School of Community and Public Health

Permanent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10292/10764

The School of Community and Public Health includes the following groups: • Public Health • Hauora Māori • Disaster Risk Management and Development • Pacific Health • Violence and Trauma • Health Law and Ethics • Psychotherapy • Counselling • Mental Health & Addictions • Lived Experience

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 509

Exploring the Determinants of Intrauterine Device Acceptance in Family Planning in Kolaka, 2024
(Atlantis Press International BV, 2025-11-17) Permatasari, Andi Ita; Yusran, Sartiah; Jufri, Nurnashriana; Andajani, Sari
The usage of intrauterine devices (IUDs) as a long-term contraceptive method remains low in Kolaka Regency. This study aims to analyze the determinants influencing family planning acceptors’ interest in IUD usage, focusing on factors such as knowledge, attitudes, spousal support, number of children, and the availability of health facilities. An analytical cross-sectional design was employed, involving 185 women as research subjects. Data were collected through structured interviews using a questionnaire to assess the relevant factors. The findings reveal that attitude, spousal support, number of children, and health facility availability significantly impact family planning acceptors’ interest in IUDs, with a p-value < 0.05. Among these, spousal support was the most influential variable, exhibiting an odds ratio (OR) of 87.127, followed by attitude (OR = 6.559) and education (OR = 2.932). The number of children had the smallest effect, with an OR of 0.237. In conclusion, attitude, spousal support, number of children, and health facilities are key determinants of family planning acceptors’ interest in IUD use in Kolaka Regency in 2024. To enhance IUD adoption, it is recommended that the Family Planning Coordination Board (BKKB) of Kolaka Regency strengthen health promotion efforts regarding IUD usage among mothers and women of childbearing age.
Investigating Factors Associated With the Adoption of Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUDs) by Women of Reproductive Age in Puuwatu District, 2023
(Atlantis Press International BV, 2025-11-15) Yafie, Zurezki Yuana; Yusran, Sartiah; Susanty, Sri; Zainuddin, Asnia; Asriati, Asriati; Binekada, I Made Christian; Andajani, Sari
Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, with a population that continues to grow steadily. Effective contraception is essential for managing this growth, and the Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUD) is a prominent long-term method in the country. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing IUD usage among Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) in Puuwatu District in 2023. This quantitative research utilized a cross-sectional design, surveying 87 WRA who use either IUD or non-IUD contraceptive methods in Puuwatu District, Kendari City. Independent variables examined include parity, economic status, knowledge, attitudes, husband support, and healthcare provider support, while the dependent variable is the choice to use IUD. Data analysis employed univariate, bivariate, and multivariate methods, including chi-square tests and logistic regression. The analysis revealed the following p-values: parity (0.41), economic status (0.293), knowledge (0.036, OR: 3.839), attitude (0.06, OR: 3.424), husband support (0.023, OR: 3.361), and healthcare provider support (0.72). Significant relationships were found between knowledge, attitude, and husband support, with knowledge being the most influential factor in IUD usage among WRA in Puuwatu District in 2023. No significant associations were identified for parity, economic status, or healthcare provider support.
Person, Paideia, Politeia: The Person, Education, and Politics in Person-Centered Psychology
(Informa UK Limited, 2025-04-21) Tudor, K
This article, based on a keynote speech delivered at PCE2024 in Athens, Greece, aims to strike some keynotes on the theme(s) of the conference, that is, person, paideia (education), and politeia (politics). Despite its centrality to person-centered psychology, the concept of the person is under-theorized. First, expanding on Schmid’s identification of two strands in Rogers’ thinking about the person (the individualistic and the relational), the article explores the contextual person, that is a person who is inevitably embedded in a number of contexts, not least their culture. Second, the article revisits the radicalism of Rogers’ ideas about education, including that of educating therapists, and considers this in the light of the pressures on training as manifested in neoliberal institutions–and institutes–of education/training. Third, the article considers person-centered politics, specifically, the politics of theory, and how person-centered psychology can represent itself externally with more coherence and confidence–for the betterment of people, education and the (political) world. Notwithstanding this presentation as a journal article, its style retains something of the directness of the original form in addressing the original in-person and online audience–and, now, the reader.
