scholarly journals Mental healthcare in the Slovak Republic: current situation and future challenges

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 88-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jozef Dragašek ◽  
Alexander Nawka
Keyword(s):  
Slovak Republic ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
World Health ◽  
The European Union ◽  
International Organisations ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
The North ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Health Organization

The Slovak Republic is a landlocked country in central Europe with a population of over 5 million. The Czech Republic and Austria lie to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south. The largest city is the capital, Bratislava; the second largest city is Košnice. Slovakia is a member of the European Union, the United Nations, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization, among other international organisations. The majority of the inhabitants of Slovakia are ethnically Slovak (85.8%). Hungarians are the largest ethnic minority (9.5%). With a gross domestic product (GDP) of €63.3 billion in 2009, Slovakia is classified as a middle-income country. In that year total health expenditure represented 6.7% of GDP (Pažitny, 2008), 34% of which went on pharmaceuticals, the highest share among all OECD countries (World Health Organization, 2010).

scholarly journals Mental healthcare in Hungary: contradictions and possibilities

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 36-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamás Kurimay
Keyword(s):  
Health Spending ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
World Health ◽  
Minority Population ◽  
Official Language ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Uk

The Republic of Hungary is a landlocked country of 93000 km2 in central Europe; it is bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. Its official language is Hungarian. Hungary joined the European Union (EU) in 2004. About 90% of the population of c. 10 million is ethnically Hungarian, with Roma comprising the largest minority population (6–8%). Currently classified as a middle-income country with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $191.7 billion (2007 figure), Hungary's total health spending accounted for 7.4% of GDP in 2007, less than the average of 8.9% among member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD, 2009). The proportion of the total health budget for mental health is 5.1%, which is low when compared with, for instance, the UK (England and Wales 13.8%, Scotland 9.5%) (World Health Organization, 2008, p. 118, Fig. 8.1).

THE ACTIVIY OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN COVID-19 CRISIS MANAGEMENT

2021 ◽  
pp. 114-127
Author(s):  
Svetlana Cebotari ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
North Atlantic ◽  
World Health ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The North ◽  
Un Security Council ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact

One of the most discussed issues in academia, but also in the discourse of polemologists, political scientists, economists and specialists in other fields is the issue regarding the impact of the COVID-19 virus on international security. Although all the attention of the international community has been focused on the emergence of the COVID-19 virus and its impact on the individual, societal, human and interpersonal relationships, it is worth paying attention to the involvement of international organizations in managing the COVID-19 crisis. This article aims to highlight the role and involvement of international organizations in managing the COVID-19 crisis. The involvement of the United Nations, specifically of the UN Security Council, in the management of issues related to the COVID-19 crisis will be examined. The activity of the World Health Organization, the European Union, the North Atlantic Alliance in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic will also be examined.

Levels of Physical Activity Among Older Adults in the European Union

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Ángel Luis Clemente Remón ◽  
Víctor Jiménez Díaz-Benito ◽  
José Emilio Jiménez Beatty ◽  
José Antonio Santacruz Lozano
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
European Union ◽  
Older People ◽  
World Health ◽  
Moderate Physical Activity ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The North ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Metabolic Equivalents ◽  
Health Organization

The study aimed to ascertain the levels of older European people’s physical activity according to sociodemographic variables. The sample size was 7,893 citizens aged 65 and over from the European Union. The participants were classified as physically inactive, adequately active, or highly active, according to the World Health Organization. The total metabolic equivalents of task minutes per week were also calculated. In the results, 55.5% of older people were adequately active, and 43.8% were highly active, especially in the North and West. The average metabolic equivalents of task minutes per week was 1,313 metabolic equivalents of task minutes, with walking as the main activity, followed by moderate physical activity and vigorous activity. Male older people of a lower age from the North and West, with a higher level of education and less difficulty in paying bills, were more likely to be physically active. As a conclusion, only slightly more than half the population were adequately active. These sociodemographic inequalities show the necessity of implementing specific measures.

scholarly journals Human resources for mental health – challenges and opportunities in developing countries

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (7) ◽  
pp. 5-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Srinivasa Murthy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
World Health ◽  
World Health Report ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Health Report ◽  
Health Organization

Human resources for mental health are a challenge in all countries. In countries rich and poor, there is a big gap between the need for mental health services and the availability of those services. In an unusual way, the barriers to mental healthcare appear to be universal, which is not true of non-psychiatric healthcare. Nonetheless, the World Health Report 2001 and the World Health Organization's Atlas project have recorded extremely low levels of service in most developing countries (World Health Organization, 2001a,b). The recruitment of consultant psychiatrists from low- and middle-income countries, discussed in the October 2004 issue of International Psychiatry (Ndetei et al, 2004; Jenkins, 2004), raises a number of challenges for both developing and developed countries.

