (through communities, policies, or legislation), beyond the individual (via parents, peers, or schools), or in longer-term . Most (62) of these interventions were undertaken in China and four South-East Asian nations. There were few studies in smaller, less wealthy nations, and only three in Pacific nations. Effective progress in global child and adolescent mental health will require greater attention and investment in these programmatic gaps and geographic areas.
Shyam S, Tan SY, ALsheibani BAA
… +5 more, How KE, Morpeth A, Rippin H, Threapleton D, Cade JE
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Mar · PMID 39876534
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Nutritional quality of food for infants and young children (FIYC) is key to optimum development and health. To evaluate commercial FIYC products, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO-EURO) has de...Nutritional quality of food for infants and young children (FIYC) is key to optimum development and health. To evaluate commercial FIYC products, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO-EURO) has defined a Nutrient and Promotion Profile Model (NPPM). Although FIYC is commonly used in Malaysia, its quality is largely unknown. We evaluated the nutrient profiles and on-pack promotions of FIYC available in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, using the NPPM. Among the 285 products sampled from a range of retail outlets, none met all NPPM promotional recommendations; only 24% satisfied all relevant nutrition criteria. Several products failed on sugar (29%) and sodium (26%) criteria, with around half having added sugar. In addition, 3%, 6%, and 9% of FIYC failed relevant fat, protein, and energy requirements, respectively. Although 98% had inappropriate health claims, 36% missed appropriate breastfeeding statements. There is an urgent need to improve the quality of FIYC in Malaysia.
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Mar · PMID 39873332
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Cancer is a global public health concern with increasing incidence and mortality rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). Among the PICTs,...Cancer is a global public health concern with increasing incidence and mortality rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). Among the PICTs, Fiji faces a growing burden of cancer. This study aimed to analyze cancer incidence and mortality data in Fiji from 2010 to 2018 to identify trends and provide an update on the current cancer-related statistics in the Fiji Islands. The top three cancer incidence rates among women were breast, cervical, and endometrial cancer, whereas prostate, liver, and lung cancer were the most prevalent among men. Notably, the central division had higher cancer incidence rates, whereas the northern division had a disproportionately higher mortality rate. Factors contributing to these trends may include lifestyle behaviors, limited access to health care in certain regions, and low awareness. Although this study has limitations due to data quality, it emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, accurate data reporting, and improved cancer treatment delivery to reduce the burden of cancer in Fiji.
Mori Y, Ide K, Watanabe R
… +6 more, Yokoyama M, Tsuji T, Iizuka G, Yamaguchi K, Miyazawa T, Kondo K
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Mar · PMID 39846402
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The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the number of program types and CGA in community gathering places to gain valid insights into the provision of programs in community gathering places. The...The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the number of program types and CGA in community gathering places to gain valid insights into the provision of programs in community gathering places. The study was longitudinal in nature and used prospective cohort data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. The participants were 8758 older adults recruited from 28 cities and towns. The dependent variable was the CGA using the KCL. The independent variable was the number of program types in community gathering places. The participants were classified under four groups, namely, No Participation, One Type, Two Types, and More Than Three Types. The study performed linear regression analysis. The mean of the KCL scores by the number of types was 3.8 ± 3.3, 3.5 ± 3.0, 3.3 ± 2.9, and 3.2 ± 2.8 points for the four groups, respectively. CGA was better for two and three or more types of program participation. CGA at 3 years was better when the community gathering places implemented two or more types of program.
Siau CS, Lester D, Lew B
… +10 more, Kõlves K, Huen JMY, Gunn JF, Sun Chen W, Ibrahim N, Fariduddin MN, Koo HC, Jia C, Prawiromaruto IG, Chan CMH
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Mar · PMID 39754505
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Our study explored the link between body mass index (BMI) and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among university students in China. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 11 251 undergraduates from...Our study explored the link between body mass index (BMI) and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among university students in China. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 11 251 undergraduates from seven provinces. Body mass index, physical health status, economic status, depression and anxiety symptoms, and suicidality were self-reported using validated questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted for males and females. Results showed that of 11 251 participants (mean age = 20.7 ± 1.3), 22.6% were with underweight, 6.1% with overweight, and 2.7% with obesity. Females with class III obesity had higher suicide risk (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.05) and suicide attempt history (aOR = 3.55). Males with overweight and class I obesity had lower odds of depressive symptoms. Suicide attempt history was associated with higher odds of overweight for males (aOR = 2.58). Clinicians and public health authorities should take into consideration the implications of overweight and obesity levels on suicidality.
