Public Health Review: International Journal of Public Health Research

The Impact of Air Pollution Controls on Health and Health Inequity Among Middle-Aged and Older-A Cross-Sectional Study

Beatrice Onyinyechi Mkpa — 2025-02-18

Background: Air pollution remains a significant public health concern, particularly affecting middle-aged and older populations. This study investigates the impact of air pollution control measures on health outcomes and health inequities among 5,000 individuals aged 50 and above.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2020 and 2023, analyzing data from urban and suburban areas with and without implemented air pollution controls. Air quality was monitored using EPA stations and portable monitors, measuring PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and O3. Health outcomes were assessed through medical records, standardized questionnaires, clinical examinations, and lung function tests. Socioeconomic status was evaluated using validated instruments, and the effectiveness of control measures was assessed using the Environmental Policy Implementation Index.

Results: Implementation of air pollution controls was associated with significant health improvements across all socioeconomic groups. Areas with controls showed lower mean annual PM2.5 concentrations (15.3 ± 4.2 μg/m³ vs 28.7 ± 6.8 μg/m³, p<0.001) and reduced incidence of respiratory conditions (15.2% vs 28.7% in lower SES groups; 12.1% vs 20.3% in higher SES groups). The Concentration Index improved from 0.48 to 0.32 (p<0.001), indicating reduced health inequities. Industrial controls demonstrated the highest effectiveness (25.9% improvement), followed by emission controls (23.5%) and traffic management measures (18.7%).

Conclusions: Air pollution control measures effectively improve health outcomes among middle-aged and older adults, with varying benefits across socioeconomic groups. While overall health inequities decreased, persistent disparities suggest the need for targeted interventions in disadvantaged communities. These findings support strengthening air quality regulations while emphasizing equity-focused implementation strategies.

Knowledge And Practice On Exclusive Breast Feeding Among The Mother Of Children Aged 0-6 Months In Jamalganj Upazila, Sunamganj, Bangladesh

Manisar Chowdhury — 2025-03-08

Introduction: Breastfeeding is the feeding of babies and young children with its mother’s milk. Breast milk is the natural first food for babies. It is an unparalleled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of babies and young children. Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants.

Methods: The study population of the study were mothers having child aged 0-6 months residing in Jamalganj Upazila, Sunamganj. Total 380 participate included in our study. The sample population will be the mothers with child aged 0-6 months child. The study was conducted over a period of 4 months from November 2018 to February 2019.

Results: Total 384 participate included in our study. Among 28(7.3%) mother belongs to age group 15-19. From this we can say that there is still early marriage in the society and those are giving child birth before 20 years of age. Above 350(91.1%) mother knows about colostrum and 34(8.9%) mother do know about colostrum (n=384). It is a good phenomenon that most of the mother have proper idea about colostrum. Colostrum is said as the first immunization for the newborn. 334(87.0%) mother knows colostrum is good for health, 22(5.7%) mother knows colostrum is bad for health and 34(8.9%) mother don’t know about colostrum (n=384). Shows that 330(85.9%) have knowledge on how long breast milk should be given exclusively and 54(14.1%) of the mother responded negative (n=384). Among 280(72.9%) of the mother knows that the is no water is necessary before six months of age and 104(27.1%) of mother answered positive that water is needed before six months. 358(93.2%) of mother Breastfeed her child within 1 hour after birth while 25(6.8%) of mother didn’t Breastfeed her child within 1 hour after birth. 63(16.4%) of mother fed her child in every 4 hours, 249(64.8%) of mother fed her child in on demand and 21(5.5%) of mother had no fix time to feed her child (n=384). Majority of mother fed her child on demand. Definitely it is a good practice for the mother. Most of the mother get information regarding child feeding from Health Workers. It has positive impact both on maternal and child health.

Conclusions: Breast milk is rich in nutrients and anti-bodies and contains the right quantities of fat, sugar, water and protein. Supply of the proper resources should be uniform. Establishment of infrastructure for safe delivery will reduce maternal and child mortality.

“Effects of COVID-19 on Diabetic Patients and its financial impacts”

Naresh Vashist — 2025-04-16

Background: COVID-19 increases the blood sugar level by developing diabetic ketoacidosis to approximately 40% patients and this virus increases the risk of developing type 1 diabetes In patients. Viral infection increases the production of anti-pancreatic anti -bodies which restrict the production of insulin from beta cells of pancreas and develop insulin dependent diabetes and type 1 diabetes in an individual. Autoimmune process is triggered by the penetration of COVID-19 virus which destruct the islets and beta cells of pancreas. Insulin level is reduced by COVID-19 which contribute to induce diabetes and deteriorate its control in an existing diabetes. Sugar level in the blood is increased by the stress hormone, glucocorticoids which induced by the infection of this virus. Infection of this virus disturb carbohydrate metabolism which increase insulin resistance, leads to increase the sugar level in blood of diabetic patients as well as in normal persons.Deregulation in metabolism and hyperglycemia by long-term COVID-19 infection may lead to general malaise and fatigue. Health sector budget of Himachal Pradesh is Rs. 3,139 crore as compare to the union budget Rs. 89,155, for the financial year 2023-24 whereas combined expenditure on health sector is 1.18%. India is lagging far behind to reach target of expenditure of health budget. ₹ 14,217 crore was spent for COVID-19 emergency response and health system preparedness package and COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare and frontline workers. 18% of total outpatient care and 44% of total inpatient care is encompassed in Indian public health sector.

