Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anping Cai, Zhiqiang Nie, Yanqiu Ou, Jiabin Wang, Yanshuang Chen, Zhisheng Lu, Yanhua Liang, Yingling Zhou, Yingqing Feng
Summary: The burden of cardiovascular risk factors is high in the community populations of Guangdong Province and varies depending on sociodemographic status. Targeted and cost-effective interventions are needed to reduce the burden of cardiovascular risk factors at the population level.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Issam Motairek, Steven Ajluni Junior, Haitham Khraishah, Barrak AlAhmad, Sarah Al-Dulaimi, Charbel Abi Khalil, Sanjay Rajagopalan, Sadeer Al-Kindi
Summary: The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) experiences high levels of PM2.5 and a significant burden of CVD due to air pollution. Despite reductions in household air pollution (HAP) over the past three decades, there is still ongoing exposure and a rising trend in CVD mortality and DALYs attributable to ambient sources. The analysis suggests substantial opportunities for mitigating the burden of PM2.5-attributable CVD in the EMR region.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Masoumeh Sadeghi, Marjan Jamalian, Kamran Mehrabani-Zeinabad, Karam Turk-Adawi, Jacek Kopec, Wael Almahmeed, Hanan Abdul Rahim, Hasan Ali Farhan, Wagida Anwar, Yosef Manla, Ibtihal Fadhil, Michelle Lui, Hamidreza Roohafza, Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam, Kadhim Sulaiman, Nooshin Bazargani, George Saade, Nejat Hassen, Amani Alandejani, Amr Abdin, Saira Bokhari, Gregory Roth, Catherine Johnson, Benjamin Stark, Nizal Sarrafzadegan, Ali Mokdad, Tahir Turk
Summary: This study aims to provide a comprehensive description of the trends in the burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) across the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) from 1990 to 2019. The study found that the prevalence of IHD increased in the region, but mortality and DALYs decreased, with higher burden in males compared to females.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Noushin Mohammadifard, Niloufar Ghaderian, Razieh Hassannejad, Firouzeh Sajjadi, Masoumeh Sadeghi, Hamidreza Roohafza, Jordi Salas-Salvado, Nizal Sarrafzadegan
Summary: The study investigated the relationship between nut consumption and the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in the Iranian population. It found that overall, higher nut intake was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality in the fully adjusted model. Further studies are suggested to examine the effects of different types of nuts and preparation methods on cardiovascular disease risk and mortality.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Majd A. Alsoukhni, Mohannad Al Nsour, Ruba Kamal Alsouri, Abdulwahed Al Serouri, Zakir Hussain, Labiba Saeed Annam, Abdulhakeem Al Kohlani, Mumtaz Ali Khan, Sahar Mahmoud Samy, Nissaf Bouafif ep Ben Alaya, Ilham B. Abu-Khader, Haitham Bashier Abbas, Yousef Khader
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of the Public Health Empowerment Program (PHEP) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The results showed that PHEP had a significant effect in improving the skills and practices of public health professionals, especially during COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mehran Jaberinezhad, Mehdi Farhoudi, Seyed Aria Nejadghaderi, Mahasti Alizadeh, Mark J. M. Sullman, Kristin Carson-Chahhoud, Gary S. Collins, Saeid Safiri
Summary: This article reports on the burden of stroke and its risk factors in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The study shows a decrease in stroke prevalence and death rates over the past three decades, with significant differences among countries. Metabolic risk factors, particularly among older females in low socio-demographic index (SDI) countries, contribute the most to the burden of stroke in the region.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Fereshteh Safaeian, Shidrokh Ghaemimood, Ziad El-Khatib, Sahba Enayati, Roksana Mirkazemi, Bruce Reeder
Summary: The study found an increase in the burden of cervical cancer in the Eastern Mediterranean Region between 2000 and 2017, despite a decrease in mortality rate. The age group of >= 50 years showed the highest mortality rate for cervical cancer in both EMR countries and globally.
JMIR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SURVEILLANCE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Faris Lami, Maisa Elfadul, Hiba Rashak, Mohannad Al Nsour, Hashaam Akhtar, Yousef Khader, Ahmed M. Hussein, Mariam Naciri, Sahar Samy, Yasser Ghaleb, Hana Taha, Alaa Hussein, Nameer A. Ali, Raheem Hussein, Aamer Ikram, Fazal Ur Rahman, Mohammad Mujeeb Khan, Reema Adam, Abdulrazaq Yusuf Ahmed, Salma Afifi
Summary: This study assesses the severity and mortality patterns of COVID-19 in seven countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and identifies risk factors. The study concludes that comorbidities and demographic features significantly impact the severity and mortality of COVID-19.
JMIR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SURVEILLANCE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Arash Rashidian, Kaiyue Wu, Lubna Al Ariqi, Eman Aly, Ahmed Mandil, Amal Barakat, Chiori Kodama, Mehrnaz Kheirandish, Hatem Nour Eldin Hassan, Henry Victor Doctor, Nilmini Hemachandra, Kamal Fahmy, Phillip Dingwall, Mohamed Nour, Sumithra Krishnamurthy Reddiar
Summary: The WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) has prioritized health research, innovation, and knowledge management in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They have supported research initiatives, advocated for early investigations, and provided technical and material support. Their efforts have contributed to a global understanding of the virus and informed evidence-based national responses.
