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Chidiac L, Yazbeck H, Mahfouz R, Zgheib NK. Pharmacogenomics in Lebanon: current status, challenges and opportunities. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2024; 24:16. [PMID: 38778046 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-024-00336-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacogenomics (PGx) research and applications are of utmost relevance in Lebanon considering its population genetic diversity. Moreover, as a country with regional leadership in medicine and higher education, Lebanon holds a strong potential in contributing to PGx research and clinical implementation. In this manuscript, we first review and evaluate the available PGx research conducted in Lebanon, then describe the current status of PGx practice in Lebanon while reflecting on the local and regional challenges, and highlighting areas for action, and opportunities to move forward. We specifically expand on the status of PGx at the American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center as a case study and guide for the further development of local and regional comprehensive PGx research, teaching, and clinical implementation programs. We also delve into the status of PGx knowledge and education, and prospects for further advancement such as with online courses and certificates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Chidiac
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hady Yazbeck
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rami Mahfouz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nathalie K Zgheib
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Saleh M, Raffoul P, Akil A, Bassil P, Salameh P. Arab world's impact on bladder cancer research and opportunities for growth: A bibliometric review study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37554. [PMID: 38518049 PMCID: PMC10956953 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bladder Cancer (BC) is a widespread form of cancer that affects over 1.6 million people globally. The majority of cases are diagnosed as urothelial carcinoma, with a higher likelihood of diagnosis in men and with increasing age. The Arab world (AW) is one of the regions with the highest incidence and mortality rates of BC, and the average age of diagnosis is between 40 and 49 years in North Africa and the Middle East. This study aims to assess the activity and distribution of BC publications in the AW. METHODS A systematic search across MEDLINE and Embase databases spanning 2007 to 2021 identified 1208 English-language articles on bladder cancer with Arab affiliations. The dataset was normalized against the average population and GDP (2007-2020) for 22 Arab countries. Statistical analyses via SPSS and visualizations with VOSviewer unveiled collaboration patterns and thematic trends in Arab bladder cancer research. RESULTS A total of 1208 BC publications were published in the AW, representing 0.24% of all biomedical publications. Egypt topped the list with the highest number of publications. The co-authorship analysis generated by VOSviewer revealed that out of 4766 authors, 161 met the minimum threshold of 5 publications. CONCLUSION The findings reveal that Egypt and Jordan are at the forefront of BC research in the region, while other Arab countries are lagging behind despite being heavily impacted by the disease. To drive progress in the field, it's important to uncover the obstacles impeding BC research in these countries and implement effective solutions to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Saleh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Peter Raffoul
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Alvar Akil
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Paul Bassil
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
- University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
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3
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Safwan J, Akel M, Sacre H, Haddad C, Sakr F, Hajj A, Zeenny RM, Iskandar K, Salameh P. Academic pharmacist competencies in ordinary and emergency situations: content validation and pilot description in Lebanese academia. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:737. [PMID: 37803447 PMCID: PMC10559412 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04712-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the absence of a similar study in the Lebanese context, this study aimed to validate the content of the specialized competencies frameworks of academic pharmacists (educators, researchers, and clinical preceptors) and pilot their use for practice assessment in the context of multiple severe crises. METHODS A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted between March and September 2022 among academic pharmacists enrolled by snowball sampling using a questionnaire created on Google Forms. RESULTS The suggested frameworks had appropriate content to assess the competencies of academic pharmacists. Educators and clinical preceptors were confident in all their competencies except for emergency preparedness. Researchers had varying levels of confidence, ranging from moderate to high confidence for many competencies, but gaps were reported in fundamental research, conducting clinical trials, and pharmacy practice research (mean < 80). Educators and researchers relied primarily on experience and postgraduate studies, while clinical preceptors emphasized undergraduate studies to acquire their respective competencies. Continuing education sessions/programs were the least cited as a competency-acquiring venue across all roles. CONCLUSION This study could develop and validate the content of frameworks for specialized competencies of academic pharmacists, including educators, researchers, and clinical preceptors, in a challenging setting. The frameworks were also piloted for practice assessment, which could contribute to supporting effective performance and sustained development of practitioners and help link the skills and competencies pharmacists learn during their studies with those required for a career in academia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihan Safwan
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon.
