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Zyoud SH. Mapping the landscape of research on insulin resistance: a visualization analysis of randomized clinical trials. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2024; 43:6. [PMID: 38195616 PMCID: PMC10777523 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-024-00497-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin resistance, a condition in which cells do not respond adequately to insulin, plays a crucial role in diabetes and related metabolic disorders. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) explore interventions to manage insulin resistance, contributing to evidence-based medical progress. The current study aimed to analyze the global research landscape and trends in RCTs targeting insulin resistance. METHODS This study used bibliometric analysis and data visualization to examine RCT publications on insulin resistance from 2003 to 2022. The Scopus database was used due to its comprehensive coverage. The search strategy involved combining terms related to insulin resistance with RCT-related terms. The search query was validated, and core bibliometric indicators were used to analyze publication growth, origin, productivity, quality, and citations. RESULTS Between 2003 and 2022, 1077 RCT-focused publications on insulin resistance were identified from a pool of 24,932 related articles. The growth followed two phases, with a significant increase after 2008. The USA (n = 308; 28.60%), Iran (n = 165; 15.32%), China (n = 110; 10.21%), and the UK (n = 92; 8.54%) were the main contributors. The active institutions included Tehran University of Medical Sciences (n = 38; 3.53%) and Harvard Medical School (n = 31; 2.88%). Prominent funding agencies include the National Institutes of Health (n = 88; 8.17%) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (n = 86; 7.99%). The top journals included the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (n = 44; 4.09%) and Diabetes Care (n = 35; 3.25%). Co-occurrence analysis revealed three clusters addressing "utilizing lipid panels as indicators of insulin resistance," "analyzing the impact of diet composition and physical activity on insulin sensitivity among obese individuals," and "exploring insulin resistance in cases of polycystic ovary syndrome." CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive bibliometric analysis highlights the global research landscape and trends in RCTs targeting insulin resistance. Research on lipid panels, diet impact, and insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome will continue to be a hotspot. The findings offer valuable information on research priorities, international collaborations, and impactful publications. This study provides a foundation for future directorial investigations in this critical area of metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa'ed H Zyoud
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
- Clinical Research Centre, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
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Almas A, Awan S, Bloomfield G, Nisar MI, Siddiqi S, Ahmed A, Ali A, Shafqat SH, Bhutta ZA, Mark DB, Douglas P, Bartlett J, Jafar TH, Samad Z. Opportunities and challenges to non-communicable disease (NCD) research and training in Pakistan: a qualitative study from Pakistan. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e066460. [PMID: 36535721 PMCID: PMC9764671 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most of the global non-communicable disease (NCD)-related death burden is borne by low and middle-income countries (LMICs). In LMICs like Pakistan, however, a major gap in responding to NCDs is a lack of high-quality research leading to policy development and implementation of NCDs. To assess institutional opportunities and constraints to NCD research and training we conducted a situational analysis for NCD research and training at Aga Khan University Pakistan. METHODS We conducted a descriptive exploratory study using grounded theory as a qualitative approach: semistructured interviews of 16 NCD stakeholders (three excluded) and two focus group discussions with postgraduate and undergraduate trainees were conducted. A simple thematic analysis was done where themes were identified, and then recurring ideas were critically placed in their specific themes and refined based on the consensus of the investigators. RESULTS The major themes derived were priority research areas in NCDs; methods to improve NCD research integration; barriers to NCD research in LMICs like Pakistan; design of NCD research programme and career paths; and NCD prevention at mass level, policy and link to the government. In general, participants opined that while there was an appetite for NCD research and training, but few high-quality research training programmes in NCDs existed, such programmes needed to be established. The ideal NCD research and training programmes would have in-built protected time, career guidance and dedicated mentorship. Most participants identified cardiovascular diseases as a priority thematic area and health information technology and data science as key methodological approaches to be introduced into research training. CONCLUSION We conclude from this qualitative study on NCD research and training that high-quality research training programmes for NCDs are rare. Such programmes need to be established with in-built protected time, career guidance and mentorship for the trainees to improve their research capacity in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Safia Awan
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Gerald Bloomfield
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Global health, Duke university, Durhum, North Carolina, USA
| | - Muhammad Imran Nisar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sameen Siddiqi
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Asma Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Asad Ali
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Benjamin Mark
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Pamela Douglas
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - John Bartlett
- Department of Medicine and Global Health, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tazeen H Jafar
- Health Services & Systems Research Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Department of Global Health, Duke University, Durhum, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zainab Samad
