Climate change and health in the Eastern Mediterranean countries: a systematic review

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yousef S. Khader ◽  
Mostafa Abdelrahman ◽  
Nour Abdo ◽  
Munjed Al-Sharif ◽  
Ahmed Elbetieha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Climate Change And Health

AbstractTo summarize the existing knowledge of the impact of climate change on health from previous research in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) and identify knowledge and research gaps.Different databases were searched for relevant studies published in the region between 2000 and 2014. The review was limited to studies reporting the impacts of climate change on health or studying associations between meteorological parameters and well-defined human health outcomes.This systematic review of 78 studies identified many knowledge and research gaps. Research linking climate change and health is scarce in the most vulnerable countries of the region. There is limited information regarding how changes in temperature, precipitation and other weather variables might affect the geographic range and incidence of mortality and morbidity from various diseases. Available research has many limitations and shortcomings that arise from inappropriate study designs, poor assessment of exposure and outcomes, questionable sources of data, lack of standardized methods, poor adjustment of confounders, limited geographical area studies, small sample sizes, poor statistical modeling and not testing for possible interactions between exposures.Research and information on the effect of climate change on health are limited. Longitudinal studies over extended periods of time that investigate the link between climate change and health are needed. There is a need for studies to be expanded to include more countries in the region and to include other environmental, social and economic factors that might affect the spread of the disease.

scholarly journals Hospital Efficiency in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Ravaghi ◽  
Mahnaz Afshari ◽  
parvaneh Isfahani ◽  
Alireza Mahboubahari ◽  
Victoria D Belorgeot
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Stochastic Frontier Analysis ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Stochastic Frontier ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Hospital Efficiency ◽  
Frontier Analysis ◽  
Mediterranean Countries

Abstract Background: Recent rising costs and shortages of healthcare resources make it necessary to address the issue of hospital efficiency. Increasing the efficiency of hospitals can result in better and sustainable achievement of their organizational goals.The purpose of the present research is to examine hospital efficiency in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR).Methods: This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of all articles published on hospital efficiency in Eastern Mediterranean countries between January 1999 and May 2018, identified by searching three databases (PubMed through MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase) and two search engines (Google and Google Scholar). The reference lists of these articles were checked for additional relevant studies. Fifty articles were finally selected, and data was analyzed through the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (v.2.2.064). Results: Using the random-effects model, the mean hospital efficiency in Eastern Mediterranean hospitals was 0.829 ± 0.026 at 95% CI. Three approaches were used to measure hospital efficiency: data envelope analysis (DEA), stochastic frontier analysis (SFA), and Pabón Lasso Analysis. Different mean and standard deviation values were obtained from DEA (0.428±0.024), DEA and Pabón Lasso Analysis (0.925±0.029), Pabón Lasso Analysis (0.790±0.086) and SFA (0.594±0.056), due to the different inputs and outputs used in these methods. Technical efficiency (TE) was higher in some countries such as Iraq (0.976±0.035), Oman (0.926 ± 0.032), Jordan (0.924±0.060) and Saudi Arabia (0.917±0.023). Conclusion: Efficiency plays a significant role in hospital growth and development. It is therefore important for healthcare managers and policymakers in the EMR to identify the causes of inefficiency, to improve TE and develop cost-effective strategies.

scholarly journals 21st Century Projections of Extreme Precipitation Indicators for Cyprus

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 343 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Zittis ◽  
Adriana Bruggeman ◽  
Corrado Camera
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Extreme Precipitation ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Daily Rainfall ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
The Impact

According to observational and model-based studies, the eastern Mediterranean region is one of the most prominent climate-change hotspots in the world. The combined effect of warming and drying is expected to augment the regional impacts of global warming. In addition to changes in mean climatic conditions, global warming is likely to induce changes in several aspects of extreme rainfall such as duration and magnitude. In this context, we explore the impact of climate change on precipitation with the use of several indicators. We focus on Cyprus, a water-stressed island located in the eastern Mediterranean Basin. Our results are derived from a new high-resolution simulation for the 21st century, which is driven by a “business-as-usual” scenario. In addition to a strong temperature increase (up to 4.1 °C), our analysis highlights that, on average for the island, most extreme precipitation indicators decrease, suggesting a transition to much drier conditions. The absolute daily rainfall maxima exhibit strong local variability, indicating the need for high resolution simulations to understand the potential impacts on future flooding.

