Takehara S, Karawekpanyawong R, Okubo H
… +7 more, Tun TZ, Ramadhani A, Chairunisa F, Tanaka A, Vichayanrat T, Wright FAC, Ogawa H
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39610351
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Japan initiated a nationwide oral health promotion movement called the 8020 Campaign in 1989, which promoted oral health via a positive message: let's keep at least 20 teeth when we reach the age of 80. This study aimed...Japan initiated a nationwide oral health promotion movement called the 8020 Campaign in 1989, which promoted oral health via a positive message: let's keep at least 20 teeth when we reach the age of 80. This study aimed to understand Japan's 8020 Campaign in terms of its content, actors, processes, and context. This study used qualitative data collection methods consisting of a literature review and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). The data were analyzed using the health policy triangle framework. The results showed that the 8020 Campaign promoted oral health for individuals of all ages using a life-course approach and followed the Ottawa Charter framework for its core activities. The major facilitating factors suggested were stable financial support, initiatives led by local governments, the enactment of oral health laws and ordinances, the establishment of the 8020 Promotion Foundation, and increased attention focused on preventive approaches to oral health in Japan.
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39610344
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The past decade has seen a rapidly changing landscape in priority areas for public health globally and, as such, across the teaching and learning curriculum for tertiary education in health sciences. The nature of some o...The past decade has seen a rapidly changing landscape in priority areas for public health globally and, as such, across the teaching and learning curriculum for tertiary education in health sciences. The nature of some of these changes has led to pedagogical challenges in higher education that require transformative, interactive, and virtual modes of delivery and knowledge facilitation not previously seen. The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, increasing health disparities, and a shift to a focus on noncommunicable diseases has merged with the changing nature of social, cultural, and technological preferences of the generations living through such times to see an increasing need in more viable teaching solutions for these "wicked problems." This article outlined key innovations empirically demonstrated to meet these challenges through nuanced responses to increasingly disrupted approaches to linear delivery of content and a shift toward bite-sized, interactive, reflexive modes of achieving learning objectives.
Low J, Nishikawa Y, Takahashi Y
… +4 more, Toyama M, Fisher CM, Low WY, Nakayama T
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39605276
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Significant sociocultural barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information influence what is acceptable to discuss and learn within the Malaysian community. To address gaps in their knowledge, adolescents rou...Significant sociocultural barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information influence what is acceptable to discuss and learn within the Malaysian community. To address gaps in their knowledge, adolescents routinely turn to the Internet. This study identified the ways they navigate SRH information found online. One-on-one interviews were conducted with 17 Malaysian adolescents. The data were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. Participants navigate SRH information using intuitive strategies, known locally as This important cultural concept involves balancing between adherence to social norms and resourcefulness in problem-solving. strategies were observed in three domains: (1) navigating SRH sources, (2) evaluating and verifying SRH information, and (3) processing SRH information. Malaysian adolescents' strategies for evaluating SRH information extend beyond traditional critical evaluation models and are driven by emotional, social, and cultural criteria, requiring a reconsideration of what constitutes critical evaluation in this context.
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39545483
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With a significant proportion of the population facing considerable deficits in access to health care and financial protection, progress toward universal health coverage (UHC) continues to be a challenge in South Asia. T...With a significant proportion of the population facing considerable deficits in access to health care and financial protection, progress toward universal health coverage (UHC) continues to be a challenge in South Asia. The objective of this scoping review is to examine the challenges and opportunities for UHC in South Asia. We used the six-stage Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework for investigation and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for Scoping Reviews checklist to structure and report the review. A systematic search retrieved 2776 records from three databases and 13 gray literature sources, of which 27 records were reviewed. Frequently emerging challenges include underfunding of the health system, the nascent stage or inadequate coverage of the social protection or insurance system, fragmentation in the health system, the inability to effectively regulate the private sector, a health system that is unprepared to effectively address non-communicable diseases, and concerns about the quality of and equality of access to health care. While a diversity of challenges, mostly driven by the country-specific context, continue to falter progress toward UHC in the South Asia region, several consistent themes emerge. Considering this as an initial attempt to map the existing literature, we recommend future research to examine how the challenges and priorities evolve over time.