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Alzaghoul AF, McKinlay AR, Archer M. Post-traumatic stress disorder interventions for children and adolescents affected by war in low- and middle-income countries in the Middle East: systematic review. BJPsych Open 2022; 8:e153. [PMID: 35938530 PMCID: PMC9380009 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2022.552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Millions of children and adolescents are exposed to wars, affecting their psychological well-being. This review focuses on psychosocial interventions in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the Middle East, where mental health services are limited. AIMS Our primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of trial-assessed psychosocial interventions in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in children and adolescents aged ≤18 years who were exposed to war in LMICs in the Middle East. Changes in other psychological conditions and symptoms were evaluated where reported. METHOD PubMed, Cochrane Library and Ovid were searched without year restriction, in December 2021. Previous review reference lists were also checked. Only studies published in English were included. Each study was evaluated for risk of bias and results are presented as a narrative synthesis. RESULTS Three group-based interventions were identified and evaluated across six studies: 'Teaching Recovery Techniques', 'Writing for Recovery' and 'Advancing Adolescents'. Two studies took place in post-war settings, and four in a context of ongoing conflict. Positive experiences and improved social skills were indicated following most interventions, but Teaching Recovery Techniques was the only programme associated with a statistically significant reduction in PTSD score. Differences in follow-up interval limited comparability of outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights a paucity of evidence for effective treatment options for children and adolescents affected by war from LMICs in the Middle East. Promising indications of reductions in PTSD symptoms, specifically from Teaching Recovery Techniques, require further rigorous evaluation and long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aseel F Alzaghoul
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Alison R McKinlay
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, UK
| | - Marc Archer
- Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, HELP University, Malaysia
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Alamnia TT, Tesfaye W, Kelly M. The effectiveness of text message delivered interventions for weight loss in developing countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13339. [PMID: 34519151 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in mobile technologies have provided an opportunity to disseminate health information on a variety of health conditions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that text messaging helps people to lose weight, but the effectiveness of interventions varies between studies. Thus, this review aimed to (1) identify RCTs that used text messages for overweight management, (2) identify components of the interventions, and (3) test their effectiveness. PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Scopus databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Quality scores for selected articles were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools for interventional studies. The effectiveness of the interventions was tested using random effect models. Twelve studies that met inclusion criteria were included in this review. Ten of the included studies reported that text message interventions had a significant effect on weight loss. The pooled mean difference in body mass index (BMI) change after the intervention was -0.43 kg/m2 (95% confidence interval, - 0.63 to - 0.23 kg/m2 ). Synthesis of the included studies provides evidence that (1) regular text messages; (2) interventions targeting weight monitoring, diet habit, and physical activity; and (3) the use of behavior change techniques led to significant weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilahun Tewabe Alamnia
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,College of Medical and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Wubshet Tesfaye
- Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Matthew Kelly
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Zyoud SH. The Arab region's contribution to global COVID-19 research: Bibliometric and visualization analysis. Global Health 2021; 17:31. [PMID: 33766073 PMCID: PMC7993895 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-021-00690-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At the global level and in the Arab world, particularly in low-income countries, COVID-19 remains a major public health issue. As demonstrated by an incredible number of COVID-19-related publications, the research science community responded rapidly. Therefore, this study was intended to assess the growing contribution of the Arab world to global research on COVID-19. METHODS For the period between December 2019 and March 2021, the search for publications was conducted via the Scopus database using terms linked to COVID-19. VOSviewer 1.6.16 software was applied to generate a network map to assess hot topics in this area and determine the collaboration patterns between different countries. Furthermore, the research output of Arab countries was adjusted in relation to population size and gross domestic product (GDP). RESULTS A total of 143,975 publications reflecting the global overall COVID-19 research output were retrieved. By restricting analysis to the publications published by the Arab countries, the research production was 6131 documents, representing 4.26% of the global research output regarding COVID-19. Of all these publications, 3990 (65.08%) were original journal articles, 980 (15.98%) were review articles, 514 (8.38%) were letters and 647 (10.55%) were others, such as editorials or notes. The highest number of COVID-19 publications was published by Saudi Arabia (n = 2186, 35.65%), followed by Egypt (n = 1281, 20.78%) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), (n = 719, 11.73%). After standardization by population size and GDP, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Lebanon had the highest publication productivity. The collaborations were mostly with researchers from the United States (n = 968), followed by the United Kingdom (n = 661). The main research lines identified in COVID-19 from the Arab world are related to: public health and epidemiology; immunological and pharmaceutical research; signs, symptoms and clinical diagnosis; and virus detection. CONCLUSIONS A novel analysis of the latest Arab COVID-19-related studies is discussed in the current study and how these findings are connected to global production. Continuing and improving future collaboration between developing and developed countries will also help to facilitate the sharing of responsibilities for COVID-19 in research results and the implementation of policies for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa'ed H Zyoud
