scholarly journals The Burden of Mental Disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990–2013

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S156-S157 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Charara ◽  
A. Mokdad

The eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) is witnessing an increase in mental illness. With ongoing unrest, this is expected to rise. This is the first study to quantify the burden of mental disorders in the EMR. We used data from the global burden of disease study (GBD) 2013. DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) allow assessment of both premature mortality (years of life lost–YLLs) and nonfatal outcomes (years lived with disability–YLDs). DALYs are computed by adding YLLs and YLDs for each age-sex-country group. In 2013, mental disorders contributed to 5.6% of total disease burden in EMR (1894 DALYS/100,000 population): 2519 DALYS/100,000 (2590/100,000 males, 2426/100,000 females) in high-income countries, 1884 DALYS/100,000 (1618/100,000 males, 2157/100,000 females) in middle-income countries, 1607 DALYS/100,000 (1500/100,000 males, 1717/100,000 females) in low-income countries. Females had a greater proportion of burden due to mental disorders than did males of equivalent ages, except for those under 15 years. The highest proportion of DALYs occurred in the 25–49 age group. The burden of mental disorders in EMR increased from 1726 DALYs/100,000 in 1990 to 1912 DALYs/100,000 in 2013 (10.8% increase). Depressive disorders accounted for most DALYs, followed by anxiety disorders. Palestine had the largest burden of mental disorders. Nearly all EMR countries had a higher mental disorder burden compared to global level. Our findings call for EMR health ministries to increase provision of mental health services and to address stigma of mental illness. Our results showing the accelerating burden of mental health are alarming as the region is seeing an increased level of instability.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ali Sahraian ◽  
Pouria Heydarpour ◽  
Maziar Moradi-Lakeh ◽  
Sharareh Eskandarieh ◽  
Seyed-Mohammad Fereshtehnejad ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is among the leading causes of disability in Young Adults worldwide. Current estimates of MS burden in Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) are necessary for planning effective interventions .To estimate Prevalence, incidence, mortality, years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs) and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in EMR by country age, and sex from 1990 to 2016.MethodsWe estimated regional and country-specific prevalence, incidence, mortality, DALYs, YLLs, and YLDs for MS. DALYs were computed as the sum of YLDs and YLLs.ResultsTotal DALYs in EMR countries was 12,810 in 1990 for males and increased to 36,391 in 2016 and from 18,962 to 53,851 for females. Lowest DALYs in both sexes were observed in Somalia (248) while the highest were in Iran (26,394). YLDs in males increased from 6,511 in 1990 to 19,515 in 2016, and in females from 12,247 to 33,937. The highest age-standardized prevalence, incidence, YLDs and DALYs were in Iran (72.11, 2.49, 18.03, and 32.5, respectively).ConclusionsOur findings provide valuable information to guide the development and implementation of measures to address the rising burden of MS and it consequences in the EMR countries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
pp. e007195
Author(s):  
Amanda Rowlands ◽  
Asma Deeb ◽  
Asmahane Ladjouze ◽  
Rasha T Hamza ◽  
Salwa A Musa ◽  
...  

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), if untreated, carries high morbidity and mortality. A higher incidence of CAH is expected in countries where consanguinity is common, such as in the countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO). CAH is managed through lifelong treatment with fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone. In this analysis, performed in the 22 EMRO countries and territories plus Algeria, we review which countries offer a neonatal screening programme for CAH and describe the barriers and opportunities to access oral fludrocortisone and oral and injectable hydrocortisone. Neonatal CAH screening was only available nationally in Qatar, Kuwait and partially in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. We reviewed the national lists of essential medicines (NEMLs) and found that 13/23 (57%) countries included fludrocortisone and 18/23 (78%) included oral hydrocortisone. Fludrocortisone was not included by any of the low-income countries and oral hydrocortisone was only included by one low-income country. We then contacted paediatric endocrinologists in each country to assess perceived availability of these medicines. Overall, there was a relatively good consistency between inclusion of fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone in the NEML and their actual availability in a country. We propose several mechanisms to improve access, including prequalification by the WHO, a common registration process for groups of countries, pooled procurement, working with local pharmaceutical companies, special access status for medicines not yet registered in a country and compounding. We suggest that access to medicines requires a collaboration between health professionals, families of patients, health authorities, pharmaceutical companies and the WHO.


Children ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 239
Author(s):  
Ayoub Al Jawaldeh ◽  
Radhouene Doggui ◽  
Elaine Borghi ◽  
Hassan Aguenaou ◽  
Laila El Ammari ◽  
...  