Trauma-Informed Mental Health: Supporting Young People Involved With Child Protection Services
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2025-07-17) Appleby, Jo
Reported in this article are research findings about effective mental health practices for young people involved with child protection services. Five care-experienced young people and 45 stakeholders were interviewed to gather stories of effective mental health practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. The results illustrated what trauma-informed practice can look like throughout the mental health engagement, assessment, and intervention stages. The foundation of trauma-informed mental health care for this population is a deep understanding of the impact of trauma upon young people, recognition of care-experienced young people as a priority population, and a commitment from mental health services to responsively serve these young people. IMPLICATIONS Well-resourced specialised trauma-informed mental health care is important for young people who have been involved with child protection services, many of whom face inequitable barriers in accessing quality mental health care. Trauma-informed clinicians, including social workers, recognise trauma responses as adaptive behaviours rather than a reason to decline mental health service provision. Trauma-informed mental health interventions are based on principles of choice and predictability. Systemic trauma-informed care aligns with critical social work perspectives and antioppressive practice.
Relationships Between Ethical Conduct, Ethics Review and Education Within Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Research: Exploring Student Perspectives From Sweden and Aotearoa New Zealand
(SAGE Publications, 2025-08-03) Lees, Amanda B; Godbold, Rosemary; Walters, Simon; Eliasson, Inger
Participant input in determining ethical conduct in research has the potential to play a greater role in shaping research ethics. Our study explored perspectives on ethical conduct in Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) research from forty-two students from two universities, one in Sweden and one in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), where ethics review requirements for tertiary SoTL research significantly differ. A combination of global and local values informed participants' decisions. Commonly, students expected participation to be voluntary and informed, with grades protected. Students considered participation in SoTL research based on the trustworthiness of the teacher. We found two local differences. Firstly, a utilitarian justification was present within participatory decisions of the Swedish cohort, while a justice lens predominated among NZ students. Secondly, hands-on learning experiences may help nurture the capacity for moral judgment about research and research ethics. This appeared more likely in Sweden, where fewer ethics review restrictions exist for SoTL research.
The Use of Therapeutic Outcome Measures by Australian Psychotherapists and Counsellors
(Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, 2025-05-15) Bloch-Atefi, Alexandra; Day, Elizabeth
Background Outcome measures are increasingly emphasised as effective tools in Australian mental health policy. However, limited understanding exists about usage patterns and barriers among counsellors and psychotherapists practising in Australia. This study addresses this gap by examining the prevalence, usage, and perceptions of outcome measures within the Australian counselling and psychotherapy workforce. Objectives This study explored whether and why members of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) use outcome measures and identified what factors influence their choices. Method A mixed-methods design was used, combining quantitative and qualitative data from an online survey distributed to PACFA members. A total of 1,177 respondents participated, representing 34% of PACFA’s registered clinicians. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, and qualitative responses were analysed thematically. Results The majority of respondents (76.6%) used outcome measures regularly, primarily because of institutional requirements and their utility in tracking client progress. Barriers included time constraints, complexity of use and evaluation of the measures, and perceived misalignment with client-centred approaches. Non-users cited concerns about the incompatibility of standardised tools with therapeutic models focused on relational dynamics. Conclusions/Implications The study finds a need for outcome measures that align with diverse therapeutic approaches and for training practitioners to use them effectively. These findings are timely as the Australian government moves towards establishing national standards for the sector and have implications for policy, practice, and professional development. Future research should focus on developing flexible, user-friendly tools and addressing barriers to their adoption in both public and private practice settings.
Exploring How Diverse Students Arrive and Thrive Through Undergraduate Community and Public Health Pathways in Aotearoa New Zealand
(Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Library, 2025-12-04) Stretton, Caroline; Hay, Deborah; Trafford, Julie; Dang, Duyen; Stretton, Todd
Introduction Aotearoa New Zealand faces challenges in recruiting and retaining students in undergraduate health pathways. This is particularly the case for Māori students and Pacific students, which has an impact on sustaining a health workforce that fully reflects the diverse communities it serves. Innovative health science pathways at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), including Case Management, Health Management, Public and Environmental Health, and the Individual pathway, are intended to provide routes into diverse roles oriented toward community and public health. Yet, beyond anecdotes, little is known about students' experiences of these journeys. This study aimed to explore students' experiences, including reasons for choosing these programmes, levels of preparedness, challenges faced, and factors contributing to their sense of thriving. Methods Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with seven students, with an additional focus group specifically offered for three Pacific students to ensure Pacific voices were well-represented in the study. Key themes were identified from the data using framework analysis. The study design was informed by student demographic data gathered from the university’s student management system. Results/Discussion Demographic data about students enrolled in the pathways revealed between 20-37% identified as from Pacific communities, significantly higher than other pathways in health and university-wide at AUT. The health management students were significantly older, and several participants had transitioned from clinical pathways including nursing, midwifery and physiotherapy. Many student participants discovered unexpected career opportunities they felt would enable them to make meaningful contributions to the health workforce. Students described a process of reframing expectations through an increasing awareness of the real-world applications of their courses. The flexibility of these pathways allowed this diverse group of students to balance competing life demands while pursuing an education for health-related careers. While positive about their pathways, some students still sought clearer professional direction due to the broad nature of the community and public health workforce. For Pacific students in particular, supportive relationships with lecturers proved crucial for engagement and success. Conclusion The community and public health pathways at AUT provide students with an opportunity to educate themselves for health-based careers in Aotearoa New Zealand. Students were positive about their experiences, giving several examples of academic, intrapersonal and interpersonal growth and thriving. Further promotion of these pathways at pivotal transition points in the student journey can enhance their visibility, viability, and value.
