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Mazetas D, Gouva M, Economou A, Gerogianni I, Mantzoukas S, Gourgoulianis KI. Identifying the Relationship Between Economic Prosperity and Quality of Life in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients. Cureus 2023; 15:e40624. [PMID: 37342299 PMCID: PMC10278553 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40624] [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] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) places a significant economic burden on national healthcare systems, and the economic effects of diseases have long been known. The study aimed to evaluate the association of parental family financial wealth with current economic prosperity and the combined effect of both on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a sample of patients with COPD. The moderating effect of birth order is further investigated. Methods The results of the study are based on a purposive sample of 105 COPD patients at the Larisa University Hospital pulmonology clinic (94 males and 11 females), with an average age of 68.9 (SD = 9.2). The data collection was carried out in the spring and summer of 2020. Participants completed the 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and a sociodemographic questionnaire with self-reported parental and current wealth items. A mediation model with the moderation of the indirect effect of parental wealth on current wealth and the direct effect of parental wealth on HRQOL was applied to test the research hypotheses among the variables studied. Results Parental wealth was found to affect current wealth significantly, and both were involved considerably in HRQOL. Birth order had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between parental wealth and HRQOL. Among parental families with lower financial status, patients who grew up as third or later children had significantly lower HRQOL than the first or second children of these families. Neither age nor COPD duration was related to current wealth or HRQOL. Conclusions An intergenerational transmission of poverty was found in our sample. In addition, a birth order effect can provide further insight into the harsher environment that the later children of a low-income family are exposed to and the long-term implications for their HRQOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Mazetas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, GRC
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Volos, GRC
| | - Mary Gouva
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families & Health Professionals, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| | | | - Irini Gerogianni
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, GRC
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Volos, GRC
| | - Stefanos Mantzoukas
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families & Health Professionals, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| | - Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, GRC
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Volos, GRC
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Sujan MH, Tasnim R, Islam MS, Ferdous M, Haghighathoseini A, Koly KN, Pardhan S. Financial hardship and mental health conditions in people with underlying health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10499. [PMID: 36060462 PMCID: PMC9428118 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Financial hardship is a major concern for patients who are suffering from long-term underlying health conditions. It is likely that emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic would impose increased financial distress and lead to the development or exacerbation of mental health conditions. Objective The present study aimed to explore the relationship between financial hardship and mental health conditions (loneliness, anxiety, and depression) among patients with underlying health conditions in Bangladesh. Methods An e-survey based cross-sectional study was conducted among purposively selected 971 patients (50.1% male; mean age = 42.29 [SD = 15.86]) with underlying health conditions between November 2020 and January 2021. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and UCLA loneliness scale, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine any associations between financial hardship and mental health conditions (loneliness, anxiety, and depression). Results 46.2% of participants reported experiencing financial difficulties, and a number of respondents (12.3%) had lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of anxiety, depression and loneliness were 35.2%, 38.9%, and 47.68%, respectively. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, age, gender, occupation, marital status, monthly income, self-reported health status and financial hardship were significantly associated with mental health conditions. Conclusions Mental health problems were prevalent among people with underlying health conditions and were also associated with financial difficulties. The findings suggest that care facilities should be strengthened by including psychosocial support components delivered with lower costs, particularly for patients with underlying health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md.Safaet Hossain Sujan
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
- Centre for Advanced Research Excellence in Public Health, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
- Corresponding author.
| | - Rafia Tasnim
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
- Centre for Advanced Research Excellence in Public Health, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
- Corresponding author.
| | - Md. Saiful Islam
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
- Centre for Advanced Research Excellence in Public Health, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
- Corresponding author.
