How can we use citizen science (CS) in public health research?
Research Paper, published 1st May 2023, BioMedical Central
This study conducted an online survey and interviews with policy and practice stakeholders in Australia to explore how CS is perceived and applied in this field. The results indicate that while there is support for CS as a complementary approach to community engagement, there are challenges and considerations that need to be addressed, such as organizational priorities, resource allocation, data quality, and governance. The stakeholders identified the need for increased awareness, acceptance, and capacity for CS within public health organizations, as well as access to tools, technology, and evidence to enhance the visibility and legitimacy of CS approaches.
Impact of cash transfer programs on mortality rates among low- and middle-income countries.
Article, published 1st May 2023, Nature
This study, titled “The effects of cash transfers on adult and child mortality in low- and middle-income countries” by Aaron Richterman, Christophe Millien, Elizabeth F. Bair, Gregory Jerome, Jean Christophe Dimitri Suffrin, Jere R. Behrman & Harsha Thirumurthy analyzed data from various countries and found that these cash transfer programs were associated with significant reductions in mortality rates among children under five years old and women. The analysis also indicated that both conditional and unconditional programs, as well as programs that covered a larger population and provided larger amounts of money, had more pronounced effects on reducing mortality. The findings suggest that implementing anti-poverty programs like cash transfers can help improve the overall health of populations, which is especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What impact did COVID have on people with disabilities?
Editorial, published 23rd February 2023, Sage Journal
This article discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with disabilities and their access to healthcare. It highlights the existing barriers and challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing healthcare services even in non-crisis situations. The pandemic further exacerbated these inequalities, leading to difficulties in accessing routine services, disruptions in care and support systems, increased economic hardships, and exclusion from COVID-19 prevention and response measures. The article emphasizes the need for inclusive health systems that address the specific needs of people with disabilities, promote accessibility, involve them in policy-making, and utilize technologies like telemedicine to improve access to care.