Sugar-sweetened beverages consumption increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and its components in adults: Consistent and robust evidence from an umbrella review.

Background & Aims: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are potential modifiable risk factors for reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS); however, there is a lack of an umbrella review that robustly synthesizes the evidence. This review aims to synthesize the evidence linking habitual SSBs intake with MetS in adults, emphasizing the need for policy and regulatory actions.

Methods: Four databases were comprehensively searched for relevant meta-analyses of prospective studies up to July 2023.

Validation of public health competencies and impact variables for low- and middle-income countries.

Background: The number of Master of Public Health (MPH) programmes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is increasing, but questions have been raised regarding the relevance of their outcomes and impacts on context. Although processes for validating public health competencies have taken place in recent years in many high-income countries, validation in LMICs is needed. Furthermore, impact variables of MPH programmes in the workplace and in society have not been developed.

Mapping a global agenda for adolescent health.

Major changes in health are underway in many low- and middle-income countries that are likely to bring greater focus on adolescents. This commentary, based on a 2009 London meeting, considers the need for strategic information for future global initiatives in adolescent health. Current coverage of adolescent health in global data collections is patchy.

Factors associated with inconsistent condom use among female sex workers in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

This study examined consistent condom use with clients, self-reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and associated factors among Vietnamese female sex workers (FSWs). Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey among 192 FSWs in Nha Trang city, in 2005. The rate of consistent condom use with casual clients, regular clients, and nonpaying partners were 59.