Binge drinking is a widespread health compromising behaviour among adolescents and young adults and is one of the leading causes of mortality and injuries among this population. The definitions and measurement methods of binge drinking are heterogeneous but constitute a crucial component in the literature on associated factors related to binge drinking. This study focused on how binge drinking is defined and measured in the literature exploring its associated risk factors among adolescents and young adults. The databases PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and Social Care were searched for articles published between 1 January 2006 and 30 April 2020 using 3 concepts: binge drinking; risk or protective factors; and adolescents/young adults with respective key words. Data were extracted on the main characteristics of studies and the parameters of binge drinking measurements. 173 studies were included, mostly cross-sectional (61 %) and longitudinal (38 %). Only 23 % of the studies explicitly referred to a standardised definition of binge drinking even though 76 % of the studies used a consensual threshold of 5 drinks or more for men. A lower threshold for women was applied in 26 % of the studies. Recall periods ranged between 2 weeks and 1 year in 85 % of the studies and only 16 % presented binge drinking in terms of frequency and/or quantity of drinks. Our results highlight the heterogeneity in the definitions and measurements of binge drinking, raising concerns for meaningful comparisons between studies focused on factors associated with the behaviour. The scientific community needs to be aware of these variations and address the gap of poor stratification and inconsistencies in binge drinking reporting.

Mental health disorders have a high prevalence in Latin America (LATAM), with an estimated 6.7% of the population suffering from anxiety and 4% from depression. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have been implemented to address these issues. However, there has yet to be a clear picture of these interventions in the region. This scoping review aims to analyze DMHIs’ characteristics and the barriers and facilitators for their implementation in five LATAM countries (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru). To achieve this goal, four databases (PubMed, APA PsycNet, Scielo, and LILACS) were searched using relevant search terms in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. A total of 484 references were identified and narrowed down to 15 articles included in the final analysis. The studies mostly consisted of RCTs and mixed-methods studies. Most of the DMHIs were designed for individuals, with a focus on targeted communication and personal health tracking. Interventions targeting healthcare professionals were less common, primarily focusing on decisional support. The most prominent barriers to the successful implementation of DMHIs included insufficient healthcare professional training (40%) and resistance from clinicians and organizational culture (40%), while common facilitators included easy access to the interventions (46.7%) and increased training and support for clinical teams (46.7%). Positive outcomes were reported in terms of both effectiveness (33.3%), with many interventions showing results equal to or better than traditional methods (33.3%), and patient satisfaction (33.3%).

Reports focusing on drug detention centres in Cambodia have predominantly been concerned with documenting conditions and human rights abuses in the government centres, while highlighting the failure of the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) to adopt a human rights and public health-based approach to substance use issues. They have not focused as extensively on the underlying institutional, legal and regulatory reasons that help explain, though not justify, the RGC's law-enforcement-based approach to illicit substance use in Cambodia. Therefore, this policy analysis examines Cambodia's legal and regulatory set-up, in particular how the criminal provisions of the laws governing substance use combined with the administrative mechanisms in place shape the county's drug-related practices. This paper is based on a wide-ranging literature review of primary legislative and interpretive material; international human rights, public health and drug control instruments; research papers and international reports from multilateral agencies, international non-governmental organisations, civil society and academic experts. Qualitative interviews were also carried out with key international agency, national and international NGO officers. By examining the Law on the Control of Drugs (2012), the RGC's main law covering substance use, as well as relevant administrative provisions, it becomes apparent that there are two parallel systems in place for sending people to drug detention centres in Cambodia: one based on criminal law and the other through an 'alternative' administrative avenue. This division constitutes a structural fragmentation, or two 'parallel tracks', that provide law enforcement and other relevant RGC agencies with a wide sphere of discretion for how to address drug-related issues. The result is an enhanced risk of serious human rights violations for people who use drugs in Cambodia.

Alcohol, tobacco, and drug misuse continue to rise globally, with adolescents at particular risk. In response, school-based prevention programs have been widely implemented, yet their efficacy and long-term impact remain under-discussed. This scoping review synthesised evidence on the effectiveness of three commonly used programs (Preventure, Unplugged, and IPSYcare) in Europe. A search of four databases (PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, and Web of Science) identified 21 peer-reviewed articles published between 2008 and 2023, spanning 12 European countries. Unplugged was most frequently evaluated (10 studies), followed by Preventure (6 studies) and IPSYcare (5 studies). Findings showed that Preventure yielded mixed outcomes, delaying binge drinking and reducing substance use among high-risk groups but with limited generalisability. Unplugged was associated with reductions in cannabis use and heavy drinking at 15 months post-intervention. IPSYcare demonstrated longer-term benefits, including improved school connectedness and reductions in alcohol and tobacco use. Results suggest that while standardised programs such as Unplugged enable scalability, contextual adaptations may enhance effectiveness, and tailored approaches are valuable for high-risk populations. Overall, the programs show potential, but variability indicate the need for further longitudinal and qualitative research in order to improve program delivery and sustain long-term impacts.

This paper addresses the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination progress in Australia. Globally, Australia was initially praised for its national COVID-19 response, reflecting well with regard to case numbers and mortality rates. However, Australia’s progress with its vaccine rollout has come under scrutiny. When compared globally, it fares very low in terms of the number of vaccine doses administered. This paper discusses the first three months of the vaccination process, and the challenges Australia faced during that time. Through an extensive literature review, data was collected on relevant topics concerning all aspects of the Australian COVID-19 situation. The following key points are discussed: the specific COVID-19 organisation at the federal vs. the state government levels, the Australian economy, the vaccine supply strategy, and the vaccine priority roll out. In conclusion, we highlight the impact of Australia initially relying heavily on the AstraZeneca vaccine, which subsequently came under fire regarding safety issues likely linking the vaccine to thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).

In an era where information is readily accessible, the dissemination of accurate and reliable health information is crucial for public health promotion. This scoping review explores the impacts of misinformation and disinformation variables on the implementation of nutritional health strategies. It also examines how the design and delivery of these strategies may contribute to the emergence of misinformation. By synthesizing insights from existing literature, this review highlights effective approaches and identifies research limitations to propose actionable recommendations for further investigation. A systematic search on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science identified fourteen studies published between 2014 and 2024. These fourteen studies focused on various health strategies implemented across different media and in several formats to improve public knowledge and behavior regarding nutrition. Key findings included the role of misinformation variables in shaping public perceptions, the importance of cultural adaptation in health strategies, and the effectiveness of tools, such as e-health communication platforms. This review underscores the necessity for evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and accessible health promotion strategies to counter misinformation and foster informed nutritional practices. Further research is needed to address gaps in demographic representation, user engagement, and the long-term impacts of these strategies.