JMIR Research Protocols

AI is rapidly transforming health systems, expanding from diagnostic imaging and predictive analytics to large language model–enabled clinical decision support. However, significant governance challenges persist, including algorithmic bias, privacy risks, limited transparency, and inequities in access. Despite the proliferation of national AI strategies, global governance remains fragmented, and systematic evidence on how national policies address ethical, regulatory, and implementation requirements is limited. No comprehensive synthesis currently maps national governance approaches against established frameworks or documents or accounts for implementation realities across diverse contexts.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of mortality, driven by interrelated behavioral, biological, and psychosocial risk factors, despite the availability of effective prevention and treatment strategies. Persistent policy inertia, systemic fragmentation, and adverse social and commercial determinants have limited national responses. Addressing these gaps necessitates place-based, systems-oriented approaches that mobilize local assets, engage multisector stakeholders, and incorporate adaptive evaluation. The initiative exemplifies such an approach by positioning Greater Springfield as a “living laboratory” for coordinated cardiovascular health action through a comprehensive data framework, providing a replicable model for other communities.

Approximately 5% of women will be affected by fetal malposition at full cervical dilatation, with the occiput in transverse or posterior positions. These women are more likely to require assistance to give birth to their babies with either rotational vaginal birth or cesarean birth at full dilatation. Three different rotational methods can be used: rotational (Kielland) forceps, rotational vacuum, and manual rotation. Current evidence supporting the use of the 3 rotational methods is only from observational data. To date, no randomized controlled trial (RCT) of rotational methods has been completed.

Community and youth violence are pervasive and have devastating health, economic, and social consequences. Violence too often impacts people of color and the life trajectories of youth in the United States, especially among people living in urban settings.

Older adults face a substantial burden of common mental disorders, yet they are less likely to seek professional help compared to younger adults. In Chinese contexts, collectivist values and stigma may further deter help-seeking. Social norms are central to the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and nudge theory, suggesting that norm-based messages, especially those that are visually engaging, could strengthen perceived social approval and subsequent help-seeking intentions.

Outdoor play supports children’s physical, social, and cognitive development; yet, opportunities are declining as indoor, screen-based childhoods become the norm. Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) centers are key settings for promoting outdoor play, but limited evidence exists on the health and developmental outcomes of licensed nature-based ELCC programs, particularly for children with and those without disabilities.

Patient navigation is a critical component of health care delivery, facilitating connections with appropriate services. A new era of virtual navigation systems has emerged, with systems that can be accessed through websites or smartphone apps. However, it is unknown which features of these novel systems impact patient outcomes.

Nurse-initiated management of antiretroviral therapy (NIMART) has expanded access to life-saving antiretroviral therapy and enhanced the decentralization of HIV care. The psychobiological and psychosocial responses of nurses implementing this strategy have been largely underexplored.

Older adult care systems face severe workforce shortages, rising demands, and high levels of stress and burnout, undermining the quality of care and organizational resilience. Support4Resilience (S4R, 2024-2028) aims to improve working conditions and mental well-being by equipping leaders with an evidence-based, organizational-level intervention. The project develops and evaluates a digital S4R Toolbox consisting of 3 tools: (1) mapping and identification (MAP); (2) reflection and education (IMPROVE); and (3) reorganization (REMOVE).

Nonspecific neck pain (NNP) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition worldwide, yet optimal noninvasive treatments remain to be established. Tuina and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) are both commonly used in clinical practice, but comparative evidence is limited.

In Pakistan, one-third of under-5 deaths (58/1000 live births) are attributable to the high prevalence of stunting (40%), underweight (23%), and wasting (17.7%). Given the suboptimal prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF; 48%) and the alarmingly low consumption of a minimum acceptable diet (3.6%), mitigation of early-life nutritional risk provides a critical window of opportunity for intervention. Mobile health (mHealth) provides an innovative and low-cost option to improve infant and young child feeding practices (IYCFPs) among mothers.

Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region most affected by the HIV epidemic, with Zambia experiencing a substantial burden of disease. Young people with HIV are disproportionately impacted. Emerging adulthood (ages 18-24 years) is characterized by increasing independence, risk-taking behaviors, identity exploration, and changing social supports, all of which may impact HIV self-management, including medication adherence and retention in care. Substance use may further undermine HIV outcomes. Innovative interventions targeting HIV self-management and substance use reduction among Zambian young people are urgently needed.