Authors:Manda Novokmet Pages: 15 - 15 Abstract: This artwork aims to visually depict the potential association between thyroid dysfunction and the rapid dietary transition away from a traditional high-iodine diet amongst Greenlandic Inuit. Greenlandic Inuit have historically consumed foods rich in iodine, exceeding recommended levels for daily intake. However this diet has been rapidly outcompeted by a westernized diet low in iodine over recent years. This has resulted in iodine deficiency which can lead to both hypo- and hyperthyroidism. Given this, diagnostic services should be readily accessible across Greenland to mitigate the potential increase in thyroid dysfunction prevalence. This trend towards a westernized diet is not limited to Greenland, and can be seen across the circumpolar north. To visualize this issue, this artwork depicts an Arctic Char, an iodine-rich fish native to the Arctic and consumed in Greenland, contained in a prescription vial. The label on the vial is not without intention - this is a prescription label for levothyroxine, a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4), which is commonly prescribed to treat hypothyroidism. As foods rich in iodine, like this Arctic Char, continue to be replaced by westernized foods, then the need for medications like levothyroxine is subject to change. PubDate: 2023-11-09 Issue No:Vol. 1, No. 8 (2023)
Authors:Alejandra Featherston-Rajcic, Hannah Whitelaw, Michal Leckie Pages: 19 - 23 Abstract: For decades, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) have persisted among the poorest global populations, creating a significant burden on already fragile healthcare systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the complex impact that these diseases have on the well-being of individuals in many low-income countries and thus renewed its efforts in 2007 to garner global support for eliminating NTDs. However, an important question is how this action has shaped NTD research. This scoping review aims to describe how NTD research has changed between 2010 and 2020 to understand if there has been a change in how we study these diseases. It examines articles from the OVID global health database published in 2010, 2015 and 2020 to identify trends in the focus (etiological, intervention, or policy) and geographic location (low-, middle-, or high-income countries) of NTD research. The results identify two key gaps in NTD research: an underrepresentation of first authors affiliated with low- and middle-income countries, and a relative lack of policy-focused research. Thus, we recommend that global health actors continue to improve NTD elimination efforts by increasing policy-focused research and encouraging low-income country authorship. PubDate: 2023-11-09 Issue No:Vol. 1, No. 8 (2023)
Authors:reemal shahbaz Pages: 33 - 37 Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the mental health effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on older adults aged 60 and above living in East York, Toronto, Canada. The inclusion criteria of this research included: individuals aged 60 and above, living in East York, and speaking the English language. Participants were asked questions about their demographics, ethnic background, COVID-19 diagnosis, personality changes before and after the pandemic, social support, and coping strategies during the lockdown. Interviews were conducted from November 2021 to February 2022 and recorded with the participant's consent. Transcripts were obtained using the Zoom platform and later edited manually to ensure verbatim transcription. Transcripts were sent to the research supervisor to discuss and identify the themes of the study. The findings revealed that factors such as social distancing and modified daily activities due to the pandemic like gym closures and job loss resulted in increased anxiety, stress, and depression levels of older adults. The results also demonstrated that interviewees with lower socioeconomic statues and visible minority backgrounds disproportionately experienced depressive symptoms. This study is critical for implementing prevention and intervention strategies geared towards the older population so that there can be more equity-based health policies in place for future global health crises. PubDate: 2023-11-09 Issue No:Vol. 1, No. 8 (2023)
Authors:Jonta Kamara Pages: 38 - 42 Abstract: This article discusses how education impacts health by focusing on how COVID-19 school closures created a learning and health crisis. School closures had varying impacts between and within countries on education and health. PubDate: 2023-11-09 Issue No:Vol. 1, No. 8 (2023)
Authors:Daniel Kim Pages: 43 - 46 Abstract: From a pragmatic perspective, metaphors are an integral device in the shaping of perceived reality and moral understanding. When combined with how language trends in public communication streams play a central role in the framing of pandemics, a clear need for deeper pragmatic analyses of pandemic language hegemonies can be identified. Hence the point of this paper: to wake up the dead metaphors of war used in pandemic discourse. Social studies of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate that significant potential exists for the conventionalization of war metaphors to instigate a "blame game" that degrades local and global social cohesion. Thus, the need for an alternative hegemonic mode of expression to communicate pandemics is emphasized, so to create a narrative that better supports the strengthening of social cohesion on all levels. PubDate: 2023-11-09 Issue No:Vol. 1, No. 8 (2023)
Authors:Tiffany Chen, Christy Gombay Pages: 53 - 56 Abstract: The direct and indirect impact of the pandemic and its mitigation measures have exacerbated the global mental health crisis. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) may have the potential to address health system gaps and global health inequalities in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). This thesis aims to map the current state of DMHIs available in Nigeria and illustrate their progress, limitations, and challenges. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with mental health researchers, healthcare providers, and digital health experts. Data was analyzed using Dedoose via thematic analysis. Advantages of DMHIs include increasing efficiency, accessibility, addressing stigma, and filling the mental health service gap. Disadvantages include skepticism in DMHIs, limitations of applicability, lack of accessibility to internet and technology, lack of sustainability, and lack of infrastructure, funding, and policies. The lessons learned in the Nigerian context can inform the delivery of DMHIs in other low-resource settings. Future research should examine feedback from users and providers of DMHIs to allow for comparative analysis, more conclusive and replicable results to inform DMHI design and implementation. PubDate: 2023-11-09 Issue No:Vol. 1, No. 8 (2023)