Safe, Connected, and Accessible: Young People Shaping the Healthy Streets Approach in Tauranga, Aotearoa New Zealand
(Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Library, 2025-11-10) Bibby, Simone; Conn, Cath; Trafford, Julie
The Healthy Streets Approach is being progressively adopted both internationally and across Aotearoa New Zealand. It serves as an urban planning and transport framework prioritising people’s health and wellbeing in the design and management of streets. The Tauranga City Council has adopted the Healthy Streets Approach to help achieve its urban vision and strategy for Tauranga, a rapidly growing city on the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. This study partnered with young people in Tauranga to explore their role in enhancing the implementation of the Healthy Streets Approaches in their city. Given the emphasis on youth voice in the study, a participatory action research (PAR) methodology was employed. Six young people aged 22 to 27 partnered with the primary author - a young person living in Tauranga - to co-design the study. The young people actively participated as co-researchers in focus group discussions and various participatory methods including mapping, drawing, videoing, and journaling their journeys through Tauranga. The co-researchers identified four themes: infrastructure and physical environment, alternatives to driving, the importance of the environment, and the contribution of services. Young people in the study value cities that make them feel safe, and connected to their community and the environment, encourage safe alternatives to driving, and provide easy access to services. The study led to the development of an infographic tool for use by urban decision-makers and agencies. This infographic was co-designed with the young people and aims to communicate their findings from the study. The infographic is intended to serve as a knowledge-translation tool for decision makers providing practical steps when partnering with young people in the design of healthy cities. The study emphasises the importance of youth engagement in urban design and planning, advocating for the inclusion of young people's perspectives in creating safer, more connected, healthier, and sustainable cities. Future research should investigate how cultural connections to urban spaces impact the health and wellbeing of young people. It should also explore how embedding cultural values and worldviews into city planning can deepen young people's sense of connection to their environments and communities.
The Potential of a Rights-based Approach to Refugee-focused Mental Health Policy in Aotearoa New Zealand
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2024-09-16) Vanderpyl, Lucie; Charania, Nadia; Treharne, Gareth J; Al Naasan, Zeina
In accordance with international human rights commitments, individuals with a refugee background have the right to mental health services that are available, accessible, acceptable, and of good quality. However, refugee-background individuals living in Aotearoa New Zealand experience a myriad of barriers at the individual, community, and policy level that impede access to appropriate mental health services. This commentary puts forward the argument that the incorporation of a human rights-based approach to mental healthcare service at a policy level is essential for reducing barriers to care and increasing the accessibility of mental health services. The article provides key recommendations for reforming the current New Zealand Refugee Resettlement Strategy (NZRRS) to include rights-based indicators for children and youth, to monitor accessibility relative to geographic location, to disaggregate data, to extend the 12-month monitoring period and to extend monitoring beyond one mental health visit. Further research is needed to understand how best to implement these recommendations and develop insight into how Aotearoa New Zealand can more effectively uphold the rights of refugee-background individuals with the ultimate goal of developing a mental health system that is more inclusive and responsive to their needs.
