Objective: This systematic review examined and synthesized peer-reviewed research studies that reported the process of integrating social determinants of health (SDOH) or social needs screening into electronic health records (EHRs) and the intervention effects in the United States. Methods: Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines, a systematic search of Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials was performed. English language peer-reviewed studies that reported the process of integrating SDOH or social needs screening into EHRs within the U.S. health systems and published between January 2015 and December 2021 were included. The review focused on process measures, social needs changes, health outcomes, and health care cost and utilization. Results: In total, 28 studies were included, and half were randomized controlled trials. The majority of the studies targeted multiple SDOH domains. The interventions vary by the levels of intensity of their approaches and heterogeneities in outcome measures. Most studies (82%, n=23) reported the findings related to the process measures, and nearly half (43%, n=12) reported outcomes related to social needs. By contrast, only 39% (n=11) and 32% (n=9) of the studies reported health outcomes and impact on health care cost and utilization, respectively. Findings on patients' social needs change demonstrated improved access to resources. However, findings were mixed on intervention effects on health and health care cost and utilization. We also identified gaps in implementation challenges to be overcome. Conclusion: Our review supports the current policy efforts to increase U.S. health systems' investment toward directly addressing SDOH. While effective interventions can be more complex or resource intensive than an online referral, health care organizations hoping to achieve health equity and improve population health must commit the effort and investment required to achieve this goal.

Electronic nicotine products (ENPs), also known as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) or vaping products, were first invented by a Chinese pharmacist in 2003, and have now become widely available after two decades across the world [1]. Over this rapid expansion, the product has been aggressively marketed as a smoking cessation aid […]

Background: The rapid global spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has compelled national governments to issue guidance on the use of face masks for members of the general public. To date, no work has assessed how this guidance differs across governments. Objective: This study seeks to contribute to a rational and consistent global response to infectious disease by determining how guidelines differ across nations and regions. Methods: A content analysis of health agency mask guidelines on agency websites was performed in late March 2020 among 25 countries and regions with large numbers of COVID-19 cases. Countries and regions were assigned across the coding team by language proficiency, with Google Translate used as needed. When available, both the original and English language version of guidance were reviewed. Results: All examined countries and regions had some form of guidance online, although detail and clarity differed. Although 9 countries and regions recommended surgical, medical, or unspecified masks in public and poorly ventilated places, 16 recommended against people wearing masks in public. There were 2 countries that explicitly recommended against fabric masks. In addition, 12 failed to outline the minimum basic World Health Organization guidance for masks. Conclusions: Online guidelines for face mask use to prevent COVID-19 in the general public are currently inconsistent across nations and regions, and have been changing often. Efforts to create greater standardization and clarity should be explored in light of the status of COVID-19 as a global pandemic.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been attracting users around the world due in part to appealing flavors. Many countries and regions have now taken action to limit the sales of flavored e-cigarettes. In 2022, China implemented a flavor ban on e-cigarettes, prohibiting all but tobacco-flavor. It is important for international tobacco control efforts to understand responses to the ban by analyzing news media content. Articles identified through keyword searches in the HuiKe newspaper database were qualitatively examined by thematic analysis, focusing on stakeholder reactions and regulatory impacts. Using HuiKe news database and searching between May 1, 2022, and March 1, 2023, 125 news articles were identified and coded using thematic analysis to explore the main stakeholders mentioned in relation to the e-cigarette flavor ban, actions undertaken, and perceptions expressed. Four stakeholders were identified: administrative departments, businesses, users and the public. Eight themes were developed through analysis: the purpose of the prohibition, supervision and penalties for illegal products, approaches adopted for legal sales, approaches adopted for illegal sales, shifting use habits, speculation about the impact of the prohibition, health concerns, and suggestions for reducing illegal sales. The study revealed that enforcement of the policy is portrayed as a significant concern and that controlling the spread of illegal online sales remains a significant challenge. A comprehensive regulatory strategy to address youth e-cigarette use more effectively is urgently needed. Adaptive e-cigarettes control policy should co-evolve with ever-changing industries and markets.

Background: Declining birth rates have become a challenge for many countries around the world. This study aimed to analyze the influencing factors of the sustainable development of the maternity insurance system and find ways to promote higher birth rates. Methods: We used four multi-stakeholder workshops and in-depth interviews to bring together three groups of people: maternity insurance system developers, implementers, and researchers. Then, we analyzed the factors influencing the sustainability of the maternity insurance system using grounded theory. Results: In this study, the most powerful and effective intervention measures for China in the short term include the policy of merging national health insurance with maternity insurance and a dynamic payment rate policy. In the long term, expanding the coverage of the maternity insurance system and improving the management level of the maternity insurance fund are effective intervention measures. Conclusion: This study subdivides the factors influencing the sustainable development of the maternity insurance system, which has certain theoretical significance and can be used as the theoretical basis for quantitative and empirical research model construction in the future.