Health Promotion International[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
A critical interrogation of the legitimacy of commercial actors in food policy partnerships.
Knai C, Chavez-Ugalde Y, Eastmure E … +4 more , Egan M, Rutter H, Blanchard L, Petticrew M
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 41055894 · Full text
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) between commercial actors and governments or other non-commercial organizations are widely encouraged as a way of achieving a range of policy objectives, including the creation of healt...
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) between commercial actors and governments or other non-commercial organizations are widely encouraged as a way of achieving a range of policy objectives, including the creation of healthier food environments, despite the evidence of their limited effectiveness at doing so. The aims of this qualitative study were to critically interrogate the role and legitimacy of food industry actors as partners in policies to improve the food environment, and to explore related underlying issues that impede the design and implementation of effective policies. Qualitative interviews with 16 academics from 6 countries with expertise on population food policy, including public-private partnerships, to improve the food environment were conducted from January to March 2020. A manual thematic analysis of the data was employed, and theoretical lenses relevant to the commercial determinants of health were applied. Key themes constructed from the data have been conceptualized as 'fault lines', metaphorically used here to indicate underlying issues or factors that cause systemic problems or impede success of public health goals. The reported fault lines are categorized as (i) uninterrogated assumptions that partnership working is effective; (ii) the role of exclusive social networks; (iii) the voluntary nature of partnerships; (iv) data ownership; (v) control of narratives; and (vi) the centrality of political ideology. This paper calls for a systematic and critical interrogation of the mechanisms and extent of commercial actors' involvement in making decisions about healthy diets for the population.
"It's all about the money." Australian women's perspectives about menopause and the commercial determinants of health.
Wood K, McCarthy S, Pitt H … +3 more , Randle M, Arnot G, Thomas S
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 41051430 · Full text
With increased public attention on menopause, researchers have started to investigate the surge of commercial products and services which claim to provide solutions for menopausal symptoms. Few studies have explored the...
With increased public attention on menopause, researchers have started to investigate the surge of commercial products and services which claim to provide solutions for menopausal symptoms. Few studies have explored the views of women about the commercial determinants of menopause. Using an online qualitative survey, this study sought insights from n = 509 Australian women aged 45-64 years about the factors that might influence the use of products and services for menopause, the risks associated with the increased promotion of commercial solutions for menopause, and the role of the pharmaceutical industry in sponsoring menopause-related women's health events. Three themes were constructed using a reflexive approach to thematic analysis. First, women perceived that commercial actors sought to exploit women's concerns to stimulate product demand through catastrophizing menopause, appearing to listen to experiences, and capitalizing on worries about ageing. Second, they stated that marketing, access, and perceived affordability of products and services intersected with lived experiences of menopause to amplify women's vulnerability to commercial tactics. Third, there were mixed views about the roles of the pharmaceutical industry in sponsoring women's health events. These ranged from significant scepticism about the motives of the pharmaceutical industry, to support for initiatives that helped increase information and awareness. This study highlights the risks associated with commercial practices related to menopause. It shows that women themselves are concerned about the exploitation of women's health for profit. It emphasizes the need for increased critical focus on the role of commercial determinants in shaping women's understandings and experiences of menopause.
Beliefs that explain mental health help-seeking intention among older men: a reasoned action approach.
Duthie G, Xu H, Morgan A … +1 more , Reavley N
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 41047512 · Full text
Older men seek help for mental health concerns at almost half the rate of older females. Efforts to motivate older men to seek help through health promotion messaging are an important public health initiative that can co...
Older men seek help for mental health concerns at almost half the rate of older females. Efforts to motivate older men to seek help through health promotion messaging are an important public health initiative that can complement healthcare system changes. Guided by the reasoned action approach, this study aimed to identify the most salient beliefs that shape help-seeking intention among older men by region (i.e. city or rural area) to primarily inform campaign messaging and improve mental health help-seeking among older men. A mixed-methods enquiry was conducted across two samples of older men, comprising open-ended belief elicitation interviews (N1 = 23, M1 age = 74.91) and an online closed-question survey (N2 = 306 participants, M2 age = 75.28). Interviews identified 52 behavioural, normative, and control beliefs. Survey results showed salient beliefs influencing help-seeking intention (range β = 0.42 to β = 0.44), including encouragement from others, gaining new solutions, improved self-understanding, and being listened to and supported when seeking help, representing suitable messaging design candidates. The influence of salient beliefs on intention did not differ by region. The results suggest that health promotion efforts grounded in reasoned action approaches can support the development of tailored interventions to promote help-seeking for poor mental health. However, research is needed to evaluate how to effectively translate salient beliefs into carefully framed mental health messages, aligned with broader healthcare system-level reforms to promote help-seeking among older men.