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39520114
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This study aimed to investigate the impact of subjective socioeconomic status (SES) and job satisfaction on psychological symptoms of economically active people with disabilities. Data from the Korean Panel Survey of Emp...This study aimed to investigate the impact of subjective socioeconomic status (SES) and job satisfaction on psychological symptoms of economically active people with disabilities. Data from the Korean Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled (PSED) from 2016 to 2018 were assessed using a longitudinal analysis. A total of 1591 individuals were included as the study population. To explore the impact of subjective SES and job satisfaction on psychological symptoms, a generalized estimating equation model was applied. People who were dissatisfied with their jobs and perceived themselves to have a low SES were 1.73 times more likely to have stress. Likewise, people with low job satisfaction and low subjective SES were 3.83 times more likely to have depressive symptoms, and even if subjective SES was high, those dissatisfied with their jobs were 4.24 times more likely to develop depressive symptoms. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that subjective SES had a greater influence on the psychological health of the economically active disabled population. These results highlight the importance of considering a disabled person's subjective socioeconomic factors and suggest ways to help them achieve a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Tassanapong N, Valenzuela Torres O, Myat Thwin K
… +1 more, Ogawa H
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39480151
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This study aimed to investigate and compare the psychosocial and oral health factors among Myanmar older adults with and without a history of COVID-19 infection and assessed the association between psychological factors...This study aimed to investigate and compare the psychosocial and oral health factors among Myanmar older adults with and without a history of COVID-19 infection and assessed the association between psychological factors and oral health outcomes among those with a history of COVID-19 infection. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 participants in Yangon from 2023 to 2024 using face-to-face interviews and clinical oral examinations. Participants with a history of COVID-19 infection experienced greater psychological distress and poorer oral health outcomes than those without such a history. In those who contracted COVID-19, depression positively associated with decayed teeth; decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT); and oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14), whereas negatively associated with present teeth. Anxiety positively related to decayed teeth, DMFT, and periodontal pockets. Stress negatively associated with decayed teeth, but positively with OHIP-14. Implementing oral health promotion programs and providing mental support for this vulnerable population are essential to improve their oral health and well-being.
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39480150
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Informal caregiving can impair caregivers' subjective well-being. However, this issue has been overlooked among young adults. We examined the association between informal caregiving and subjective well-being among young...Informal caregiving can impair caregivers' subjective well-being. However, this issue has been overlooked among young adults. We examined the association between informal caregiving and subjective well-being among young adults in Japan. This cross-sectional study included 3496 individuals aged 18 to 29 years who participated in the Survey on Satisfaction and Quality of Life, a nationwide online survey by the Cabinet Office of Japan, between 2019 and 2020. Three aspects of subjective well-being were evaluated: life satisfaction, social relationship satisfaction, and health status satisfaction. Participants were divided into three groups based on their engagement in caregiving: "non-caregiver," "potential caregiver" (having a family member who needs care but the participants were not engaged in caregiving), and "caregiver." Consequently, 283 (8.1%) participants were potential caregivers and 53 (1.5%) were caregivers. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that compared with non-caregivers, caregivers exhibited significantly lower satisfaction with social relationships and health status, but not life satisfaction. These findings suggest psychosocial disadvantages for young adult caregivers, highlighting the importance of support for them.
Ratsavong K, Essink DR, Vonglokham M
… +5 more, Kounnavong S, Sayasone S, Aekplakorn W, Worawichawong S, Wright EP
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39480141
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This study aimed to determine the potential predictive value of four noninvasive anthropometric indices in screening for the risk of diabetes and hypertension in the Lao population. The data used for this study were coll...This study aimed to determine the potential predictive value of four noninvasive anthropometric indices in screening for the risk of diabetes and hypertension in the Lao population. The data used for this study were collected as part of the National Health Survey which used the World Health Organization's stepwise approach, covered 17 provinces and Vientiane capital, and had a representative sample of 3240 participants above 18 years old. Among the anthropometry indices tested, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) had the highest predictive power for the prevalence of diabetes (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.73) and hypertension (AUC = 0.70). It is suitable for use in urban or rural areas and for fieldwork. The WHtR can serve as a public health and clinical screening tool, as there are no differences between sexes, ages, and ethnicities when monitoring diabetes and hypertension risk in Lao PDR, using the optimal cutoff point of 0.5 for both diabetes and hypertension.
