Interactive Journal of Medical Research

Health and health behaviors in midlife are important determinants of healthy aging. There is evidence of unmet needs for health-promoting information for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and women with low literacy.

Interdisciplinary evaluation of older adults’ health care is a priority in the prevention of chronic health conditions and maintenance of daily functioning. While many studies evaluate different physical performance tests (PPTs) from a retrospective view in predicting mortality or cardiopulmonary health, it remains unclear which of the commonly used PPTs is the most effective at evaluating the current health of older adults. Additionally, the time and participant burden for each PPT must be considered when planning and implementing them for clinical or research purposes.

Depression is a highly prevalent psychopathological condition among older adults, particularly those institutionalized in nursing homes (NHs). Unfortunately, it is poorly identified and diagnosed. NH residents are twice as likely to fall as community-dwelling older adults. There is a need for more knowledge about the mechanisms and relationships between depression and falls.

Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) are designed to assist in health care delivery by supporting medical practice with clinical knowledge, patient information, and other relevant types of health information. CDSSs are integral parts of health care technologies assisting in disease management, including diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. While electronic medical records (EMRs) serve as data repositories, CDSSs are used to assist clinicians in providing personalized, context-specific recommendations derived by comparing individual patient data to evidence-based guidelines.

Homestay accommodations aim to support a smoother transition for refugees; yet, the intricate nature of relationships between refugees and their hosting families can make this process complex, which, in turn, can affect their health and well-being. It is crucial to grasp the experiences of both refugees and their host families in order to foster effective settlement, integration, and well-being.

Chronically elevated inflammation is implicated in many conditions, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease, and has been associated with increased mortality risk. Whole-body cryotherapy (W-BC) is a promising modality to treat inflammation with demonstrated benefits for clinical subpopulations including those with arthritis, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. However, it is unclear whether the benefit from W-BC extends to healthy individuals prior to chronic disease–related inflammation. In addition, the long-term durability of W-BC effect is unknown.

Nations of considerable wealth and sophisticated health care infrastructures have experienced high rates of illness and death from COVID-19. Others with limited economic means and less developed health systems have achieved much lower burdens. To build a full understanding, an appraisal of the contribution of social relationships is necessary. Social cohesion represents a promising conceptual tool.

Long-term care hospitals have been considered an efficient response to the health care needs of an increasingly aging population. These centers are expected to contribute to better hospital bed management and more personalized care for patients needing continuous care. The evaluation of their outcomes is necessary after a sufficient period to assess their impact. Hospitals for Acute and Chronic Long-Term Extended Stay (HACLES) emerged in Spain in the late 20th century as a response to the aging population and the increase in chronic diseases.

The World Health Organization recommends a daily sodium intake of less than 2000 mg for adults; however, the Mexican population, like many others globally, consumes more sodium than this recommended amount. Excessive sodium intake is often accompanied by inadequate potassium intake. The association between knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) and actual sodium intake has yielded mixed results across various populations. In Mexico, however, salt/sodium-related KAB and its relationship with sodium and potassium intake have not been evaluated.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into health care has the potential to transform the industry, but it also raises ethical, regulatory, and safety concerns. This review paper provides an in-depth examination of the benefits and risks associated with AI in health care, with a focus on issues like biases, transparency, data privacy, and safety.

Patient pathways (PPs) are presented as a panacea solution to enhance health system functions. It is a complex concept that needs to be described and communicated well. Modeling plays a crucial role in promoting communication, fostering a shared understanding, and streamlining processes. Only a few existing systematic reviews have focused on modeling methods and standardized modeling languages. There remains a gap in consolidated knowledge regarding the use of diverse visual modeling languages.

Co-creation is increasingly recognized for its potential to generate innovative solutions, particularly in addressing complex and wicked problems in public health. Despite this growing recognition, there are no standards or recommendations for method use in co-creation, leading to confusion and inconsistency. While some studies have examined specific methods, a comprehensive overview is lacking, limiting the collective understanding and ability to make informed decisions about the most appropriate methods for different contexts and research objectives.