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Ssekamatte T, Isunju JB, Nalugya A, Mugambe RK, Kalibala P, Musewa A, Bikaako W, Nattimba M, Tigaiza A, Nakalembe D, Osuret J, Wafula ST, Buregyeya E, Tsiouris F, Michaels-Strasser S, Kabasa JD, Bazeyo W. Using the Kolb's experiential learning cycle to explore the extent of application of one health competencies to solving global health challenges; a tracer study among AFROHUN-Uganda alumni. Global Health 2022; 18:49. [PMID: 35550588 PMCID: PMC9096757 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-022-00841-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN) with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has since 2012 conducted pre and in-service One health (OH) trainings with the objective of improving global health security. These trainings aim to build competencies that, enhance a multidisciplinary approach to solving global health challenges. Despite the investment in OH trainings, there is limited documentation of the extent of acquisition and application of the OH competencies at workplaces. This tracer study explored the extent of acquisition and application of the OH competencies by the AFROHUN-Uganda alumni. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among a random sample of 182 AFROHUN-Uganda alumni of 2013-2018 cohorts. A blended approach of interviewer-administered and self-administered questionnaires was used. Virtual platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft teams, and Skype, and phone interviews were used to collect data when face-to-face interactions with alumni were not possible. Data were collected electronically, either through a link or with the aid of the KoboCollect mobile application, pre-installed on android enabled devices, and analysed using STATA14.0. RESULTS The majority of respondents, 78.6% (143/182) had jobs that required application of OH knowledge and skills, 95.6% (174/182) had learned employable skills from OH activities and 89.6% (163/182) had applied such skills when searching for employment. About 21.7% (34/180) to a very high extent required OH field-specific theoretical knowledge at their workplaces, 27.4% (43/80) to a very high extent required OH field-specific practical knowledge/skills, 42.7% (67/180) to a high extent required a change in attitude and perceptions towards working with people from different disciplines, 49.0% (77/180) required collaboration and networking skills, and more than half, 51.0% (80/180) required team building skills. CONCLUSIONS The majority of OH alumni to a very high extent acquired and applied OH competences such as teamwork, effective communication, community entry and engagement, report writing and problem-solving skills. This study revealed the significant contribution of the AFROHUN Uganda OH activities towards supportive work environments, and highlights areas of improvement such as supporting the trainees to acquire people-management skills, innovation, and an entrepreneurial mind set.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonny Ssekamatte
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kampala, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda. .,Africa One Health University Network, Plot 20B Kawalya Kagwa Cl, Kololo, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - John Bosco Isunju
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kampala, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.,Africa One Health University Network, Plot 20B Kawalya Kagwa Cl, Kololo, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Aisha Nalugya
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kampala, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard K Mugambe
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kampala, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Kalibala
- Africa One Health University Network, Plot 20B Kawalya Kagwa Cl, Kololo, Kampala, Uganda.,Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Angella Musewa
- Africa One Health University Network, Plot 20B Kawalya Kagwa Cl, Kololo, Kampala, Uganda.,Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Winnie Bikaako
- Africa One Health University Network, Plot 20B Kawalya Kagwa Cl, Kololo, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Milly Nattimba
- Africa One Health University Network, Plot 20B Kawalya Kagwa Cl, Kololo, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Arnold Tigaiza
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kampala, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Doreen Nakalembe
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kampala, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jimmy Osuret
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kampala, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.,Africa One Health University Network, Plot 20B Kawalya Kagwa Cl, Kololo, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Solomon Tsebeni Wafula
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kampala, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Esther Buregyeya
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kampala, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fatima Tsiouris
- Columbia University, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - John David Kabasa
- Africa One Health University Network, Plot 20B Kawalya Kagwa Cl, Kololo, Kampala, Uganda.,Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Kampala, Uganda
| | - William Bazeyo
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kampala, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.,Africa One Health University Network, Plot 20B Kawalya Kagwa Cl, Kololo, Kampala, Uganda