Healthcare providers' experiences of promoting health literacy in migrant women after pregnancy: a qualitative study.
Jubran Leksell M, Müssener U, André K … +2 more , Henriksson P, Wångdahl J
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 41041891 · Full text
Low health literacy is linked to poorer health outcomes, higher mortality, and reduced quality of life. Forced migrant women may face disrupted health literacy upon arrival, leading to decreased healthcare seeking and de...
Low health literacy is linked to poorer health outcomes, higher mortality, and reduced quality of life. Forced migrant women may face disrupted health literacy upon arrival, leading to decreased healthcare seeking and delayed maternity care. As migrant reproductive health is a key public health priority, it is vital to understand how to effectively deliver postnatal health information. The aim of this study was to explore healthcare providers' experiences of providing health information after pregnancy to women who have migrated to Sweden. A qualitative interview study was conducted, in which purposive sampling was used to recruit twenty healthcare professionals with a variety of occupational backgrounds and expertise. Inclusion criteria included having experience working with migrant women who had given birth. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three main themes were identified in the study. These include building trust and confidence at the organizational level, providing health information in native languages through various settings, and adapting information to the varied needs and circumstances of the target group. Migrant women's health literacy can be improved by fostering trust through continuous, culturally sensitive care that spans pregnancy and the postnatal period. Healthcare providers emphasized the need for personalized support and communication tailored to language, culture, and understanding. Organizational support such as interprofessional collaboration, continuity of care, and use of community-based resources was seen as essential. Providing information in native languages was identified as a key strategy for making health information accessible and actionable.
From policy to plate: stakeholder perspectives on nutrition policy in Australian early childhood education environments.
Aristova A, Spence AC, Irwin C … +1 more , Love P
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 41041890 · Full text
Early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings are pivotal in shaping children's dietary behaviours. While the importance of centre-based nutrition policies (CBNPs) in shaping early childhood nutrition environments i...
Early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings are pivotal in shaping children's dietary behaviours. While the importance of centre-based nutrition policies (CBNPs) in shaping early childhood nutrition environments is well established, little is known about how these policies are interpreted and implemented by those working in the sector. In particular, limited research has explored the perspectives of both service-level (ECEC employees) and agency-level (health/government organization) stakeholders, which are two groups central to supporting and enacting these policies in practice. This study used a qualitative exploratory design to understand stakeholder experiences and perspectives regarding the implementation of CBNPs and the broader challenges in fostering supportive ECEC nutrition environments. Semi-structured Zoom interviews were conducted with 9 ECEC employees and 10 agency-level representatives across 8 Australian jurisdictions. Interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three overarching themes were identified, reflecting how stakeholders understood the importance of CBNPs and what factors they believed were necessary for successful implementation: (i) the need for realistic rather than idealistic policy requirements, (ii) adaptation as a prerequisite for implementation, and (iii) the value of a multi-faceted approach in creating optimal nutrition environments. Findings point to the need for a multi-faceted approach that combines adaptable guidelines with targeted, practical support such as training and resources, tailored to the realities of ECEC settings. Strengthening partnerships between policymakers, educators, families, and health professionals is critical to supporting the sector and developing feasible strategies that enhance CBNP implementation and promote healthy eating among young children.
'I want food to be tasty and healthy': school-children's experiences with nutrition education and messaging.
Quigley F, Lynch L, Price R … +5 more , Hollywood L, Gallagher AM, Mooney E, McCloat A, Moorhead SA
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 41031640 · Full text
Ensuring that children and adolescents receive adequate nutrition is a cornerstone of public health globally, supporting their growth, development, and long-term well-being, but not enough is known about children and ado...