Chinese and Indian Migrant Mothers’ Perceptions and Experiences of Utilising Maternal and Early Childhood Healthcare Services in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
(Informa UK Limited, 2024-07-14) Bhatia, Anjali; Qi, Hongxia; Charania, Nadia A
Although the health system in Aotearoa New Zealand is based on universalism and equity, disparities exist in the uptake and quality of health care for ethnic-migrant mothers and their children. This qualitative descriptive study explored the perceptions and experiences of Chinese and Indian migrant mothers (N = 24) accessing maternal and early childhood healthcare services. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted and data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were generated. Migrant mothers displayed limited awareness of services available for themselves and their children, and experienced difficulties navigating the complex and fragmented health system. Transnational ties influenced mothers’ expectations of care and health seeking practices for themselves and their children. Mothers shared suggestions for a system that is inclusive of migrants’ needs, such as offering orientation sessions to raise awareness and ease navigation challenges, having interpreters available and translated resources to support language challenges, and improve postpartum support as mothers adapt to motherhood. To improve health equity, it is important that national policy supports improvements to the health system to address the challenges faced by ethnic-migrant families when navigating health services.
The Prevalence and Predictors of Clinical Breast Cancer Screening in Sub-saharan African Countries: A Multilevel Analysis of Demographic Health Survey
(Frontiers Media SA, 2024-09-13) Hailegebireal, AH; Bizuayehu, HM; Wolde, BB; Tirore, LL; Woldegeorgis, BZ; Kassie, GA; Asgedom, YS
Background: Despite a higher rate of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), efforts to treat the disease through breast cancer screening are suboptimal, resulting in late diagnosis of breast cancer and poor outcomes. Several studies have been conducted in SSA countries about screening uptake, yet they addressed country or sub-country level data and did not consider both individual and beyond-individual factors related to screening. Hence, pooled prevalence as well as multilevel correlates of screening in the region is sparse, which have been addressed by this study using the most recent data among women with SSA. Methods: This study was conducted using the Demographic Health Survey data (2013–2022) from six countries, and a total weighted sample of 95,248 women was examined. STATA version 16 was used for the data analysis. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was performed and significant predictors were reported using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: The overall weighted prevalence of clinical breast cancer screening was 14.23% (95% CI: 13.97–14.75), with Namibia and Tanzania having the highest (24.5%) and lowest (5.19%) screening rates, respectively. Higher breast cancer screening uptake was observed among women of advanced age (35–49) [aOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.60, 1.98], had higher educational levels [aOR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.66, 2.03], cohabited [aOR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.55], in the richest wealth quintile [aOR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.95, 2.64], urban residents [aOR = 1.21; 95%CI: 1.10, 1.33], multiparous [aOR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.30, 1.68], visited health facilities [aOR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.52, 1.76], and read newspapers [aOR = 1.78; 95%CI: 1.60, 2.15]. Conclusion: The prevalence of clinical breast cancer screening was low (14%). Strengthening awareness campaigns, improving healthcare infrastructure, health education, universal health coverage, and screening program access, with a focus on rural areas, women who lack formal education, and low socioeconomic status, are critical to increasing breast cancer screening rates and equity. Scale-up local and regional collaborations and the involvement of media agencies in the implementation of screening programs, advocacy, dissemination of information, and integration of screening programs with their routine care, such as perinatal care, can boost the screening. The existing health service delivery points also need to focus on integrating breast cancer screening services with routine care such as perinatal care.
Ngā Tāpiritanga: Secure Attachments from a Māori Perspective
(Te Mātāpuna | AUT Library, 2018-09-24) Fleming, Anna Hinehou
While Western attachment theory has tended to focus on the interpersonal attachments between people, indigenous Māori attachment perspectives have always included connections and relationships to aspects outside of the interpersonal domain. Collective, cultural and tikanga-based extrapersonal relationships are significant in Te Ao Māori and include connection to whānau/hapū/iwi (extended family and community groups), whenua (land and the natural world), and wairua (interconnection and spirituality). Alongside vital interpersonal relationships, these extrapersonal connections are substantial to the development of an indigenous Māori self which is well and supported within a holistic framework. This article explores the extrapersonal connections outlined above, their importance to Hauora Māori and implications for the practice of psychotherapy in Aotearoa New Zealand. Whakarāpopotonga I te wā e warea ana te arotahi kaupapa piripono a te Uru ki te piringa whaiaro tangata ki te tangata, ko tā te Māori tirohanga piripono he whakauru i ngā here ngā whanaungatanga ki ngā āhuatanga i tua atu i te ao whaiaro. He take nunui te whānau kohinga ahurea o te Ao Māori whakakaohia ki tēnei te here ā-whānau, ā-hāpū, ā-iwi (whānau whānui me ngā rōpū hāpori), te whenua, te taiao me te wairua (ngā taura here, te waiuratanga). I tua atu o ngā here whaiaro he wāhanga tino nui tō ēnei kohinga ahurea ki te whanaketanga o te mana motuhake o te tangata whenua Māori e ora ana e tautokohia ana e te papa whānui nei. E wherawhera ana tēnei tuhinga i ngā here whakawaho kua whakaarahia i runga ake nei, te hira o ēnei ki te Hauora Māori me ngā whakahīrau mō ngā mahi hauora hinengaro i Aotearoa.