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
- Clinical Research Centre, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
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Oni T, Assah F, Erzse A, Foley L, Govia I, Hofman KJ, Lambert EV, Micklesfield LK, Shung-King M, Smith J, Turner-Moss E, Unwin N, Wadende P, Woodcock J, Mbanya JC, Norris SA, Obonyo CO, Tulloch-Reid M, Wareham NJ. The global diet and activity research (GDAR) network: a global public health partnership to address upstream NCD risk factors in urban low and middle-income contexts. Global Health 2020; 16:100. [PMID: 33076935 PMCID: PMC7570103 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-020-00630-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally. While upstream approaches to tackle NCD risk factors of poor quality diets and physical inactivity have been trialled in high income countries (HICs), there is little evidence from low and middle-income countries (LMICs) that bear a disproportionate NCD burden. Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean are therefore the focus regions for a novel global health partnership to address upstream determinants of NCDs. PARTNERSHIP The Global Diet and Activity research Network (GDAR Network) was formed in July 2017 with funding from the UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Global Health Research Units and Groups Programme. We describe the GDAR Network as a case example and a potential model for research generation and capacity strengthening for others committed to addressing the upstream determinants of NCDs in LMICs. We highlight the dual equity targets of research generation and capacity strengthening in the description of the four work packages. The work packages focus on learning from the past through identifying evidence and policy gaps and priorities, understanding the present through adolescent lived experiences of healthy eating and physical activity, and co-designing future interventions with non-academic stakeholders. CONCLUSION We present five lessons learned to date from the GDAR Network activities that can benefit other global health research partnerships. We close with a summary of the GDAR Network contribution to cultivating sustainable capacity strengthening and cutting-edge policy-relevant research as a beacon to exemplify the need for such collaborative groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolu Oni
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Sciences Building, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
- Research Initiative for Cities Health and Equity (RICHE), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Felix Assah
- Health of Populations in Transition (HoPiT), Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Agnes Erzse
- SA MRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science (PRICELESS SA), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Louise Foley
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Sciences Building, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Ishtar Govia
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Karen J Hofman
- SA MRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science (PRICELESS SA), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Estelle Victoria Lambert
- Health through Physical Activity Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lisa K Micklesfield
- MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maylene Shung-King
- Research Initiative for Cities Health and Equity (RICHE), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Joanne Smith
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Eleanor Turner-Moss
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Sciences Building, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Nigel Unwin
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Sciences Building, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Pamela Wadende
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - James Woodcock
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Sciences Building, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Jean Claude Mbanya
- Health of Populations in Transition (HoPiT), Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Shane A Norris
- MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Charles O Obonyo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Marshall Tulloch-Reid
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Nicholas J Wareham
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Sciences Building, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
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Liu J, Yu F, Song L. A systematic investigation on the research publications that have used the medical expenditure panel survey (MEPS) data through a bibliometrics approach. LIBRARY HI TECH 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/lht-09-2019-0185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PurposeThis study aimed to examine how Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data have been used to support scientific discoveries in biomedical and health sciences, and provide insight to researchers who are interested in using MEPS regarding collaborations and dissemination of research output.Design/methodology/approachA bibliometric approach was used to systematically examine the publications that used MEPS data and were indexed by PubMed and Web of Science (WoS). Microsoft Excel and bibliometric tools (WoS and VOSviewer) were utilized for quantitative and bibliometric network analysis. The measures were investigated on the total number of publications by year, research categories, source journals, other datasets/databases co-used with MEPS, funding sources, collaboration patterns, and research topics.FindingsA total of 1,953 eligible publications were included in this study with the numbers growing significantly over time. MEPS data were primarily used in healthcare services, public environmental and occupational health research. The journals that published the most papers using MEPS were all in the healthcare research area. Twenty-four other databases were found to be used along with MEPS. Over 3,200 researchers from 1,074 institutions in 25 countries have contributed to the publications. Research funding was supported from federal, private, local, and international agencies. Three clusters of research topics were identified among 235 key terms extracted from titles and abstracts.Originality/valueOur results illustrated the broad landscape of the research efforts that MEPS data have supported and substantiated the value of AHRQ's effort of providing MEPS to the public.