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39480126
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A nomogram provides a novel solution for assessing the risks of type 2 diabetes among teachers. This is particularly effective when the nomogram incorporates the Healthy Lifestyle Index (HLI) and relevant predictors. In...A nomogram provides a novel solution for assessing the risks of type 2 diabetes among teachers. This is particularly effective when the nomogram incorporates the Healthy Lifestyle Index (HLI) and relevant predictors. In this study, we followed up with a group of teachers from the CLUSTer cohort using RedCap and linked it with the Malaysian National Diabetes Registry. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine the predictors associated with T2DM risk in teachers during the follow-up period. We translated our findings into an online interactive nomogram. A total of 3477 teachers were included in the study, of whom 697 (20.0%) were ultimately diagnosed with T2DM. The Cox regression model revealed that HLI and 11 other predictors were significantly associated with diabetes risks among teachers. A nomogram that predicted the risks of T2DM at five, seven, and nine years was developed. Of the 12 predictors, age, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and HLI contributed the most to the total score. Combining the HLI with other predictors in a nomogram allows teachers to assess their T2DM risks and take action to prevent the development of T2DM.
Chiew CL, Mat S, Kamaruzzaman SB
… +2 more, Chin AV, Tan MP
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39473239
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This study explored the longitudinal relationship between the presence of knee pain and knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms with risk of sarcopenia, hospitalization, and mortality. Data from Malaysian Elders Longitudinal R...This study explored the longitudinal relationship between the presence of knee pain and knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms with risk of sarcopenia, hospitalization, and mortality. Data from Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) study was utilized. The presence of knee pain and knee OA symptoms was determined at baseline between 2013 and 2015, whereas sarcopenia was determined in 2019 using SARC-F with telephone interviews. Hospitalization status was identified by asking participants "Have you been admitted to hospital since you enrolled into the MELoR study?" Death Registry data were obtained from the National Registry Department. Data from 577 individuals, mean age (SD) = 68.214 (7.095), range = 54 to 97 years, and 55.5% women at baseline, were included. Knee pain and knee OA symptoms were associated with increased risk of probable sarcopenia at follow-up, odds ratios (95% confidence interval) =2.71 [1.61, 4.58] and 2.73 [1.59, 4.71], respectively, after adjustment for confounders. Knee pain and knee OA symptoms were not associated with hospitalization and mortality. Knee pain and knee OA symptoms were associated with increased risk of probable sarcopenia at five-year follow-up in an urban older population in Kuala Lumpur. Future studies should seek to identify modifiable risk factors for the development of sarcopenia in individuals with knee OA.
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39460589
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Culturally appropriate research frameworks are needed for investigating Pacific well-being. This study expanded on existing Pacific methodologies and presented a well-being research framework by studying the Niue communi...Culturally appropriate research frameworks are needed for investigating Pacific well-being. This study expanded on existing Pacific methodologies and presented a well-being research framework by studying the Niue community. Traditional storytelling or talanoa methodology, referred to as tala in the Niue context, was used to explore and understand the lived experiences of well-being from Niue elders. The elders described traditional activities and objects that are required to sustain well-being, as well as relationships with family, community, and the environment. Three interconnected principles that influence the well-being of the Niue people emerged from the tala, namely, Vahā Loto-Agaaga Ofania (Spirit of Care), Fakafetuiaga (Inclusive Relationship), and Fakamalolo (Empowerment). Using a Niue lens, the key three principles were developed into the Matalili-Aga Gahua (Matalili Wellbeing Framework), based on a circular woven pattern that is distinctive to the Niue culture. The principles of the Matalili Wellbeing Framework are proposed as a guide in future Niue-centered research.