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Naal H, Alaeddine R, Brome D, Daou T, Hudroj L, el Sayed I, Soubra R, Hokayem J, Ghalayini M, Slim W, Saleh S. Capacity building and community of practice for women community health workers in low-resource settings: long-term evaluation of the Mobile University For Health (MUH). Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1304954. [PMID: 38832109 PMCID: PMC11144904 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1304954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Lebanon has been facing a series of crises, significantly increasing health challenges, and straining its healthcare infrastructure. This caused deficiencies in the system's ability to attend to population health needs, and it profoundly impacted vulnerable and refugee communities who face additional challenges accessing healthcare services. In response, the Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut designed and implemented the Mobile University for Health (MUH), which promotes task-shifting through capacity building complemented by communities of practice (CoP). The program aimed to prepare vulnerable women to assume the role of community health workers (CHW) within their communities, and to promote positive health knowledge and behaviours. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate MUHs' three certificates (women's health, mental health and psychosocial support, and non-communicable diseases). Implementation took place between 2019 and 2022, with 83 CHWs graduating from the program. Short-term data including knowledge assessments, course evaluations, and community member feedback surveys were collected. 93 semi-structured interviews with CHWs and 14 focus group discussions with community members were conducted to evaluate the long-term impact of the capacity building and CoP components. Results Data revealed multiple strengths of the initiative, including increased access to education for the community, effectiveness of blended learning modality, successful planning and delivery of CoP sessions, and improved knowledge, skills, and health behaviours over time. The supplementary CoP sessions fostered trust in CHWs, increased community empowerment, and increased leadership skills among CHWs. However, some challenges persisted, including limited access to healthcare services, implementation logistical issues, difficulties with some aspects of the learning modality, and some resistance within the communities. Conclusion MUH promoted and improved positive health knowledge and behaviours within targeted vulnerable populations in Lebanon. The supplementary CoP component proved instrumental in empowering CHWs and enhancing their impact within their communities. The study highlights the need for ongoing training and support for CHWs and underscores the importance of continued investment and adaptation of such initiatives through a gendered lens. This evaluation provides evidence on the successes of a capacity building model that has strong potential for scale and replication across health topics in conflict-affected contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hady Naal
- Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Reem Alaeddine
- Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dayana Brome
- Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tracy Daou
- Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Laura Hudroj
- Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Israa el Sayed
- Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Racha Soubra
- Department of Health Management, Evaluation and Policy, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joanne Hokayem
- School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Mohamad Ghalayini
- Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Waed Slim
- Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Shadi Saleh
- Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Elshami M, Dwikat MF, Al-Slaibi I, Alser M, Albandak ME, Ayyad M, Naji SA, Mohamad BM, Isleem WS, Shurrab A, Yaghi B, Qabaja YA, Hamdan FK, Sweity RR, Jneed RT, Assaf KA, Hmaid MM, Awwad II, Alhabil BK, Alarda MN, Alsattari AS, Aboyousef MS, Aljbour OA, AlSharif R, Giacaman CT, Alnaga AY, Nemer RMA, Almadhoun NM, Skaik SM, Albarqi SI, Abu-El-Noor N, Bottcher B. Understanding the interplay of colorectal cancer awareness and attitudes among Palestinians: a national cross-sectional study. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:590. [PMID: 38750448 PMCID: PMC11094844 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12357-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Palestine, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality after lung cancer. No studies have examined the relationship between CRC awareness and attitudes. This study aimed to investigate the interplay between CRC awareness and attitudes among the Palestinian population. METHODS A nationwide cross-sectional survey was carried out between July 2019 and March 2020. Convenience sampling was used to collect data from hospitals, primary healthcare facilities, and public areas in 11 governorates. Modified, translated-into-Arabic versions of the validated Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure and Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale were utilized to assess the awareness of CRC signs/symptoms, risk factors, and causation myths. The cumulative awareness score for each domain was computed and stratified into tertiles. The top tertile denoted 'high' awareness, while the remaining two tertiles denoted 'low' awareness. RESULTS The final analysis included 4,623 participants; of whom, 3115 (67.4%) reported positive attitudes toward CRC. In total, 1,849 participants (40.0%) had high awareness of CRC signs/symptoms. There was no association between displaying a high awareness of CRC signs/symptoms and having positive attitudes toward CRC. A total of 1,840 participants (38.9%) showed high awareness of CRC risk factors. Participants with high CRC risk factor awareness were more likely to display positive attitudes toward CRC (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07-1.39). Only 219 participants (4.7%) had high awareness of CRC causation myths. Participants with high awareness of CRC causation myths were more likely to exhibit positive attitudes toward CRC (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.71-3.58). CONCLUSION A high awareness level of CRC risk factors and causation myths was associated with a greater likelihood of demonstrating positive attitudes toward CRC in terms of perceived susceptibility, importance of early detection, and consequences of developing the disease. Future educational interventions should focus on raising public awareness about CRC, with a particular emphasis on risk factors and causation myths, to maximize the potential for shaping favorable attitudes toward the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Lakeside, Cleveland, OH, 7100, 44106, USA.