| | - Most.Zannatul Ferdous
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
| | | | - Kamrun Nahar Koly
- Health System and Population Studies Division, icddr,b, Mohakhali, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
| | - Shahina Pardhan
- Vision and Eye Research Institute, School of Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University, Young Street, Cambridge UK
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Anastasaki M, van Bree EM, Brakema EA, Tsiligianni I, Sifaki-Pistolla D, Chatzea VE, Crone MC, Karelis A, van der Kleij RMJJ, Poot CC, Reis R, Chavannes NH, Lionis C. Beliefs, Perceptions, and Behaviors Regarding Chronic Respiratory Diseases of Roma in Crete, Greece: A Qualitative FRESH AIR Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:812700. [PMID: 35493388 PMCID: PMC9051233 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.812700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The global burden of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) disproportionally affects Roma populations. Health interventions addressing CRD among Roma or other vulnerable groups often fail to be effective, as their implementation strategy misaligns with the local context. To design context-driven strategies, we studied CRD-related beliefs, perceptions, and behaviors among a Greek Roma population, focussing on asthma and COPD. Methods For this qualitative study in Crete, Greece, we used a Rapid Assessment Process. We conducted interviews and focus groups with purposively selected Roma community members (CMs), key informants (KIs) and healthcare professionals (HPs) serving the population. Data were triangulated using observations of households and clinical consultations. Key themes were identified using Thematic Content Analysis. The Health Belief Model, the Explanatory Model of Illness, and the Theory of Planned Behavior that are complementary is some aspects, guided our methodology with the several variables from them to be integrated to better understand CRD risk preventative behavior. Results We conducted six focus groups, seven interviews and 13 observations among 15 CMs, four KIs, and three HPs. Five themes emerged: (1) Poor CRD-awareness (smoking and household air pollution were perceived as harmful, but almost exclusively associated with acute rather than chronic symptoms); (2) Low perceived susceptibility to CRD (and CMs tended to ignore respiratory symptoms); (3) High risk exposure (smoking was common, and air pollution was perceived inevitable due to financial constraints); (4) Healthcare seeking (healthcare was sought only for persistent, severe symptoms, daily needs were a priority); (5) Perceived barriers/facilitators to care (health illiteracy, perceived discrimination and financial constraints were main barriers; established trust the main facilitator). Conclusion These five themes highlight that strategies to tackle CRD in the studied Roma setting require a multilevel approach: bridging awareness gaps at the population level, providing resources to enhance the adoption of healthy behaviors, and fighting discrimination at the societal level, whilst establishing trusted relationships at the local level. Similar methodologies to address local context may strengthen the implementation of effective interventions for similarly vulnerable and/or low-resource populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Anastasaki
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- *Correspondence: Marilena Anastasaki
| | - Egid M. van Bree
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Evelyn A. Brakema
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Ioanna Tsiligianni
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitra Sifaki-Pistolla
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vasiliki E. Chatzea
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Matty C. Crone
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Andreas Karelis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Charlotte C. Poot
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Ria Reis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Niels H. Chavannes
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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Gogou E, Kotsiou OS, Siachpazidou DS, Pinaka M, Varsamas C, Bardaka F, Gerogianni I, Hatzoglou C, Gourgoulianis KI. Underestimation of respiratory symptoms by smokers: a thorn in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosis. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2021; 31:14. [PMID: 33712602 PMCID: PMC7955112 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-021-00226-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary care centers are ideal positions to identify chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We determined the COPD prevalence among ever-smokers aged 40-65 years attending a 2-year program conducted in 22 Greek primary healthcare centers and made comparisons between genders, patients less than or greater than 55 years, and newly or previously diagnosed COPD patients. A total of 117 persons, after studying 1100 people, were diagnosed with previously unknown or known COPD, providing a COPD prevalence of 10.6% among the study population. In all, 7.5% of the participants were newly diagnosed with COPD. Women with COPD reported smoking less but experienced worse respiratory and depressive symptoms than men. A total of 19% of the COPD population below 55 years experienced wheezing and exacerbations more frequently than older patients. Newly diagnosed COPD patients were significantly younger, reported a significant burden of symptoms without seeking medical help. Primary health care has a crucial role in the early detection of COPD among unsuspecting smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evdoxia Gogou
