SPEAKERS - 12th Public Health Conference (PHC2026)

This page is updated periodically as participation is confirmed and session details are finalized. Below is the current list of confirmed speakers for PHC2026; additional speakers and topics will be added on a rolling basis as we continue finalizing the program.

Subnational Diplomacy and the Future of Global Public Health Governance

As global health challenges increasingly cross national borders, effective collaboration now depends on more than just national governments and multilateral institutions. State, provincial, and local governments are becoming important players in international public health engagement. This session will explore how these subnational actors contribute to cross border cooperation, strengthen health systems, and build the relationships needed for a more resilient global health landscape. Subnational governments are uniquely positioned to address issues such as pandemic preparedness, climate related health risks, migration, and disease surveillance. The session will provide examples with infectious disease outbreaks, innovative policy and economic partnerships to illustrate how local and regional leaders' diplomatic engagements help improve coordination, response strategies, and outcomes for multiple layers of the socio-ecological framework. Drawing on both academic and real-world experience, Dr. Steinecker will offer insights from her research as well as her experience serving as a citizen diplomat, government consultant and as the Northern California World Trade Center Executive Board Chair. Her real-world use cases will highlight how subnational engagement can deepen international relationships, support geopolitical cooperation, and contribute to a more adaptive and collaborative global public health system.
Dr. Heidi W. Steinecker is a nationally recognized public health leader and former Deputy Director of the California Department of Public Health. With more than 20 years of experience advising US and international leaders, she specializes in health systems transformation, regulatory modernization, data-driven system redesign, and cross-sector partnership strategy. Dr. Steinecker has directed large-scale health system integration efforts across government and healthcare sectors, including leadership roles at McKinsey Consulting, helping governments align policy, technology, and operations to improve access, quality, and resilience. She also serves as a U.S. Citizen Diplomat as the Chair of the World Trade Center Northern California, advising US Department of State international delegations on global health security for economic prosperity, and government innovation to improve cross-border subnational collaboration. She is also a published scholar in implementing sustainable infection prevention and control protocols, in complex, resource-constrained environments.

Effect of a Community Nursing interventions on Type 1 Diabetes Knowledge Among Portuguese School Non-Teaching Staff

This presentation explores the effect of community nursing interventions on Type 1 diabetes knowledge among non-teaching staff in Portuguese schools. Developed as part of a Master’s study in Community Health and Public Health Nursing, the research formed part of a wider community intervention project. It began with a health situation diagnosis to identify the needs of non-teaching school staff, followed by the implementation and evaluation of targeted educational interventions.
Prof. Amâncio António de Sousa Carvalho is a Coordinating Professor at the School of Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (ESS-UTAD), Portugal. He holds degrees in Community Nursing and Zootechnical Engineering, a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Health Education, and a Doctorate in Child Studies with a specialization in Child Health from the University of Minho. His teaching and research focus on community nursing, public health, health education, health literacy, obesity prevention, dating violence, violence against children and young people, and psychoactive substance use. He has published several articles in national and international journals, co-authored a book in health education, and is an integrated external member of the Research Centre for Child Studies (CIEC) at the University of Minho.

Trends and inequalities in mortality from major causes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania

This presentation examines how the COVID-19 pandemic affected mortality patterns and health inequalities in Lithuania between 2017 and 2023. Using national mortality data, the study compares the pre-pandemic period (2017–2019) with the pandemic period (2020–2023), focusing on major causes of death and differences by gender, age and place of residence. Age-standardized mortality rates and trend analyses were used to evaluate changes over time and inequalities between urban and rural populations. The presentation highlights the importance of strengthening health system resilience, improving access to healthcare services in rural areas, and developing targeted support for vulnerable population groups in future public health emergencies.
Aurimas Galkontas is a public health researcher and PhD candidate at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Department of Health Management. His research focuses on health inequalities, mortality trends, health system resilience, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on population health in Lithuania. He has contributed to national and international research on excess mortality, urban–rural health disparities, and healthcare system challenges during public health emergencies. Aurimas has presented his work at international scientific conferences and has co-authored publications in the fields of public health and health services research. His recent studies examine inequalities in mortality from major causes of death before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on vulnerable population groups and healthcare accessibility.