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine.
| | - Mohammad Fuad Dwikat
- Department of Internships, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, Palestine
| | | | - Mohammed Alser
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Mohammed Ayyad
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | - Bashar Yaghi
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | - Khayria Ali Assaf
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | | | - Iyas Imad Awwad
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rinad AlSharif
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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Shahabi S, Etemadi M, Hedayati M, Bagheri Lankarani K, Jakovljevic M. Double burden of vulnerability for refugees: conceptualization and policy solutions for financial protection in Iran using systems thinking approach. Health Res Policy Syst 2023; 21:94. [PMID: 37697351 PMCID: PMC10496181 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-023-01041-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Iran is host to one of the world's largest and longest-standing refugee populations. Although Iran has initiated a basic health insurance scheme for refugees throughout the country since September 2015, the population coverage of this scheme is very low, and various factors have caused a significant percentage of refugees to still lack insurance coverage and often face financial hardships when receiving health services. In response, this study aimed to understand barriers to insurance coverage among refugees in Iran and propose effective policies that can address persistent gaps in financial protection. METHODS This qualitative study was conducted in two phases. First, a review of policy documents and interviews with participants were conducted to investigate the common barriers and facilitators of effective insurance coverage for refugees in Iran. Then, a systems thinking approach was applied to visualize the common variables and interactions on the path to achieving financial protection for refugees. RESULTS Findings showed that various factors, such as (1) household-based premium for refugees, (2) considering a waiting time to be eligible for insurance benefits, (3) determining high premiums for non-vulnerable groups and (4) a deep difference between the health services tariffs of the public and private service delivery sectors in Iran, have caused the coverage of health insurance for non-vulnerable refugees to be challenging. Furthermore, some policy solutions were found to improve the health insurance coverage of refugees in Iran. These included removing household size from premium calculations, lowering current premium rates and getting monthly premiums from non-vulnerable refugees. CONCLUSIONS A number of factors have caused health insurance coverage to be inaccessible for refugees, especially non-vulnerable refugees in Iran. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt effective policies to improve the health financing for the refugee with the aim of ensuring financial protection, taking into account the different actors and the interactions between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Shahabi
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Manal Etemadi
- The National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom.