Te Au Marama: Bound to the Movements of Taiao
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025-11-24) Warbrick, Isaac; Heke, Deb; Johnson, Tom
Ethical Tensions in the Ethics Review of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Projects: Revealing Values from a Health Faculty in Aotearoa New Zealand.
(Georgia Southern University, 2025-11-18) Lees, Amanda B; Godbold, Rosemary; Walters, Simon
This study employed a case study approach to explore ethical conduct in Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) research. Originating within biomedical research, the remit of ethics review bodies now commonly extends to assessing SoTL projects. Set within a health faculty at a university in Aotearoa New Zealand, we examined student and academic perspectives on ethical conduct in SoTL research to gauge how their values align with those who decide on ethical standards of research involving them. Drawing on reflexive thematic analysis, our findings reflect tensions between the relational and cultural values of SoTL and the biomedically based values of ethics review. Conflict within the dual role of the academic as both teacher and researcher, whilst of concern to ethics review bodies and academics, is not recognised as being as problematic by students, who do not feel pressure to participate. A greater focus on the learning opportunities afforded to students through SoTL research participation is warranted.
The Nasal Ecosystem as a Sentinel Interface for One Health Surveillance in an Era of Converging Crises
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-11-21) Alao, Jude Oluwapelumi; Bamigboye, Favour Oluwadara
The interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health demands surveillance systems capable of predicting cross-boundary threats. We propose a solution already inside us: the nasal microbiome. Positioned at the interface of environmental exposure, zoonotic transmission, and immune regulation, the nasal microbiome could serve as an early-warning system for pandemics, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and climate-driven health impacts. Emerging evidence supports its predictive capacity, but many applications remain conceptual and require systematic validation. We therefore outline a roadmap for standardising nasal microbiome monitoring across One Health sectors, with the potential to shift global disease surveillance from reactive to proactive and enable timely interventions before threats escalate.
Removing Systemic Barriers to Register Overseas Trained Doctors in New Zealand While Preventing Their Mental Distress
(Adjacent Digital Politics Ltd, 2025-10-03) Mpofu, Charles; Wepa, Dianne
Dr Charles Mpofu and Dr Dianne Wepa discuss removing systemic barriers for overseas-trained doctors registering in New Zealand while also addressing mental health challenges. New Zealand (NZ) depends on internationally trained medical graduates (IMGs), yet too many remain blocked from practice by processes that are slower, costlier and less flexible than comparable jurisdictions. This article distils evidence and international practice to outline balanced, pragmatic reforms that uphold patient safety while accelerating IMG integration. It highlights solutions for experienced practitioners and refugee doctors, ensuring their mental health distress is minimised and communities can access care when and where it is needed.
Psychological Health in Marginalised Women Living in Witches’ Camps in Ghana
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-11-10) Yakubu, Yakubu H; Siegert, Richard J; Krägeloh, Christian U; Aziato, Lydia; Holroyd, Eleanor
Anxiety and depression are prevalent mental health issues, particularly affecting older women in vulnerable circumstances. In Ghana, older women accused of witchcraft endure severe mental health challenges due to stigmatisation and isolation. Many are sent to live in witches’ camps for safety, where they face limited access to care. This study investigated the prevalence of anxiety and depression among marginalised women in witches’ camps compared to women in the general population, highlighting the social factors associated with their mental well-being. The researchers employed a cross-sectional quantitative study design. Data were collected from 168 women from two witches’ camps in northern Ghana and 100 women from the general population using the Dagbani version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Camp participants were also asked supplemental questions about their living conditions and circumstances. Anxiety and depression scores were significantly higher among camp residents (M = 14.73, SD = 1.46 for anxiety; M = 17.85, SD = 1.55 for depression) compared to the general population (M = 6.18, SD = 2.43 for anxiety; M = 4.18, SD = 3.00 for depression). Common health complaints among the women from the witches’ camps were joint pain and hypertension. Social isolation and poor living conditions may have also impacted the women’s mental well-being in the witches’ camps. Many women in the camps relied on traditional medicine for treatment, and despite desiring to return home, many remained uncertain if they could go home. Women in witches’ camps in Ghana experience significantly higher anxiety and depression as well as adverse social conditions, such as poor housing, isolation, and unemployment. The study emphasises the need for mental health interventions addressing the unique emotional needs of these women and highlights the role of social determinants in mental health policies.