Innovating Medical Education for Health System Transformation: Early Clinical Exposure in Primary Healthcare to Strengthen Comprehensive and Continuous Care Competencies

This presentation illustrates how early clinical exposure embedded within community exposure in primary healthcare, can strengthen the development of medical students’ competencies in delivering comprehensive, continuous, and person- and family-centered care, guided by the principles of Family Medicine. Drawing on the experience of the Family Medicine Block at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, it highlights an educational approach in which undergraduate medical students are introduced early to primary healthcare settings. This authentic learning experience enables students to integrate biomedical knowledge with the biopsychosocial approach while enhancing their communication, professionalism, and critical thinking skills. The presentation reports findings from the evaluation of 292 undergraduate medical students, exploring both the educational benefits and implementation challenges of learning in primary healthcare settings. It also discusses the implications for curriculum development and educational policy in preparing future physicians who are responsive to community health needs. Participants will gain practical insights into integrating primary healthcare-based learning into competency-based medical education to better prepare graduates for the evolving demands of modern healthcare systems.
Dr. Kuswandewi Mutyara, M.Sc. is a lecturer in the Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, with expertise in public health, family medicine, health promotion, and medical anthropology. She earned her medical degree from Universitas Padjadjaran, a Master’s degree through a joint program between Universitas Padjadjaran and Leiden University, the Netherlands, and a Doctoral degree in Health Sciences from Universitas Padjadjaran. Her research focuses on primary health care, family medicine, and adolescent health. She has led and contributed to numerous national and international research projects and has published extensively in reputable scientific journals. Through her academic, research, and community engagement activities, she actively contributes to advancing health care quality, medical education, and public health in Indonesia.

Addressing Noncommunicable Diseases Through Car-Free Weekends and Active Transport Policy in Pasig, Philippines

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of premature death in the Philippines, and physical inactivity is a major contributor to this growing burden. In many urban areas—including Pasig City—daily movement is limited not by choice, but by the design of our streets and public spaces. Car‑dominated roads, unsafe walkways, and disconnected cycling routes reduce opportunities for routine physical activity, increasing the risk of noncommunicable diseases. This presentation examines how transport systems shape population‑level physical activity and explores evidence‑based strategies that cities can adopt to promote healthier mobility. Drawing from a structured review of literature on active transport, greenspace access, and urban mobility, the analysis highlights how walkable environments and protected cycling networks can meaningfully reduce CVD risk. I will present two feasible, scalable policy actions for Pasig City—weekly car‑free weekends and a connected, protected active transport network. These interventions align with national transport frameworks and global guidance on physical activity promotion. Ultimately, rethinking local mobility systems offers a powerful opportunity to support healthier behaviors, reduce long‑term disease burden, and strengthen the city’s response to NCD challenges.
Catherine Concepcion Garen is a licensed physical therapist with over 20 years of experience across hospital, clinic, and community settings. Currently serving as a Pediatric Physical Therapist at Pasig Hope Medical Center, she helps children improve mobility, strength, and functional independence—reflecting her commitment to compassionate, child centered care. Her CV notes that she is “dedicated to providing compassionate care to patients” and skilled in assessment, exercise administration, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Catherine holds advanced degrees in Global Health Policy and Education, alongside extensive training in child protection, research methods, and health ethics. Her research interests include physical activity, therapeutic play, children with special needs, and global health. Beyond clinical work, she has served as an administrator, educator, and clinical supervisor, and continues to contribute through volunteer roles in physiotherapy and child focused initiatives. Catherine brings a blend of clinical expertise, academic rigor, and advocacy for child well being to her professional practice.

A Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Music Therapy on Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

Music therapy has been widely implemented in various surgical settings. However, findings regarding its effectiveness in reducing postoperative pain among patients undergoing abdominal surgery remain inconsistent. Therefore, further investigation into its analgesic effects is warranted.
Ju-Hsuan Chan is a PhD student in Health and Medical Industry Management at Asia University, Taiwan. Her research focuses on systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining the effects of music therapy on postoperative pain in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. She is particularly interested in integrating music therapy into multimodal analgesia strategies. Through evidence-based interventions, her work aims to improve postoperative recovery outcomes, reduce reliance on pharmacological treatments, and promote more comprehensive perioperative care in clinical practice.