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Marwan Akel
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala Sacre
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Chadia Haddad
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- School of Health Sciences, Modern University of Business and Science, Beirut, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal El Dib, Lebanon
| | - Fouad Sakr
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Aline Hajj
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec Université Laval Research Center, Québec, Canada
| | - Rony M Zeenny
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Pharmacy, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Katia Iskandar
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Faculty of Public Health II, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
- University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Truppa C, Ansbro É, Willis R, Zmeter C, El Khatib A, Roberts B, Aebischer Perone S, Perel P. Developing an integrated model of care for vulnerable populations living with non-communicable diseases in Lebanon: an online theory of change workshop. Confl Health 2023; 17:35. [PMID: 37480107 PMCID: PMC10360302 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-023-00532-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Syrian crisis, followed by a financial crisis, port explosion, and COVID-19, have put enormous strain on Lebanon's health system. Syrian refugees and the vulnerable host population have a high burden of Non-communicable Diseases (NCD) morbidity and unmet mental health, psychosocial and rehabilitation needs. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recently introduced integrated NCD services within its package of primary care in Lebanon, which includes NCD primary health care, rehabilitation, and mental health and psychosocial support services. We aimed to identify relevant outcomes for people living with NCDs from refugee and host communities in northern Lebanon, as well as to define the processes needed to achieve them through an integrated model of care. Given the complexity of the health system in which the interventions are delivered, and the limited practical guidance on integration, we considered systems thinking to be the most appropriate methodological approach. METHODS A Theory of Change (ToC) workshop and follow-up meetings were held online by the ICRC, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the American University of Beirut in 2021. ToC is a participatory and iterative planning process involving key stakeholders, and seeks to understand a process of change by mapping out intermediate and long-term outcomes along hypothesised causal pathways. Participants included academics, and ICRC regional, coordination, and headquarters staff. RESULTS We identified two distinct pathways to integrated NCD primary care: a multidisciplinary service pathway and a patient and family support pathway. These were interdependent and linked via an essential social worker role and a robust information system. We also defined a list of key assumptions and interventions to achieve integration, and developed a list of monitoring indicators. DISCUSSION ToC is a useful tool to deconstruct the complexity of integrating NCD services. We highlight that integrated care rests on multidisciplinary and patient-centred approaches, which depend on a well-trained and resourced team, strong leadership, and adequate information systems. This paper provides the first theory-driven road map of implementation pathways, to help support the integration of NCD care for crises-affected populations in Lebanon and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Truppa
- International Committee of the Red Cross, Beirut, Lebanon
- CRIMEDIM - Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Éimhín Ansbro
- Epidemiology of Noncommunicable Disease Department, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
- Centre for Global Chronic Conditions, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Ruth Willis
- Centre for Global Chronic Conditions, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Carla Zmeter
- International Committee of the Red Cross, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Aya El Khatib
- International Committee of the Red Cross, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Bayard Roberts
- Centre for Global Chronic Conditions, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sigiriya Aebischer Perone
- International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pablo Perel
- Epidemiology of Noncommunicable Disease Department, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Centre for Global Chronic Conditions, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Samah T. Identifying health research in the era of COVID-19: A scoping review. SAGE Open Med 2023; 11:20503121231180030. [PMID: 37324118 PMCID: PMC10262656 DOI: 10.1177/20503121231180030] [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] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Health improvements are considered one of the most important fields of research. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 was declared a pandemic, it might have impacted clinical and public health research in various forms. Objectives The goal of this study is to explore health research approaches in the era of coronavirus disease 2019. Methods In this scoping review, we reviewed published medical full-text studies and identified potential areas of interest of health research in the era the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic during the last 3 years within a higher educational setting. A bibliometric analysis was used to compare among published works. Results Among the 93 studies that met the inclusion criteria, most focused on mental health (n = 23; 24.7%). Twenty-one publications targeted coronavirus disease 2019 and its consequences on general health. Other studies have described hemato-oncological, cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrinological diseases. 42 studies were cross-sectional or cohort studies and most of them published in Q1 journals. Almost half of them belonged to the Faculty of Medicine (49.5%) followed by the School of Arts, Sciences, and Psychology (26.9%). Conclusions Health research has been demonstrated to be important, at all times, especially during crises. Therefore, researchers need to invest more efforts into seeking new medical updates in various health-related fields, regardless of their correlation with coronavirus disease 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawil Samah