The EPA Guidance Project: Guidance for Mental Healthcare in Europe

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (01) ◽  
pp. 5-11
Author(s):  
I. Großimlinghaus ◽  
J. Zielasek ◽  
W. Gaebel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Graduate Training ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Stakeholder Involvement ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
World Health ◽  
Post Graduate Training ◽  
Health Organization

Summary Background: The development of guidelines is an important and common method to assure and improve quality in mental healthcare in European countries. While guidelines have to fulfill predefined criteria such as methodological accuracy of evidence retrieval and assessment, and stakeholder involvement, the development of guidance was not standardized yet. Aim: In 2008, the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) initiated the EPA Guidance project in order to provide guidance in the field of European psychiatry and related fields for topics that are not dealt with by guideline developers – for instance due to lack of evidence or lack of funding. The first three series of EPA Guidance deal with diverse topics that are relevant to European mental healthcare, such as quality assurance for mental health services, post-graduate training in mental healthcare, trust in mental health services and mental health promotion. Results: EPA Guidance recommendations address current and future challenges for European psychiatry. They are developed in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) European Mental Health Action Plan.

Defining Preterm Birth and Stillbirth in the Western Pacific: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 101053952110260
Author(s):  
Mairead Connolly ◽  
Laura Phung ◽  
Elise Farrington ◽  
Michelle J. L. Scoullar ◽  
Alyce N. Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
National Level ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Western Pacific ◽  
World Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

Preterm birth and stillbirth are important global perinatal health indicators. Definitions of these indicators can differ between countries, affecting comparability of preterm birth and stillbirth rates across countries. This study aimed to document national-level adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) definitions of preterm birth and stillbirth in the WHO Western Pacific region. A systematic search of government health websites and 4 electronic databases was conducted. Any official report or published study describing the national definition of preterm birth or stillbirth published between 2000 and 2020 was eligible for inclusion. A total of 58 data sources from 21 countries were identified. There was considerable variation in how preterm birth and stillbirth was defined across the region. The most frequently used lower gestational age threshold for viability of preterm birth was 28 weeks gestation (range 20-28 weeks), and stillbirth was most frequently classified from 20 weeks gestation (range 12-28 weeks). High-income countries more frequently used earlier gestational ages for preterm birth and stillbirth compared with low- to middle-income countries. The findings highlight the importance of clear, standardized, internationally comparable definitions for perinatal indicators. Further research is needed to determine the impact on regional preterm birth and stillbirth rates.

scholarly journals Countries with delayed COVID-19 introduction – characteristics, drivers, gaps, and opportunities

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Li ◽  
Cynthia Jones ◽  
Girum S. Ejigu ◽  
Nisha George ◽  
Amanda L. Geller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geographic Location ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
School Closing ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background Three months after the first reported cases, COVID-19 had spread to nearly 90% of World Health Organization (WHO) member states and only 24 countries had not reported cases as of 30 March 2020. This analysis aimed to 1) assess characteristics, capability to detect and monitor COVID-19, and disease control measures in these 24 countries, 2) understand potential factors for the reported delayed COVID-19 introduction, and 3) identify gaps and opportunities for outbreak preparedness, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). We collected and analyzed publicly available information on country characteristics, COVID-19 testing, influenza surveillance, border measures, and preparedness activities in these countries. We also assessed the association between the temporal spread of COVID-19 in all countries with reported cases with globalization indicator and geographic location. Results Temporal spreading of COVID-19 was strongly associated with countries’ globalization indicator and geographic location. Most of the 24 countries with delayed COVID-19 introduction were LMICs; 88% were small island or landlocked developing countries. As of 30 March 2020, only 38% of these countries reported in-country COVID-19 testing capability, and 71% reported conducting influenza surveillance during the past year. All had implemented two or more border measures, (e.g., travel restrictions and border closures) and multiple preparedness activities (e.g., national preparedness plans and school closing). Conclusions Limited testing capacity suggests that most of the 24 delayed countries may have lacked the capability to detect and identify cases early through sentinel and case-based surveillance. Low global connectedness, geographic isolation, and border measures were common among these countries and may have contributed to the delayed introduction of COVID-19 into these countries. This paper contributes to identifying opportunities for pandemic preparedness, such as increasing disease detection, surveillance, and international collaborations. As the global situation continues to evolve, it is essential for countries to improve and prioritize their capacities to rapidly prevent, detect, and respond, not only for COVID-19, but also for future outbreaks.

scholarly journals Active Aging in ASEAN Countries: Influences from Age-Friendly Environments, Lifestyles, and Socio-Demographic Factors

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8290
Author(s):  
Sariyamon Tiraphat ◽  
Vijj Kasemsup ◽  
Doungjai Buntup ◽  
Murallitharan Munisamy ◽  
Thang Huu Nguyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Active Aging ◽  
Older Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Health Organization