Authors:Hassan Masood Pages: 57 - 58 Abstract: This digital artwork is inspired by the importance of mental health. Mental health is often stigmatized and overlooked in some cultures as it is an internal experience which is not visibly apparent to those around us. Our mental and physical health significantly impacts the quality of our lives, which is why we must care for our body, mind, and soul. By having an integrated structure, I portray the presence of support systems and individuals to help improve mental well-being. The medical chart represents the value of healthcare systems, as they strive not only to ensure physical well-being but mental well-being as well. The ladder indicates that achieving good mental health is a step-by-step process, which the healthcare team collaborates to help provide. By providing compassionate care, represented by the heart, the healthcare team and others can help form a support system for promoting good health. Therefore, this artwork as a whole emphasizes the importance of reaching out to others for support when dealing with mental health problems. Mental health awareness is critical for the mental and physical well-being of society. Therefore, educating people on mental health will promote a happier and healthier population. PubDate: 2023-11-09 Issue No:Vol. 1, No. 8 (2023)
Authors:Bhajan Gill Pages: 74 - 79 Abstract: Childhood obesity and diet inadequacies are one of the most serious global health concerns to date, affecting over 340 million children (ages 5-19 years) worldwide. Effective health promotion and preventive measures are needed to address the serious health concerns affecting this population. School-based nutrition interventions (SBNIs) act as a potential avenue to support children's nutrition and life-long healthy habit maintenance by demonstrating nutrition knowledge and techniques to support healthy decision-making. This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of SBNIs on nutrition and healthy habit maintenance for children between the ages of 5-19 years old. Literature was screened using the PubMed electronic database, yielding a total of 23 peer-reviewed articles to be included in this review. These studies highlighted that SBNIs that utilized multi-component approaches, elicited long-term and continuous implementation efforts, communal engagement, and provided educator support and effective resources indicated the highest amount of positive health outcomes and behaviours in children. Future research is needed to further investigate the long-term implementation of SBNIs, and future policies should work towards adopting similar strategies to help promote healthy livelihoods for all children worldwide. PubDate: 2023-11-09 Issue No:Vol. 1, No. 8 (2023)
Authors:Hassan Masood Pages: 80 - 84 Abstract: High rates of HIV susceptibility and consequent infection transmission in Tanzania are associated with barriers to accessing HIV services. The focal goal of this scoping review is to unveil social, religious, economic, and individual barriers to accessing HIV testing and treatment services in Tanzania. Peer-reviewed literature was screened using e-databases, yielding 18 studies that fit the inclusion criteria. The studies found many barriers that influenced Tanzanians' decision to seek testing and treatment services. Scientific literature indicates that diagnosis through testing and following treatment can reduce the risk of HIV transmission and overall prevalence. The barriers in Tanzania were a lack of knowledge about HIV and its treatment benefits, social stigma, and institutional factors. Stigmatization of HIV-positive Tanzanians was the most prominent barrier, leading to fear among other individuals and refusal of testing. As we advance, a more inclusive approach is needed to gather a holistic perspective. Also, empowering the community of Tanzania and raising awareness regarding HIV to promote the uptake of testing and treatment. PubDate: 2023-11-09 Issue No:Vol. 1, No. 8 (2023)
Authors:Manda Novokmet Pages: 85 - 90 Abstract: This systematized review was guided by the PICOT question: For persons experiencing opioid dependence in Canada from 1964-2022, is the administration of OAT associated with a reduced risk of adverse quantitative and qualitative outcomes' Results demonstrated improved self-reported well-being and reduced opioid use, overdose, mortality, hospitalizations, incarceration, and economic costs. Retention was identified as a limiting factor for OAT efficacy with numerous variables impacting retention. Results can be extended to the global health context given Canada’s predictive value as the second leading country in terms of opioid use. This is an abridged version of the full systematized review, which is available upon request. PubDate: 2023-11-09 Issue No:Vol. 1, No. 8 (2023)
Authors:Inara Mawji, Stephanie Grantham Pages: 91 - 93 Abstract: Food security is an important social determinant of health that impacts physical and mental wellbeing. Unfortunately, students are prone to food insecurity due to unique financial constraints. This paper will review factors contributing to food insecurity in students, the impact of food insecurity, and identify potential solutions. PubDate: 2023-11-09 Issue No:Vol. 1, No. 8 (2023)
Authors:Abdullah Zaidi Pages: 101 - 104 Abstract: During a post-conflict era, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has continued to experience alarmingly high rates of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among refugees and internally displaced persons. Unfortunately, due to political instability and corruption among the armed forces, women and children are subject to various atrocities with few options for escape. Recent studies looked at the efficacy of short-term reactive strategies in response to SGBV and addressing the associated ostracism, social stigma, physical and psychological trauma. PubDate: 2023-11-09 Issue No:Vol. 1, No. 8 (2023)
Authors:Aruni Jayatilaka, Ruvini Jayatilaka Pages: 109 - 109 Abstract: In this artwork, we wanted to highlight various social determinants of health and how they influence access to healthcare services. We used a game setting to symbolize how there are obstacles to overcome, as well as tools that will make it easier to reach the end goal. We showed how social determinants can be different obstacles by having the character jump over to avoid or having to jump to reach a pathway towards the end goal. The red shoes and jet pack symbolize that everyone starts at different points – some may have various supports and that will be useful to get access faster or more easily compared to others. The fallen character shows that some will have a difficult time reaching adequate resources to even access healthcare. Finally by having "access to healthcare" as a flag pole, we wanted to show that despite everyone accessing healthcare, people may be able to reach different levels of care depending on their circumstances. PubDate: 2023-11-09 Issue No:Vol. 1, No. 8 (2023)
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