Effectiveness of a Parent-Mediated Health Education Intervention on Constipation among Elementary School Students

This presentation explores the effectiveness of a parent-mediated health education intervention in addressing constipation among elementary school students. Childhood constipation significantly impacts quality of life; this study evaluates how involving parents in health education can improve children's intestinal health behaviors. We will share empirical results and discuss how family-based interventions can be integrated into public health strategies, providing insights for educators and policymakers to foster sustainable health outcomes for children globally.
Chia-Jen Lee is a dedicated elementary school teacher and a PhD student at Asia University, Taiwan. Her research is inspired by her daily observations and interactions with students in the classroom. She focuses on how parents and schools can work together to improve children's wellness, particularly in managing health issues like constipation. She looks forward to sharing practical experiences from the teaching field to support the healthy growth of children.

From Needle to Renewal: Behavioral Transitions of Intravenous Drug Users in the Opioid Substitution Therapy Centre of India

Intravenous drug users are individuals who inject illicit substances directly into their veins, causing a rapid and intense effect. The commonly used illicit substances are Heroin, prescription opioids like fentanyl and morphine, cocaine, methamphetamines, etc. There is an increasing burden of intravenous drug users in India. Usage of intravenous drugs among individual affects their physical, mental and social well-being. The interventions, like OST centres and the provision of sterile syringes, are catering to the secondary and tertiary levels of prevention. There is a need to design interventions for the primordial and primary levels. To achieve this need, the behavioral patterns of these intravenous drug users are to be explored. Understanding the patterns among these users will contribute to the implementation of guided interventions at the community level.

Behavioral and Demographic Determinants of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Awareness and Uptake Intent among Sero-Discordant Couples at an ART Plus Center in North India

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to be a significant public health challenge worldwide, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.In India, there has been a decline in national HIV prevalence over the years, from 0.60% in 1983 to 0.32% in 2010, and to 0.20% in 2023. But in the last few years, the prevalence has plateaued despite multiple strategies (biomedical, behavioural, and structural interventions) adopted. The overall epidemic burden is low in India, but 25.44 lakh people are living with HIV (PLHIV). While antiretroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically improved life expectancy and quality of life for PLHIV, prevention remains the most effective long-term strategy. In this context, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has emerged as a breakthrough intervention in the global fight against HIV. Sero discordant couples are couples where one partner is HIV positive, and the other is HIV negative, and represent the population with a greater risk of HIV transmission. Although effective ART and viral suppression reduce the risk but factors such as poor adherence, delayed ART initiation, and inconsistent viral suppression continue to pose the transmission risk. PrEP offers an additional layer of protection for the HIV-negative partner.
Dr. Aswani Kumar Seth, MBBS, MD is currently working as senior resident in the department of community medicine at AIIMS Rishikesh, India. He earned his MBBS degree from Medical College Kolkata, Asia's oldest medical college and MD (Community Medicine) degree from AIIMS New Delhi. He has over five years of teaching and research experience. His work broadly concentrates on non-communicable diseases, substance abuse, nutrition and others. At present he is senior resident in charge of Adult vaccination/ travel clinic at AIIMS Rishikesh. He is actively involved in academics, research and patient care.

Changes in mortality inequalities by major causes of death in urban and rural populations in Lithuania during 1990-2024

Health inequalities remain one of the most pressing challenges in public health worldwide, and reducing them is a key objective of national and international health policies. Lithuania stands out in the European Union due to some of the highest observed inequalities in mortality between population groups. In particular, substantial differences exist between urban and rural populations. This presentation focuses on an analysis of how mortality inequalities between urban and rural residents in Lithuania have evolved over a long-term period from 1990 to 2024. It examines major causes of death and assesses whether gaps in mortality have narrowed, widened, or remained stable over time.
Dr. Olga Mesceriakova is a researcher working in the field of social and demographic inequalities in health in Lithuania and internationally. Her scientific interests include public health, population mortality, and sociodemographic inequality analysis. Her research focuses on examining health disparities and contributes to a better understanding of population-level mortality patterns and their determinants, with relevance for evidence-based health policy.

Epidemiology of Post-COVID syndrome in the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic

This presentation reports findings from a large population-based study examining post-COVID syndrome in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Using data from more than 4,000 respondents, the study compares individuals with and without a history of COVID-19 across a wide range of physical, respiratory, neurological, cognitive, and mental health outcomes. The analysis explores the prevalence of persistent symptoms, chronic conditions, functional limitations, and psychological well-being while accounting for key sociodemographic factors. The findings highlight the multidimensional nature of post-COVID syndrome and its potential long-term impact on population health, providing evidence relevant for public health planning, healthcare services, and future research.
PhDr. Patrik Sivčo, PhD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Public Health with experience in multiple national and international research projects. His work includes research on traumatic brain injuries, communicable and non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cervical cancer, COVID-19, and post-COVID syndrome. He lectures in occupational hygiene, biostatistics, and epidemiological aspects of healthcare, and has practical experience through collaboration with public health institutions and healthcare facilities.