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Ourania S Kotsiou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Dimitra S Siachpazidou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria Pinaka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
| | - Charalampos Varsamas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
| | - Fotini Bardaka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
| | - Irini Gerogianni
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
| | - Chrysi Hatzoglou
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
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Roy MP. Socio-demographic factors of COPD mortality in India. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2020.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Raptis DG, Gourgoulianis KI, Daniil Z, Malli F. Time trends for pulmonary embolism incidence in Greece. Thromb J 2020; 18:1. [PMID: 31997942 PMCID: PMC6979064 DOI: 10.1186/s12959-020-0215-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a disease with a significant impact on public health. However, international epidemiological data are unclear and show considerable heterogeneity. The present study aims to investigate the incidence of PE at the Greek population and the associated demographic characteristics of patients with PE. Methods Data on hospital admissions for PE between 1999 and 2012 were provided by the Hellenic Statistical Authority of Greece. Data on age, gender and days of hospitalization from 1999 to 2007 were provided as well. The total population in each region was derived from the 1991, 2001, 2011 Census of the national statistical service of Greece. Results The mean annual incidence of PE during the study period was 18.5 per 100.000 population. The annual incidence of PE showed an upward trend ranging from 14 (1999) to 30 (2012) per 100.000 population. In the years before and after the economic crisis faced by Greece we observed statistically significant differences of PE incidence for the two different periods (1999–2008 versus 2009–2012, 14.49 versus 23.06 respectively, p = 0.002). The available data revealed a female predominance (16.48 cases for females per 100.000 population versus 13.69 cases for males per 100.000 population, p = 0.031). Incidence rate increased with age with a higher incidence in the “80–89” age group. Conclusions The incidence of PE appeared to increase in Greece, while it remains below the expected trend in an international context that may be attributed to Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography availability and/or PE awareness among clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios G Raptis
- 1Respiratory Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Zoe Daniil
- 1Respiratory Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Foteini Malli
- 1Respiratory Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.,2Anatomy and Phsyiology Lab, Nursing Department, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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Karavokyros IG, Kirkilessis GI, Schizas D, Chelidonis G, Pikoulis E, Griniatsos J. Emergency inguinal hernioplasties in a tertiary public Hospital in Athens Greece, during the economic crisis. BMC Surg 2019; 19:18. [PMID: 30717719 PMCID: PMC6362572 DOI: 10.1186/s12893-019-0477-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although the effect of the recent Greek economic crisis and austerity on the population’s health and the health system effectiveness have been discussed a lot recently, data on common surgical conditions affecting large part of the population are missing. Using inguinal hernia as a model we investigated possible changes of citizens’ attitude regarding the time of referral, the perioperative details and the intraoperative findings of the emergency hernioplasties. Methods The present retrospective study was conducted by a Department of Surgery in a tertiary public hospital of the Greek capital. We reviewed the records of all hernioplasties performed during two 5-year periods: 2005–2009 and 2012–2016, i.e. before and during the crisis focusing on the emergency ones (either incarcerated or strangulated). Results An equal number of hernioplasties was performed in both periods. During the crisis however, an emergency hernioplasty was significantly more probable (HR 1.269, 95% CI 1.108–1.1454, p = 0.001), at a younger age (p = 0.04), mainly in patients younger than 75 years old (p = 0.0013). More patients presented with intestinal ischemia (7 vs 18, p = 0.002), requiring longer hospitalization (5.2 vs 9.6 days, p = 0.04), with higher cost (560 ± 262.4€ vs 2125 ± 1180.8€ p < 0.001). In contrast the percentage of patients with intestinal resection, their hospitalization length and treatment-cost remained unchanged. During the crisis there was a non-significant increase of emergency patients requiring ICU postoperatively (0 vs 4, p = 0.07) and a non-significant 60% increase of emergency operations in migrants/refugees population (3.5% vs 5.8%, p = 0.28). Epidural anesthesia was significantly more frequent during the crisis. Conclusion During the crisis: (i) the emergency hernioplasties increased significantly, (ii) more patients (exclusively Greek) presented with intestinal ischemia requiring longer hospitalization and higher treatment cost, (iii) the mean age of the urgently treated patients decreased significantly (iv) regional (epidural) anesthesia was more frequent. Although a direct causal relation could not be proven by the present study most observations can be explained by an increase of the patients who delayed the elective treatment of their hernia, and by a redistribution of the surgical workload towards big central hospitals. This can be prevented by adequately supporting the small district hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis G Karavokyros
- 1st Department of Surgery, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Agiou Thoma 17str, 115-27, Athens, GR, Greece.