Article
Oncology
Sina Azadnajafabad, Sahar Saeedi Moghaddam, Esmaeil Mohammadi, Negar Rezaei, Mohammad-Mahdi Rashidi, Nazila H. Rezaei, Ali Mokdad, Mohsen Naghavi, Christopher J. L. Murray, Bagher Larijani, Farshad Farzadfar
Summary: Breast cancer in the North Africa and Middle East region is increasing, and behavioral risk factors play a major role. High fasting plasma glucose is the most significant risk factor. Developing countries need proper policies to expand screening programs and effectively manage the burden of breast cancer.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ryan G. Wagner, Nigel J. Crowther, Lisa K. Micklesfield, Palwende Romauld Boua, Engelbert A. Nonterah, Felistas Mashinya, Shukri F. Mohamed, Gershim Asiki, Stephen Tollman, Michele Ramsay, Justine Davies
Summary: In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors is on the rise, but the impact of these factors on future CVD outcomes remains poorly understood. This study analyzed modifiable risk factors and estimated future CVD risk using various algorithms across four African countries. The results showed significant variations in risk levels between sites and highlighted the need for context-specific risk algorithms to accurately assess population risk and guide CVD treatment in Africa.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mohannad Al Nsour, Tala Chahien, Yousef Khader, Mirwais Amiri, Hana Taha
Summary: This study used Delphi technique and online survey to identify the top 10 research priorities in field epidemiology and public health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), focusing on areas such as health services in crisis settings, digital health, and communicable diseases. Analysis revealed that improving the availability and quality of health services in crisis settings, utilizing technology for health data, and enhancing countries' capacity to respond to emergencies were among the top priorities identified.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Alp Giray Dogu, Anouk M. Oordt-Speets, Femke van Kessel-de Bruijn, Mehmet Ceyhan, Amine Amiche
Summary: IMD epidemiology in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa regions is not well understood, with a pressing need to improve national surveillance systems to estimate the true burden and guide appropriate prevention and control programs. High-risk groups are significant reservoirs of asymptomatic meningococcal carriage.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mohannad Al Nsour, Yousef Khader, Haitham Bashier, Majd Alsoukhni
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of advanced FETPs in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) by surveying graduates and technical advisers. Results showed that graduates were actively engaged in managing public health surveillance systems, surveillance data analysis, training professionals, and investigations on and response to outbreaks, but there is room for improvement in writing scientific research articles.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Zongping Wang, Le Wang, Song Wang, Liping Xie
Summary: The burden of kidney cancer in China has been increasing over the past three decades, with a higher burden among males and older adults. Smoking and high body mass index (BMI) contribute significantly to the burden of kidney cancer.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ehsan Nabovati, Mehrdad Farzandipour, Masoumeh Sadeghi, Nizal Sarrafzadegan, Feridoun Noohi, Monireh Sadeqi Jabali
Summary: The aim of this study was to identify and summarize the characteristics of ACS registries at national, multinational, and international levels. A total of 71 ACS registries were identified, with most being used in Europe. The majority of registries focused on measuring quality and enrolled all types of ACS patients. Patient characteristics, clinical characteristics, and treatment characteristics were recorded in all registries, and post-discharge follow-up information was recorded in 45 registries. Reviewing the results of this study can help countries without a registry to design their own based on the models implemented in leading countries.
CURRENT PROBLEMS IN CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Fahimeh Haghighatdoost, Parisa Hajihashemi, Noushin Mohammadifard, Farid Najafi, Hossein Farshidi, Masoud Lotfizadeh, Tooba Kazemi, Simin Karimi, Shahin Shirani, Kamal Solati, Nizal Sarrafzadegan
Summary: The study found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with poorer diet quality and lower nutrient intake. It is recommended to replace ultra-processed foods with minimally processed foods to improve diet quality and nutrient profile.
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Hamidreza Roohafza, Parsa Saneian, Awat Feizi, Azam Khani, Niloufar Yavari, Sara Bagherieh, Mohammadreza Shafiei, Gholamreza Masoumi, Masoumeh Sadeghi
Summary: This study aimed to determine the factors that predict self-rated health in non-cardiac chest pain patients. The results showed that pain intensity, depression, somatization, sleep quality, and physical activity were associated with self-rated health in these patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN MEDICAL SETTINGS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Gabriela Lima de Melo Ghisi, Rod S. Taylor, Pamela Seron, Sherry L. Grace
JOURNAL OF CARDIOPULMONARY REHABILITATION AND PREVENTION
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Henita Joshna Menezes, Sonia R. B. D' Souza, Ramachandran Padmakumar, Abraham Samuel Babu, Rohini R. Rao, Veena G. Kamath, Asha Kamath, Sherry L. Grace
Summary: Women are underrepresented in cardiac rehabilitation despite its benefits, especially in lower-resource settings. This study aims to test the effectiveness of an electronic cardiac rehabilitation intervention on functional capacity, risk factors, and quality of life among women with cardiovascular disease.
