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Despite growing international consensus on the importance of addressing health inequities, the concept of health equity continues to evolve in its definition, relevance, and application across global contexts. While its prominence in international discourse and strategic frameworks has grown, the ways in which health equity is interpreted, prioritised, and operationalised within health-related organisations remain uneven and insufficiently examined. We conducted a qualitative exploratory study, using in-depth semi-structured interviews with representatives ( n  = 16) from public health authorities, non-governmental organisations, and academic institutions in Switzerland to explore divergent understandings, current initiatives, perceived challenges, and success measures related to health equity. We conducted Thematic Analysis (TA), supported by NVivo software. We identified four overarching themes: conceptual understandings of health equity, framing health equity in organisational discourse and strategy, challenges in operationalising health equity, and strategies to better implement health equity. The main findings reinforce that advancing health equity is not merely a technical challenge but a deeply political and relational one. Shared language should be accompanied by structural alignment; measurement should be enabled by meaningful data; and vision should be grounded in long-term, collaborative practice. Institutions that succeed in health equity do so not because of isolated actions, but because of a consistent, system-wide commitment. Operationalising health equity requires continuous professional reflexivity and strong local networks to address structural barriers and evolving disparities with flexible, ongoing action. In the absence of political continuity, robust metrics, and actionable data, health equity risks tend to be deprioritised. Embedding equity into routine practice and making its impact visible is critical to sustained progress.

Background Patient‐reported Experience (PRE) is an emerging concept integrating patient perspectives and amplifying voices often marginalized in discussions surrounding health systems. However, it remains a challenge to use and integrate PREs when studying patient agency and access to quality services, particularly with data from multiple sources. In this article, using study materials from the Swiss MIWOCA project, we present and reflect upon a multistage PRE approach to study healthcare access. Methods The MIWOCA project, a study on healthcare access and quality among immigrant women with chronic illnesses living in Switzerland, provided data from multiple sources for the integration of PRE data. These sources included interviews with women (n = 48), two focus group discussions with women (n = 15), interviews with service providers (n = 12) and observations from stakeholder dialogues (n = 3). In addition, we utilized field notes, focus group illustration maps, patient vignettes and policy briefs to develop a multistage data linking model. PRE data served as starting themes and reference topics in each of the interlinked stages of knowledge production. Results Deploying PREs, we coherently linked the data from preceding stages and used them to inform subsequent stages. This, in turn, enabled us to identify, reflect and rectify factors limiting immigrant women's agency and access to quality services. Ultimately, the approach engaged patients as knowledge co‐producers for system‐level changes. This knowledge was transformed into a set of practice recommendations and a policy brief addressing ways to improve health systems to better serve immigrant women in Switzerland. Conclusions Building on PREs to systematically combine multiple data sources and engage patients continuously can improve our understanding of barriers in health systems. Beyond individual patient‐doctor encounters, a multistage PRE approach can identify structural problems and provide clues for resolving them at the systems level. The PREs approach presented may serve as an example and encourage more public health experts to consider PREs in future research and practice. Patient and Public Contribution Women with chronic illness and immigration experience contributed to interview‐guideline development, provided PREs in interviews, identified priority areas for health‐service change and actively participated in the development of practice recommendations.

Background Despite the well-researched general effect of physical activity on mental health, less is known about specific effects, such as qualitative and contextual aspects of physical activity. Thus, this review aimed to systematically synthesise evidence on the effects and experiences of different types of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA; e.g., running, fitness, yoga) on distinct positive mental health (PMH) outcomes among adolescents. Methods We searched in seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Web of Science) without language restrictions for records from January 2009 to 16 June 2025. Inclusion criteria were defined according to the PICOS framework: population (adolescents from non-clinical studies); intervention (specific LTPA type); comparisons (with and without comparator); outcomes (measures or experiences of PMH); study designs (longitudinal quantitative and qualitative studies). We appraised included studies using the mixed-methods appraisal tool. Results 44 articles from initial 8,149 records were included. Following a convergent segregated approach, the meta-analyses for synthesising the quantitative studies showed different effects depending on the LTPA type. Additionally, the effects depend on the PMH outcome in focus. We identified four facilitators to promote PMH outcomes from the synthesis of qualitative studies: social facilitators for all types of LTPA and various configurations of other facilitators (mastery-related, setting-related, affective-related) for specific LTPA types. The mixed-methods synthesis shows the interplay between LTPA and PMH outcomes depending on the LTPA type. Conclusions The effects of LTPA on PMH in adolescents depend on the LTPA type and PMH outcome in focus. Perceived facilitators highlight possible explanations for the effects found. By investigating specific LTPA types and different PMH outcomes, ecologically valid implications for specific contexts to foster adolescent mental health may be derived. The limited number of studies per LTPA type, PMH aspect, and study design emphasises the need for more research to derive more specific and robust implications for tailored mental health promotion.