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Patrick R, Henderson-Wilson C, Lawson J, Capetola T, Shaw A, Davison M, Freeman A. Planetary health indicators for the local level: opportunities and challenges in applying the happy planet index in Victoria, Australia. Glob Health Promot 2021; 29:14-23. [PMID: 34474629 DOI: 10.1177/17579759211038367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, New Urban Agenda and Paris Agreement on Climate Change are blueprints for health promotion action that mandate human health is linked inextricably to the health of the environment. In the Anthropocene, new indicators are required to promote community engagement with, and measurement of, healthy and sustainable wellbeing for people and planet. This study explored the need for a metric such as the Happy Planet Index that explicitly links human health to health of the environment for a local level scale in Australia. The project arose from an international coalition of health promoters advocating for 'planetary health' approaches. Qualitative description methods guided the study design involving key informant interviews (n = 17) and four focus groups (n = 27 participants) with health and/or sustainability academics, practitioners and policy-makers. Document analysis of health and environment indices and policy mandates augmented the analysis. Qualitative content analysis techniques were used to analyse the findings. There was strong interest for a local level composite indicator, such as a rescaled Happy Planet Index (life expectancy × life satisfaction × equity adjustment/ecological footprint) for use at a local level. The value of a composite index was: its ability to promote community engagement with planetary health thinking; an advocacy tool for joint health and sustainability policy; to justify programs on health and environmental co-benefits; and to provide a mechanism for correlative comparisons between local governments and national comparisons. However, disciplinary silos currently limit partnerships for health promotion and planetary health and a local composite index could help bridge these divides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Amy Shaw
- City of Boroondara Council, Camberwell, Australia
| | - Mia Davison
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, Australia
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Nguyen-Viet H, Pham G, Lam S, Pham-Duc P, Dinh-Xuan T, Jing F, Kittayapong P, Adisasmito W, Zinsstag J, Grace D. International, Transdisciplinary, and Ecohealth Action for Sustainable Agriculture in Asia. Front Public Health 2021; 9:592311. [PMID: 33614577 PMCID: PMC7892777 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.592311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sustainably intensifying agriculture to secure food for people, while minimizing the human, animal, and environmental health impacts is an unprecedented global food security challenge. Action research is needed to understand and mitigate impacts, with Ecosystem approaches to health (Ecohealth) emerging as a promising framework to support such efforts. Yet, few have critically examined the application of Ecohealth principles in an agricultural context, particularly in Southeast Asia where agricultural intensification is rapidly expanding. In this paper, we evaluate the strengths, challenges, and opportunities of agriculture-related Ecohealth projects in low-resource settings of Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and China, drawing on a case study of the Field Building Leadership Initiative (FBLI). To do this, we used a developmental evaluation framework involving several iterative cycles of document reviews, interviews, focus groups, and outcome harvesting with researchers, partners, and community members involved in FBLI. Results highlight the importance of transdisciplinarity, participation, and knowledge-to-action principles in co-generating knowledge and co-developing practical solutions. Implementing such principles presents challenges in terms of coordinating regional collaborations, managing high workloads, meaningfully engaging communities, and ensuring ongoing monitoring and evaluation. To address these challenges, there is a need to strengthen capacity in integrated approaches to health, improve institutionalization of Ecohealth, foster community engagement, and systematically monitor and evaluate efforts. Ecohealth holds significant promise in improving food security, but only when considerable time is spent developing and implementing projects with communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Nguyen-Viet
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.,Center for Public Health and Ecosystem Research, Hanoi University of Public Health and Vietnam Public Health Association, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Giang Pham
- Center for Public Health and Ecosystem Research, Hanoi University of Public Health and Vietnam Public Health Association, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Steven Lam
- Independent Research and Evaluation Consultant, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Phuc Pham-Duc
- Center for Public Health and Ecosystem Research, Hanoi University of Public Health and Vietnam Public Health Association, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Fang Jing
- Institute for Health Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Pattamaporn Kittayapong
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Center of Excellence for Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases, Mahidol University at Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Wiku Adisasmito
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Jakob Zinsstag
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Delia Grace