Ensuring that children and adolescents receive adequate nutrition is a cornerstone of public health globally, supporting their growth, development, and long-term well-being, but not enough is known about children and adolescents' perspectives on nutrition. The aim of this study was to obtain the perceptions and attitudes of school-aged children and adolescents (4-18 years) on existing models and approaches to food education and food messages. Data were collected using friendship paired interviews and focus groups from the children and adolescents (n = 70) within Northern Ireland (NI) and Republic of Ireland (ROI) in seven primary and six post-primary schools, which were recruited to reflect different groups in terms of gender, age, region and rural/urban. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) with NVivo supporting the coding and analysis. Three themes were identified, (i) 'Impactful messaging'; (ii) 'Guidance and support', and (iii) 'Improving messaging and education'. This study found that food messaging and delivery needs to be age-appropriate, consistent and accurate from multiple sources to cut through the 'noise' of less healthy food messages. Children and adolescents want increased voice and agency in their food education, as they know what works for them, such as opportunities with peers and social media. By using co-design methodologies, food education can be better aligned with their needs and interests. Striking the right balance between 'tasty' and 'healthy' is a clear recommendation from children and adolescents to rethink their involvement in food education.
Tobacco and nicotine population health planning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population growth.
Telford RM, Lovett R, Heris C … +4 more , Whop LJ, Kennedy M, Chamberlain C, Maddox R
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 41027599 · Full text
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population growth has important implications for tobacco and nicotine health planning. Using the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) DataLab, we examined weighted estimates of the...
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population growth has important implications for tobacco and nicotine health planning. Using the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) DataLab, we examined weighted estimates of the absolute number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 18 years and over, drawing on the 2012-13 and 2018-19 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Surveys. We compared the absolute number of people who currently smoke, stratified by age, state/territory, and sex. There was a 2.5 percentage point decline in smoking prevalence over this period, but the estimated number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults who smoke increased by ∼43 000, reaching 211 000 (95% confidence interval: 199 746-221 616) in 2018. This growth is largely attributable to population increases driven by higher birth rates. Absolute increases in both the number of people who smoked and those who did not smoke varied by age group, jurisdiction, and geography, with the largest increases observed among those aged 55-64 years and in areas experiencing the most rapid population growth. These findings highlight the need for programs, policies, and health services-including tobacco and nicotine resistance measures-to be adequately resourced and responsive to changing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population dynamics. While progress is being made in reducing smoking prevalence, the expanding population means that the total number of people impacted by commerical tobacco remains high. This highlights the need for sustained future-focused planning and investment to eradicate tobacco-related death and disease.
Health literacy strengths and challenges of Australian smokers: a cluster analysis.
Coleman C, Melwani S, Ferguson SG … +1 more , Nash R
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 41024582 · Full text
Smoking tobacco continues to be a leading cause of death and disease. This study aimed to provide health literacy profiles which include strengths and challenges of Australian adults who smoke, to identify their needs an...
Smoking tobacco continues to be a leading cause of death and disease. This study aimed to provide health literacy profiles which include strengths and challenges of Australian adults who smoke, to identify their needs and inform future smoking interventions. We conducted a cross-sectional survey using the Health Literacy Questionnaire to measure and describe the health literacy profiles. A total of 563 Australian adults who smoke completed the questionnaire. Data were analysed using hierarchical cluster analysis with Ward's method for linkage. Ten clusters were identified as the optimal cluster solution. These clusters had distinct health literacy profiles with diverse needs and demographic characteristics. Most participants self-reported strengths in understanding health information well enough to know what to do, but identified challenges in navigating the healthcare system. This cluster analysis revealed that Australian adults who smoke have varying health literacy competencies and needs. These findings can be used to educate stakeholders and to inform tailored interventions to support people who smoke to quit smoking.
The inclusion and impact of digital determinants of health in digital nutrition interventions for adolescents: a systematic review.
Mooney P, Lam LTV, Todd AR … +2 more , Partridge SR, Raeside R
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 41020319 · Full text
Digital determinants of health (DDoH) is an emerging concept that captures domains relating to both digital health adoption and health equity. Digital transformations are reshaping many aspects of healthcare and health p...