Photovoice helps participants express their perspectives through photography. As a setting for Photovoice, nursing homes represent challenging, yet promising, contexts partly characterized by elements of Goffman’s concept of “total institutions” and more fully characterized as Heinzelmann’s “pseudo-total institutions.” We analyzed Photovoice’s applicability in nursing homes within the context of physical activity promotion research. Our results indicate Photovoice (1) helps overcome fear and builds trust between researchers and participants, (2) requires certain ethical considerations, (3) addresses technical alienation, (4) determines what is relevant from participants’ point of view, and (5) points out the invisibility of significant others. Further, we provide insights for (6) making Photovoice research a priority in organizational routines, (7) contextualizing photographs, and (8) adjusting for COVID19-related methodological challenges. We also discuss our insights for potential adaptations to ensure participant privacy and safety when using Photovoice in pseudo-total institutions, such as nursing homes. Photovoice reveals activity-promoting and activity-impeding factors possibly unrecognized with other research methods, as well as differences in stakeholder perspectives about physical activity.

IntroductionAccountability is a complex idea to unpack and involves different processes in global health practice. Calls for accountability in global health would be better translated to action through a better understanding of the concept and practice of accountability in global health. We sought to analyse accountability processes in practice in global health funding, research collaborations and training.MethodsThis study is a literature review that systematically searched PubMed and Scopus for articles on formal accountability processes in global health. We charted information on processes based on accountability lines (‘who is accountable to whom’) and the outcomes the processes were intended for (‘accountability for what’). We visualised the representation of accountability in the articles by mapping the processes according to their intended outcomes and the levels where processes were implemented.ResultsWe included 53 articles representing a wide range of contexts and identified 19 specific accountability processes for various outcomes in global health funding, research collaborations and training. Target setting and monitoring were the most common accountability processes. Other processes included interinstitutional networks for peer checking, litigation strategies to enforce health-related rights, special bodies that bring actors to account for commitments, self-accountability through internal organisational processes and multipolar accountability involving different types of institutional actors. Our mapping identified gaps at the institutional, interinstitutional and broader system levels where accountability processes could be enhanced.ConclusionTo rebalance power in global health, our review has shown that analysing information on existing accountability processes regarding ‘who is accountable to whom’ and ‘accountability for what’ would be useful to characterise existing lines of accountability and create lines where there are gaps. However, we also suggest that institutional and systems processes for accountability must be accompanied by political engagement to mobilise collective action and create conditions where a culture of accountability thrives in global health.

Background This paper explores the feasibility of establishing a large-scale population-based cohort and biobank in Switzerland by assessing potential participants’ needs, expectations, and concerns about such an infrastructure providing information on health, lifestyle, and exposure trajectories, the development of disease, and risk factors over time. Methods We utilized a scenario-based questionnaire in the Swiss Health Study pilot phase (2020–2021), involving 1349 adults aged 20–69 from the cantons Vaud and Bern. We conducted descriptive statistics supported by R and qualitative content analysis of n  = 374 open responses related to attitudes towards research. Results We highlight the benefits and challenges of the scenario-based approach, discuss the sample represented in the pilot phase, and present implications for building a full cohort. We also report on participants’ attitudes towards and previous experience with health research. We analyze references regarding informed consent and feedback, attitudes towards the Swiss Health Study, and recommendations on improving its scope, design, and instruments. Results indicate a high interest (90%) in participating in a national health study, with 85% of a random population sample willing to join a long-term cohort. Only 43% were familiar with biobanks, and 44% preferred general consent. Trust was high for Swiss-based public research but lower for researchers from other countries or private sector. Over 95% expressed willingness to complete online questionnaires, undergo physical examination, and donate biosamples. Almost all participants wanted to know the outcomes of the medical tests (99.5%) and the exposure to environmental stressors (95%) from their study center visit. Preferred tools for monitoring sleep, physical activity, and diet were known smartphone apps with automatic data management. Conclusion Overall, the study reveals a positive attitude towards personalized health research, with a strong willingness to share data and samples. Key insights focus the meaning of informed consent for participation, the relevance of sampling and representativeness, as well as the significance and challenges of personalized feedback, especially regarding environmental health concerns. Findings emphasize participants’ supportive yet reflexive stances, underscoring the importance of aligning research values with individual values in personalized health research. These insights contribute valuable considerations for refining the scope, design, and instruments of future cohort studies.

Objectives: Primary care and public health comprise the bedrock of health systems, but their divergence has produced two groups of practitioners either focused on individual health or population health. We explored how primary care and public health were integrated in medical students’ training in Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines. Methods: Our qualitative study reviewed community health plans in two municipalities and thematically analyzed the perspectives of medical students, faculty, alumni, and community stakeholders through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Results: Integration began by operationalizing a curriculum requiring medical students to serve rural communities during most of their training—a departure from the conventional, hospital-based medical education in the Philippines. The medical students’ community immersion provided opportunities for integrating primary care and public health activities that influenced their personal orientations and the health situation in communities. Integration continued after training as alumni found themselves serving as primary care and public health practitioners in the region. Conclusion: Social accountability and community-engaged medical education provided the foundation for medical students to integrate primary care and public health in practice to respond to local needs.