The associations of social determinants and networking with health services utilization among Jewish and Arab adults with significant health issues in Israel: A cross-sectional study

Social determinants of health comprise non-medical factors that influence health, including income, education, employment, social conflict, and access to healthcare services. Healthcare utilization is affected by social determinants, health status, and social networks. However, the contribution of social determinants and social networking to the differences in health services utilization is unclear. Given existing knowledge gaps, the current study aims to examine potential associations between networking and health services utilization among Arab and Jewish adults in Israel, using Andersen's behavioral model and focusing on populations with health service's needs.
Dr. Na’amnih joined the MTA School of Nursing Science in October 2022 under appointment procedure to the rank of senior lecturer at the Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo. Dr. Na'amnih started her career as a nurse in the rehabilitation and trauma departments at Sourasky Medical Center. In 2008, he gets the position of deputy head nurse at the geriatric rehabilitation department in Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv. In 2008, he completed his master's degree in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (with distinction), and in 2018, he completed her Ph.D. degree (Mentors: Yehuda Carmeli and Prof. Dani Cohen) at the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University. Dr. Na’amnih completed a 2-year (2019-2021) postdoctoral fellowship in the laboratory of Prof. Khitam Muhsen at the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University.

Immediate Neurophy siological Effects of Gong and Singing Bowl Sound Therapy Among Manufacturing Workers A Quasi-Experimental EEG Study

This study investigates the immediate neurophysiological effects of gong sound therapy and singing bowl sound therapy among manufacturing workers. A quasi-experimental design was conducted with 55 participants recruited from a manufacturing company in central Taiwan. Participants were assigned to three groups: gong sound therapy (GST), singing bowl sound therapy (SBST), and a relaxation music control group. EEG relative power across five frequency bands (Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma) was measured before and after a 50-minute intervention. The results showed that both GST and SBST induced significant changes in multiple EEG frequency bands, including decreased Delta activity and increased higher-frequency bands associated with relaxation and cognitive processing. These findings suggest that structured sound therapy may provide immediate neurophysiological regulation and could serve as a potential complementary approach for workplace stress management.
Fei-Wen Lin is a doctoral student in the PhD Program in Health Industry Management at Asia University, Taiwan. Her research focuses on sound-based interventions, including gong and singing bowl sound therapy, and their effects on psychological and neurophysiological outcomes such as stress regulation, heart rate variability, and EEG activity. Her work aims to explore the potential of integrative and non-pharmacological approaches to support mental well-being and workplace health. She is particularly interested in applying sound therapy in occupational settings to promote stress reduction and overall well-being among employees.

Associations Between Physical Indicators and Myopia Progression in School-Aged Children: A Retrospective Cohort Study

This presentation explores the association between physical growth indicators and myopia progression among school-aged children using a retrospective cohort design. With the increasing global prevalence of myopia, particularly in East Asia, understanding modifiable risk factors is essential for effective prevention. A cohort of children was followed over time, and survival analysis, including Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards models, was applied to evaluate the risk of myopia onset. The findings suggest that elevated BMI is significantly associated with a higher risk of developing myopia, highlighting the potential role of physical growth patterns in visual health. This study provides new insights into the relationship between body composition and myopia development and emphasizes the importance of integrating weight management and vision care within school-based health promotion programs.
Hui-Shan Chen is a PhD student in Health and Medical Industry Management at Asia University, Taiwan, and a school nurse dedicated to promoting child health. Her research focuses on school-based health promotion, including myopia prevention, oral health, and physical development among children. She has experience in conducting cohort studies and applying statistical methods such as Cox regression analysis. Her current work explores the association between physical indicators and myopia progression in school-aged children. She is committed to integrating research findings into practical health promotion programs in school settings.

