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The Center on Commercial Determinants of Health (CCDH) is one of the first research centers in the world involved in studying and addressing the growing health burden caused by commercial determinants of health (CDoH). The center focuses on researching private sector engagement in public health as it pertains to various vulnerable populations around the world. CCDH brings a multi-disciplinary approach to not only scientific research but also advocacy, policy guidance and strengthening health systems.
Featured News
Socio-cultural context of road safety in youth: a scoping review
June 28, 2025
CCDH team and colleagues conducted a scoping review to examine how social norms and cultural factors influence road safety behaviors among young people in LMICs. The review found that norms shape risky driving, helmet and seat belt use, and compliance with traffic laws, often moderated by gender, media, and religion.
Injury caseload, pattern and time of presentation to emergency services in Mozambique: A pragmatic, multicentre, observational study
June 6, 2025
Co-authored by Nino Paichadze, this study examined injury patterns in emergency departments across urban Mozambique. Analyzing 7,809 cases, findings show that injuries accounted for about one-quarter of all emergency visits, with falls, physical violence, and road traffic accidents as the leading causes. Injuries varied by age, location, and season, highlighting factors to guide improved injury prevention and emergency care planning in Mozambique.
Factors associated with mortality of hospitalized road traffic injury patients in 4 low- and middle-income countries
April 10, 2025
In hospitals across Cambodia, Ethiopia, Mexico, and Zambia, most road traffic injury deaths involved young men, often pedestrians or riders of two- or three-wheeled vehicles. CCDH authors identified moderate-severe Glasgow Coma Scale (indicative of traumatic brain injury), low blood pressure, and riding two- or three-wheelers as key risk factors for mortality in hospital. Findings highlight the need for stronger prevention measures, such as lower speed limits and helmet wearing, as well as capacity building of neurosurgery and rapid triage systems.
Bibliometric Analysis of Health Policy and Systems Research Field
January 2, 2025
CCDH authors analyzed the evolution of publications on health policy and systems research for the last 20 years in 11 low- and middle-income countries and found a 34% average growth rate. They also find that the role of the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research as a funder in this field has been significant.
Intimidation by Tobacco, Alcohol and Ultra-Processed Food Corporations
December 1, 2024
A scoping review, co-authored by Dr. Paichadze, found that unhealthy commodity industries use intimidation tactics to target policymakers, advocates, and researchers. In the tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed food sectors, these tactics include public discreditation, legal threats, and surveillance to obstruct regulations that threaten their interests. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the scale of intimidation, impacts on wellbeing, and developing strategies for responding.
Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of WHODAS 2.0 in Bangladesh
November 18, 2024
CCDH authors assessed the psychometric properties of WHODAS 2.0 (a scale for measuring disability) in Bangladesh with road traffic injury victims and found that the tool was valid and reliable.
Addressing global gun violence: a Lancet Commission on Global Gun Violence and Health
November 9, 2024
Civilian gun violence claims an estimated 600 lives daily worldwide. The Lancet Commission on Global Gun Violence, led by Dr. Adnan Hyder, will analyze the epidemiological, demographic, economic, and social factors that affect the relationship between gun violence and health. This Commission consists of an interdisciplinary group of international experts working to study intervention options and develop policy recommendations.
Understanding the Role of Social Determinants of Health and Mortality
January 30, 2024
Dr. Hyder and colleagues investigated the association between unfavorable social determinants of health and mortality among adults with diabetes. The research team developed complex indicators to assess the cumulative impact of these social determinants on all-cause mortality. The findings revealed an association between social disadvantage and an increased risk of mortality in individuals with diabetes.
Power and Commercial Determinants of Health
September 8, 2023
Drs. Hyder and Paichadze published a book chapter in the textbook Global Health Essentials.
Evaluating industry attempts to influence public health: Applying an ethical framework in understanding commercial determinants of health
September 20, 2022
Evaluating industry attempts to influence public health: Applying an ethical framework in understanding commercial determinants of health
The COVID-19 Pandemic Exposes Another Commercial Determinant of Health: The Global Firearm Industry
June 30, 2021
The COVID-19 Pandemic Exposes Another Commercial Determinant of Health: The Global Firearm Industry
Publication in the International Journal of Public Health
July 31, 2020
The commentary "Commercial determinants of health: a proposed research agenda" by CCDH's Nino Paichadze, Meghan Werbick, Paul Ndebele, Imran Bari and Adnan Hyder was published in the International Journal of Public...
Training
To help advance research on commercial determinants of health, the Center faculty and staff are active in a wide array of educational and training initiatives, including summer institute classes, hosting informative webinars, publishing educational manuscripts and books, and providing mentorship opportunities.