| | - George I Kirkilessis
- 1st Department of Surgery, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Agiou Thoma 17str, 115-27, Athens, GR, Greece
| | - Demetrios Schizas
- 1st Department of Surgery, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Agiou Thoma 17str, 115-27, Athens, GR, Greece
| | | | - Emmanouil Pikoulis
- 1st Department of Surgery, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Agiou Thoma 17str, 115-27, Athens, GR, Greece
| | - John Griniatsos
- 1st Department of Surgery, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Agiou Thoma 17str, 115-27, Athens, GR, Greece
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8
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Tsironis G, Koutsoukos K, Athanasakis K, Tsiara A, Tzannis K, Gerolympou M, Visvikis A, Oikonomopoulos G, Kollia A, Giannopoulou E, Dimitra M, Kostouros E, Papatsoris A, Dellis A, Stravodimos K, Varkarakis I, Samantas E, Aravantinos G, Kentepozidis N, Christodoulou C, Bozionelou V, Dimopoulos MA, Bamias A. Patterns of practice and pharmacoeconomic analysis of the management of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in Greece--the CRISIS study. A retrospective analysis by the Hellenic Genitourinary Cancer Group (HGUCG). Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2018; 19:491-501. [PMID: 30417707 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2019.1546121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Background:Metastatic RCC (mRCC) treatment has been revolutionized with 11 approved targeted agents. We report patterns of practice, outcomes and pharmacoeconomic analyses after the introduction of targeted therapy. Patients and methods: CRISIS was a retrospective multicenter study of mRCCpatients who received targeted therapy . Results were related to the start of 1st-line therapy, with a cut off at 1 January 2011 in order to depict the impact of increased availability of effective options. Results: 164 patients, were included. 70.1% and 44.5% received 2nd and 3rd-line therapy, respectively. More patients were treated in 2nd-line after 1 January 2011. After a median follow-up of 55.1 months, median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 10.7 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 8.3-13.7), 7.3 (95% CI: 5.1-8.6), 5.8 (95% CI: 3.8-7.8) and 34 (95% CI: 28.5-39.8), 22.4 (95% CI: 16-32.1), 18.3 (95% CI: 12.4-26.4) months for first, second and third line, respectively. Efficacy of sunitinib and pazopanib in 1st-line were similar. The mean total cost/patient was 35,012.2 Euros (standard deviation [SD]: 28,971.5). Conclusions: Our study confirms previous real-world data suggesting that continuing advances in the treatment of mRCC produce favorable outcomes in everyday practice. Pharmacoeconomic analyses are important for cost-effective utilization of emerging novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgiops Tsironis
- a Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital , University of Athens , Athens , Greece.,b Hellenic Genito-Urinary Cancer Group , Athens , Greece
| | - Konstantinos Koutsoukos
- a Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital , University of Athens , Athens , Greece.,b Hellenic Genito-Urinary Cancer Group , Athens , Greece
| | | | - Anna Tsiara
- a Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital , University of Athens , Athens , Greece
| | - Kimon Tzannis
- b Hellenic Genito-Urinary Cancer Group , Athens , Greece
| | - Margarita Gerolympou
- d 3rd Oncology Clinic , General Oncology Hospital of Kifisias "Ag. Anargyroi" , Athens , Greece
| | - Anastasios Visvikis
- d 3rd Oncology Clinic , General Oncology Hospital of Kifisias "Ag. Anargyroi" , Athens , Greece
| | | | | | | | | | - Efthymios Kostouros
- a Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital , University of Athens , Athens , Greece
| | - Athanasios Papatsoris
- b Hellenic Genito-Urinary Cancer Group , Athens , Greece.,f 2nd Department of Urology, Sismanoglio General Hospital , University of Athens , Athens , Greece
| | - Athanasios Dellis
- b Hellenic Genito-Urinary Cancer Group , Athens , Greece.,g 2nd Department of Surgery, Aretaieion Academic Hospital , University of Athens , Athens , Greece
| | - Konstantinos Stravodimos
- b Hellenic Genito-Urinary Cancer Group , Athens , Greece.,h 1st University Urology Clinic, Laiko Hospital , University of Athens , Athens , Greece
| | - Ioannis Varkarakis