Background Since multidimensional barriers challenge nursing homes, a socio-ecological approach is needed for physical activity promotion in this setting. So far, little is known about how such an approach can be transferred into the successful development and implementation of PA-promoting actions together with stakeholders on-site. We aimed to investigate the actions and dimensions of PA-promoting actions and their sustainable implementation. To contribute to closing this gap, we present a 10-step program for co-developing and co-evaluating PA-promoting actions in nursing homes through an integrated counselling approach. Methods We used a multiple case study approach that built upon manifold data sources, collected in 7 nursing homes over 3 years between 2021 and 2023. We collected fieldnotes and photologs from 14 future workshops (2 per home); 7 evaluation workshops (1 per home); 36 individual counsellings (2 sessions per resident), as well as 87 implementation protocols (action type and frequency), 11 evaluation questionnaires (changes among resources, cooperations, and collaborations); 7 goal attainment scales and 18 individual activity schedules. In addition, we retrieved and documented progress information at regular intervals by phone or email. Results With staff, residents, relatives, and volunteers, we co-developed 112 ideas for PA promotion; from which 54 ideas were implemented and integrated into everyday life, differentiated into “activities of daily living,” “structured activities,” and “activity-friendly environments.”; 18 residents in 4 homes participated in individual counselling to develop individual activity schedules. Eighteen actions were rated as “(much) more successful than expected”; 10 “(much) worse than expected,” and 23 “as successful as expected.” Three actions were not evaluated. Discussion The participatory integrated counselling approach led to home-specific actions and promoted implementation into everyday life. The number and dimensions of actions implemented largely depended on the mission and vision of the respective home. The lack of staff could partially be compensated for by involving neighbourhoods, volunteers, and community organisations, such as local clubs. Conclusion To effectively promote PA in nursing homes, a tailored approach considering structural conditions, locations, volunteer engagement, and organisational visions is essential. Long-lasting partnerships and low-threshold opportunities prove promising. Future research should delve into structural-level change processes and outcomes in this context.

Background Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards smoking have been extensively researched across diverse populations with migration experience. The objective of this scoping review was to understand the extent, type, and geographical distribution of the published literature on smoking among people with migration experience across the globe. Methods We conducted a scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Supported by two information specialists, we performed a comprehensive literature search (from 2012- 17 January 2024) in five databases, without language or geographic restrictions. The search yielded 8,400 potentially relevant records after deduplication. After title and abstract screening, 305 full texts were included for descriptive analysis and out of these, 25 that covered all three aspects (knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour) were included for content analysis. Results The review identified a predominance of quantitative studies (87%), with a smaller proportion of qualitative (12%) and mixed-methods studies (2%). Most studies focused on behavioural prevalence related to tobacco and nicotine product consumption, with 72% addressing behaviours specifically, though only a subset (26%) focused directly on tobacco and/or nicotine use among migrants. Geographical analysis revealed that most of the research originated from high-income countries in particular the USA ( n  = 126), Canada ( n  = 32), and Germany ( n  = 20), with notable gaps in regions with significant migrant populations, such as Saudi Arabia ( n  = 1). Among the 25 KAB-focused studies, data collection was based on surveys (52%), interviews (40%), and focus groups (28%). Findings showed varying knowledge of tobacco harms, shaped by socio-economic status, acculturation, and health literacy. Attitudes were influenced by culture and religion, while smoking behaviours were driven by gender, stress, peer influence, and migration-related pressures. Terminology varied across studies, with inconsistent definitions for key terms \"migrants\" and \"immigrants,\" complicating comparisons between populations and countries. Definitions of tobacco products also varied across studies. Conclusions This scoping review reveals significant gaps in research on migrants' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards tobacco and nicotine consumption, including a lack of qualitative studies, inconsistent terminology, and a geographic focus on high-income countries. Addressing these gaps through expanded research in underrepresented regions and standardising terminology is essential for developing culturally relevant public health strategies.

ObjectiveTo compare vaccination willingness before rollout and 1 year post-rollout uptake among the general population and under-resourced communities in high-income countries.DesignA realist review.Data sourcesEmbase, PubMed, Dimensions ai and Google Scholar.SettingHigh-income countries.DefinitionsWe defined vaccination willingness as the proportion of participants willing or intending to receive vaccines prior to availability. We defined vaccine uptake as the real proportion of the population with complete vaccination as reported by each country until November 2021.ResultsWe included data from 62 studies and 18 high-income countries. For studies conducted among general populations, the proportion of vaccination willingness was 67% (95% CI 62% to 72%). In real-world settings, the overall proportion of vaccine uptake among those countries was 73% (95% CI 69% to 76%). 17 studies reported pre-rollout willingness for under-resourced communities. The summary proportion of vaccination willingness from studies reporting results among people from under-resourced communities was 52% (95% CI 0.46% to 0.57%). Real-world evidence about vaccine uptake after rollout among under-resourced communities was limited.ConclusionOur review emphasises the importance of realist reviews for assessing vaccine acceptance. Limited real-world evidence about vaccine uptake among under-resourced communities in high-income countries is a call to context-specific actions and reporting.