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.,Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Kent, United Kingdom
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Harrison S, Kivuti-Bitok L, Macmillan A, Priest P. EcoHealth and One Health: A theory-focused review in response to calls for convergence. Environ Int 2019; 132:105058. [PMID: 31473414 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND EcoHealth and One Health are two major approaches broadly aimed at understanding the links between human, animal, and environment health. There have been increasing calls for convergence between the two. If convergence is desired, greater clarity regarding the underlying theoretical assumptions of both approaches is required. This would also support integrated research to effectively address complex health issues at the human, animal and environment interface. To better understand the areas of overlap and alignment, we systematically compared and contrasted the theoretical assumptions of both approaches. OBJECTIVES We aimed to gain a more in-depth understanding of the ontological, epistemological and methodological underpinnings of EcoHealth and One Health in order to identify areas of difference and overlap, and consider the extent to which closer convergence between the two may be possible. METHODS We undertook a scoping review of literature about the ontological, epistemological and methodological positions of EcoHealth and One Health, and analyzed these according to Lincoln, Lynham and Guba's paradigm framework. RESULTS EcoHealth and One Health are both collaborative, systems-focused approaches at the human, animal, and ecosystem health interface. EcoHealth typically leans towards constructivist-leaning assumptions. Many consider this a necessary aspiration for One Health. However, in practice One Health remains dominated by the veterinary and medical disciplines that emphasize positivist-leaning assumptions. DISCUSSION The aspirations of EcoHealth and One Health appear to overlap at the conceptual level, and may well warrant closer convergence. However, further shared discussions about their epistemological and ontological assumptions are needed to reconcile important theoretical differences, and to better guide scopes of practice. Critical realism may be a crucial theoretical meeting point. Systems thinking methods (with critical realist underpinnings), such as system dynamics modelling, are potentially useful methodologies for supporting convergent practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Harrison
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand.
| | - Lucy Kivuti-Bitok
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Alexandra Macmillan
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Patricia Priest
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
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Dos S Ribeiro C, van de Burgwal LHM, Regeer BJ. Overcoming challenges for designing and implementing the One Health approach: A systematic review of the literature. One Health 2019; 7:100085. [PMID: 31016220 PMCID: PMC6475629 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2019.100085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Collaborative approaches in health, such as One Health (OH), are promising; nevertheless, several authors point at persistent challenges for designing and implementing OH initiatives. Among other challenges, OH practitioners struggle in their efforts to collaborate across disciplines and domains. This paper aims to provide insights into the existing challenges for designing and implementing OH initiatives, their causes and solutions, and points out strategic solutions with the potential to solve practical challenges. A systematic literature search was performed for emerging challenges and proposed solutions in the process of conducting OH initiatives. Next, a thematic and a causal analysis were performed to unravel challenges and their causes. Finally, solutions were discriminated on whether they were only recommended, or implemented as a proof-of-principle. The 56 included papers describe 21 challenges endured by OH initiatives that relate to different themes (policy and funding; education and training; surveillance; multi-actor, multi-domain, and multi-level collaborations; and evidence). These challenges occur in three different phases: the acquisition of sufficient conditions to start an initiative, its execution, and its monitoring and evaluation. The findings indicate that individual challenges share overlapping causes and crosscutting causal relations. Accordingly, solutions for the successful performance of OH initiatives should be implemented to tackle simultaneously different types of challenges occurring in different phases. Still, promoting collaboration between the wide diversity of stakeholders, as a fundamental aspect in the OH approach, is still by far the most challenging factor in performing OH initiatives. Causes for that are the difficulties in promoting meaningful and equal participation from diverse actors. Solutions proposed for this challenge focused on guiding stakeholders to think and collaborate beyond their professional and cultural silos to generate knowledge co-creation and innovative methodologies and frameworks. Finally, the biggest knowledge gap identified, in terms of proposed solutions, was for monitoring and evaluating OH initiatives. This highlights the need for future research on evaluation methods and tools specific for the OH approach, to provide credible evidence on its added value. When considering challenges endured by former OH initiatives and the proposed solutions for these challenges, practitioners should be able to plan and structure such initiatives in a more successful way, through the strategic pre-consideration of solutions or simply by avoiding known barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Dos S Ribeiro