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
| | - Maryam Hedayati
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Bagheri Lankarani
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mihajlo Jakovljevic
- Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Global Health Economics and Policy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Institute of Comparative Economic Studies, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan
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Kizilkaya MC, Kilic S, Dagistanli S, Eren MF, Basaran C, Ohri N, Sayan M. Effectiveness of a telehealth patient education intervention for breast cancer awareness and screening uptake among Afghan refugee women: a cross-sectional survey and feasibility study. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 62:102094. [PMID: 37533413 PMCID: PMC10393532 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Refugee populations have low levels of cancer awareness, low cancer screening rates, and a high rate of advanced or metastatic cancer at diagnosis. Educational interventions to improve cancer awareness and screening have been successful in other nationality refugee populations but have never been implemented in Afghan refugee populations. We aimed to estimate the level of breast cancer awareness among Afghan refugee women and test the feasibility of a telehealth breast cancer educational intervention to increase breast cancer awareness in this population. Methods A cross-sectional survey of Afghan refugee women residing in Istanbul, Türkiye who had no personal history of breast cancer and who presented to outpatient primary clinics for care between August 1, 2022, and February 10, 2023 was performed. Participant awareness of breast cancer (BC) was assessed using the validated BC awareness tool, Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (BCAM), during a telehealth encounter. After this baseline assessment, a BC educational intervention was administered to each participant during the telehealth encounter. Six months after the initial assessment and education, a follow-up BCAM was administered via telehealth in order to determine the effectiveness of the education intervention. Findings One hundred participants were accrued to the study. Median age was 49 years (range: 40-64). All participants had no formal education, were married, and were not employed. Prior to the educational intervention, BC awareness was low; none of the participants were able to identify some common signs/symptoms and risk factors for BC. Prior to the educational intervention, zero participants had ever had a mammogram or seen a physician for a breast-related concern. Six months after the educational intervention, up to 99 percent of participants (99 of 100 participants) were able to correctly identify common signs or symptoms and risk factors for BC. Six months after the educational intervention, all one hundred participants had accepted the offer of a screening mammogram. Interpretation A telehealth BC education intervention meaningfully increased BC awareness in Afghan refugee women. This increase in BC awareness was associated with a strong increase in completion of BC screening. Further implementation of educational interventions is warranted in order to increase participant awareness and improve screening rates. Funding Dana Farber Cancer Institute Jay Harris Junior Faculty Research Grant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Kilic
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sevinc Dagistanli
- University of Health Sciences, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Mehmet Fuat Eren
- Marmara University Pendik Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ceren Basaran
- University of Health Sciences, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Nisha Ohri
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Mutlay Sayan
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Eren MF, Kilic SS, Eren AA, Kaplan SO, Teke F, Kutuk T, Bicakci BC, Hathout L, Moningi S, Orio P, Atalar B, Sayan M. Radiation therapy for prostate cancer in Syrian refugees: facing the need for change. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1172864. [PMID: 37325331 PMCID: PMC10264678 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1172864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To report the utilization of radiation therapy in Syrian refugee patients with prostate cancer residing in Turkey. Methods and materials A multi-institutional retrospective review including 14 cancer centers in Turkey was conducted to include 137 Syrian refugee patients with prostate cancer treated with radiation therapy (RT). Toxicity data was scored using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. Noncompliance was defined as a patient missing two or more scheduled RT appointments. Results Advanced disease, defined as stage III or IV, was reported in 64.2% of patients while androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was only administrated to 20% of patients. Conventionally fractionated RT with a median number of 44 fractions was delivered to all patients with curative intent (n = 61) while palliative RT (n = 76) was delivered with a median number of 10 fractions. The acute grade 3-4 toxicity rate for the entire cohort was 16%. Noncompliance rate was 42%. Conclusion Most Syrian refugee prostate cancer patients presented with advanced disease however ADT was seldom used. Despite the low treatment compliance rate, conventional fractionation was used in all patients. Interventions are critically needed to improve screening and increase the use of standard-of-care treatment paradigms, including hypofractionated RT and ADT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Fuat Eren
- Marmara University Istanbul Pendik Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Sarah S. Kilic
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ayfer Ay Eren
- Istanbul Kartal Dr.Lutfi Kirdar Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | | | | | - Tugce Kutuk
- Malatya Education and Research Hospital, Malatya, Türkiye
| | | | - Lara Hathout
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Shalini Moningi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Peter Orio
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Mutlay Sayan