scholarly journals Global impact of tobacco control policies on smokeless tobacco use: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e042860
Author(s):  
Monika Arora ◽  
Aastha Chugh ◽  
Neha Jain ◽  
Masuma Mishu ◽  
Melanie Boeckmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Smokeless Tobacco ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Google Search ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionSmokeless tobacco (ST) was consumed by 356 million people globally in 2017. Recent evidence shows that ST consumption is responsible for an estimated 652 494 all-cause deaths across the globe annually. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was negotiated in 2003 and ratified in 2005 to implement effective tobacco control measures. While the policy measures enacted through various tobacco control laws have been effective in reducing the incidence and prevalence of smoking, the impact of ST-related policies (within WHO FCTC and beyond) on ST use is under-researched and not collated.Methods and analysisA systematic review will be conducted to collate all available ST-related policies implemented across various countries and assess their impact on ST use. The following databases will be searched: Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, EconLit, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), African Index Medicus, LILACS, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Index Medicus for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Index Medicus for South-East Asia Region, Western Pacific Region Index Medicus and WHO Library Database, as well as Google search engine and country-specific government websites. All ST-related policy documents (FCTC and non-FCTC) will be included. Results will be limited to literature published since 2005 in English and regional languages (Bengali, Hindi and Urdu). Two reviewers will independently employ two-stage screening to determine inclusion. The Effective Public Health Practice Project’s ‘Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies’ will be used to record ratings of quality and risk of bias among studies selected for inclusion. Data will be extracted using a standardised form. Meta-analysis and narrative synthesis will be used.Ethics and disseminationPermission for ethics exemption of the review was obtained from the Centre for Chronic Disease Control’s Institutional Ethics Committee, India (CCDC_IEC_06_2020; dated 16 April 2020). The results will be disseminated through publications in a peer-reviewed journal and will be presented in national and international conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020191946.

scholarly journals Correction to: A systematic review on hospital inefficiency in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: sources and solutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Ravaghi ◽  
Mahnaz Afshari ◽  
Parvaneh Isfahani ◽  
Victoria D. Bélorgeot
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Original Publication

In the original publication of this article [1], one author’s name needs to be revised from Pavaneh Isfahani to Parvaneh Isfahani.

scholarly journals Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Micro- and Macro-Nutrient Intakes and Trajectories of Macro-Nutrient Supply in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1515
Author(s):  
Radhouene Doggui ◽  
Hanin Al-Jawaldeh ◽  
Jalila El Ati ◽  
Rawhieh Barham ◽  
Lara Nasreddine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Energy Supply ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Institute Of Medicine ◽  
Nutrient Deficiencies

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is experiencing a nutrition transition, characterized by the emergence of overnutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies. No previous study has comparatively examined nutrient intake in adults across countries in the EMR. This review examined the adequacy of nutrients in adults living in the EMR. Moreover, it analyzed the food balance sheets (FBS) for 1961–2018 to identify the trajectory of energy supply from macro-nutrients in the EMR. A systematic search was conducted from January 2012 to September 2020. Only observational studies were retained with a random sampling design. An assessment of the methodological quality was conducted. Levels of nutrient daily intake and their adequacy compared to the daily reference intake of the Institute of Medicine were reported across the region. No studies were identified for half of the region’s countries. Although nutrient energy intake was satisfactory overall, fat and carbohydrate intake were high. Intake of vitamin D, calcium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium were below that recommended. The analysis of the FBS data allowed for the identification of four linear patterns of trajectories, with countries in the EMR best fitting the ‘high-energy-supply from carbohydrate’ group. This systematic review warrants multi-sectorial commitment to optimize nutrient intake.

scholarly journals Climate Change, Weather, Housing Precarity, and Homelessness: A Systematic Review of Reviews

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5812
Author(s):  
Mariya Bezgrebelna ◽  
Kwame McKenzie ◽  
Samantha Wells ◽  
Arun Ravindran ◽  
Michael Kral ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Temperature Extremes ◽  
Weather Extremes ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Review Of Reviews ◽  
The Impact

This systematic review of reviews was conducted to examine housing precarity and homelessness in relation to climate change and weather extremes internationally. In a thematic analysis of 15 reviews (5 systematic and 10 non-systematic), the following themes emerged: risk factors for homelessness/housing precarity, temperature extremes, health concerns, structural factors, natural disasters, and housing. First, an increased risk of homelessness has been found for people who are vulnerably housed and populations in lower socio-economic positions due to energy insecurity and climate change-induced natural hazards. Second, homeless/vulnerably-housed populations are disproportionately exposed to climatic events (temperature extremes and natural disasters). Third, the physical and mental health of homeless/vulnerably-housed populations is projected to be impacted by weather extremes and climate change. Fourth, while green infrastructure may have positive effects for homeless/vulnerably-housed populations, housing remains a major concern in urban environments. Finally, structural changes must be implemented. Recommendations for addressing the impact of climate change on homelessness and housing precarity were generated, including interventions focusing on homelessness/housing precarity and reducing the effects of weather extremes, improved housing and urban planning, and further research on homelessness/housing precarity and climate change. To further enhance the impact of these initiatives, we suggest employing the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA).