- The Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Infectious Disease Control, Bilthoven, Netherlands.,Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in Health and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Linda H M van de Burgwal
- Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in Health and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Barbara J Regeer
- Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in Health and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Mccosker A, Matan A, Marinova D. Policies, Politics, and Paradigms: Healthy Planning in Australian Local Government. Sustainability 2018; 10:1008. [DOI: 10.3390/su10041008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Local government in Australia is critically positioned to provide built environment initiatives that respond to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD), climate change, and various other human and ecological health considerations. However, action on the ground has not been as widespread as might be expected, particularly in improving community health. This research explores the barriers to and enablers of the implementation of healthy planning and active living initiatives through in-depth interviews with healthy planning and active living advocates. Advocates are seen to promote healthy planning in relatively weak policy settings, where politicised, largely reactive decisions by individual politicians or practitioners are the main determinants of project success. The most important factor affecting project uptake and implementation is how the ‘problem’ of healthy planning, or what might be considered a healthy planning paradigm, is presented. Such a paradigm includes a strong reliance on the co-benefits of projects; it is also subject to the way that healthy planning is communicated and framed. Potential problems around such a setting are subsequently examined, identifying the potential reasons for the slow delivery of healthy planning.
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Vonghachack Y, Odermatt P, Taisayyavong K, Phounsavath S, Akkhavong K, Sayasone S. Transmission of Opisthorchis viverrini, Schistosoma mekongi and soil-transmitted helminthes on the Mekong Islands, Southern Lao PDR. Infect Dis Poverty 2017; 6:131. [PMID: 28866984 PMCID: PMC5582398 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-017-0343-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini, Schistosoma mekongi and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) remains high in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), despite control efforts including mass-drug administration, education and communication campaigns. New approaches are required to advance helminth control. METHODS An ecohealth study was conducted on two Mekong islands in Southern Laos. Demographic and behavioural data were collected by questionnaire. Human and animal reservoir stools were examined. Bithynia spp. and Neotricula aperta snails were examined using shedding. Fresh water fish were examined using digestion technique. Multivariate random-effects analysis was used to find risk factors associated with helminth infections. RESULTS Human infection rates with O. viverrini, hookworm, S. mekongi, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides and Taenia spp. were 60.7%, 44.1%, 22.2%, 4.1%, 0.6% and 0.1%, respectively. Heavy intensity infections were 4.2%, 3.6% and 1.8% for O. viverrini, S. mekongi and hookworm, respectively. O. viverrini and S. mekongi infection rates among dogs and cats were 25.0% and 14.7%, respectively. Of the cats tested, 53.1% were infected with O. viverrini. Prevalence of O. viverrini and S. mekongi in snails was 0.3% and 0.01%, respectively. Overall prevalence of O. viverrini infection in fresh water fish was 26.9%, with the highest infection rates occurring in Hampala dispa (87.1%), Cyclocheilichthys apogon (85.7%) and Puntius brevis (40.0%). Illiteracy and lower socioeconomic status increased the risk of O. viverrini infection, while those aged 10-16 years and possessing latrines at home were less likely to be infected. Household dogs and cats that consumed raw fish were significantly and positively associated with O. viverrini infection of the household members. For S. mekongi, children under 9 years old were exposed significantly to this infection, compared to older age groups. CONCLUSIONS There is a pressing need to design and implement an integrated helminth control intervention on the Mekong Islands in southern Lao PDR. Given the highly dynamic transmission of O. viverrini, S. mekongi, STH and extended multiparasitism, annual mass-drug administration is warranted along with environmental modifications, health education and improved access to clean water and adequate sanitation to consolidate morbidity control and move towards elimination. TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER Our findings presented here are from a cross-sectional study, therefore, it has not been registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youthanavanh Vonghachack
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
| | - Peter Odermatt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Keoka Taisayyavong
- Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology Station, Champasack province, Lao PDR
| | | | - Kongsap Akkhavong
- National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
| | - Somphou Sayasone
- National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR.