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Kizilkaya MC, Kilic SS, Bozkurt MA, Sibic O, Ohri N, Faggen M, Warren L, Wong J, Punglia R, Bellon J, Haffty B, Sayan M. Breast cancer awareness among Afghan refugee women in Turkey. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 49:101459. [PMID: 35747185 PMCID: PMC9168491 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Background Refugees and asylum-seekers have lower levels of cancer awareness and this contributes to low rates of screening and more advanced cancers at diagnosis, compared to non-refugee populations, due largely to reduced access to medical information and care. The global Afghan refugee population is rapidly increasing with the ongoing Afghan political crisis. The present study investigates breast cancer (BC) awareness among Afghan refugee women. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of Afghan refugee women residing in Turkey was performed in September 2021. A validated BC patient awareness assessment, the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (BCAM), was used to assess participants' knowledge of seven domains of BC: symptoms, self-examination, ability to notice breast changes, age-related risk of BC, urgency of addressing changes in the breast, BC risk factors, and BC screening. BCAM was translated into patients' native language and administered verbally by a physician with the assistance of an official interpreter. Routine statistical methods were employed for data analysis. FINDINGS A total of 430 patients were recruited to the study. The response rate was 97·7% (420 patients). The median participant age was 35 years (range: 18 to 68 years). The majority of participants (84%) had no formal education. Most participants (96%) were married, and most (95%) were not employed. Awareness of warning signs of BC was low: only seven to 18% of participants recognized 11 common warning signs of BC. Participant use of breast self-exam (BSE) was low, with 82% of participants stating they rarely or never complete BSE. Zero of 420 patients reported ever seeing a physician for a change in their breasts. Awareness of risk factors for BC was also low: only 15% of participants recognized increasing age as a risk factor for BC, and other risk factors were only recognized by four to 39% of participants. INTERPRETATION BC awareness among Afghan refugee women is critically low. There is an urgent need to target this population for practical interventions to increase BC awareness, in addition to screening and earlier diagnosis. Evidence-based interventions include educational sessions in patients' native language and use of BSE and clinical breast examination for screening. FUNDING American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) - Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO) Global Health Scholar Grant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Jay Harris Junior Faculty Research Grant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Celal Kizilkaya
- Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Mehmet Abdussamet Bozkurt
- Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Osman Sibic
- Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nisha Ohri
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Meredith Faggen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street. ASB1 - L2, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Laura Warren
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street. ASB1 - L2, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Julia Wong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street. ASB1 - L2, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Rinaa Punglia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street. ASB1 - L2, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Jennifer Bellon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street. ASB1 - L2, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Bruce Haffty
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Mutlay Sayan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street. ASB1 - L2, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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Dalla V, Panagiotopoulou EK, Deltsidou A, Kalogeropoulou M, Kostagiolas P, Niakas D, Labiris G. Level of Awareness Regarding Cervical Cancer Among Female Syrian Refugees in Greece. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2022; 37:717-727. [PMID: 32959214 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01873-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, prevention, control and treatment of cervical cancer are a worldwide public health priority. Primary objective of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness of female Syrian refugees who have recently settled in Greece regarding the warning signs and the risk factors of cervical cancer. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study that was conducted in two facilities of the Hellenic Red Cross. The Cervical Cancer Awareness Measure questionnaire was addressed to 176 female Syrian refugees, aged between 18 and 50. Syrian women presented low awareness both for risk factors and warning signs. The most frequently identified warning signs were vaginal bleeding after menopause (44.3%), vaginal bleeding between menstruation (34.1%) and unexplained weight loss (32.4%). Regarding the risk factors' recognition rates, 74.5% considered the existence of many sexual partners as a risk factor and 61.3% the existence of a sexual partner with many previous sexual partners. Older age, a higher level of education and confidence that any potential symptom would be identified were associated with increased awareness. Our findings confirm former published reports that indicate poor awareness regarding cervical cancer among refugee populations. Full compliance with the guidelines of the World Health Organization for a national cervical cancer screening programme is highly advised in Greece and should address the needs of both native and refugee populations. This research is the first one that underlines the need for raising awareness of cervical cancer among female Syrian refugees in Greece by developing health promotion strategies adjusted to their unique cultural needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Dalla
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece.
| | | | - Anna Deltsidou
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
- Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Petros Kostagiolas
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
- Department of Archives, Library Science and Museology, School of Information Science and Informatics, Ionian University, Corfu, Greece
| | - Dimitris Niakas
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Labiris
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
- Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Akik C, Asfahani F, Elghossain T, Mesmar S, Rabkin M, El Sadr W, Fouad FM, Ghattas H. Healthcare system responses to non-communicable diseases’ needs of Syrian refugees: The cases of Jordan and Lebanon. J Migr Health 2022; 6:100136. [PMID: 36148323 PMCID: PMC9486618 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2022.100136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hosting governments were moderately successful in providing health services to Syrian refugees through existing national health systems. Coverage and quality of care remain suboptimal and continuity is often interrupted due to inadequate implementation of national NCD guidelines, major government policy changes and UNHCR policy changes in cost sharing, eligibility, and vulnerability criteria which made the health system difficult to navigate. The latter are related to the lack of financing for NCDs at global level. There is a need for evidence-based guidelines and effective implementation models for continued NCD care in protracted emergency settings. Innovative financing solutions and increased advocacy for funding and prioritization of NCD care for refugees need to be envisioned. Strengthening existing national health systems and striving for equity in achieving universal health coverage for both nationals of host countries and refugees is imperative.
