An umbrella review of previously published systematic reviews was conducted to determine the nature and extent of the patient and public involvement (PPI) in COVID-19 health and social care research and identify how PPI has been used to develop public health measures (PHM). In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on PPI in research as it offers alternative perspectives and insight into the needs of healthcare users to improve the quality and relevance of research. In January 2022, nine databases were searched from 2020–2022, and records were filtered to identify peer-reviewed articles published in English. From a total of 1437 unique records, 54 full-text articles were initially evaluated, and six articles met the inclusion criteria. The included studies suggest that PHM should be attuned to communities within a sociocultural context. Based on the evidence included, it is evident that PPI in COVID-19-related research is varied. The existing evidence includes written feedback, conversations with stakeholders, and working groups/task forces. An inconsistent evidence base exists in the application and use of PPI in PHM. Successful mitigation efforts must be community specific while making PPI an integral component of shared decision-making.

Teenage vaping is a major public health issue that is emerging globally. This review article examines what influences teens to use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vapes, including families, communities, social media, and brand marketing. Nicotine, a common component of e-cigarettes and vapes, is addictive, and teens who are using these products are starting to report negative health outcomes. After a review of the current literature, three recommendations/solutions are proposed to combat this public health issue. As teen e-cigarette use is on the rise, it is clear that the FDA and the federal government need to enforce tougher regulations on e-cigarette and vaping brands, teens need to be properly educated about these products that are on the market, and advertisements for these products need to be regulated.