Are Later-Born Cohorts Aging Better? Age–Period–Cohort Patterns of Intrinsic Capacity Decline in Older Adults

Intrinsic capacity is a holistic concept introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) representing the combination of all physical and mental capacities an individual can draw upon. It serves as a key measure to promote healthy aging and preserve independence. The study presented by Professor Wang aimed to investigate the age-, period-, and cohort-effect of intrinsic capacity decline among older Taiwanese, by using representative datasets from a longitudinal survey in Taiwan.
Dr. Jiun-Yi Wang is a professor and currently the associate chairman in the Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University. His research interests include biomedical statistics, Epidemiology, and healthcare service study. Most of Dr. Wang’s academic articles were published in international recognized journals, including JAMA Network Open, Annals of Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, Scientific Reports, Aging & Mental Health, Geriatrics & Gerontology International, Biometrics, and Biometrical Journal.

Pre-hospital treatment delay with Acute Ischemic Stroke in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of death and disability, where timely intervention is crucial for improving outcomes. Despite advances in reperfusion therapies, delays in reaching healthcare facilities remain a major barrier in India. Understanding the extent of pre-hospital delay and its determinants is essential for strengthening stroke care systems. Methodology A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251081585). Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL were searched from inception to June 30, 2025. Observational studies reporting the proportion of adult AIS patients with pre-hospital delay in India were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality using JBI tools. A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled proportions, with heterogeneity assessed using the I² statistic. Results Ten studies with sample sizes ranging from 60 to 470 participants were included. The pooled proportion of pre-hospital delay was 74% (95% CI: 63.43–84.57%), with high heterogeneity (I² = 98.2%). Reported delays ranged widely, with median times up to 2400 minutes. Major contributing factors included poor recognition of stroke symptoms, lack of awareness among patients and caregivers, transportation challenges, initial consultation at non-specialized facilities, and financial constraints. Conclusion A substantial proportion of AIS patients in India experience significant pre-hospital delays. Improving public awareness, strengthening emergency transport systems, and enhancing stroke-ready healthcare infrastructure are critical to reducing delays and improving outcomes. Keywords Acute ischemic stroke; Pre-hospital delay; Health-seeking behavior; India; Systematic review; Meta-analysis.

Health Care Seeking and Risk Factors for Heart Diseases Among Men of Age 15–55 Years: Insights from National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), India

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of premature mortality globally and in India. Risk factors such as age, hypertension, diabetes, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and obesity significantly contribute to disease burden. Understanding health care–seeking behavior along with associated risk factors is essential for planning effective interventions, particularly among middle-aged men. Methodology This study is a secondary data analysis of the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5). It included men aged 15–55 years. Variables analyzed included socio-demographic characteristics, behavioral risk factors (tobacco and alcohol use), anthropometric measures, and clinical parameters such as blood pressure and blood glucose. The outcome variables were self-reported heart disease and health care–seeking behavior. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings. Results A total of 101,839 participants were included, with a mean age of 32.2 ± 11.2 years. The prevalence of self-reported heart disease was low but increased with age, particularly among men aged above 40 years. Higher proportions of heart disease were observed among individuals residing in rural areas, those consuming alcohol or tobacco, and those with elevated systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Participants with high blood glucose levels and increased waist circumference also showed higher prevalence. Among those reporting heart disease, 78.4% sought health care, indicating gaps in care-seeking behavior. Conclusion The burden of cardiovascular risk factors among Indian men is substantial, with clear associations between behavioral, metabolic, and demographic determinants. Although a majority seek care, a significant proportion still do not, highlighting missed opportunities for early management. Strengthening awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles, and improving access to healthcare services are critical to reducing the burden of CVDs. Keywords Cardiovascular diseases; Risk factors; Health care seeking; NFHS-5; India; Men’s health.
Subham Kansal is a Senior Resident at the Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS New Delhi. He holds an MD in Community Medicine from AIIMS New Delhi, a DNB in Community Medicine, and an MBA in Hospital and Health System Management. His academic and professional work focuses on community medicine, public health, and health system management.

Exploring the Associations Among Social Support, Loneliness, and Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Population aging has increased attention to the well-being of community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional study examined the associations among social support, loneliness, and quality of life in 134 community-dwelling older adults. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationships among social support, loneliness, and the four domains of quality of life (physical, psychological, social relationships, and environment). Multiple regression analysis was performed after controlling for demographic variables, including gender, age, education level, religious belief, marital status, living arrangement, number of chronic diseases, sources of support, and participation in leisure activities. The results showed that social support was significantly negatively associated with loneliness and positively associated with all domains of quality of life. Furthermore, social support remained a significant predictor of reduced loneliness and improved quality of life after adjustment for demographic variables. These findings emphasize the importance of strengthening social support networks to promote healthy and active aging among older adults.
Ching-Fen Chang is currently a student in the Department of Healthcare Administration at Asia University, Taiwan. Her academic interests are focused on healthcare management, public health, and the improvement of healthcare services and systems.

