podcast_episode / 1d ago
<p>What happens when the power of spirituality aligns with the relentless drive of a tennis legend? Jasjit Singh, the first Sikh Sardar to represent India in the Davis Cup, shares his extraordinary journey from the tennis courts to breaking cultural barriers, and how his path to success was fueled by faith, perseverance, and resilience. </p><p>In this powerful conversation with spiritual guide Aushim Khetarpal, we delve deep into the profound connection between sports and spirituality. Aushim’s wisdom offers a unique perspective on how the principles of inner strength, spiritual awakening, and unwavering belief can guide athletes like Ja...
news_article / 1d ago
Why are so many college students smoking cigarettes? - The Brown Daily Herald
paper / 1d ago
Background An effective surveillance program of drugs and addiction requires timely detection of emerging consumption patterns and new psychoactive substances. The time lag between conventional reporting systems and population-level perception creates a gap that can be more effectively addressed through sentinel networks. Methods A qualitative study was conducted between February and May 2025. A total of 13 regional, national and international experts in public health, drug policy, prevention, epidemiology, and digital technologies participated in three focus groups and four in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti, with triangulation of researcher data with adherence to SRQR guidelines to ensure rigor. Results Four categories and 13 subcategories were identified for the design of a sentinel network on drug use: (1) Definition and criteria for activating sentinel alerts; (2) Selection of key informants;(3) Management and temporality of alerts; and (4) Enabling factors for sustainability. Conclusions A sentinel network for drug use should be multidisciplinary, flexible, and integrated into existing surveillance structures. Incorporating diverse perspectives and information, ensuring adequate professional support, and establishing mechanisms for motivation and sustainability are essential. This system could enhance early detection and serve as a model for substance use surveillance in comparable contexts.
paper / 1d ago
Purpose of review Sentinel surveillance networks have been developed in different countries to monitor changes in patterns of addiction. The aim of this study was to ascertain fundamental aspects required for the design and implementation of a sentinel network for the surveillance of illicit drugs use in Spain. Recent findings Internationally, sentinel networks vary in organization, collaboration, and informants. Some rely on hospital emergency departments, such as Euro-DEN Plus and SISVEA; others include community pharmacists (Addictovigilance, Catalan Sentinel Pharmacies) or drug users themselves (IDRS, EDRS). Networks like N-DEWS and CCENDU combine real-time community data with epidemiological analysis. The challenges identified in the literature include the inclusion of drug users as informants due to reliability concerns, inconsistencies in data collection across health services, and professional fatigue. While focused on Spain, these findings may also be relevant for other countries with comparable public health challenges. Summary This qualitative study, based on focus groups with key informants, offers recommendations for the creation of a multidisciplinary, flexible sentinel network adapted to the Spanish context. Integration of professionals from diverse sectors, training in toxicology and digital tools, and mechanisms for feedback and motivation are critical. These insights can support clinical early detection, improve alert dissemination, and serve as a foundation for future research on surveillance systems for substance use.
paper / 1d ago
OBJECTIVE
To identify the dimensions and domains to be included in questionnaires when assessing self-reported secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure in etiological studies and in population health surveys.
METHOD
A qualitative study was conducted in two stages. In stage one, based on a Delphi methodology, 16 experts in tobacco epidemiology completed two questionnaires and attended a group session. In stage two, triangulation interviews were conducted with six experts from the Delphi study to provided in-depth reflection on the domains identified in stage one. The recorded transcriptions were analyzed using a thematic approach.
RESULTS
The experts discussed the importance of assessing SHS exposure in specific scenarios, highlighting the home, workplace, leisure venues, and private transport. They discussed the importance of asking about cohabiting with smokers when assessing exposure at home. The experts stressed the importance of differentiating between leisure venues, by prioritizing closed over open spaces. In population-based health surveys, the experts recommended that the recall time should be recent, referring to the last seven days. In etiological studies, they suggested that lifetime exposures should be explored.
CONCLUSIONS
This study marks the first step toward identifying the dimensions and domains for assessing self-reported SHS exposure. Question standardization when ascertaining SHS exposure is critical to permit cross study comparisons and to analyze trends in the evolution of SHS exposure.