Introduction Since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Jordan and Lebanon have hosted large refugee populations, with a high pre-conflict burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We aimed to explore NCD service provision to Syrian refugees in these two host countries and to identify lessons learned that may inform the global response to the changing health needs of refugees. Methods Between January 2017 and June 2018, we conducted 36 in-depth interviews with stakeholders from Jordan and Lebanon, as well as global stakeholders, to understand the context, the achievements, gaps and priorities in the provision and uptake of NCD prevention, testing and treatment services to Syrian refugees. Findings Both countries succeeded in embedding refugee health care within national health systems, yet coverage and quality of NCD health services offered to Syrian refugees in both contexts were affected by under-funding and consequent policy constraints. Changes in policies relating to cost sharing, eligibility and vulnerability criteria led to difficulties navigating the system and increased out-of-pocket payments for Syrians. Funding shortages were reported as a key barrier to NCD screening, diagnosis and management, including at the primary care level and referral from primary to secondary healthcare, particularly in Lebanon. These barriers were compounded by suboptimal implementation of NCD guidelines and high workloads for healthcare providers resulting from the large numbers of refugees. Conclusions Despite the extraordinary efforts made by host countries, provision and continuity of high quality NCD services at scale remains a tremendous challenge given ongoing funding shortfalls and lack of prioritization of NCD care for refugees. The development of innovative, effective and sustainable solutions is necessary to counter the threat of NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaza Akik
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah Asfahani
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tatiana Elghossain
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sandra Mesmar
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Miriam Rabkin
- ICAP, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, United States
| | - Wafaa El Sadr
- ICAP, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, United States
| | - Fouad M. Fouad
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala Ghattas
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Corresponding author.
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Hatem G, Ghanem D, Kellen E, AlZaim I, Goossens M. Knowledge and Beliefs of Cancer Risk Factors and Early Cancer Symptoms in Lebanon: A Cross-sectional Survey Among Adults in the Community. Cancer Control 2021; 28:10732748211053149. [PMID: 34706582 PMCID: PMC8558592 DOI: 10.1177/10732748211053149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lebanon has an increasing cancer burden. Sufficient knowledge of cancer risk factors and early cancer symptoms can help lower cancer burden by facilitating primary prevention and early diagnosis. This study (i) assessed Lebanese adults’ knowledge and beliefs of cancer risk factors and early cancer symptoms, (ii) analyzed whether knowledge was correlated with personal behavior, and (iii) assessed the presence of barriers that keep knowledge from turning into healthcare seeking behavior. Methods We performed a cross-sectional survey in the Lebanese adult population, consisting of a questionnaire administered during face-to-face interviews on a community-based non-probability sample (n = 726) that was frequency matched to national government estimates on age, level of education and gender. Results Recognition was high for carcinogens and protective factors (75%), but low for neutral factors (22%) which were often seen as carcinogenic. A quarter of participants (27.8%) could not name any early warning signs. For some risk factors, high knowledge scores were correlated with low-risk behavior, but this was not the case for cigarette smoking. The most frequent barriers for not seeking timely care were financial (57.0%) fear of finding illness (53.7%), and having other things to worry about (42.4%). Conclusion This study revealed important knowledge gaps which are likely to hamper primary prevention and early diagnosis. However, we also showed that high knowledge of risk was not always correlated with low-risk behavior. This, together with the barriers we found that kept people from seeking timely health care, emphasizes that efforts to lower cancer burden should not only focus on increasing knowledge.