Digital determinants of health (DDoH) is an emerging concept that captures domains relating to both digital health adoption and health equity. Digital transformations are reshaping many aspects of healthcare and health promotion, including how adolescent nutrition interventions are developed, delivered and utilized. As digital health interventions expand in popularity, it is crucial that they do not widen existing health disparities. This systematic review aimed to evaluate whether the DDoH are addressed in the development or delivery of digital nutrition interventions for adolescents, and whether this impacts access or use of these interventions to influence nutrition outcomes. Ten major electronic databases were searched and dual screened, capturing randomized controlled trials published from 2005 that aimed to improve nutrition outcomes through digital health interventions among adolescents 10-19 years. Primary outcome was objective or self-report change in nutrition intake or behaviours. DDoH assessment criteria were developed against nine pre-established dimensions. Study and intervention characteristics including information aligning with DDoH assessment criteria were extracted, and data synthesized in narrative format. Twenty articles representing 19 unique studies (13 246 participants) were identified, with 84% of studies conducted in high-income countries. All studies delivered interventions through mobile phone or computers and addressed at least one DDoH criteria. Affordability (100%) and usability (42%) were the most common DDoH criteria addressed. No studies successfully addressed all DDoH criteria. Therefore, we were unable to assess impact of addressing DDoH on adolescent nutrition outcomes. Overall, DDoH were inadequately addressed or reported in the development of digital nutrition interventions targeting adolescents.
The practice of public health coordination in Sweden: roles, responsibilities, and realities.
Norvell Gustavsson I, Jonsson F
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 41020318 · Full text
In response to increasingly complex and cross-sectoral public health challenges, coordination has emerged as a key strategy for aligning efforts across fragmented systems. However, despite its widespread endorsement, coo...
In response to increasingly complex and cross-sectoral public health challenges, coordination has emerged as a key strategy for aligning efforts across fragmented systems. However, despite its widespread endorsement, coordination remains conceptually ambiguous and difficult to operationalise in practice. This qualitative study explores how public health coordination is enacted at the local level in Sweden, where municipalities employ public health coordinators to promote population health and reduce inequalities. Semi-structured interviews with 21 public health coordinators across diverse Swedish municipalities were conducted and through an inductive thematic analysis four key themes were developed: driving targeted efforts and holding processes together; connecting activities to policy goals through purposeful planning; creating conditions for collaboration by engaging relevant stakeholders; and building a knowledge support function through acquiring and sharing new knowledge. The findings reveal that coordination is a dynamic and adaptive function requiring strategic thinking, relational skills, and contextual sensitivity. Effective coordination depends not only on individual competencies, such as communicative, diplomatic, and administrative abilities but also on structural conditions, including political mandates, formalised goals, and sufficient time and resources. Coordinators often operate without formal authority, relying on trust and leadership support to navigate complex and shifting responsibilities. The study concludes that coordination is essential for enabling collaboration, sustaining public health efforts, and aligning activities with policy goals. It highlights the need for clearer role definitions, supportive frameworks, and further research into how coordination contributes to long-term public health outcomes across different domains and local contexts.
The impact of a gender transformative school-based suicide prevention workshop in Australia: adolescent boys' perspectives.
Meads D, Lawrence KA, Melvin G … +3 more , Clark A, Chondros P, King K
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 41020317 · Full text
Elevated suicide rates among adolescent boys in Australia reflect a critical need to address restrictive masculine norms that hinder help-seeking. Tomorrow Man's 'Breaking the Man Code' workshop-a school-based gender tra...
Elevated suicide rates among adolescent boys in Australia reflect a critical need to address restrictive masculine norms that hinder help-seeking. Tomorrow Man's 'Breaking the Man Code' workshop-a school-based gender transformative programme-aims to increase authentic self-expression and meaningful dialogue among adolescent boys. Evidence of the impacts of gender transformative programmes is limited. Within a cluster randomized trial, 183 boys (Years 10 upwards) from 11 Australian schools completed open-ended survey questions about their experiences of the 'Breaking the Man Code' workshop and its perceived impact on help-seeking with friends and family. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were developed: (i) the workshop normalized struggle and strengthened connection, creating a safe space for self-expression and peer connection; (ii) defining the 'man code' postworkshop: many participants expressed desires for increased self-expression and to support others; and (iii) talking openly with friends and family postworkshop. Greater relational impacts were described with friends, including increased compassion, trust, connection, and use of active listening skills. Perspectives within themes varied: while many discussed positive attitudinal and behavioural change, others reported no changes. The lack of reported change was largely attributed to pre-existing open communication practices; others gave no explanation; some noted difficulties implementing changes. Future research should further explore varied impacts among diverse boys. Analysis suggests that many adolescent boys in this sample desired and perceived that they could shift towards a positive masculinity characterized by deeper social connections, providing examples of this change within their relationships with friends and family postworkshop.