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Institut National de Santé Publique d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
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Sater ZA, Farhat T, Elsayed MN, Youssef Y, Husain M, Kaddoura M, Jaber L, Mukherji D, Taher A. The state of cancer research in fragile and conflict-affected settings in the Middle East and North Africa Region: A bibliometric analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1083836. [PMID: 37035214 PMCID: PMC10076849 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1083836] [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: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer represents a disproportionate burden in LMICs, especially conflict-affected countries in the MENA region. Research output on cancer fails to match the growing burden in the region. This bibliometric study aims to examine the status and trends of cancer research in fragile and conflict-affected settings in the MENA region from 2000 to 2021, while also incorporating economic and demographic indicators as additional factors of analysis. Methods The Web of Science databases were searched for publications related to cancer research in Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2021. The retrieved publications were screened based on preset eligibility criteria and the final list was analyzed using the Bibliometrix Package in R to generate the annual scientific production and citations, journals, institutions, authors, collaborations, keywords, and title co-occurrence. Each country's annual scientific production was analyzed against its annual GDP per capita. Results A total of 4,280 documents met the inclusion criteria in this research. The annual number of publications revealed a significant increase over the past 20 years. These publications were mostly published in international journals that had impact factors rated in the 3rd or 4th quartiles. The overall contribution of researchers from Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings (FCS) to cancer research was 6.5% of the MENA cancer research productivity, despite comprising around 23% of the total MENA region's population. Lebanon had the highest publication productivity at the country level, followed by Iraq and Syria. GDP per capita was not significantly correlated with cancer research across the countries under investigation. At the institutional level, the American University of Beirut was the most prolific institution and had the highest number of collaborations and the widest range of cooperative partners. Most first authors were male researchers. There is an interest in cancer expression, prevalence, diagnosis, and management in terms of commonly researched topics. Conclusion This study underscores the need for a concerted effort to improve cancer research outcomes in FCS, which can be achieved through targeted research, increased investment in research infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives, and greater regional and global collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahi Abdul Sater
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Theresa Farhat
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Yara Youssef
- College of Public Health, Phoenicia University, Mazraat El Daoudiyeh, Lebanon
| | - Marium Husain
- Department of Internal Medicine, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Ohio, United States
| | - Malak Kaddoura
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lubna Jaber
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Deborah Mukherji
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- *Correspondence: Ali Taher,
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El Hasbani G, Jawad ASM, Uthman I. Rheumatology research output in the Arab World: despite the challenges. Reumatismo 2022; 74. [PMID: 36580063 DOI: 10.4081/reumatismo.2022.1520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatology is a field in which diagnostic, pathophysiological, and therapeutic advancements occur daily. These developments are the result of research in basic sciences, translational sciences, and clinical sciences. Physical and financial support, provided by individuals and institutions, is essential for all types of research. The political and economic instability in the Arab world has impacted the advancement of healthcare and the output of research. This review seeks to evaluate the quantity and quality of rheumatology-related research conducted in the Arab world. This review examined the number of rheumatological clinical publications produced by Arab countries between 2017 and 2021 and cited by PubMed/MEDLINE. Publications with authors from multiple nations were disqualified. Publications were then categorized by type, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, systematic reviews, narrative reviews, and case reports. Publications were also organized according to the regions of the Arab world: North and East Africa, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula. The review also used data from the world bank to evaluate the gross domestic product (GDP) and total population of Arabian nations in order to calculate a ratio of publications to GDP and publications to population. Egypt had the highest number of publications among north and east African countries and Arab countries in general, with 261 publications, including the highest number of RCTs, which were 23. With 81 publications, Saudi Arabia had the highest number of publications on the Arabian peninsula. However, no individual country on the Arabian peninsula published an RCT. Lebanon had the most publications in the Middle East, but the majority were reviews and case reports. Tunisia had the highest ratio of publications to GDP. Notably, the number of publications increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 era in some countries. The Arab world is still able to produce clinical rheumatology publications despite its political instability and lack of resources. The influence of such publications on the daily practice of rheumatology is still debatable.
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Affiliation(s)
- G El Hasbani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hartford HealthCare, St. Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport, CT.
| | - A S M Jawad
- Department of Rheumatology, The Royal London Hospital, London.
| | - I Uthman
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut.
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Abstract
This paper uses a unique dataset from Lebanon, a developing country with unstable political conditions, to explore the drivers of research outcomes. We use the Negative Binomial model to empirically examine the determinants of the total number of publications and single and co-authored articles. The results indicate that males are more likely to publish co-authored papers than females. Moreover, our findings show a quadratic relationship between age and the number of published papers with a peak at the age of 40. After this turning point, the publication rate starts to decrease at an increasing rate. When we run the model by gender, we find that females in large departments tend to publish more co-authored papers. We also find that full professors tend to publish more papers in Q1 and Q2 journals, while associate professors have more papers in Q2 and Q3 journals.
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Jain N, Prasad S, Bordeniuc A, Tanasov A, Cheuk CP, Panag DS, S´wia˛tek D, Platos E, Betka MM, Senica SO, Patel S, Czárth ZC, Jain S, Reinis A. Covid-19 and Ukrainian Crisis Exponentiates the Need for the Inclusion of Conflict and Disaster Medicine in Medical Curriculum. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION AND CURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT 2022; 9:23821205221096347. [PMID: 35493964 PMCID: PMC9052223 DOI: 10.1177/23821205221096347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Conflict medicine is an age-old branch of medicine which focuses on delivering healthcare services to the injured in the setting of conflicts, wars, disasters, and/or other calamities. The course in its purest form has been traditionally given only in military medical schools while civilian medical students are usually taught parts of the course in other overlapping subjects like surgery, infectious diseases, etc. However, in a crisis situation, civilian doctors are expected to double up as military doctors, which leads to emotional, mental, and physical stress for the civilian doctors along with logistical and organizational challenges. The current Covid-19 pandemic and the Russo-Ukrainian conflict have highlighted once again the emergent need for the implementation of conflict medicine courses in regular medical curricula, so as to make the medical students situation-ready. With our present discussion, we aim to provide a brief overview of the course, its core modules, challenges to its implementation, and possible solutions. We believe that the complex management skills gained by this course are not only useful in conflict scenario but are also valuable in managing day-to-day medical emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nityanand Jain
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Sakshi Prasad
- Faculty of Medicine, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya, Ukraine
| | - Alina Bordeniuc
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara “Victor Babes”, Piat¸a Eftimie Murgu 2, Romania
| | - Andrei Tanasov
- Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Chun Pong Cheuk
- First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Nové Město, Czechia
| | | | | | - Emilia Platos
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Shiv Patel
- First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Nové Město, Czechia
| | | | - Shivani Jain
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Genesis Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Ferozepur, Punjab, India
| | - Aigars Reinis
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
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Al Nsour M, Chahien T, Khader Y, Amiri M, Taha H. Field Epidemiology and Public Health Research Priorities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Delphi Technique. Front Public Health 2021; 9:690570. [PMID: 34926363 PMCID: PMC8678107 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.690570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Research is essential for evidence-based decision making. This study aimed to identify research priorities in the areas of field epidemiology and public health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) from the perspectives of public health professionals. A Delphi technique, using online survey, was employed to reach 168 public health professionals who have experience in the EMR countries. The study took place between November 2019 and January 2020. Consensus on the research priorities was reached after two-round online questionnaires. A list of top 10 field epidemiology and public health research priorities in the EMR was developed. Of those priorities, four fell under health in emergency, war and armed conflict, two under communicable diseases, two under immunization, one under digital health, and one under sexual, reproductive, and adolescent health. Availability, adequacy, and quality of health services in crisis settings were scored as a top priority (mean = 4.4, rank 1), followed by use of technology to improve the collection, documentation, and analysis of health data (mean = 4.28, rank 2), and capacity of countries in the region to respond to emergencies (mean = 4.25, rank 3). This study was conducted prior to COVID-19 pandemic and, thus, it did not capture COVID-19 research as a priority area. Nevertheless, identified priorities under communicable diseases including outbreak investigation of infectious diseases, epidemics and challenges related to communicable diseases in the EMR were still notable. In conclusion, the field epidemiology and public health research priorities identified in this study through a systematic inclusive process could be useful to make informed decisions and gear the research efforts to improve the health of people in the EMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohannad Al Nsour
- Global Health Development (GHD)
- Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), Amman, Jordan
| | - Tala Chahien
- Global Health Development (GHD)
- Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), Amman, Jordan
| | - Yousef Khader
- Department of Community Medicine, Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mirwais Amiri
- Global Health Development (GHD)
- Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), Amman, Jordan
| | - Hana Taha
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
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11
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Rammohan A, Mavisakalyan A, Vu L, Goli S. Exposure to conflicts and the continuum of maternal healthcare: Analyses of pooled cross-sectional data for 452,192 women across 49 countries and 82 surveys. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003690. [PMID: 34582443 PMCID: PMC8478181 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Violent conflicts are observed in many parts of the world and have profound impacts on the lives of exposed individuals. The limited evidence available from specific country or region contexts suggest that conflict exposure may reduce health service utilization and have adverse affects on health. This study focused on identifying the association between conflict exposure and continuum of care (CoC) services that are crucial for achieving improvements in reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition (RMNCHN). METHODS AND FINDINGS We combined data from 2 sources, the Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) and the Uppsala Conflict Data Program's (UCDP) Georeferenced Event Dataset, for a sample of 452,192 women across 49 countries observed over the period 1997 to 2018. We utilized 2 consistent measures of conflict-incidence and intensity-and analyzed their association with maternal CoC in 4 key components: (i) at least 1 antenatal care (ANC) visit; (ii) 4 or more ANC visits; (iii) 4 or more ANC visits and institutional delivery; and (iv) 4 or more ANC visits, institutional delivery, and receipt of postnatal care (PNC) either for the mother or the child within 48 hours after birth. To identify the association between conflict exposure and components of CoC, we estimated binary logistic regressions, controlling for a large set of individual and household-level characteristics and year-of-survey and country/province fixed-effects. This empirical setup allows us to draw comparisons among observationally similar women residing in the same locality, thereby mitigating the concerns over unobserved heterogeneity. Around 39.6% (95% CI: 39.5% to 39.7%) of the sample was exposed to some form of violent conflict at the time of their pregnancy during the study period (2003 to 2018). Although access to services decreased for each additional component of CoC in maternal healthcare for all women, the dropout rate was significantly higher among women who have been exposed to conflict, relative to those who have not had such exposure. From logistic regression estimates, we observed that relative to those without exposure to conflict, the odds of utilization of each of the components of CoC was lower among those women who were exposed to at least 1 violent conflict. We estimated odds ratios of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.82 to 0.91, p < 0.001) for at least 1 ANC; 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91 to 0.98, p < 0.005) for 4 or more ANC; and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89 to 0.96, p < 0.001) for 4 or more ANC and institutional delivery. We showed that both the incidence of exposure to conflict as well as its intensity have profound negative implications for CoC. Study limitations include the following: (1) We could not extend the CoC scale beyond PNC due to inconsistent definitions and the lack of availability of data for all 49 countries across time. (2) The measure of conflict intensity used in this study is based on the number of deaths due to the absence of information on other types of conflict-related harms. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that conflict exposure is statistically significantly and negatively associated with utilization of maternal CoC services, in each component of the CoC scale. These findings have highlighted the challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3 in conflict settings, and the need for more concerted efforts in ensuring CoC, to mitigate its negative implications on maternal and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Rammohan
- Department of Economics, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Astghik Mavisakalyan
- Astghik Mavisakalyan, Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin University, Australia
| | - Loan Vu
- Department of Economics, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Vietnam National University of Forestry, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Srinivas Goli
- Australia India Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for the Study of Regional Development, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, India
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Mansour R, Naal H, Kishawi T, Achi NE, Hneiny L, Saleh S. Health research capacity building of health workers in fragile and conflict-affected settings: a scoping review of challenges, strengths, and recommendations. Health Res Policy Syst 2021; 19:84. [PMID: 34022883 PMCID: PMC8140497 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-021-00725-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS) have a strong need to improve the capacity of local health workers to conduct health research in order to improve health policy and health outcomes. Health research capacity building (HRCB) programmes are ideal to equip health workers with the needed skills and knowledge to design and lead health-related research initiatives. The study aimed to review the characteristics of HRCB studies in FCASs in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and to recommend future directions for the field. METHODS We conducted a scoping review and searched four databases for