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Differences and Similarities in Diabetes Research between China and the USA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16162989. [PMID: 31434217 PMCID: PMC6720953 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16162989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is one of the major non-communicable diseases (NCD) with increasing prevalence in China. There is a lack of high-quality research focusing on prevention and management of diabetes in low and middle income countries (LMICs) compared to developed countries. This comparative study aims to describe the characteristics of diabetes research conducted in China and the USA. The study included 800 studies on diabetes mellitus from both countries. Compared with studies in the USA, studies in China were more likely to be laboratory-based primary research (50.5% versus 30.8%), more likely to use animal subjects (47% versus 27.5%), more likely to focused on risk factors (22.7% versus. 14.7%), more likely to be case-controlled studies (17.7% versus 10.0%), and more likely to evaluate pharmacological treatments (36.5% versus 20.7%). Further, compared with studies in the USA, studies in China were less likely to involve patients (42.7% versus 60.7%), less likely to be clinical trials (6.2% versus 14.5%), less likely to be cohort studies (8.8% versus. 26.0%), and less likely to evaluate disease management interventions (3.3% versus 13.3%). Clinical studies in China should be more patient-based to facilitate more effective control and management of diabetes.
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Al-Jabi SW. Arab world's growing contribution to global leishmaniasis research (1998-2017): a bibliometric study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:625. [PMID: 31118003 PMCID: PMC6532175 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6969-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by a protozoan of the Leishmania genus, and is considered a neglected tropical disease. It still remains a main public health concern at global level and in Arab world mainly in low-income countries. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the Arab world's growing contribution to global leishmaniasis research. METHODS This study describes a bibliometric review of all leishmaniasis research publications published between January 1998 and December 2017 indexed on the Scopus database. RESULTS The total number of publications published at global level was 17,570 papers, which achieves an average annual productivity of 878.50 papers publications. Brazil was responsible for the greatest output with the total number of publications of 3865 followed by the Unites States (n = 2729), India (n = 2119), the United Kingdom (n = 1363), and Spain (n = 1274). By limiting the analysis to the publications that have been published by Arab world, the research productivity was 993 papers, which represents 5.65% of total research output at global level in research regarding leishmaniasis. Tunisia was responsible for the greatest output from Arab world with the total number of publications of 297 followed by Sudan (n = 192), Saudi Arabia (n = 131), Morocco (n = 119) and Egypt (n = 67). Since 1998, the growth of publications on leishmaniasis fluctuates, overall showing a rising trend in both global and Arab world. There is a highly significant correlation between publication productivity related to leishmaniasis at global level and the Arab world (r = 0.936; p-value< 0.001). Leishmaniasis treatment, intracellular mechanism of infection, and lifecycle of leishmania are the major current hot topics for the research in this subject at global level and the Arab world. CONCLUSIONS The current study presents a novel review of the current Arab leishmaniasis-related research, and how these results are related to worldwide output. In comparison to the global research output, the Arab world produced less leishmaniasis research. The data presented in the current study by this innovative approach may serve relevant researchers to direct the global leishmaniasis research to Arab counties in which leishmaniasis is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah W Al-Jabi
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
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Motlagh ME, Qorbani M, Rafiemanzelat AM, Taheri M, Aminaee T, Shafiee G, Ahadi Z, Hajiali M, Ghaderi K, Safaei A, Goodarzi A, Ziaodini H, Heshmat R, Kelishadi R. Prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in a nationally representative sample of Iranian children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-V Study. J Cardiovasc Thorac Res 2018; 10:76-82. [PMID: 30116505 PMCID: PMC6088761 DOI: 10.15171/jcvtr.2018.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: This study presents the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in a nationally representative sample of Iranian children and adolescents. Methods: This multi-centric study was conducted in 2015 among 4200 students aged 7-18 years. They were selected by multistage cluster sampling from 30 provinces of Iran. Anthropometric indices, biochemical and clinical parameters were measured. Results: The mean of weight, height, waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) was higher in boys than in girls (P < 0.05). The mean of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were higher in girls than in boys (P < 0.05). The mean of weight, height, WC, SBP, DBP, alanine transaminase (ALT) and body mass index (BMI) was higher in urban than in rural residents (P < 0.05). Overall, 16.1%, 9.4% and 11.4% were underweight, overweight and obese. Abdominal obesity was documented in 21.6% of