- b Hellenic Genito-Urinary Cancer Group , Athens , Greece.,f 2nd Department of Urology, Sismanoglio General Hospital , University of Athens , Athens , Greece
| | - Epaminontas Samantas
- d 3rd Oncology Clinic , General Oncology Hospital of Kifisias "Ag. Anargyroi" , Athens , Greece
| | - Gerasimos Aravantinos
- i 2nd Oncology Clinic , General Oncology Hospital of Kifisias "Ag. Anargyroi" , Athens , Greece
| | | | | | - Vasiliki Bozionelou
- k Department of Medical Oncology , University Hospital of Heraklion , Heraklion , Greece
| | - Meletios Athanasios Dimopoulos
- a Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital , University of Athens , Athens , Greece.,b Hellenic Genito-Urinary Cancer Group , Athens , Greece
| | - Aristotle Bamias
- a Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital , University of Athens , Athens , Greece.,b Hellenic Genito-Urinary Cancer Group , Athens , Greece
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Impact of the Refugee Crisis on the Greek Healthcare System: A Long Road to Ithaca. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15081790. [PMID: 30127321 PMCID: PMC6121252 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Greece is the country of "Xenios Zeus", the Ancient Greek god of foreigners and hospitality; however, it is also the main point of entry to Europe. Since the beginning of 2014, 1,112,332 refugees crossed the borders of Greece. Overall, 33,677 children and adolescent refugees sought asylum in Greece from 2013 to 2017, while 57,042 refugees are currently being hosted. The rapid entry of refugees into Greece raised the critical issue of health policy. The Greek National Health Service (NHS) faces many challenges. Adequate economic and human support is essential if this situation is to be managed successfully. However, Greece still bears the burden of the economic downturn since 2009. In fact, the crisis led to shortages in crucial equipment, and unmet health needs for both locals and refugees. The NHS deals with traumatic experiences, as well as cultural and linguistic differences. Overcrowded reception centers and hotspots are highly demanding and are associated with severe disease burden. This highlights the importance of guidelines for medical screening, healthcare provision, and a well-managed transition to definitive medical facilities. Furthermore, non-governmental organizations make an essential contribution by ensuring appropriate support to refugee minors, especially when they experience poor access to the NHS.
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Kotsiou OS, Srivastava DS, Kotsios P, Exadaktylos AK, Gourgoulianis KI. The Emergency Medical System in Greece: Opening Aeolus' Bag of Winds. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15040745. [PMID: 29652816 PMCID: PMC5923787 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
An Emergency Medical Service (EMS) system must encompass a spectrum of care, with dedicated pre-hospital and in-hospital medical facilities. It has to be organised in such a way as to include all necessary services—such as triage accurate initial assessment, prompt resuscitation, efficient management of emergency cases, and transport to definitive care. The global economic downturn has had a direct effect on the health sector and poses additional threats to the healthcare system. Greece is one of the hardest-hit countries. This manuscript aims to present the structure of the Greek EMS system and the impact of the current economic recession on it. Nowadays, primary care suffers major shortages in crucial equipment, unmet health needs, and ineffective central coordination. Patients are also facing economic limitations that lead to difficulties in using healthcare services. The multi-factorial problem of in-hospital EMS overcrowding is also evident and has been linked with potentially poorer clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the ongoing refugee crisis challenges the national EMS. Adoption of a triage scale, expansion of the primary care network, and an effective primary–hospital continuum of care are urgently needed in Greece to provide comprehensive, culturally competent, and high-quality health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourania S Kotsiou
- Respiratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece.
| | | | - Panagiotis Kotsios
- International Business Department, Perrotis College, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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