Active aging is a challenging issue to promote older population health; still, there is little clarity on research investigating the determinants of active aging in developing countries. Therefore, this research aimed to examine the factors associated with the active aging of the older populations in ASEAN’s low and middle-income countries by focusing on Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand. The study is a cross-sectional quantitative research study using multi-stage cluster sampling to randomize the sample. The sample consists of 2031 older people aged 55 years and over, including 510 Thai, 537 Malaysian, 487 Myanmar, and 497 Vietnamese. We collected a quantitative questionnaire of age-friendly environmental scale and active aging scale based on the World Health Organization (WHO) concept. The predictors of active aging include age-friendly environments, lifestyles, and socioeconomic factors; the data are analyzed by using multiple logistic regression. After adjusting for other factors, we found that older people living in a community with higher levels of age-friendly environments are 5.52 times more active than those in lower levels of age-friendly environments. Moreover, the older population with healthy lifestyles such as good dietary intake and high physical activity will be 4.93 times more active than those with unhealthy lifestyles. Additionally, older adults with partners, higher education, and aged between 55 and 64 years will be 1.70, 2.61, and 1.63 times more active than those with separate/divorce/widow, primary education, and age at 75 years or higher, respectively. Our results contribute considerable evidence for ASEAN policy-making to promote active aging in this region.

74 Epidemiology and Outcomes of Cooking and Cookstove-related Burn Injuries: A World Health Organization (WHO) Global Burn Registry (GBR) Report

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S51-S52
Author(s):  
Kajal Mehta ◽  
Nikitha Thrikutam ◽  
Kiran K Nakarmi ◽  
Paa Ekow Hoyte-Williams ◽  
Michael Peck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Total Body Surface Area ◽  
Burn Injuries ◽  
World Health ◽  
Common Mechanism ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Improved Cookstove ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Introduction Cooking- and cookstove-related burns (CSBs) comprise a large proportion of burn injuries globally. A cookstove is any apparatus that provides heat and is used for cooking (e.g., three-stone fire, traditional or improved cookstove). There are limited data on patterns of cooking behaviors and CSBs to inform prevention initiatives and advocacy. We aimed to describe the epidemiology, risk factors and outcomes of cooking-related burns and CSBs, specifically. Methods Patients with cooking and non-cooking related burns from 2018 to 2020 were identified in the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Burn Registry (GBR). Patient demographics, cooking arrangement, injury characteristics [mechanism, total body surface area (TBSA), revised Baux score] and outcomes were described. Differences in proportions and medians were compared. Bivariate regression was performed to identify risk factors associated with occurrence of CSB. Results GBR contained data of 6,965 burn-injured patients from 17 countries; 88% were from middle-income countries. One quarter of burn injuries (1,723 burns) were cooking-related. More than half of cooking-related burns (55%) occurred in females. Median age for cooking-related burns was 11 years (IQR 2–35). Of cooking-related burns, 22% were cookstove-related burns (CSBs; 311 burns). The most common mechanism in CSB was flame (87%), whereas the most common mechanism in other cooking burns was scald (62%). Patients with CSBs were more often female (65% vs 53%; p< 0.001) and much older than patients with other cooking burns (32 years, IQR 22–47 vs 5 years, IQR 2–30). CSBs were significantly larger in TBSA size (30%, IQR 15–45% vs 15%, IQR 10–25%; p< 0.001), had higher revised Baux scores (70, IQR 46–95 vs 28, IQR 10–25; p< 0.001) and more often resulted in death (41 vs 11%; p< 0.001) than other cooking burns (Table1). Patients with CSBs were more likely to be burned by fires (OR 4.74; 95% CI 2.99–7.54) and explosions (OR 2.91, 95% CI 2.03–4.18) than other cooking injuries. Kerosene had the highest odds of CSB than all other cooking fuels (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.52–3.69). Conclusions Cooking-related burns are common and have different epidemiology than CSBs, specifically (e.g., more often female, older, larger burn size, higher mortality). CSBs were more likely caused by structural factors (e.g., explosion, fire) than behavioral factors (e.g., accidental movements) when compared to other cooking burns.

scholarly journals The politics of crisis management by regional and international organizations in fighting against a global pandemic: the member states at a crossroads

2021 ◽  
pp. 002085232098451
Author(s):  
Steven Van Hecke ◽  
Harald Fuhr ◽  
Wouter Wolfs
Keyword(s):  
Crisis Management ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Added Value ◽  
World Health ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Member States ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Turbulent Times ◽  
Health Organization

Despite new challenges like climate change and digitalization, global and regional organizations recently went through turbulent times due to a lack of support from several of their member states. Next to this crisis of multilateralism, the COVID-19 pandemic now seems to question the added value of international organizations for addressing global governance issues more specifically. This article analyses this double challenge that several organizations are facing and compares their ways of managing the crisis by looking at their institutional and political context, their governance structure, and their behaviour during the pandemic until June 2020. More specifically, it will explain the different and fragmented responses of the World Health Organization, the European Union and the International Monetary Fund/World Bank. With the aim of understanding the old and new problems that these international organizations are trying to solve, this article argues that the level of autonomy vis-a-vis the member states is crucial for understanding the politics of crisis management. Points for practitioners As intergovernmental bodies, international organizations require authorization by their member states. Since they also need funding for their operations, different degrees of autonomy also matter for reacting to emerging challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential for international organizations is limited, though through proactive and bold initiatives, they can seize the opportunity of the crisis and partly overcome institutional and political constraints.

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