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39754457
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This study evaluated the influence of smoking cessation policies and COVID-19 on the prevalence of smoking among Korean adolescents from 2011 to 2020. Based on the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, trends in ad...This study evaluated the influence of smoking cessation policies and COVID-19 on the prevalence of smoking among Korean adolescents from 2011 to 2020. Based on the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, trends in adolescent smoking behaviors were examined, including the impact of cigarette price increases, Pictorial Warning Labels (PWLs), and the onset of COVID-19. We used joinpoint regression analysis to discern annual changes in the prevalence of adolescent smokers. Results indicate that the implementation of increased cigarette prices and pictorial warnings was associated with a significant decrease in smoking prevalence among adolescents. We found a yearly reduction in smoking prevalence by 10.5% for cigarette-only smokers, 10.3% for e-cigarette-only smokers, and 9.2% for those who used both. The onset of COVID-19 further accelerated the decline in adolescent smoking. The findings suggest that the Korean government's smoking cessation strategies and pandemic-related changes have effectively reduced smoking rates among adolescents.
Rao AP, Khatib MN, Thangavelu L
… +10 more, Roopashree R, Sharma P, Lal M, Barwl A, Prasad GVS, Rajput P, Zahiruddin QS, Sah S, Pant K, Satapathy P
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Mar · PMID 39720834
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Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major global health concern, affecting maternal and child health. Although genetic predispositions and individual medical histories are well-recognized risk factors, emerging rese...Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major global health concern, affecting maternal and child health. Although genetic predispositions and individual medical histories are well-recognized risk factors, emerging research suggests a significant impact of external factors like neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics. This study systematically reviews and meta-analyzes the association between neighborhood deprivation and GDM incidence. We searched multiple databases up to January 10, 2024, for studies linking neighborhood deprivation with GDM. Eligible studies were selected based on predefined criteria, with the Nested Knowledge software assisting in screening and data extraction. Quality assessment utilized the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and a random-effects model computed the pooled relative risk (RR) using R software, version 4.3. The review included six studies varying significantly in design, sample sizes, and deprivation assessment methods. The meta-analysis combined data from five studies totaling 15 827 participants from the least deprived and 18 147 from the most deprived neighborhoods, yielding an RR of 0.909, indicating a non-significant lower risk of GDM in more deprived groups. A substantial heterogeneity (I = 70%) was observed, and sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these findings. This analysis suggests that living in a deprived neighborhood does not significantly alter GDM risk, underscoring the necessity for further research to refine public health strategies and interventions. The variability in neighborhood deprivation definitions and potential unaccounted confounding factors highlight the need for comprehensive studies, especially from low-income and middle-income countries, to elucidate the intricate links between socioeconomic factors and GDM.
Parani MSN, Patalen CF, Sumangue CD
… +2 more, Duante CA, Angeles-Agdeppa I
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Mar · PMID 39718000
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In the Philippines, the co-occurrence of two or more types of malnutrition in an individual, also known as intra-individual double burden of malnutrition (DBM), has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to determine...In the Philippines, the co-occurrence of two or more types of malnutrition in an individual, also known as intra-individual double burden of malnutrition (DBM), has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with DBM at the individual level among Filipino women of reproductive age (WRA) using the data collected from the 2018 Philippine Expanded National Nutrition Survey. For this study, intra-individual DBM was defined as the co-existence of overweight or obesity and anemia in an individual. Analysis showed that a significantly high prevalence of intra-individual DBM was found among WRA aged 40 to 49 years old, widowed, and those with a waist circumference of ≥80 cm. Furthermore, a waist circumference of ≥80 cm was highly associated with the likelihood of having intra-individual DBM among this age group. On the contrary, being single had a significantly lower risk of having this condition.
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Mar · PMID 39707834
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The workplace is an important setting for improving population psychological health. This study aimed to identify priority industries and populations in Australia with highest adverse effects of psychological distress. T...The workplace is an important setting for improving population psychological health. This study aimed to identify priority industries and populations in Australia with highest adverse effects of psychological distress. The study included 5834 workers aged 18 to 64 years who participated in the 2020 to 2021 National Health Survey. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress by industry, age group, and gender. Productivity losses were analyzed using negative binomial regression. Increased odds of experiencing distress were found for younger workers 18 to 29 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2. 45) and female workers (OR = 1.52). Industry of employment did not impact distress once age and gender were accounted for ( = .956). Being highly/very highly distressed resulted in a mean of 21.56 more distress-related loss days per year (0.78 vs 22.34) compared with low/moderate distress. Targeted and tailored workplace intervention programs for these groups are required to build a healthy and productive future workforce.
