Advances in Health and Behavior

This paper investigates how political engagement and trust can reduce health disparities in the context of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. It posits that active participation in the political process and trust in political institutions enable communities, especially marginalized ones, to advocate for equitable health policies, leading to more inclusive healthcare services. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach to understand how politics influence individual and collective health behaviors and decision-making. The research uses t-tests and logistic regression to analyze the relationship between political factors (like interest and participation) and trust in political and federal systems on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The t-test examines disparities in vaccine hesitancy across racial groups, revealing significant differences and emphasizing the impact of race on health behaviors. Logistic regression, controlling for variables such as partisanship and media influence, further explores these relationships, showing a consistent negative correlation between trust in federal institutions and vaccine hesitancy across racial groups. The study also finds that this correlation varies by race, with trust in the political system and political participation influencing vaccine hesitancy to different degrees among racial groups. These findings underscore the complex interplay between political engagement, trust, and health behaviors, highlighting the role of politics in shaping public health outcomes.

This review explores the negative impacts of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage consumption in Nigeria, focusing on health, socioeconomic, and environmental dimensions. Alcoholic beverages, widely consumed in both urban and rural settings, are linked to significant health challenges such as liver diseases, cardiovascular issues, and mental health disorders, as well as social problems like domestic violence and road traffic accidents. Non-alcoholic drinks, particularly sugary soft drinks and energy drinks, contribute to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and dental caries, exacerbating the nation's public health burden. Additionally, the unregulated production and distribution of some beverages pose risks of contamination and toxic exposure. Socioeconomic impacts include the strain on healthcare systems and reduced productivity due to alcohol-related absenteeism and illnesses. Furthermore, beverage production contributes to environmental degradation, including water pollution and excessive waste generation from packaging materials. This review highlights the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies, stricter regulatory policies, and community-level interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of beverage consumption in Nigeria. Future research and policy recommendations should prioritize sustainable practices, consumer education, and improved healthcare responses to address this multifaceted issue.