Over 20 million children under 5 years old in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region have stunted growth, as a result of chronic malnutrition, with damaging long-term consequences for individuals and societies. This review extracted and analyzed data from the UNICEF, WHO and the World Bank malnutrition estimates to present an overall picture of childhood stunting in the region. The number of children under 5 in the region who are affected by stunting has dropped from 24.5 million (40%) in 1990 to 20.6 million (24.2%) in 2019. The reduction rate since the 2012 baseline is only about two fifths of that required and much more rapid progress will be needed to reach the internationally agreed targets by 2025 and 2030. Prevalence is highest in low-income countries and those with a lower Human Development Index. The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to undermine efforts to reduce stunting, through its impact on access and affordability of safe and nutritious foods and access to important health services. Priority areas for action to tackle stunting as part of a comprehensive, multisectoral nutrition strategy are proposed. In light of the threat that COVID-19 will exacerbate the already heavy burden of malnutrition in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, implementation of such strategies is more important than ever.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Hassan Albelbeisi ◽  
Ali Albelbeisi ◽  
Abdel Hamid El Bilbeisi ◽  
Amany El Afifi ◽  
Mahmoud Taleb

Abstract Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreads in 216 countries and territories among the world including all Eastern Mediterranean Region countries. The aim of the present study was to examine variation of COVID-19 in different income class countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Methods: Five parameters such as the percentage of variation COVID-19 confirmed cases, the percentage of variation number of deaths, death rate per 1000 confirmed cases, the percentage of variation death rate per 1000 confirmed cases, and tests per one million were calculated. Results: The results demonstrated that all Eastern Mediterranean Region countries increase in percentage of COVID-19 confirmed cases except Tunisia, the increasing range from 53.5% in Libya to 4.7% in Morocco. Death rate per 1000 confirmed cases range from 230.1 in Yemen to 0.92 in Qatar. Majority of countries increase in percentage of COVID-19 deaths cases number, which range from 43.7% in Iraq to 1.4% in Morocco. Fourteen countries decrease in percentage of death rate per 1000, the decreasing range from 34.9% in Libya to 0.09 in Yemen. The tests per one million range from 265687 in United Arab Emirate to four in Yemen. Conclusion: The current study findings showed significant variations between the Eastern Mediterranean Region countries, the substantial variation is concerning. The low-income countries appeared more vulnerable compared to high-income countries; the low-income countries should not be alone with this pandemic. Hence then global should be helping these countries and particular plans have to be employed. These must include screening tests COVID-19 virus.


Author(s):  
Azza Abul-Fadl ◽  
Afaf Tawfik ◽  
Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh

Background: The preexistence of obesity with nutritional anaemia is becoming an increasing problem in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Much controversy exists around the role of continued breastfeeding in alleviating the health and survival consequences of these problems in the region. Aim: To examine trends and relationships of nutritional anaemia (NA) in women and children under-five years of age (CU5) with obesity and breastfeeding practices in the EMR. Methods: Data from regional database banks of WHO and UNICEF for anaemia in pregnant and non-pregnant women and CU5 from 22 countries in EMR were retrieved, compiled, and statistically analyzed. Breastfeeding indicators for timely first suckle (TFS), exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and continued breastfeeding for 12 (BFC12) and 24 months (BFC24), low-birth-weight (LBW), stunting, overweight, total fertility rates (TFR) and mortality rates (MR) were correlated with nutritional anaemia and analyzed by income groups into 5 low income countries (LIC), 11 middle income countries (MIC) and 6 high income countries (HIC). Results: Trends in mean prevalence of anaemia in women showed a concave curve increasing after a short decrease in the early 2000 in all income groups (P > 0.05). Trends in anaemia in the CU5 exhibited a steep decrease from a mean of 52.59 ± 16.4 in 2000 to 37.3 ± 14.9 in 2016 at P < 0.002, the steep decline was significant in HIC (P < 0.01) and MIC (P < 0.02), but not for LIC (P > 0.05). Anaemia prevalence in women and CU5 was significantly correlated to LBW, stunting, and with overweight and obesity in adults but negatively in CU5. All age specific MRs were highly correlated with anaemia in pregnant, non-pregnant and CU5 at P < 0.001 and TFR at P < 0.05. BFC for shorter durations was negatively correlated with anaemia in pregnant women (r-0.5) at P < 0.05 and was positively correlated in MIC and HIC. In non-pregnant women, BFC12 and BFC 24 correlated positively with anaemia prevalence in all three income groups at P < 0.01. Conclusions: Completing optimal breastfeeding for two years should be promoted to protect women and CU5 from anemia and obesity. Nutritional anemia during pregnancy increases regional rates of LBW, stunting and mortality. Spacing out births by encouraging longer duration of breastfeeding, to replenish iron stores, can help alleviate many of the health and nutritional problems in the region.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii112-ii123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olakunle Alonge ◽  
Anna Chiumento ◽  
Hesham M Hamoda ◽  
Eman Gaber ◽  
Zill-e- Huma ◽  
...  

