Integrated operations for natural disaster management: A systematic Review

Background: This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of models describing the integrated logistics operations performed as a response to natural disasters, with the hope to identify the challenges and limitations of healthcare systems in natural disaster management. Methods: A systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, and bibliographies of retrieved articles using MeSH headings and keywords such as natural disaster, logistics, model. A total of 98 publications were identified through the search process. Seven potentially relevant articles met the inclusion criteria. The key demographic, clinical, and pathological information of all qualified studies were extracted from the full-text articles. Results: Among the seven included studies, six had either model data or considerations on distribution methods. Storage, human resources, infrastructures, primary priority items, coordination of organizations, and information and communication with the media were also the focus of studies. The articles were mainly from Iran (n=2), the United States (n=2), and Indonesia (n=2). The models presented in the studies has mainly focused on a specific aspect of disaster management, such as smart government development, use of military services, people with logistic training and/or medical team model. Conclusion: This study systematically highlighted the crucial points that should be considered in managing natural disasters including human resources, infrastructure, storage, priority items, distribution, access system, coordination of organizations, information, and communication with the media. In this regard, we prepared a comprehensive comparison of possible models and logistics.

The impact of flood on pregnancy outcomes: A review article

Flood is one of the natural disasters with high prevalence in the world. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of flood on pregnancy outcome and pregnancy complication such as preterm birth, LBW, SGA, stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia and eclampsia. This is a systematic review based on the PRISMA model that examines pregnancy disorder, pregnancy complication, and reproductive outcomes in floods. For fulfilling of the objectives of the research, related keywords were identified using Mesh and Emtree databases. Then the search was done in the electronic database of Medline, Web of Science, Embase, scopus until 2021.2.10. The search strategy in the Medline database. Database searches resulted in 823 non-duplicate records. After reading the abstracts, 808 articles were excluded. 15 abstracts were eligible for the study, which their full texts were provided. Finally based on inclusion and exclusion criteria 7 articles were included in this study. After flood, the rate of LBW birth and gestational hypertension increases. However, there is no significant difference in preterm birth rates. Pregnancy complications can be reduced or prevented by starting prenatal care early and also by controlling risk factors such as reducing smoking and alcohol consumption.

Cardiovascular Diseases in Natural Disasters; a Systematic Review

Introduction:

As a result of destruction and lack of access to vital infrastructures and mental stress, disasters intensify cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and hence management of CVDs becomes more challenging. The aim of this study is investigating incidence and prevalence of CVDs, morbidity and mortality of CVDs, treatment and management of CVDs at the time of natural disasters.

Methods:

In the present systematic review, the articles published in English language until 28. 11. 2020, which studied CVDs in natural disasters were included. The inclusion criteria were CVDs such as myocardial infarction (MI), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), hypertension (HTN), pulmonary edema, and heart failure (HF) in natural disasters such as earthquake, flood, storm, hurricane, cyclone, typhoon, and tornado.

Result:

The search led to accessing 4426 non-duplicate records. Finally, the data of 104 articles were included in quality appraisal. We managed to find 4, 21 and 79 full text articles, which considered cardiovascular diseases at the time of flood, storm, and earthquake, respectively.

Conclusion:

Prevalence of CVD increases after disasters. Lack of access to medication or lack of medication adjustment, losing home blood pressure monitor as a result of destruction and physical and mental stress after disasters are of the most significant challenges of controlling and managing CVDs. By means of quick establishment of health clinics, quick access to appropriate diagnosis and treatment, providing and access to medication, self-management, and self-care incentives along with appropriate medication and non-medication measures to control stress, we can better manage and control cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension.