Desmond Kuupiel

We propose a framework for diagnostic instrument development that incorporates cultural appropriateness, to ensure that the instrument respects and aligns with cultural norms; contextual relevance, ensuring that the instrument is suitable for specific situations; persistence, which evaluates students’ ability to continue despite challenges; psychosocial skills, which assesses social and emotional competencies; life skills, which measures practical abilities needed for daily life; content knowledge, which evaluates understanding of specific subjects; and cognitive abilities, which assesses cognitive abilities.

Objectives: This review aims to map and summarise evidence on digital health technologies (DHTs) for home-based rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy (CP), including technology types, usage, outcomes, adoption barriers and evidence gaps. Design: This scoping review follows the Arksey and O’Malley framework, incorporates updates from Levac et al and is reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for scoping reviews. Data sources: 10 electronic databases were searched from inception, with individual database searches last updated between 17 September 2025 and 6 June 2026, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PEDro, OTseeker, IEEE Xplore and ACM Digital Library. Eligibility: Peer-reviewed primary studies involving children under 18 with CP receiving DHTs for home-based rehabilitation were included. Studies in clinical settings or not published in English were excluded. Data extraction: Two reviewers independently extracted data with a third reviewer resolving disagreements. Quantitative results were summarised with basic statistics; qualitative results were analysed using thematic analysis per Joanna Briggs Institute methods. The review did not compare the effectiveness of different technologies. Results: 52 studies were included covering eight technology categories. Telerehabilitation/telehealth and virtual reality/exergaming were most common. Outcomes covered six domains, with upper limb motor function most frequently assessed. The main facilitators were gamification, cost-effectiveness and caregiver capacity building; the main barriers were access and equipment constraints, methodological limitations and connectivity issues. Five evidence gaps were identified: small sample sizes, short follow-up periods, limited representation of low- and middle-income countries, inconsistent outcome measures and a lack of real-world validation. Conclusions: Randomised controlled trials, standardised outcome sets and scalable, culturally appropriate digital health solutions are needed, especially for low- and middle-income countries. Future reviews should consider including specialist databases.

Background: Adolescents and young people with disabilities (AYPWDs) face significant inequities in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service utilisation. This scoping review maps available SRC service, utilisation rates, barriers, facilitators and service quality across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to inform inclusive police development. Methods: This scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework, and was reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis modified for-Scoping Reviews guidelines. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) were searched using predefined keywords and Boolean operators. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened independently using predefined eligibility criteria. Data from included studies were extracted using a structured form and synthesised using descriptive and thematic analysis. Studies published between January 2013 and August 2024 were included in this review. Results: Sixteen studies were included. The studies took place in eight countries (greatest contributions from Ethiopia and Tanzania) with cross-sectional (56.25%), qualitative (25.00%), and mixed-methods (18.75%) study designs. The SRH services are grouped into prevention (family planning, STI/HIV prevention), care/treatment (maternal services, STI/HIV care), counselling/education (comprehensive sex education, counselling), and support services (GBV counselling, psychosocial support). Utilisation ranged from low to moderate, where assessed. Stigma/discrimination, negative provider attitudes, communication barriers (including the absence of sign language and adapted materials), inaccessibility, and weak confidentiality/privacy were the most frequently reported barriers. Key facilitators included education on reproductive health, peer and family support, positive provider attitudes, facility location, and sensitive communication with YPWD. Service quality was most commonly reported as poor, with limited privacy, long waiting times, and inadequate adaptation to be inclusive of people with disability. Conclusion: Maximising disability inclusion of the country's SRH policy and plans and Health system strengthening in consonance with the CRPD and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda is key to making equitable access a reality and to address structural and attitudinal barriers by building the capacity of providers, delivering services that are responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities, and making facilities and information progressively more accessible.