boys and 20.5% of girls. Low HDL-C was the most prevalent abnormality of lipid profile (29.5%) followed by high serum TGs (27.7%). Low HDL-C was more prevalent in boys than in girls (32.7% vs. 26%, respectively, P < 0.05). Prevalence of obesity and overweight were higher in girls than in boys (P < 0.05). The prevalence of obesity and overweight, abdominal obesity, and low HDL-C were higher in urban than in rural residents (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We found considerably high prevalence of some cardiometabolic risk factors including overweight and obesity, low HDL-C and hypertriglyceridemia in Iranian children and adolescents. The current findings underscore the necessity of intensifying health interventions for primordial and primary prevention of non-communicable diseases from early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Esmaeil Motlagh
- Bureau of Family, Population, Youth and School Health, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran,Iran.,Department of Pediatrics, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Qorbani
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Amir-Masood Rafiemanzelat
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Majzoubeh Taheri
- Office of Adolescents and School Health, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Aminaee
- Office of Adolescents and School Health, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gita Shafiee
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Ahadi
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Hajiali
- Department of Cardiology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Ghaderi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ali Safaei
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Azam Goodarzi
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hasan Ziaodini
- Health Psychology Department, Research Center of Education Ministry Studies, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Heshmat
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Kelishadi
- Pediatrics Department, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Noncommunicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Gatsi S, Strange M, Dufton A, Williams P, Addo J. Driving a greater understanding of non-communicable diseases in Africa through collaborative research: the experience of the GSK Africa NCD Open Lab. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.29392/joghr.2.e2018012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Christiani Y, Dugdale P, Tavener M, Byles JE. The dynamic of non-communicable disease control policy in Indonesia. AUST HEALTH REV 2017; 41:207-213. [PMID: 27209156 DOI: 10.1071/ah15196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aim of the present study was to examine non-communicable disease (NCD) policy formation and implementation in Indonesia. Methods Interviews were conducted with 13 Indonesian health policy workers. The processes and issues relating to NCD policy formation were mapped, exploring the interactions between policy makers, technical/implementation bodies, alliances across various levels and the mobilisation of non-policy actors. Results Problems in NCD policy formation include insufficient political interest in NCD control, disconnected policies and difficulty in multisectoral coordination. These problems are well illustrated in relation to tobacco control, but also apply to other control efforts. Nevertheless, participants were optimistic that there are plentiful opportunities for improving NCD control policies given growing global attention to NCD, increases in the national health budget and the growing body of Indonesia-relevant NCD-related research. Conclusion Indonesia's success in the creation and implementation of NCD policy will be dependent on high-level governmental leadership, including support from the President, the Health Minister and coordinating ministries. What is known about the topic? The burden of NCD in Indonesia has increased gradually. Nationally, NCD-related mortality accounted for 65% of deaths in 2010. Indonesia is also a country with the highest burden of tobacco smoking in the world. However, the government has not instituted sufficient policy action to tackle NCDs, including tobacco control. What does this paper add? This paper deepens our understanding of current NCD control policy formation in Indonesia, including the possible underlying reason why Indonesia has weak tobacco control policies. It describes the gaps in the current policies, the actors involved in policy formation, the challenges in policy formation and implementation and potential opportunities for improving NCD control. What are the implications for practitioners? An effective NCD control program requires strong collaboration, including between government and health professionals. Health professionals can actively engage in policy formation, for example through knowledge production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yodi Christiani
- Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), University of Newcastle, Lot 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
| | - Paul Dugdale
- Centre for Health Stewardship, The Australian National University, Building 131, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. Email
| | - Meredith Tavener
- Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), University of Newcastle, Lot 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
| | - Julie E Byles
- Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), University of Newcastle, Lot 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