peer-reviewed articles that reported an HRCB initiative targeting health workers in a FCAS and published after 2010. Commentaries and editorials, cross-sectional studies, presentations, and interventions that did not have a capacity building component were excluded. Data on bibliographies of the studies and HRCB interventions and their outcomes were extracted. A descriptive approach was used to report the data, and a thematic approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. RESULTS Out of 8822 articles, a total of 20 were included based on the eligibility criteria. Most of the initiatives centred around topics of health research methodology (70%), targeted an individual-level capacity building angle (95%), and were delivered in university or hospital settings (75%). Ten themes were identified and grouped into three categories. Significant challenges revolved around the lack of local research culture, shortages in logistic capability, interpersonal difficulties, and limited assessment and evaluation of HRCB programmes. Strengths of HRCB interventions included being locally driven, incorporating interactive pedagogies, and promoting multidisciplinary and holistic training. Common recommendations covered by the studies included opportunities to improve the content, logistics, and overarching structural components of HRCB initiatives. CONCLUSION Our findings have important implications on health research policy and related capacity building efforts. Importantly, FCASs should prioritize (1) funding HRCB efforts, (2) strengthening equitable international, regional, and national partnerships, (3) delivering locally led HRCB programmes, (4) ensuring long-term evaluations and implementing programmes at multiple levels of the healthcare system, and (5) adopting engaging and interactive approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Mansour
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, 1107 2020 Lebanon
- St. George’s, University of London, London, UK
| | - Hady Naal
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, 1107 2020 Lebanon
| | - Tarek Kishawi
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, 1107 2020 Lebanon
| | - Nassim El Achi
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, 1107 2020 Lebanon
| | - Layal Hneiny
- Saab Medical Library, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Shadi Saleh
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, 1107 2020 Lebanon
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Ekzayez A, Olabi A, Douedari Y, Meagher K, Bowsher G, Farhat B, Patel P. Health research in the Syrian conflict: opportunities for equitable and multidisciplinary collaboration. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021; 44:e161-e165. [PMID: 34018558 PMCID: PMC8904196 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdab160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is considerable global momentum from Syrian researchers, policy makers and diaspora to address health, security and development challenges posed by almost a decade of armed conflict and complex geopolitics that has resulted in different areas of political control. However, research funders have been so far reluctant to invest in large-scale research programmes in severely conflict-affected areas such as northern Syria. This paper presents examples of collaborations and programmes that could change this through equitable partnerships between academic and operational humanitarian organizations involving local Syrian researchers—a tremendous way forward to capitalize and accelerate this global momentum. Several academic and humanitarian organizations have initiated collaborations to build new networks and partnerships for better research and policy engagement in Syria. The networks conducted two consecutive annual conferences in 2019 and 2020. Key messages from these conference include: (1) equitable partnerships between organizations and individual researchers must form the basis of conducting better research; (2) ensuring the inclusion of local Syrian researchers is crucial in the development of any viable partnership; (3) capacity strengthening in health research is urgently needed in Syria’s current phase of active conflict to inform, develop and implement strengthened and sustainable health systems in the post-conflict phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulkarim Ekzayez
- Research for Health System Strengthening in northern Syria (R4HSSS), Research for Health in Conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (R4HC-MENA), and the Conflict and Health Research Group (CHRG), King's College London, WC2R 2LS, UK.,Syria Public Health Network, UK
| | - Amina Olabi
- Union for Medical and Relief Organisations (UOSSM), UK/Turkey
| | - Yazan Douedari
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Global Health, London WC1H 9SH, UK.,Syria Research Group (SyRG), co-hosted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, UK.,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, 117549, Singapore
| | - Kristen Meagher
- Research for Health System Strengthening in northern Syria (R4HSSS), Research for Health in Conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (R4HC-MENA), and the Conflict and Health Research Group (CHRG), King's College London, WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Gemma Bowsher
- Research for Health System Strengthening in northern Syria (R4HSSS), Research for Health in Conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (R4HC-MENA), and the Conflict and Health Research Group (CHRG), King's College London, WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Bashar Farhat
- Union for Medical and Relief Organisations (UOSSM), UK/Turkey
| | - Preeti Patel
- Research for Health System Strengthening in northern Syria (R4HSSS), Research for Health in Conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (R4HC-MENA), and the Conflict and Health Research Group (CHRG), King's College London, WC2R 2LS, UK
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