'Just normal', 'calming' and 'well looked after': a qualitative exploration of adolescents' constructions of active mobility and place in Australia.
Whitley H, Sahlqvist S, Calder-Dawe O … +2 more , Timperio A, Veitch J
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 41017444 · Full text
The active mobility experiences of adolescents intersect with those of younger children and older youth in many ways. However, existing research informing health promotion is limited in its exploration of the distinct fe...
The active mobility experiences of adolescents intersect with those of younger children and older youth in many ways. However, existing research informing health promotion is limited in its exploration of the distinct features that differentiate adolescent active mobilities and the differences within adolescence. Drawing on interviews and audio-recorded walking tours with 12 adolescents aged between 12 and 15 from urban areas of Australia, this paper examines adolescents' constructions of active mobility and place in their local areas. We adopted a constructionist epistemological approach and conducted a reflexive thematic analysis of adolescents' accounts. Our analysis suggests that adolescents construct mobility as an everyday, utilitarian practice, and understand clean, well-maintained places to constitute a 'good' neighbourhood. Unlike younger children, our analysis illustrates how urban risk was also constructed as an everyday aspect of mobility that adolescents could navigate with little effort. Mobility as offering connection (both socially and to self) was also a key theme generated by our analysis as a potentially distinct aspect of local active mobilities during the adolescencent years. Based on this, we recommend further critical enquiry into opportunities for enhancing connection in mobility among adolescents from diverse population groups.
Towards a digital planetary health perspective: generative AI and the digital determinants of health.
Lupton D
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 41001915 · Full text
The digital determinants of health have recently attracted attention in the medical and public health literature, but the environmental aspects of these determinants have rarely been considered. This Perspectives article...
The digital determinants of health have recently attracted attention in the medical and public health literature, but the environmental aspects of these determinants have rarely been considered. This Perspectives article calls for applying a planetary health lens to the digital determinants of health, with a focus on the impacts of novel generative AI technologies on the natural world. The argument is founded on the principle that human and planetary health are intertwined and that digital technologies such as generative AI affect the health of both humans and the other living things in ecosystems. The article discusses proposals of how generative AI tools can contribute to action on the climate, loss of biodiversity and pollution crises but also highlights how the expansion of generative AI infrastructure and operation has exacerbated the problems of e-waste, greenhouse gas emissions and major burdens on energy and water resources. It is argued that for progress to be made in improving human and planetary health, those working in health promotion and other public health domains must acknowledge that human and planetary health are interdependent, so that we can refer to the 'digital determinants of human and planetary health'. The article highlights this interdependence and the importance of fighting for multispecies justice and the rights of nature to promote the mutual flourishing of humans and the natural world. Actions are proposed that can be taken at the organization and community level to make visible and counter the impacts of generative AI on human and planetary health.
Understanding how leadership experience affects the educational attainment, employability, and wholistic wellness of Indigenous youth in Canada: a qualitative study.
Tiernan K, Montemurro G, Ferguson LJ … +2 more , McHugh TL, Storey K
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 40998748 · Full text
The Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program (IYMP) is a youth-centred, community-based programme that fosters wholistic wellness and mino-pimâtisiwin ('the good life' in Cree) within Indigenous communities across Canada. IYM...
The Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program (IYMP) is a youth-centred, community-based programme that fosters wholistic wellness and mino-pimâtisiwin ('the good life' in Cree) within Indigenous communities across Canada. IYMP uses a communal mentorship model, where Indigenous high school students, supported by programme leaders, facilitate healthy living activities for elementary-aged peers. This culturally grounded setting promotes leadership development, life skills, and community engagement. While youth leadership experience is known to influence education, employment and wellness, the culturally specific impact of IYMP on youth mentors remains underexplored. This study aimed to amplify youth voices to understand youth mentors' perspectives on how leadership experience, through IYMP, impacts their education, employment, and wholistic wellness. Focused ethnography was used as the guiding method. IYMP youth mentors (aged 14-19) were purposively recruited. Talking circles were the primary data generation tool, with 21 participants across three circles (n = 5, n = 10, n = 6). Sessions were held in person, audio-recorded, and transcribed. Unstructured participant observations, documented as field notes, were used to supplement and contextualize the data. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns within the data. Participants reported that leadership experiences enhanced their confidence and communication skills, which made school more enjoyable, improved employability, and impacted their wholistic wellness through healthy behaviours and strong social networks. Earning high school course credits through IYMP was a key motivator, making leadership more accessible and supporting high school completion. IYMP strengthens youth mentors' educational attainment, employability, and wellness by weaving together leadership experiences with the development of communication skills and confidence.