Combating Infectious Diseases with Herbal Medicine - The Anti-Viral Potential of Ganoderma lingzhi and Panax ginseng’s Bioactive Compounds

Global infectious diseases continue to post significant public health challenges, exacerbated by the limitations of existing antiviral therapies. This research explores the anti-viral potential of two well-established herbal medicines - Ganoderma lingzhi and Panax ginseng - as the basis for an innovative functional food intervention.
Drawing on pre-clinical evidence, this study investigates the bioactive compounds of both organisms: triterpenoids from G. lingzhi, shown to inhibit neuraminidase activity in influenza A strains (H5N1, H1N1) and dengue virus protease; and ginsenosides from P. ginseng, associated with a greater than 40% reduction in acute respiratory viral infection risk. Through in vitro and in silico analyses, the research identifies key compound-receptor interactions, with meaningful implications for understanding anti-viral mechanisms in natural compounds.
The culminating product is a prototype buccal tablet combining extracted bioactive compounds from both sources, formulated as a safe, consumer-ready functional food. This work bridges traditional herbal medicine and contemporary pharmaceutical science, offering a promising direction for infectious disease prevention and management. The research team welcomes collaboration opportunities with aligned partners and organizations.
LingLing Deng holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, with a major in Health Studies and double minors in Food Studies and Media Studies. Her interdisciplinary background informs a public health perspective that looks beyond conventional Western medicine. She is particularly interested in innovative, evidence-based interventions that draw on traditional knowledge systems to address pressing global health challenges.

Structural Imbalance in Care-Related Outcomes within Technology-Assisted Home Care Research: A Scoping Review and Evidence Mapping Analysis

This presentation examines how care-related outcomes are selected and reported in research on technology-assisted home care for aging populations. Based on a scoping review of studies published over the past decade, the study maps the types of technologies used in home and community settings and analyzes the distribution of reported outcomes. The findings show that existing research is largely centered on older adults’ functional status, activities of daily living, safety, risk management, and technological usability. By contrast, caregiver burden, psychological stress, dyadic care relationships, and broader long-term care system outcomes receive comparatively limited attention. The presentation highlights a structural imbalance in current outcome selection and argues for a broader, more care-centered approach to evaluating technology-assisted home care, particularly in aging societies where sustainable support for both older adults and caregivers is increasingly important.
You Ling Chen is a Doctoral Student in the Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taiwan. Her research focuses on technology-assisted long-term care, digital health, and healthy aging from a public health perspective. She is interested in developing innovative approaches to improve the quality of care and health outcomes for older adults and caregivers. Her current work explores the application of digital technologies in long-term care settings to support person-centered care and promote healthy aging.

Positive Indigenous Psychology: A Solution for Global Health

Globally, colonialism, globalization, and consumerism have been ascribed to be key structural drivers causing ecological disparities and health inequities among all. These have also led to major global health challenges, which, if not addressed, might obscure systemic and distal drivers of poor health. Positive Indigenous Psychology is the scientific study and application of Indigenous well-being that brings together modern tools and knowledge with Indigenous worldviews and wisdom in a way that can contribute to equitable global public well-being via promoting positive and thriving results. This presentation proposes the application-based and community engaged solutions focusing on Indigenous Social Determinants of Health proffered by Positive Indigenous Psychology for the ultimate health and wellbeing of all. Indeed, concerted efforts of will be necessary to collaborate given our interrelated connectedness and tied fates. Without such collaboration, it seems health equity and maybe even survival might be impossible.
Dr. Tapati Dutta is a public health scholar and practitioner with nearly 30 years of professional experience across academia, population studies, social work, and global health programming. Her work focuses on community engagement, social support, Indigenous Ways of Knowing, and socio-behavioral approaches to health and wellbeing. In U.S. academia, she is known for storytelling pedagogies, participatory learning, and community-based capstone education. Prior to academia, she led HIV, sexual and reproductive health, and public health programs across Asia and Africa. A self-described “pracademic” and lived-experience expert, she serves on nonprofit boards in Zambia, Uganda, India, and Myanmar.