Abstract Globally there is a substantial burden of mental health problems among children and adolescents. Task-shifting/task-sharing mental health services to non-specialists, e.g. teachers in school settings, provide a unique opportunity for the implementation of mental health interventions at scale in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There is scant information to guide the large-scale implementation of school-based mental health programme in LMICs. This article describes pathways for large-scale implementation of a School Mental Health Program (SMHP) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). A collaborative learning group (CLG) comprising stakeholders involved in implementing the SMHP including policymakers, programme managers and researchers from EMR countries was established. Participants in the CLG applied the theory of change (ToC) methodology to identify sets of preconditions, assumptions and hypothesized pathways for improving the mental health outcomes of school-aged children in public schools through implementation of the SMHP. The proposed pathways were then validated through multiple regional and national ToC workshops held between January 2017 and September 2019, as the SMHP was being rolled out in three EMR countries: Egypt, Pakistan and Iran. Preconditions, strategies and programmatic/contextual adaptations that apply across these three countries were drawn from qualitative narrative summaries of programme implementation processes and facilitated discussions during biannual CLG meetings. The ToC for large-scale implementation of the SMHP in the EMR suggests that identifying national champions, formulating dedicated cross-sectoral (including the health and education sector) implementation teams, sustained policy advocacy and stakeholders engagement across multiple levels, and effective co-ordination among education and health systems especially at the local level are among the critical factors for large-scale programme implementation. The pathways described in this paper are useful for facilitating effective implementation of the SMHP at scale and provide a theory-based framework for evaluating the SMHP and similar programmes in the EMR and other LMICs.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sedighe Hosseini Shabanan ◽  
Maziar Moradi-Lakeh ◽  
Reza Majdzadeh

Abstract Background: Due to the ongoing conflicts in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), countries in the region have confronted a severe health crisis in recent years. This study was conducted to describe the direct health burden of conflicts in the region and quantify the fraction of economic damage attributed to the health impact of conflict. Methods: We used Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) from the Global Burden of Disease attributed to conflict and considered the value of a life-year as at least one Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita purchasing power parity (PPP) to indirectly estimate the economic burden. Results: From 1990 to 2017, out of the 22 countries in the EMR, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen suffered the most from conflict and terrorism. Conflict accounted for 64%, 50%, and 35% of all causes of DALYs in Libya and Syria, and Palestine, in 2011, 2016, and 2008, respectively. In 2017, Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan had the most significant health-related economic burden of conflict per capita, more than 100 current international dollars. Iraq was affected by a loss of about 80% of its health expenditure due to conflict and terrorism, an estimated total of 23 billion current international dollars. Conclusions: Our study reflects the significance of the health burden due to conflict in the EMR and its subsequent economic consequences. Stability and peace is among the most influential determinants of health and economic development in the region.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0259077
Author(s):  
Natacha U. Karambizi ◽  
Christopher S. McMahan ◽  
Carl N. Blue ◽  
Lesly A. Temesvari

Background Diarrheal disease (DD)-associated mortality has declined since 1990; however, the incidence of DD has experienced a less-pronounced decrease. Thus, it is important to track progress in managing DD by following loss of healthy years. A disability-adjusted life-year (DALY), which combines data on years-of-life lost (YLL) and years-lived with-disability (YLD), is a metric that can track such a burden. Methods and findings Using all 28 years of data in the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017, we compared DD DALYs among different demographic subsets including sex, age, country, and World Bank (WB) income level. We also evaluated DD DALYs as a function of the socio-demographic index (SDI), a measure of a region’s socio-demographic development. On a global level, DD DALYs have decreased by approximately 85.43% from 1990 to 2017. Incidence and prevalence have decreased by 1.53% and 4.45%, respectively. A dramatic decrease in DD DALYs were observed for WB low-income countries, but not for WB high-income constituents. The temporal decrease in DD DALY rates in WB low-income countries was likely driven by a decrease in YLL. Alternatively, temporal increases in both YLL and YLD may have contributed to the apparent lack of progress in WB high-income countries. Regardless of WB income classification, children under the age of five and the elderly were the most vulnerable to DD. In nearly every year from 1990 to 2017, DD DALYs for females were higher than those for males in WB high-income regions, but lower than those for males in WB low-income constituents. The reason for these differences is not known. We also observed that the rate of DD DALYs was highly correlated to SDI regardless of WB income classification. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the only temporal study of DD DALYs that encompasses all 28 years of data available from the GBD. Overall, our analyses show that temporal reductions in DD DALYs are not equivalent across regions, sexes and age groups. Therefore, careful attention to local and demography-specific risk factors will be necessary to tailor solutions in region- and demography-specific manners.


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