Collaboration between local health authorities and community actors is widely recognised as central to effective emergency preparedness and response, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where health systems face persistent resource and governance constraints. However, empirical evidence on how such collaboration is conceptualised, operationalised, and evaluated remains fragmented. This scoping review mapped and synthesised available evidence on collaboration between local health authorities and community leaders (including community-facing actors) during health emergencies, using the COVID-19 pandemic as an illustrative context to inform further research. A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley framework and reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2020 and October 2025. Eligible studies were primary empirical research conducted in LMICs that examined collaboration between local health authorities and community-facing actors involved in emergency responses. Data were extracted using a structured charting tool and synthesised using descriptive and narrative approaches. Three qualitative studies from Bangladesh and the Philippines met the inclusion criteria. Collaboration involved partnerships between local health authorities and non-governmental organisations, universities, and community-based actors, often formalised through coordination mechanisms. Reported strategies included joint planning, co-implementation of services, resource and workforce sharing, capacity building, and community outreach. These approaches were associated with enhanced surge capacity, continuity of essential services, strengthened system resilience, and improved access and community engagement. However, community leadership roles were rarely explicitly defined, with leadership functions often embedded within community-facing or intermediary actors. The evidence base on collaboration during health emergencies in LMICs remains limited and conceptually underdeveloped. Available studies suggest that collaboration between local health authorities and community-facing actors may support coordinated and resilient responses. However, important gaps persist in how community leadership is conceptualised, operationalised, and evaluated. Future research should more explicitly define and examine community leadership roles, alongside strengthening institutionalised and sustainable collaborative mechanisms for emergency preparedness and response. Not applicable. This scoping review does not involve a healthcare intervention or human participant enrolment. The review protocol has been published previously and is publicly accessible.

Genetic disorders like sickle cell disease (SCD), Thalassemia, and Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency significantly impact social, health,

Background: Understanding how unprofessionalism is interpreted and enacted in low- and middle-income countries is essential for developing health professionals that are contextually and socially grounded. The scoping review explores and maps existing scientific evidence on unprofessional behaviour in health professions education from a Global South perspective. The review was informed by the research question: How is unprofessional behaviour defined, conceptualised, and framed theoretically in health professions education within the Global South? Methods: Using a scoping review, we retrieved 382 articles, of which 14 articles were published between 2004 and 2024. The articles were retrieved across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost (Academic Search Complete, Health Source, and PsycINFO) databases, and supplemented by Google Scholar. Results: The studies emerged from 10 countries, with the majority conducted in the United Arab Emirates (21.4%), followed by Saudi Arabia and Thailand with 14.3% each, and other countries each contributing 7.1% of the total studies. The highest number of studies was published in 2017, 2020, and 2023 (14.3% each). Most study designs were cross-sectional (71.5%), while qualitative studies accounted for 21.4%, and mixed methods were 7.1%. The study populations predominantly consisted of medical students (64.4%), followed by residents (14.3%), and smaller groups including multi-disciplinary students (Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing), clinicians and medical students, and clinical faculty members and medical students with 7.1% each. The studies were conducted across academic and clinical settings (50.0%), with others focusing solely on clinical environments (28.6%), preclinical settings (14.3%), and a clinical and surgical training environment (7.1%). Five key themes emerged: Academic Dishonesty and Integrity Violations, Bullying and Harassment, Clinical and Ethical Misconduct, Disrespect and Power Abuse, and Neglect of Professional Responsibilities. Conclusions: The study findings draw attention to the need for theoretical engagement and institutional reforms that reflect the realities of educational and clinical training environments in low- and middle-income countries.

Effective collaboration between local health authorities and community leaders is critical for timely and inclusive responses to health emergencies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, evidence on how these partnerships function, their effectiveness, and associated challenges remains scattered. This scoping review aims to map existing research on such collaborations to identify strategies, best practices, and gaps. This scoping review will be conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework. A systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and relevant grey literature sources, will be performed, covering publications from inception to 2025 without restrictions on language or publication date. The inclusion criteria will focus on studies that explore collaboration strategies, their effectiveness, challenges, and outcomes in the context of health emergencies in LMICs. Two independent reviewers will screen studies, and extract data, with any discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. The findings will be synthesised narratively, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews guideline. This scoping review will offer a comprehensive overview of the current literature on collaborations between local health authorities and community leaders during health emergencies in LMICs. The review will identify effective strategies, common challenges, and successful practices, as well as highlight areas where further research is needed. The insights gained from this review will inform policymakers, practitioners, and researchers aiming to strengthen community-based responses to health emergencies. The findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, presentations at relevant conferences, and discussions with key stakeholders to support improved collaborations and response strategies in LMICs.