Home-insemination: The Motivations and Experiences of Same-sex and Gender Diverse Couples Using Self-insemination and Known Donors to Conceive in Aotearoa New Zealand
(Informa UK Limited, 31/10/2025) Fyfe, Angela; Goedeke, Sonja; Du Preez, Elizabeth
Donor conception that occurs outside of clinical fertility settings is understood to be increasingly common, yet research on this practice remains limited. Drawing on interviews with eleven participants, this study explored the motivations and experiences of same-sex and gender diverse couples who used known donors and home insemination methods to conceive. While participants were parents of children conceived after the introduction of the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology [HART] Act (2004) in Aotearoa New Zealand, conception outside regulated settings meant they were not subject to the medical, ethical, or legal procedures implicit within fertility clinics. Four main themes were identified (1) Finding the ‘ideal donor’- participants sought donors who were ‘good’ people; known donors were chosen to enable relational processes and facilitate ongoing connections, (2) Home insemination - perceived as affordable, personal, and offering greater agency; though revealing potential relational awkwardness, (3) Relationship planning/envisaged relationships: not the ‘donor dad’ - participants constructed donors as ‘helping uncles’ or extended family members with ongoing, contracted roles, (4) Lack of and need for knowledge, understanding and relevant support for self-insemination using known donors. This study highlights the need for accessible, evidence-based resources and psychosocial support to benefit and protect all donor conception stakeholders.
Tips to Maximize Learning in Large Group Teaching Sessions for Health Professions Educators: A Narrative Review
(Egyptian Knowledge Bank, 2025-07-01) Kamal, Doaa; Hassan, Nahla; Hassouna, Amira; El Tarhouny, Shereen
Objective: This study aims to explore effective strategies and considerations for enhancing learning outcomes in large group teaching settings for health professions educators. Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was conducted to identify key factors influencing learning effectiveness in large group teaching within health professions education. Various pedagogical approaches, technological tools, and instructional methodologies were examined to determine their impact on maximizing learning in large group settings. Results: The findings highlight the importance of incorporating active learning techniques, fostering student engagement, and utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize learning outcomes in large group teaching. Strategies such as interactive lectures, group discussions, case-based learning, and simulation exercises were identified as effective methods for promoting active participation and knowledge retention. Additionally, creating a supportive learning environment, providing timely feedback, and encouraging collaborative learning were found to enhance student satisfaction and overall learning experiences. Conclusion: To achieve optimal learning outcomes in large group teaching for health professions educators, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive approach that combines inventive teaching methods, AI learning aids, and a nurturing educational atmosphere. Further research is needed to explore long-term impact of these strategies and to identify additional approaches for enhancing learning in large group teaching settings.
Nasal–Gut Microbiome Axis in Health and Disease
(Elsevier, 2025-10-20) Alao, Jude Oluwapelumi; Bamigboye, Favour Oluwadara
The nasal and gut microbiomes are recognised as key regulators of mucosal and systemic immunity. While each has been studied extensively in isolation, evidence suggests they are connected through a bidirectional network of immune signalling, microbial metabolites, and barrier integrity, forming what may be termed “the nasal–gut microbiome axis”. This review synthesises current knowledge on the composition and function of these microbiomes, highlighting shared features, environmental influences, and patterns of dysbiosis observed in conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis. We examine potential mechanisms of cross-talk, including cytokine and chemokine exchange, short-chain fatty acid mediated epigenetic regulation, and dendritic cell–driven immune priming across mucosal sites. Clinical implications are explored, with particular attention to dual-site microbiome modulation strategies, concurrent nasal–gut microbial profiling for diagnostics, and microbiome-informed precision therapies. Despite promising early evidence, knowledge gaps persist, particularly the scarcity of longitudinal, multi-omic studies and mechanistic human data. Framing the nasal and gut microbiomes as components of an integrated mucosal network, this review aims to advance understanding of their connection, and encourage research that could transform prevention and treatment strategies for immune-mediated respiratory disease.

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