This study investigated the impact of working for public versus private ambulance services in Turkey and elaborated on predictors of mental, physical, and emotional well-being in emergency medical technicians (EMT-Bs). In this observational cross-sectional study, an 81-question self-report survey was used to gather data about employee demographics, socioeconomic status, educational background, working conditions, and occupational health and workplace safety (OHS), followed by the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Work-Related Strain Inventory (WRSI), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) with three subscales: Emotional Exhaustion (MBI-EE), Depersonalization (MBI-DP), and Diminished Personal Accomplishment (MBI-PA). In 2011, 1,038 EMT-Bs worked for publicly operated and 483 EMT-Bs worked for privately owned ambulance services in Istanbul, Turkey, of which 606 (58.4%) and 236 (48.9%) participated in the study (overall participation rate = 55.4%), respectively. On all scales, differences between total mean scores in both sectors were statistically insignificant (p > .05). In the public sector, work locations, false accusations, occupational injuries and diseases, work-related permanent disabilities, and organizational support were found to significantly influence self-reported perceptions of well-being (p < .05). In the private sector, commute time to and from work (p < .05), false accusations (p < .05), vocational training and education (p < .05), informed career choices (p < .05), and work-related permanent disabilities (p < .05) were found to significantly influence self-reported perceptions of well-being. EMT-Bs were asked about aspects of their working lives that need improvement; priority expectations in the public and private sectors were higher earnings (17.5%; 16.7%) and better social opportunities (17.4%; 16.8%). Working conditions, vocational training, and OHS emerged as topics that merit priority attention.

Pandemics threaten lives and economies. This article addresses the global threat of the anticipated overlap of COVID-19 with seasonal-influenza. Scientific evidence based on simulation methodology is presented to reveal the impact of a dual outbreak, with scenarios intended for propagation analysis. This article aims at researchers, clinicians of family medicine, general practice and policy-makers worldwide. The implications for the clinical practice of primary health care are discussed. Current research is an effort to explore new directions in epidemiology and health services delivery. Projections consisted of machine learning, dynamic modelling algorithms and whole simulations. Input data consisted of global indicators of infectious diseases. Four simulations were run for ‘20% versus 60% flu-vaccinated populations’ and ‘10 versus 20 personal contacts’. Outputs consisted of numerical values and mathematical graphs. Outputs consisted of numbers for ‘never infected’, ‘vaccinated’, ‘infected/recovered’, ‘symptomatic/asymptomatic’ and ‘deceased’ individuals. Peaks, percentages, R₀, durations are reported. The best-case scenario was one with a higher flu-vaccination rate and fewer contacts. The reverse generated the worst outcomes, likely to disrupt the provision of vital community services. Both measures were proven effective; however, results demonstrated that ‘increasing flu-vaccination rates’ is a more powerful strategy than ‘limiting social contacts’. Results support two affordable preventive measures: (i) to globally increase influenza-vaccination rates, (ii) to limit the number of personal contacts during outbreaks. The authors endorse changing practices and research incentives towards multidisciplinary collaborations. The urgency of the situation is a call for international health policy to promote interdisciplinary modern technologies in public health engineering.

PLEASE NOTE: Section titles are N/A to article type submitted (Letter to Editor). On a global scale, health care providers and facilities are observed to be increasingly exposed to dangers amidst political instability, siege, war. Public health is indisputably at the forefront of saving lives during military operations. In the current climate of global adversity, public health professionals have the responsibility to be prepared at all times and well-informed when responding to medical conflicts. Complex humanitarian emergencies cause great disruption, disabling, damaging, destroying community well-being. Public health sciences are evidently at the leading edge of health services planning and provision in mass casualty incidents. This article draws attention to the critical and current subject of health care and medical workers under attack in war zones. Criminal violence is against the law and an action that requires punishment. Lawful conduct that is part of a legally legitimate military operation must comply with the fundamental principles that govern armed conflict. It is important not to confuse the two action in terms of clarity and purpose. As for the extremely topical and vital issue, this article calls upon all parties in relevant fields to refresh and update their knowledge of the International Humanitarian Law, the Geneva Conventions and the various additional protocols in relation to current crises. Particular emphasis is placed on alerting national and international audiences at this turning point in history. When health care is faced with war-torn ethical damage, it is incumbent upon every professional to understand the context, to refrain from getting caught up in dilemmas, avoid getting carried away by popular tabloid trends.

Laughter is increasingly acknowledged for its therapeutic potential, offering a noninvasive, cost-effective, and accessible method for enhancing both physical and mental health. Research draws attention to the numerous advantages, including stress relief, immune system improvement, cardiovascular benefits, pain reduction, and mood enhancement. Laughter stimulates immune cells like natural killer cells and T cells, improves endorphin production, lowers cortisol levels, and contributes to resilience in health, disease, overall well-being. Studies show laughter’s effectiveness in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, with significant gains observed in vulnerable groups such as cancer patients and the elderly. Laughter yoga and therapeutic laughter programs promote mental health, demonstrating improved life quality and pain tolerance. Laughter plays an essential role in fostering social unity by strengthening relationships and encouraging cooperation. It has been shown to have positive impact on cognitive functioning, particularly in lowering dementia risk among older adults. Cardiovascular health also benefits from laughter, improving blood circulation and lowering blood pressure. Despite encouraging findings, challenges such as inconsistent intervention methods and limited study quality persist, calling for further research to establish laughter as a reliable therapeutic tool. This review emphasizes the growing evidence supporting laughter’s contribution to comprehensive health, advocating for its broader use in health care and mental health contexts. As a universally accessible, noninvasive treatment, laughter represents a transformative force in public health, enhancing physical health, emotional well-being, social ties, and overall resilience.