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Telvizian T, Al Ghadban Y, Alawa J, Mukherji D, Zgheib NK, Sawaf B, Nasr R, Bardus M. Knowledge, beliefs, and practices related to cancer screening and prevention in Lebanon: community and social media users' perspectives. Eur J Cancer Prev 2021; 30:341-349. [PMID: 32956077 DOI: 10.1097/cej.0000000000000631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Common to many countries in the Middle East, Lebanon has an increasing cancer burden; however, national screening programs are limited to breast cancer. The literature on cancer screening practices and beliefs is scarce. This cross-sectional study investigates the knowledge, beliefs, and practices related to the prevention and screening for breast, cervical, colon, lung, and skin cancers among Lebanese residents, recruited through social media advertisements and community outreach activities. METHODS Participants filled an anonymous questionnaire either via a web-based interface or using tablets distributed at primary health clinics. The characteristics of the two cohorts were compared with chi-square and t-tests. We performed descriptive analysis, followed by multivariate logistic regression for predictors of cancer screening. RESULTS A total of 407 participants completed the survey online, and 262 filled the study in tablets available at primary care clinics. The two samples were significantly different in terms of age, education, and perceived socioeconomic status. Online participants demonstrated higher knowledge and higher participation in screening practices than their counterparts recruited through community outreach. Mammography (44.7% online and 39.9% in-person), and cervical cancer screening (44.5% online and 36.7% community) had the highest participation rates. In both samples, participants who were older and more educated were more likely to report engagement with cancer screening practices. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed significant knowledge gaps in cancer prevention and screening. Different sampling techniques accessed diverse populations, highlighting the need for educational messages and targeted screening programs to be inclusive of socio-economically disadvantaged communities with low education and health literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talar Telvizian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Yasmina Al Ghadban
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jude Alawa
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Deborah Mukherji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute
| | - Nathalie K Zgheib
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
| | | | - Rihab Nasr
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences
| | - Marco Bardus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, American University of Beirut Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut, Lebanon
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Elshami M, Bottcher B, Alkhatib M, Ismail I, Abu-Nemer K, Hana M, Qandeel A, Abdelwahed A, Yazji H, Abuamro H, Matar G, Alsahhar A, Abolamzi A, Baraka O, Elblbessy M, Samra T, Alshorbassi N, Elshami A. Perceived barriers to seeking cancer care in the Gaza Strip: a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:28. [PMID: 33407426 PMCID: PMC7788935 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-06044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several factors might contribute to the delay to get cancer care including poor cancer awareness and having barriers to seeking help. This study described these barriers in Gaza and their association with recalling and recognizing cancer symptoms and risk factors. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gaza. Adult visitors (≥18 years) to the largest three governmental hospitals and adolescent students (15-17 years) from ten high schools were recruited. A translated-into-Arabic version of the validated Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) was used to collect data in face-to-face interviews. It described demographic data, barriers to seek cancer care as well as recall and recognition of cancer symptoms and risk factors. Responses were compared between adults and adolescents as well as males and females. RESULTS Of 3033 participants approached, 2886 completed the CAM (response rate= 95.2%). Among them, 1429 (49.5%) were adult (702 females; 49.1%) and 1457 (50.5%) were adolescent (781 females; 53.6%). The mean age± standard deviation (SD) of adult and adolescent participants was 33.7±11.7 years and 16.3±0.8 years, respectively. Emotional barriers were the most common barriers with 'feeling scared' as the most reported barrier (n=1512, 52.4%). Females and adolescents were more likely to report 'feeling scared' as a barrier than males and adults, respectively. Higher recall scores for cancer symptoms were associated with lower likelihood to report 'embarrassment', 'worry about wasting doctor's time' and 'difficulty arranging transport'. This was also seen for recalling risk factors, where 'embarrassment' and all practical barriers showed significant inverse associations with higher scores. In addition, greater recognition scores of cancer risk factors were inversely associated with reporting 'embarrassment' and 'feeling scared'. CONCLUSIONS The most commonly perceived barriers to seeking cancer care were 'feeling scared' and 'feeling worried about what the doctor might find', followed by practical and service barriers. Females and adolescents were more likely to report 'fear' as a barrier to seek medical advice. Having a higher recall of cancer symptoms and risk factors was inversely associated with reporting most barriers. To improve patient outcome, early presentation can be facilitated by targeting barriers specific to population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine.
| | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Iyad Ismail
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Khitam Abu-Nemer
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Mustafa Hana
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Qandeel
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Abdelwahed
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Hamza Yazji
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Hisham Abuamro
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Ghadeer Matar
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Alsahhar
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Abolamzi
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Obay Baraka
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Tahani Samra
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Alaa Elshami
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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Adoch W, Garimoi CO, Scott SE, Okeny GG, Moodley J, Komakech H, Walter FM, Mwaka AD. Knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms among women in a refugee settlement: a cross-sectional study in northern Uganda. Confl Health 2020; 14:85. [PMID: 33292345 PMCID: PMC7713037 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-020-00328-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are limited data on awareness of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms among refugee populations living in Uganda. In this study, we sought to determine the awareness and knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms among women in Palabek refugee settlement, northern Uganda. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study. 815 women (aged 18-60 years) were randomly selected using multistage sampling in Palabek refugee settlement. Data were collected using pre-tested, structured questionnaires. Logistic regression models were used to determine magnitudes of association between socio-demographic and health system factors, and knowledge on cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms. RESULTS The majority of participants (53%, n = 433) were young (18-29 years), married (68%, n = 553), and did not have formal employment (93%, n = 759). Less than half (40%, n = 325) had heard of cervical cancer. Of those who had heard, most recognized multiple male sexual partners, early onset of sexual intercourse and HPV infections as risk factors for cervical cancer (93%, n = 295; 89%, n = 283; and 86%, n = 271 respectively). Median knowledge score for risk factor recognition = 7 (IQR: 3-9). Median knowledge score for symptoms recognition = 7 (IQR: 1-10). Half of women (50%, n = 409) correctly recognized 7 to 11 symptoms of cervical cancer, with vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods, pelvic pain, and vaginal bleeding during/after sexual intercourse recognized by 58, 52 and 54% respectively. Single women (OR = 0.59 (95%CI: 0.38-0.94), and women that lived farther than 1 kilo meter from nearest health facility in South Sudan (OR = 0.36-0.49 (95%CI: 0.26-0.84) were less likely to be knowledgeable of symptoms of cervical cancer. CONCLUSION A significant proportion of women in Palabek refugee settlement had not heard about cervical cancer. Refugee health services providers could increase awareness of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms through health education in order to promote risk reduction behaviours and guide women during symptoms appraisal. Single women and those who lived more than one kilo metre from nearest health facility in home country could be a priority group for awareness intervention in the settlement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Adoch
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christopher Orach Garimoi
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Suzanne E. Scott
- Centre for Oral, Clinical & Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacical Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Geoffrey Goddie Okeny
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jennifer Moodley
- Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road. Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
- Cancer Research Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
| | - Henry Komakech
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fiona M. Walter
- The Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Amos Deogratius Mwaka
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
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Al Qadire MI, Alomari K. Syrian Refugees in Jordan: Barriers to Receiving Optimal Cancer Care. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2020; 24:707-710. [DOI: 10.1188/20.cjon.707-710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Yağcı-Küpeli B, Özkan A. Syrian and Turkish children with cancer: a comparison on survival and associated factors. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2020; 37:707-716. [PMID: 32705959 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2020.1795328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cure rates of childhood cancer need to be improved in low-income countries and vulnerable populations such as refugees. We aimed to compare the outcome and associated factors in Syrian refugee and Turkish children with cancer treated at our hospital.Files of patients were reviewed for age, tumor type, stage, treatment, compliance to treatment, relapse or progression status, outcomes, secondary malignancy (SM) and treatment-related mortality (TRM). Overall (OS) and event-free survival rates (EFS) were analyzed.105 refugees and 304 Turkish children were treated between January 2012 and January 2019. Median age and median follow-up time were significantly lower in the Syrian group (p=0.046, p<0.001, respectively). Metastatic or advanced-stage disease was significantly more frequent in refugees (p=0.002). Relapse or progression and poor compliance to treatment were more common in refugees (p=0.01, p<0.001, respectively). Rates of OS were 55.7% and 69.7%, EFS were 28.9% and 55.7% in Syrian and Turkish patients. OS and EFS were lower in refugees compared to Turkish patients (p=0.01, p<0.001, respectively). EFS was significantly lower in refugees with poor compliance to treatment (p<0.001). TRM was reported in 12 (8 Syrian, 4 Turkish) patients. SM was detected in 3 (2 Turkish, 1 Syrian) children.Inferior survival rates were detected in Syrian refugee children compared to Turkish children. Besides from cancer-specific factors such as stage and tumor type, a series of barriers in accessing cancer care resulting in poor compliance to treatment might have been responsible from lower survival rates in Syrian children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begül Yağcı-Küpeli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Özkan
