Abstract: The aim of our research was to monitor smoking habits at patients requesting medical assistance of an emergency department and to identify any connections with the health status of patients during the year 2018, in Romania. The survey included 431 patients who came to the hospital, out of which 49.88% were women and 50.12% were men. Their ages varied between 18 and 93 years, women’s mean age was of 66.46 years and standard deviation (SD) of ±12.157, and of 62.10 years and SD of ±14.164 in the case of men, respectively. Our working method was the cross-sectional population study. The study revealed that 14.6% of the patients smoke less than 20 cigarettes per day, while 17.4% smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day. A higher number of smoked cigarettes can be found in the case of men, with an impact of 17.4%, as well as in the case of younger people. There is a significant association between the diagnosis of acute psychiatric pathology and tobacco consumption, as this diagnosis occurs 3.57 times more frequently in the case of people who smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day, compared with non-smokers. Tobacco consumption is a risk factor for the ingravescence of digestive pathology, as digestive pathology occurs 2.3 times more frequent at people who smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day, compared with non-smokers.

Abstract: Introduction: Healthcare workers experience high rates of job-related stress and burnout, contributing to a substantial burden of mental and emotional health conditions. Exposure to natural environments is associated with improved mental health outcomes. However, for healthcare workers, the effects of nature in the workplace have been underexplored. This analysis reports the health effects of gaining a window view of nature among a sample of healthcare workers.Methods: In November 2023, a rehabilitation hospital moved its primary location from a midsize [redacted for anonymous review] city to a nearby area surrounded by woodlands. Employees completed surveys on work environment, job satisfaction and burnout, and health-related outcomes prior to the move, four weeks after the move, and one year after the move.Results: In difference-in-differences models controlling for gender, age, and change in job category, participants who gained a window view of a natural environment had greater odds of experiencing improvements in their reported satisfaction of their window view (OR=8.05, p=0.02). However, no statistically-significant improvements were reported for outcomes relating to job satisfaction, stress, burnout, or mental health associated with the change in window view. Conclusions: Although participants gaining window views of nature reported increases in window view satisfaction, we found no changes to job-related or health-related outcomes either at the first followup or one year after the move associated with gaining a window view of nature. Greater doses of nature in workplace environments, or different kinds of strategies, may be necessary to promote mental health among healthcare workers.

Abstract: Lead is a toxic heavy metal associated with significant health risks, particularly in children, due to its neurotoxic effects and lack of a safe exposure threshold. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of blood lead levels (BLLs) in children under 18 years, utilizing data from Georgia's national early disease detection program collected between 2020 and 2023. The dataset includes over 32,000 children, providing a robust foundation for evaluating temporal trends and regional disparities in lead exposure. A nationwide decline in elevated BLLs was observed during the study period, with an overall mean BLL of 3.56 µg/dL; however, substantial regional variations persist, with Adjara (mean BLL 5.27 µg/dL, 11.7% with BLL ≥10 µg/dL) and Guria (mean BLL 5.01 µg/dL, 8.3% with BLL ≥10 µg/dL) reporting the highest levels. These findings under-score the critical need for targeted, region-specific environmental health interventions and policies to address persistent lead exposure risks. This analysis contributes valua-ble epidemiological insights into childhood lead exposure in Georgia, informing future public health strategies and resource allocation.

Abstract: Background: Population aging poses a growing public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, including Indonesia. Functional independence is a key determinant of older adults’ quality of life, yet integrated community-based health promotion models addressing this issue remain limited. Objective: This study developed and empirically validated an Integrated 5I Health Promotion Model (Identify, Inspire, Initiate, Integrate, and Impact) to enhance independence and quality of life among pre-older adults and older adults in an urban Indonesian setting. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 240 pre-older adults and older adults in Surakarta, Indonesia, using proportional cluster sampling from community activity groups. The Integrated 5I Model was constructed based on the Health Belief Model, the Logic Model, and a pentahelix approach. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using path analysis to examine direct and indirect relationships among internal and external factors, perceptions, participation, independence, and quality of life. Results: The model demonstrated good structural fit and explained a substantial proportion of variance in independence and quality of life. Perception and participation played significant mediating roles between internal and external factors and independence. Increased independence was significantly associated with improved quality of life among older adults. Participation showed the strongest direct effect on physical independence (β = 3.018, p < 0.001), while independence significantly predicted quality of life (β = 0.599, p < 0.001). The model demonstrated excellent fit (CFI = 1.000; RMSEA = 0.000; SRMR = 0.012). Conclusions: The Integrated 5I Health Promotion Model provides a pragmatic and scalable framework for community-based interventions designed to promote independence and quality of life among aging populations in urban low- and middle-income settings. This model has important implications for public health programs and policies targeting healthy and active aging.