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Allen LN, Fox N, Ambrose A. Quantifying research output on poverty and non-communicable disease behavioural risk factors in low-income and lower middle-income countries: a bibliometric analysis. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e014715. [PMID: 29133311 PMCID: PMC5695439 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Low-income and lower middle-income countries (LLMICs) bear a disproportionate burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). WHO has repeatedly called for more research on poverty and NCDs in these settings, but the current situation remains unquantified. We aimed to assess research output on poverty and NCD risk factors from these countries in relation to upper middle-income and high-income countries. DESIGN Bibliometric analysis of primary research published between 1 January 1990 and 4 May 2017. We searched 13 databases, combining terms for poverty and NCD behavioural risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, diet and physical activity). Independent dual review was used to screen titles, abstracts and full papers. Two-tailed t-testing and multiple linear regression analyses were used to compare differences in means. OUTCOMES (1) Proportion of lead authors affiliated with institutions based in high and upper middle-income countries vs LLMICs. (2) Mean number of citations for publications from each region. (3) Mean journal impact factor for studies from each region. RESULTS Ninety-one (67%) of the 136 included studies were led by scientists affiliated with LLMIC-based institutions. These authors represented 17/83 LLMICs (20%), and their studies garnered 4.8 fewer citations per paper than studies led by high-income and upper middle-income-affiliated authors; however, this finding was non-significant (P=0.67). Papers led by authors based in high-income and upper middle-income countries were published in journals with a mean impact factor 3.1 points higher than those from LLMICs (4.9 vs 1.7) adjusting for year of publication and number of citations (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Most poverty and NCD risk factor research is led by authors from a small number of LLMICs. These studies are being published in relatively low-impact journals, and the vast majority of LLMICs are not producing any research in this area that is vital to their social and economic development. The paucity of domestic evidence must be addressed to inform global policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Nelson Allen
- WHO Global Coordination Mechanism on Non-Communicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas Fox
- Department of Social Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Alissa Ambrose
- Department of Undergraduate Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Khademi N, Babanejad M, Asadmobini A, Karim H. The Association of Age and Gender with Risk Factors of Noncommunicable Diseases among Employees in West of Iran. Int J Prev Med 2017; 8:9. [PMID: 28299033 PMCID: PMC5343616 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_400_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The relationships that age and gender share with risk factors (RFs) of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) were assessed among a large-scale employ in Western Iran. Methods: In this epidemiologic cross-sectional study, 7129 employees from Kermanshah Province were assessed using a census method in 2012. Data on RFs of NCD were collected using a standard questionnaire. Demographic information, diet, physical activity, tobacco use, and history of hypertension, history of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and cancer were studied. Results: The proportion of ≥5 servings of fruits and vegetables consumption per day was lower in higher ages (P = 0.001), and this proportion was greater in females than males (72.1% vs. 47.8%; P < 0.0001). Tobacco use was more in higher ages and was higher among males than females (13.3% vs. 0.6%; P < 0.0001). Overweight and obesity prevalence increased in higher ages and was more prominent among males than females (67.8% vs. 55.3%; P < 0.0001). Overall, the prevalence of having 3–5 RFs was greater among those with ≥55 years and among males than females (20.4% vs. 6.6%; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The prevalence of major RFs of NCDs was greater among older persons and male participants. More preventive programs such as health education on employees of Kermanshah are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Khademi
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mehran Babanejad
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Atefeh Asadmobini
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Hossein Karim
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Franzen SRP, Chandler C, Lang T. Health research capacity development in low and middle income countries: reality or rhetoric? A systematic meta-narrative review of the qualitative literature. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e012332. [PMID: 28131997 PMCID: PMC5278257 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Locally led health research in low and middle income countries (LMICs) is critical for overcoming global health challenges. Yet, despite over 25 years of international efforts, health research capacity in LMICs remains insufficient and development attempts continue to be fragmented. The aim of this systematic review is to identify and critically examine the main approaches and trends in health research capacity development and consolidate key thinking to identify a more coherent approach. METHODS This review includes academic and grey literature published between January 2000 and July 2013. Using a predetermined search strategy, we systematically searched PubMed, hand-searched Google Scholar and checked reference lists. This process yielded 1668 papers. 