This scoping review systematically maps and summarises research evidence concerning the safety of female commuters in public transport systems across Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Given the essential role of public transport in LMICs, particularly for women in both formal and informal sectors, understanding the safety challenges they face is crucial. We followed the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework to structure this scoping review. The Population (Females), Concept (safety in public transport/transit), and Context (LMICs) framework guided our eligibility criteria. We searched for original research articles in PubMed, EBSCOhost (CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition), SCOPUS, and Web of Science published between 2012 and 2023, and updated in February 2025. We additionally searched Google Scholar platform, and the reference list of included studies to uncover any additional relevant literature. The study selection and data extraction were performed by two reviewers using pilot-tested forms. Thematic analysis was used to organise the data into themes and a narrative summary of the findings is presented. Of the total 114 articles obtained from the database searches, 26 studies published in 14 countries met the inclusion criteria. The review identified a paucity of research in this area, with an average of three relevant papers published per year. The existing literature is geographically imbalanced, with a predominant focus on South Africa, India, and Malaysia, leaving many LMICs underrepresented. Most (11 out of 26) studies employed quantitative methods, leaving a need for more diverse research methodologies. Widespread concerns, fear of assault and harassment among women commuters across various countries; underreporting of sexual harassment, prevalence of violence against women in public transport systems with its psychological, economic, health, and social consequences; and transit sexual assault were among the themes identified. This scoping review reveals the urgent need for further research on the safety of female commuters in LMICs, especially in underrepresented countries, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by women in diverse contexts. It advocates for diversified research methods, public awareness campaigns, improved reporting mechanisms, policy reforms, infrastructure enhancements, and culturally sensitive initiatives to ensure the safety and well-being of female commuters in public transport systems across LMICs.

Hereditary diseases, particularly genetic blood disorders such as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, and Thalassemia, pose significant public health challenges. Premarital carrier screening (PMCS) is a critical preventive measure, yet its uptake remains low in many regions, including the Ahafo Region of Ghana. This study assessed young adults’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding PMCS for SCD, G6PD deficency, and Thalassemia and determined factors associated with these KAP outcomes in the Ahafo Region. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2024, involving 460 young adults aged 18–35 years attending various health facilities in the Ahafo Region. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire, translated into the local dialect for clarity. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic information, knowledge of PMCS, attitudes towards PMCS, and PMCS practices. Data were analysed using Stata version 14, with descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests for associations, and logistic regression to identify significant predictors of KAP. The study population was predominantly female (85.7%), with a mean age of 24.7 years. Only 15.4% (n = 71) of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of PMCS. Key factors influencing knowledge included female gender, age 26–35 years, tertiary education, and receiving information from healthcare services. Positive attitudes towards PMCS were observed in 66.7% of respondents, significantly associated with tertiary education, self-employment, unemployment, and cohabiting marital status. However, only 14.1% exhibited positive PMCS practices, with significant predictors being tertiary education and being married. These findings indicate a substantial gap between awareness and actual practice of PMCS. This study underscores the urgent need for targeted educational interventions and policy measures to enhance PMCS uptake among young adults in the Ahafo Region. Improving healthcare communication, integrating PMCS education into tertiary curricula, addressing sociocultural barriers, and enacting supportive policies are essential steps. Engaging various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, educational institutions, community leaders, policymakers, and NGOs, is crucial for effectively translating positive attitudes into proactive practices and reducing the prevalence of genetic blood disorders in the Ahafo Region and Ghana as a whole.

Introduction Adolescents diagnosed with cancer face unique challenges that can significantly impact their physical, emotional and social well-being. Educational interventions are essential in providing these young patients with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate their cancer journey effectively. This scoping review aims to map the existing evidence on educational interventions tailored for adolescents with cancer, identifying gaps in the literature and informing future research and practice. Methods and analysis The review will follow a systematic scoping review as outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. A preliminary search was conducted in June 2024 with the PubMed database. This will be followed by a comprehensive search strategy across multiple databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, WoS, PsycINFO, GIM and CINAHL, to identify relevant literature published in English. All types of educational interventions targeting adolescents with cancer will be included, while studies focusing on non-cancer populations or published in non-English languages will be excluded. Data extraction will be conducted by two independent reviewers using a standardised tool, and qualitative content analysis will be performed to summarise the findings. The results will be presented in tables and figures, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. This scoping review has been registered with Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/7p93v). Ethics and dissemination As this scoping review will use secondary data from published literature, ethical approval is not required. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and stakeholder engagement.