December 13, 2021
TikTok impacts public health. With over 1 billion users, the social media platform TikTok shares an extensive number of videos on health-related subjects such as COVID-19, mental health, pregnancy and birth control, and nutrition, garnering billions of views. The sharing of medical advice, discussions on sensitive health-related topics, misinformation, and framing of detrimental behaviors, like vaping and alcohol consumption in a positive light are of particular concern. Regardless of the motives of this social media corporation, the platform size, reach, and influence can impact public health and should be explored further. [BMJ Global Health]
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted inequities in the American medical system. Current data suggests that it has morphed into a pandemic of the unvaccinated and is primarily occurring in rural America. Researchers at CDDEP show that the overall mortality rate in rural areas with lower COVID-19 vaccination rates has increased faster than in urban areas. A closer look into individual states shows that disparities in accumulated death within states are even more extensive, warranting public health research into factors to improve vaccination rates in high-risk communities. [CDDEP]
Urgent action needed to reach global malaria targets. According to the latest World Health Organization World Malaria Report, malaria incidence rose to 241 million in 2020 and led to 627,000 deaths. This is a 14 million case increase from 2019, resulting in 69,000 additional deaths. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to carry the heaviest malaria burden, with 80% of deaths being among children under five. Approximately two-thirds of the additional deaths were associated with pandemic-related disruptions to malaria services for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. [World Health Organization]
Gender gaps in cognitive and noncognitive skills exist in Indian adolescents. In a recent study assessing cognitive and non-cognitive gender gaps among adolescents in villages within two patriarchal Indian states, researchers from CDDEP and other US institutions show that boys have considerable advantages over girls. However, elevated socioeconomic status and pro-female gender attitudes were associated with increases in girls’ skills and may be able to eliminate gender gaps for both cognitive and noncognitive skills. [Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization]
Mask distribution and promotion of their use effectively reduces symptomatic COVID-19 infections. Many individuals from low and middle-income countries will not have access to vaccines in the immediate future. A cluster-randomized trial in rural Bangladesh assessed the effectiveness of community-level mask distribution, role modeling, and promotion to reduce the spread of COVID-19 until vaccines become available. These interventions increased both mask-wearing and physical distancing, resulting in less illness, particularly among adults aged 60 and over. Surgical masks were found to be particularly effective in reducing symptomatic COVID-19 infections. [Science]
60% of individuals in Sierra Leone die prematurely, primarily from preventable and treatable causes. In 2019, the estimated life expectancy in Sierra Leone was 54 years. A demographic survey was conducted to determine the early cause of death in this population. Malaria, the leading cause of death, was responsible for 22% of deaths, while other infectious diseases were responsible for 16%. Maternal mortality rates, primarily due to hemorrhage, caused 510 deaths per 100,000 live births. Similarly, child mortality rates, primarily caused by birth asphyxia or trauma, resulted in 31.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. Overall, 50% of deaths occurred in rural areas and at home. [The Lancet Global Health]
The Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine is an optimal bladder cancer treatment. Originally used to protect against tuberculosis, BCG was explored as an immunotherapy treatment until chemotherapy became one of the standard cancer treatment methods. While chemotherapy remains a standard treatment option in oncology, studies have found BCG to be an effective alternative for several cancers and the superior option when treating superficial bladder cancer. Furthermore, BCG immunotherapy can prevent disease progression and mortality, particularly when immune stimulation is maintained. [Vaccine]
Inappropriate antibiotic use in Sudan is associated with sociocultural behaviors. The World Health Organization and Ministry of Health in Sudan developed a theory-based behavior change strategy in Madani, Al Gazira to mitigate the inappropriate use of antibiotics. Antibiotic misuse was related to the prescribing behaviors of healthcare practitioners, as well as pressure from patients demanding antibiotics. Patient and prescriber behaviors were driven by social influences and prescribers lacked knowledge and communication skills to promote appropriate antibiotic use. . [Implementation Science Communication]
No benefits of optimized dosing of vancomycin treatment in infants with Gram-positive sepsis. Vancomycin is the most common antibiotic used to treat neonatal Gram-positive sepsis. An open-label, multicenter, phase 2b, parallel-group, randomized, non-inferiority trial compared the efficacy and toxicity of the standard Vancomycin treatment regimen to a shortened, optimized regimen with a loading dose (initially higher dose at treatment start). However, non-inferiority was not confirmed, and due, to indications of hearing safety issues the optimized treatment was not recommended for use. [The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health]
Long COVID is associated with fatigue, insomnia, and pulmonary issues. Machine learning was used to identify articles related to post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (also known as post-acute COVID-19 syndrome or long COVID). Descriptions of clinical manifestations occurring three weeks or more following acute COVID-19 were recorded to identify the symptomatology of this condition and map it to Human Phenotype Ontology. Long COVID patients were found to commonly report issues like fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety and experience pulmonary and hepatic problems. Fever and gastrointestinal symptoms, like nausea and vomiting, were among the most infrequently reported issues. [EBioMedicine]
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