Health promotion in the algorithmic age: recognizing the information environment as a determinant of health.
Purnat TD, Wilhelm E, White BK … +3 more , Okan O, Rosario R, Scales D
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 40990145 · Full text
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Associations of health literacy, diet literacy with disability as mediated by diet quality.
Tran TT, Tran TV, Nguyen NTM … +9 more , Mon HTU, Le QT, Nguyen DT, Nguyen SP, Nguyen LTP, Nguyen GT, Dang NH, Bui HT, Duong TV
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 40988637 · Publisher ↗
We examined the association of health literacy (HL), digital healthy diet literacy (DDL), and diet quality on disability, and investigated the mediating effect of diet quality on the associations of HL and DDL with disab...
We examined the association of health literacy (HL), digital healthy diet literacy (DDL), and diet quality on disability, and investigated the mediating effect of diet quality on the associations of HL and DDL with disability among community-dwelling elderly individuals. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 839 participants, aged 60-85 years, from January 2023 to April 2024. Data collection includes HL (using the 12-item short form HL questionnaire), DDL (using the 4-item DDL scale), disability (using the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II). A higher HL score indicates greater health literacy, and a lower disability score indicates less disability. Diet quality was assessed using the 11-item Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Quality (DASH-Q) questionnaire. Linear regression models and mediation analysis were used to examine the associations. Higher scores of HL (regression coefficient, B = -0.23; P < .001), DDL (B = -0.08; P < .001), and DASH-Q (B = -0.16; P < .001) were associated with lower disability scores. Importantly, diet quality significantly mediated the associations of HL (indirect effect: B = -0.03; P < .001)) and DDL (indirect effect: B = -0.03; P < .001) with disability. In conclusion, HL, DDL, and diet quality were associated with lowering disability. The mediating effect of diet quality between HL and DDL with disability were identified. These factors should be integrated into strategic interventions to well-being in the elderly in the community.
A co-designed feasibility study to understand the impact of an emergency homelessness housing intervention in Ireland.
Frazer K, Darley A, Bhardwaj N … +3 more , Duffy C, Doyle O, Kroll T
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 40971791 · Full text
Homelessness is a global challenge that impacts many population groups, including adults, families, and children. People become homeless for various reasons, and international data underestimates the prevalence of homele...
Homelessness is a global challenge that impacts many population groups, including adults, families, and children. People become homeless for various reasons, and international data underestimates the prevalence of homelessness. The impact of homelessness on health and wellbeing is well described, including reduced life expectancy and significant morbidity. A lack of housing stock, increased waiting lists, and provision of temporary and emergency accommodation exist globally, with inconsistencies in approach and provision. Limited data are reported on the impact of the living conditions on health and wellbeing for people experiencing homelessness. This feasibility study was co-designed with one charitable partner organization that sought to understand the impact of providing a lower-density accommodation unit at the individual and service levels. The intention was to provide evidence of the impact to enable further funding and development. This paper reports on qualitative interviews with previous residents, service providers, and local key informants to understand the impact and experience of this type of accommodation unit. A workshop was subsequently facilitated to review the data and co-develop recommendations for practice. Ethical approval was provided (2023), and data collection was completed (October 2023 to February 2024). Thematic data analysis of interviews was completed, and four themes were reported: 'Sense of Home Environment', 'Empowerment to Independent Living', 'Building New Identities', and 'Future Planning'. Nine recommendations support the development of service planning and delivery. This study, which assessed the feasibility of a type of accommodation, demonstrates the strengths of using engaged research methods.
Best practice indicators in workplace mental health promotion: development and expert validation.