scholarly journals Viscoelastometric Testing to Assess Hemostasis of COVID-19: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1740
Author(s):  
Marion Bareille ◽  
Michaël Hardy ◽  
Jonathan Douxfils ◽  
Stéphanie Roullet ◽  
Dominique Lasne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mechanical Strength ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
The Common ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Reported Data ◽  
Prophylactic Anticoagulation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Heparin Neutralization

Infection by SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a high risk of thrombosis. The laboratory documentation of hypercoagulability and impaired fibrinolysis remains a challenge. Our aim was to assess the potential usefulness of viscoelastometric testing (VET) to predict thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients according to the literature. We also (i) analyzed the impact of anticoagulation and the methods used to neutralize heparin, (ii) analyzed whether maximal clot mechanical strength brings more information than Clauss fibrinogen, and (iii) critically scrutinized the diagnosis of hypofibrinolysis. We performed a systematic search in PubMed and Scopus databases until December 31st, 2020. VET methods and parameters, and patients’ features and outcomes were extracted. VET was performed for 1063 patients (893 intensive care unit (ICU) and 170 non-ICU, 44 studies). There was extensive heterogeneity concerning study design, VET device used (ROTEM, TEG, Quantra and ClotPro) and reagents (with non-systematic use of heparin neutralization), timing of assay, and definition of hypercoagulable state. Notably, only 4 out of 25 studies using ROTEM reported data with heparinase (HEPTEM). The common findings were increased clot mechanical strength mainly due to excessive fibrinogen component and impaired to absent fibrinolysis, more conspicuous in the presence of an added plasminogen activator. Only 4 studies out of the 16 that addressed the point found an association of VETs with thrombotic events. So-called functional fibrinogen assessed by VETs showed a variable correlation with Clauss fibrinogen. Abnormal VET pattern, often evidenced despite standard prophylactic anticoagulation, tended to normalize after increased dosing. VET studies reported heterogeneity, and small sample sizes do not support an association between the poorly defined prothrombotic phenotype of COVID-19 and thrombotic events.

scholarly journals Own-price and cross-price elasticities of demand for cigarettes and waterpipe tobacco in three Eastern Mediterranean countries: a volumetric choice experiment

2021 ◽  
pp. tobaccocontrol-2021-056616
Author(s):  
Ali Chalak ◽  
Rima Nakkash ◽  
Niveen M E Abu-Rmeileh ◽  
Yousef S Khader ◽  
Mohammed Jawad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Tobacco Consumption ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Demand Elasticity ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Price Elasticities ◽  
Mediterranean Countries

BackgroundWaterpipe tobacco smoking rates in the Eastern Mediterranean region are among the highest worldwide, yet little evidence exists on its economics. Estimates of demand elasticities for tobacco products are largely limited to cigarettes. This study aimed to estimate own-price and cross-price elasticities of demand for cigarettes and waterpipe tobacco products in Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine.MethodsA volumetric choice experiment was conducted using nationally representative household surveys. The choice experiment elicited respondents’ stated purchases of eight cigarette and waterpipe tobacco product varieties by hypothetically varying prices. Data were analysed using zero-inflated Poisson models that yielded demand elasticity estimates of cigarette and waterpipe tobacco consumption.ResultsThe study included 1680 participants in Lebanon (50% female), 1925 in Jordan (44.6% female) and 1679 in Palestine (50% female). We found the demand for premium cigarettes to be price elastic (range, −1.0 to −1.2) across all three countries, whereas the demand for discount cigarettes was less elastic than premium cigarettes in Lebanon (−0.6) and Jordan (−0.7) and more elastic in Palestine (−1.2). The demand for premium waterpipe tobacco was highly elastic in Lebanon (−1.9), moderately elastic in Jordan (−0.6) and inelastic in Palestine (0.2). The cross-price elasticity between cigarettes and waterpipe tobacco was near zero, suggesting that the two products are not considered to be close substitutes by consumers.ConclusionsThese results serve as a strong evidence base for developing and implementing fiscal policies for tobacco control in the Eastern Mediterranean region that address cigarettes and waterpipe tobacco products.

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