Takamatsu A, Honda H, Miwa T
… +4 more, Tabuchi T, Taniguchi K, Shibuya K, Tokuda Y
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39688023
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Few longitudinal studies have examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on personal behaviors. This study investigated changes in four social behaviors among the Japanese public during and after the COVID-19 pandemic,...Few longitudinal studies have examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on personal behaviors. This study investigated changes in four social behaviors among the Japanese public during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, using four-wave longitudinal data (2020-2023) from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey (JACSIS). In total, 8622 respondents continuously participated in the surveys. In JACSIS 2023, the percentage of individuals who always refrained from specific actions decreased compared with 2020: traveling (71.0%-30.9%), non-essential and non-urgent outings (60.6%-24.5%), crowded spaces (62.6%-28.0%), and eating out (49.5%-21.6%). Mixed-effects logistic regression analysis indicated that essential health care workers displayed more cautious behavior than other workers, and respondents were less likely to refrain from these actions in JACSIS 2023 compared with 2020. Understanding behavioral changes is crucial to evaluating the efficacy of COVID-19 prevention measures and improving future pandemic response strategies.
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39688021
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This study investigated the association between COVID-19-related characteristics and oral health in Korean adults. Data from the 2021 Korean Community Health Survey were used (n = 229 242). A total of 26.5% responded tha...This study investigated the association between COVID-19-related characteristics and oral health in Korean adults. Data from the 2021 Korean Community Health Survey were used (n = 229 242). A total of 26.5% responded that their subjective oral health status was good, and 20.2% experienced chewing discomfort. People less affected by COVID-19 in their daily lives were more likely to have good subjective oral health. Subjective oral health status was more likely to be good in those who had increased physical activity, did not consume instant food, smoked less, and were vaccinated against COVID-19. Those who were concerned about being infected, concerned about being criticized, and worried about economic damage due to COVID-19 were more likely to experience chewing discomfort. People with decreased physical activity, increased instant food consumption, and increased alcohol drinking and smoking due to COVID-19 were more likely to experience chewing discomfort. Our findings suggested that COVID-19-related characteristics were associated with oral health status.
Mohd Isa D, Majid HA, Hairi FM
… +9 more, Harun Z, You YX, Abdul Manaf Z, Yook Chin C, Haron H, Michael V, He F, Brown M, Shahar S
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39668727
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Excessive salt or sodium intake is strongly linked to increased blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the views of key stakeholders on salt in...Excessive salt or sodium intake is strongly linked to increased blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the views of key stakeholders on salt intake reduction and barriers as well as facilitators to reducing salt intake in Malaysian schools. The stakeholders in this study were school administrators, food operators, and consumers. Their views were determined using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and data collected were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Salient barriers identified in this study were a lack of knowledge pertaining to salt intake reduction and foods sold outside the school. Meanwhile, key facilitators of salt reduction included few strategies such as public health campaigns, priority toward salt reduction policies, and school-based education programs, alongside support from other relevant stakeholders. Overall, the barriers and facilitators signal the need for implementing salt reduction programs and the collaborative efforts of different stakeholders.
Fergus DN, Chen YH, Chuang YC
… +2 more, Ma AS, Chuang KY
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39635944
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To determine if gender impacts associations between social relationships, socioeconomic, health, and behavioral factors with resilience among older Taiwanese adults. The data were obtained from a National Mental Health S...To determine if gender impacts associations between social relationships, socioeconomic, health, and behavioral factors with resilience among older Taiwanese adults. The data were obtained from a National Mental Health Survey conducted in Taiwan. The sample was created using multistage proportional probability. A questionnaire was used to interview participants at their homes. Study participants were ≥65 years. Predictor variables and the outcome, resilience, were clearly defined followed by statistical analysis. High- and low-resilience outcomes of older adults were determined based on the median value of the Friborg's Resilience Scale. An independent-sample test, χ, and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine predictors for resilience which were then stratified by gender. Older women were less likely to be resilient than older men. Social relationships, socioeconomic, health, and behavioral factors had both similar and differential impacts on resilience when stratified for gender. The relationships between gender, socioeconomics, health, and social and behavioral factors with resilience provide unique insights into how culture shapes trends in data.