Objective: Analysis of effects of COVID-19 on diabetic patients and its financial impacts.

Material and Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study is conducted at various institutional levels and by visiting randomly in different selected areas with help of well -developed questionnaire. The research work is conducted by collecting the data of diabetic and diabetic with hypertension patients during COVID-19 in the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Sample size is 947 participants and total investigations done, are 5498.

Results: Total persons investigated are 5498, normal persons are 4551(82.78%), diseased persons with diabetes and other NCDs are 947 (17.22%), out of these 368 are of diabetic and diabetic with hypertension patients and 579 are other NCDs like hypertension. From these 368 diabetic patients, 296 patients show major increase in blood sugar level and 72 patients have minor impact in blood sugar level. Out of these 368 patients, 87 patients show more than 200 mgdl variation in blood sugar level, 115 shows variation from 100-200 mgdL and 94 patients show variation from 50-100 mgdl. and remaining 72 patients have less than 50 mgdl variations. This variation has increased the financial load on the diabetic patients which in average initially was expected as Rs.1,099,125 but it is now raised to Rs. 1,314,568. Total government price for purchase of allopathic medicines for the calendar years 2020-23 for 368 diabetic patients is expected as Rs. 1,099,125/- but it is raised to Rs. 1,314,568 and market price expected as Rs.11,184,358/- but it is raised to Rs. 14,075,112/- and actual expenditure is expected as Rs. 3,089,198/- but it is raised to Rs. 4,989,876/- now. The government cost for traditional medicines for these patients is expected as Rs. 138,448/- but it is raised to Rs. 289,789/-, market price is expected as Rs. 326,737/- but it is raised to Rs. 498,879/- whereas actual expenditure is Rs. 498,879/-. The total actual expenditure is Rs. 5,488,935/- The average cost of treatment for the patients taken for sample is Rs.1329428/-, Rs. 1370678/-, Rs. 1408764, Rs.1379885 and for population of Himachal Pradesh is Rs. 61153688/-, Rs. 63051188, Rs. 64803144, Rs, 63474710, respectively for 2020 to 2023 calendar years.

Conclusion: The cost of treatment for 368 patients of diabetic mellitus [sample size] of modern allopathic medicines has increased from expected expenditure of government price Rs.1099125/- to 1314568/-, market price from Rs. 11184358/- to. Rs,14075112/- and actual expenditure from Rs.3089198/- to 4989876/- and for traditional herbal medicines for government price 138448/- to 326737.-, market price and actual price from Rs. 289789/- to 498879/-. The total expenditure of both the systems has increased from Rs. 3415935/- to 5488755/-

Awareness & Knowledge of Bangladeshi Female Adolescents about HPV and their Attitude towards HPV Vaccination

KM Yasin Al Amin — 2025-05-19

Background: Human Papillomavirus is a major cause of cervical cancer, which is a leading cause of mortality among women worldwide. Despite the availability of the HPV vaccine, awareness and knowledge regarding HPV and its prevention remain low, particularly in developing countries. Understanding the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of female adolescents toward HPV vaccination is essential for improving vaccine uptake and cervical cancer prevention. Objective: This study aims to assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of female adolescents regarding HPV and HPV vaccination in Bangladesh. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the different educational institute & health care facilities of Chandpur Sadar Upazila, Chandpur from April 2024 to March 2025. A total of 300 female adolescents participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, covering socio-demographic details, knowledge of HPV, and attitudes toward vaccination. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results: Among the 300 participants, 40% had heard of HPV, while only 32% knew that it is associated with cervical cancer. Knowledge regarding HPV transmission and prevention was insufficient, with only 25% recognizing vaccination as a preventive measure. Despite this, 70% of participants expressed willingness to receive the HPV vaccine if recommended by healthcare professionals. Major barriers to vaccination included lack of awareness, misconceptions, and parental concerns. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant gap in knowledge regarding HPV and its vaccination among female adolescents in Bangladesh. However, the positive attitude towards vaccination suggests an opportunity for public health initiatives.

Aware Today for a Safe Tomorrow: Understanding Dog Bites as a Public Health Concern

Mamta Verma — 2025-05-16

Introduction: Dog bites are a major global health issue, leading to injuries, infections, and rabies, especially in regions with many stray dogs and limited healthcare. Children are particularly at risk, suffering severe trauma. This scoping review examines the public health challenges of dog bites and emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies, including vaccination, wound care, and community education. Methods: After an extensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Shodhganga, ResearchGate, and Scopus from 2014 to 2024, this article identified and included 30 relevant studies on dog bites, rabies, and preventive measures. Results: Social, cultural, and public health factors influence dog bite incidents significantly. Effective vaccination campaigns, wound care, and community education are essential. Programs like the "One Health" approach and WHO's "Zero by 30" aim to reduce risks through integrated management and vaccination efforts. Conclusion: Reducing dog bites requires coordinated efforts across healthcare, veterinary services, and community engagement. Public education, responsible pet ownership, and strong healthcare infrastructure are crucial for minimizing incidents and rabies deaths.