Montes C, Hernández A, Dopico-Casal C
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 40971790 · Full text
Most of our waking hours are spent in the workplace, where mental health significantly impacts workers' quality of life and overall well-being. Mental health can have both positive and negative consequences not only on t...
Most of our waking hours are spent in the workplace, where mental health significantly impacts workers' quality of life and overall well-being. Mental health can have both positive and negative consequences not only on the working population but also on organizations and society as a whole. In this context, best practices in Workplace Mental Health Promotion (WMHP) are essential for guiding initiatives aimed at fostering mental health in occupational settings. The main objective of this study was to develop and validate best-practice indicators for WMHP. For this purpose, a qualitative empirical design was employed. Drawing on a review of the WMHP literature, a list of potential indicators was generated and subsequently submitted to an expert panel for evaluation. The reliability of the expert judgments was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Content validity was evaluated through the content validity ratio (CVR) and the modified kappa statistic (K*). As a result, 27 validated, evidence-based indicators were obtained, which showed consistency with findings from previous research. These results have important theoretical and practical implications and can inform future research as well as guide practitioners and organizations in the implementation of WMHP practices.
Vietnamese version of the Health Literacy Questionnaire: translation, linguistic validation, and assessment of cross-cultural adaptation.
Doan AT, Nguyen PV, Tran HTB … +5 more , Kongkaew C, Kristina SA, Endarti D, Sriram S, Vo TQ
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 40919738 · Publisher ↗
Health literacy (HL) is a fundamental factor in raising health awareness and self-management, especially in contexts with increasingly complicated health systems. Its accurate and culturally appropriate measurement is ne...
Health literacy (HL) is a fundamental factor in raising health awareness and self-management, especially in contexts with increasingly complicated health systems. Its accurate and culturally appropriate measurement is necessary to support effective medical interventions. Accordingly, we translated the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) into Vietnamese and analysed its psychometric properties on the basis of data derived from respondents who completed the translated instrument. A cross-sectional study was performed with 585 residents (average age = 40.9 (SD = 14.7; youngest = 19 years old, oldest = 81 years old) of Ho Chi Minh City in December 2024. A reliability analysis showed that the Vietnamese HLQ had good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.75 to 0.86). A nine-factor model was constructed using 44 items from the questionnaire, after which it was subjected to confirmatory factor analysis to determine its fit under the assumption that no correlated residuals or cross-loadings exist. The fit indices satisfied the cut-offs [χ2 (weighted least squares mean and variance) (866) = 2545.77, P < 0.001, CFI = 0.931, TLI = 0.924, RMSEA = 0.058, SRMR = 0.053], but the effects are less distinctive with regard to scales 6-9 (e.g. engagement with healthcare providers, understanding of health information). The results provide a solid scientific basis for using the questionnaire in research and practice. Its application is key to improving understanding of and access to community health information.
How big is the medical writing industry? Why it matters.
Bernisson M, Sismondo S
Health Promot Int · 2025 Sep · PMID 40910282 · Full text
Medical writing is a key element in pharmaceutical companies' efforts to shape the relevant medical science literature. As part of what is called 'publication planning', medical writing can influence the knowledge base o...
Medical writing is a key element in pharmaceutical companies' efforts to shape the relevant medical science literature. As part of what is called 'publication planning', medical writing can influence the knowledge base on which prescribers make decisions, and can build specific claims in targeted sales efforts. Most publication planning is done by hired medical education and communication companies (MECCs), with the rest done by other commercial entities, such as units of pharmaceutical companies or of contract research organizations, that provide essentially the same services as MECCs. Here we provide an estimate of the number of MECCs and comparable entities contributing to the medical science literature in English. To identify these companies, we collected data from Web of Science (858 named firms from 20 498 papers mentioning medical writing assistance), LinkedIn (410 company profiles), and Google and DuckDuckGo (68 company websites). After removing duplicates and false positives, we found 1148 MECCs and other comparable entities providing medical writing services. More than 50% of Web of Science papers that acknowledged medical writing support are sponsored by only ten pharmaceutical companies. Most of the remaining papers in our database are sponsored by other pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies. This study likely undercounts MECCs, because it depends on some level of transparency in publications or other leakage of information. Our combining multiple sources for the data should limit the undercount of MECCs. The study does not identify MECCs that work exclusively in languages other than English.
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