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Patrick R, Dietrich U. Global Principles, Regional Action: Guiding Ecohealth Practice in Oceania. Ecohealth 2016; 13:808-812. [PMID: 27650715 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-016-1163-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In Oceania, a region challenged by rapid urbanisation and climate change, integrative frameworks are required to enable effective actions on health and sustainability. The Ecohealth approach provides a framework for practice that acknowledges human health is intrinsically linked to ecosystem health. This research communication reports on a study involving interviews with twenty-seven leading health and sustainability thinkers from Oceania and across the globe. In examining their ideas for action, the report presents the study findings in relation to the guiding principles of Ecohealth: systems thinking, transdisciplinarity, participation, sustainability, equity and knowledge-to-action. Implications for Ecohealth practitioners working in Oceania are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Patrick
- Health, Nature & Sustainability Research Group, School of Health & Social Development, Deakin University, Melbourne Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia.
| | - Uta Dietrich
- International Institute for Global Health, United Nations University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Arabena K, Kingsley J. Oceania. Ecohealth 2016; 13:615-617. [PMID: 27650714 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-016-1173-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Arabena
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jonathan Kingsley
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia.
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Galway LP, Parkes MW, Allen D, Takaro TK. Building Interdisciplinary Research Capacity: a Key Challenge for Ecological Approaches in Public Health. AIMS Public Health 2016; 3:389-406. [PMID: 29546171 PMCID: PMC5690363 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2016.2.389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The shortcomings of public health research informed by reductionist and fragmented biomedical approaches and the emergence of wicked problems are fueling a renewed interest in ecological approaches in public health. Despite the central role of interdisciplinarity in the context of ecological approaches in public health research, inadequate attention has been given to the specific challenge of doing interdisciplinary research in practice. As a result, important knowledge gaps exist with regards to the practice of interdisciplinary research. We argue that explicit attention towards the challenge of doing interdisciplinary research is critical in order to effectively apply ecological approaches to public health issues. This paper draws on our experiences developing and conducting an interdisciplinary research project exploring the links among climate change, water, and health to highlight five specific insights which we see as relevant to building capacity for interdisciplinary research specifically, and which have particular relevance to addressing the integrative challenges demanded by ecological approaches to address public health issues. These lessons include: (i) the need for frameworks that facilitate integration; (ii) emphasize learning-by-doing; (iii) the benefits of examining issues at multiple scales; (iv) make the implicit, explicit; and (v) the need for reflective practice. By synthesizing and sharing experiences gained by engaging in interdisciplinary inquiries using an ecological approach, this paper responds to a growing need to build interdisciplinary research capacity as a means for advancing the ecological public health agenda more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay P Galway
- Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Margot W Parkes
- School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Diana Allen
- Department of Earth Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6
| | - Tim K Takaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6
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Parkes MW. Pacific connections for health, ecosystems and society: new approaches to the land-water-health nexus. Rev Environ Health 2016; 31:125-130. [PMID: 26953704 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2015-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Renewed effort to understand the social-ecological context of health is drawing attention to the dynamics of land and water resources and their combined influence on the determinants of health. A new area of research, education and policy is emerging that focuses on the land-water-health nexus: this orientation is applicable from small wetlands through to large-scale watersheds or river basins, and draws attention to the benefits of combined land and water governance, as well as the interrelated implications for health, ecological and societal concerns. Informed by research precedents, imperatives and collaborations emerging in Canada and parts of Oceania, this review profiles three integrative, applied approaches that are bringing attention to the importance the land-water-health nexus within the Pacific Basin: wetlands and watersheds as intersectoral settings to address land-water-health dynamics; tools to integrate health, ecological and societal dynamics at the land-water-health nexus; and indigenous leadership that is linking health and well-being with land and water governance. Emphasis is given to key characteristics of a new generation of inquiry and action at the land-water-health nexus, as well as capacity-building, practice and policy opportunities to address converging environmental, social and health objectives linked to the management and governance of land and water resources.
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Lisitza A, Wolbring G. Sustainability within the Academic EcoHealth Literature: Existing Engagement and Future Prospects. Sustainability 2016; 8:202. [DOI: 10.3390/su8030202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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