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey
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Elshami M, Elshami A, Alshorbassi N, Alkhatib M, Ismail I, Abu-Nemer K, Hana M, Qandeel A, Abdelwahed A, Yazji H, Abuamro H, Matar G, Alsahhar A, Abolamzi A, Baraka O, Elblbessy M, Samra T, Bottcher B. Knowledge level of cancer symptoms and risk factors in the Gaza Strip: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:414. [PMID: 32228661 PMCID: PMC7106782 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08553-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low-income settings, cancer is often diagnosed in advanced stages due to late presentation. Good public awareness of cancer signs and symptoms has a positive impact on the time patients take before they present to healthcare professionals. Therefore, this study examined public knowledge of cancer signs and symptoms as well as risk factors in Gaza. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited from adult visitors (≥18 years) to governmental hospitals covering all five governorates of Gaza, and adolescent students (15 to 17 years) from 10 high schools in corresponding locations. An Arabic version of the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) was completed in a face-to-face interview. It described demographic data and knowledge of: cancer prevalence, age-related risk, signs and symptoms as well as risk factors both in recall and recognition questions. RESULTS Of 3033 participants invited, 2886 completed the CAM (response rate = 95.2%). Adult mean age ± standard deviation was 33.7 ± 11.7 years and that of adolescents was 16.3 ± 0.8 years. Half of the participants (n = 1457, 50.5%) were adolescent (781 females; 53.6%) and 1429 (49.5%) were adult (702 females; 49.1%). About two thirds (n = 1885) thought about cancer as unrelated to age. Only 196 participants (6.8%) identified colorectal cancer as the most common cancer among men. Awareness of cancer signs/symptoms was poor to fair, where 'lump' was most commonly recognized (n = 2227, 77.2%) and 'change of bowel habit' the least (n = 670, 23.2%). Only 217 participants (7.5%) had a good level of recognizing risk factors with 'smoking' being the most identified and 'eating less than five portions of fruits and vegetables a day' the least. There was a higher likelihood for adults to identify most cancer signs/symptoms and risk factors than adolescents, except for recalling 'unexplained pain', 'persistent cough/hoarseness', 'non-healing ulcer', 'smoking', and 'eating less than five portions of fruits and vegetables a day'. CONCLUSION Public awareness of cancer signs/symptoms and risk factors needs to improve to facilitate early presentation and diagnosis in Gaza. Combining the delivery of public campaigns with tailored education to population groups, including the youth, may increase their knowledge and maintain its impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Alaa Elshami
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | | | - Mohammed Alkhatib
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Iyad Ismail
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Khitam Abu-Nemer
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Mustafa Hana
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Qandeel
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Abdelwahed
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Hamza Yazji
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Hisham Abuamro
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Ghadeer Matar
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Alsahhar
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Abolamzi
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Obay Baraka
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Mahmood Elblbessy
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Tahani Samra
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
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Evaluating the Provision of Health Services and Barriers to Treatment for Chronic Diseases among Syrian Refugees in Turkey: A Review of Literature and Stakeholder Interviews. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16152660. [PMID: 31349639 PMCID: PMC6696441 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16152660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: While Turkey hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees, the provision of health services for chronic disease among Syrian refugees in Turkey has been inadequate and understudied. This paper explores Turkish healthcare policies surrounding Syrian refugees’ access to health services for chronic diseases. Methods: We conducted a literature review and supplementary stakeholder interviews to evaluate the provision of chronic health services and the most common barriers to healthcare access among Syrian refugees in Turkey. Results: Though access to treatment for displaced Syrians has improved throughout the past five years, five primary barriers persist: registration procedure regulations, navigation of a new health system, language barriers, fear of adverse treatment, and cost. Conclusions: To drive improvements in healthcare for chronic diseases among Syrian refugees in Turkey, we recommend making registration procedures more accessible, developing more healthcare options in patients’ native language, increasing human resources, and advocating for more research surrounding chronic health conditions among refugees.
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Alawa J, Alhalabi F, Khoshnood K. Breast Cancer Management Among Refugees and Forcibly Displaced Populations: a Call to Action. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12609-019-00314-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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