RESEARCH IN NURSING & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Zhimin Xu, Xia Liu, Gabriela Lima de Melo Ghisi, Lixian Cui, Sherry L. Grace
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai, pandemic workers experienced high levels of stress, but some also found benefits in their work.
JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Raghdah Aljehani, Sherry L. L. Grace, Aseel Aburub, Karam Turk-Adawi, Gabriela Lima de Melo Ghisi
Summary: This study aimed to translate and validate the CR Barriers Scale in Arabic and assess its efficacy in cardiac rehabilitation. The results showed that the CRBS-A is a reliable and valid tool for identifying and mitigating barriers to cardiac rehabilitation participation.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
K. Turk-Adawi, G. L. M. Ghisi, C. Tran, M. Heine, F. Raidah, A. Contractor, S. L. Grace
Summary: Cardiac rehabilitation, a crucial outpatient secondary prevention program, is lacking in resource-poor areas where it is most needed. This report summarizes the first year of operation of the International Cardiac Rehab Registry, including its governance, participating sites, patient characteristics, outcomes, and knowledge translation activities. The pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of the registry and satisfaction with the on-boarding processes and data quality.
EXPERT REVIEW OF CARDIOVASCULAR THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Reza Amani-Beni, Bahar Darouei, Hamidreza Zefreh, Erfan Sheikhbahaei, Masoumeh Sadeghi
Summary: Obesity is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and its duration plays a crucial role in determining the impact on CVDs, especially with the higher frequency of overweight/obesity in younger individuals. This study aimed to summarize existing literature on the effect of body mass index (BMI) trajectories and overweight/obesity duration on cardiovascular outcomes. The duration of overweight/obesity is significantly associated with CVDs, particularly heart failure and atrial fibrillation, but there are contradictory results regarding the association with coronary heart disease and stroke, while no association with peripheral vascular disease has been reported. It is recommended to consider both the severity and duration of overweight/obesity for assessing the risk of various CVDs.
CARDIOLOGY AND THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Taslima Mamataz, Adeleke Fowokan, Ahmad Mohammad Hajaj, Areeba Asghar, Lusine Abrahamyan, Michael McDonald, Karen Harkness, Sherry L. Grace
Summary: This study investigated factors influencing referral and patient access to heart function clinics (HFCs) from the perspectives of policy-makers, providers at HFCs, and patients. The findings highlighted various challenges related to health system organization, referral appropriateness and timeliness, clinic characteristics, patient factors, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Standardization and integration of HF care continuum, along with resource provision, are needed to improve HFC referral and access.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Rod S. Taylor, Suzanne Fredericks, Ian Jones, Lis Neubeck, Julie Sanders, Noemi De Stoutz, David R. Thompson, Deepti N. Wadhwa, Sherry L. Grace
Summary: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death and economic burden worldwide, with majority of the burden occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the global approach to cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention has traditionally been driven by guidelines from high-income settings. This review provides a global perspective on the challenges and opportunities in cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention, and offers actionable solutions to overcome barriers in LMICs.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Daniela Gomez-Perez, Pamela Seron, Maria Jose Oliveros, Gladys Morales Illanes, Maria Jose Arancibia, Sherry L. Grace
Summary: This study evaluated the usefulness of a booklet as support material for counseling in a hybrid CR program developed for low-resource settings. The results showed that the booklet was easy to understand, contained practical suggestions, and was useful for future questions. Both patients and delivering professionals found the booklet to be helpful in counseling. This resource can be disseminated for use by other Spanish CR programs.
PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Hamidreza Roohafza, Danesh Heidari, Mohammad Talaei, Fatemeh Nouri, Azam Khani, Nizal Sarrafzadegan, Masoumeh Sadeghi
Summary: Perceived stressors are associated with MetS.
JOURNAL OF DIABETES AND METABOLIC DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Noushin Mohammadifard, Firoozeh Sajjadi, Fahimeh Haghighatdoost, Soraya Masoodi, Masoumeh Sadeghi, Hamidreza Roohafza, Maryam Maghroun, Hassan Alikhasi, Farzaneh Zamaneh, Parisa Zakeri, Simin Karimi, Nizal Sarrafzadegan
Summary: A cross-sectional study found that the association between daytime napping and sleep duration differs. Nappers with short sleep duration are more likely to be overweight/obese, but daytime napping is not related to overweight/obesity in longer sleepers.
ANNALS OF HUMAN BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Seungsu Jeong, Heeju Kim, Won-Seok Kim, Won Kee Chang, Seungwoo Cha, Eunjeong Choi, Chul Kim, Sherry L. Grace, Sora Baek
Summary: The study translated and culturally adapted the Information Needs in Cardiac Rehabilitation (INCR) questionnaire into Korean and conducted psychometric validation. The results demonstrated good validity, internal consistency, and responsiveness of the questionnaire. The study found that patients' information needs changed as rehabilitation progressed, suggesting the need for multiple assessments.
ANNALS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE-ARM
(2023)