240 papers were selected based on a priori criteria. A modified version of meta-narrative synthesis was used to analyse the papers. RESULTS 3 key narratives were identified: the effect of power relations on capacity development; demand for stronger links between research, policy and practice and the importance of a systems approach. Capacity development was delivered through 4 main modalities: vertical research projects, centres of excellence, North-South partnerships and networks; all were controversial, and each had their strengths and weaknesses. A plurality of development strategies was employed to address specific barriers to health research. However, lack of empirical research and monitoring and evaluation meant that their effectiveness was unclear and learning was weak. CONCLUSIONS There has been steady progress in LMIC health research capacity, but major barriers to research persist and more empirical evidence on development strategies is required. Despite an evolution in development thinking, international actors continue to use outdated development models that are recognised as ineffective. To realise newer development thinking, research capacity outcomes need to be equally valued as research outputs. While some development actors are now adopting this dedicated capacity development approach, they are in the minority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel R P Franzen
- The Global Health Network, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Policy Management, Oxford, UK
| | - Clare Chandler
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Trudie Lang
- The Global Health Network, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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A pilot study of a Community Health Agent-led type 2 diabetes self-management program using Motivational Interviewing-based approaches in a public primary care center in São Paulo, Brazil. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:32. [PMID: 28086870 PMCID: PMC5237239 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1968-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes are escalating in low and middle-income countries such as Brazil. Scalable primary care-based interventions are needed to improve self-management and clinical outcomes of adults with diabetes. This pilot study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes of training community health agents (CHAs) in Motivational Interviewing (MI)-based counseling for patients with poorly controlled diabetes in a primary care center in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods Nineteen salaried CHAs participated in 32 h of training in MI and behavioral action planning. With support from booster training sessions, they used these skills in their regular monthly home visits over a 6 month period with 57 diabetes patients with baseline HbA1cs > 7.0%. The primary outcome was patients’ reports of the quality of diabetes care as measured by the Portuguese version of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) scale. Secondary outcomes included changes in patients’ reported diabetes self-management behaviors and in A1c, blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides. We also examined CHAs’ fidelity to and experiences with the intervention. Results Patients reported improvements over the 6 month period in quality of diabetes care received (PACIC score improved 33 (+/−19) to 68 (+/−21) (p < .001)). They reported increases in physical activity (p = .001), consumption of fruits and vegetables (p < .001) and medication adherence (p = .002), but no decreases in consumption of high-fat foods (p = .402) or sweets (p = .436). Participants had mean 6-month A1c levels 0.34% points lower than at baseline (p = .08) and improved mean LDL (−16.1 mg/dL, p = .005) and triglyceride levels (−38.725 mg/dL, p = .002). Of the 16 CHAs observed in fidelity assessments, 13 were categorized as medium- or high-performing on MI skills, while 3 were low-performing. CHAs expressed enthusiasm about learning new skills, and many described a shift from advice-giving to encouraging patients to define their own goals. Conclusion In resource-scarce settings, it is essential to fully utilize existing primary care resources to stem the epidemic of diabetes and other NCDs. Our pilot results support the potential of training CHAs to incorporate effective diabetes self-management support into their routine patient encounters. Trial registration NCT02994095 12/14/2016 Registered retrospectively.
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Fan H, Song F, Gu H, Wang J, Jia G, Lu M, Qian J, Wang L, Shen J, Ren Z. An assessment of factors associated with quality of randomized controlled trials for smoking cessation. Oncotarget 2016; 7:53762-53771. [PMID: 27449103 PMCID: PMC5288219 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To reduce smoking-related diseases, a research priority is to develop effective interventions for smoking cessation, and evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is usually considered to be the most valid. However, findings from RCTs may still be misleading due to methodological flaws. This study aims to assess the quality of 1083 RCTs of smoking cessation interventions in 41 relevant Cochrane Systematic Reviews (CSRs). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant variables associated with the quality of RCTs. It was found that evidence for smoking cessation from RCTs was predominantly from high income countries, and the overall quality was high in only 8.6% of the RCTs. High quality RCTs tended to have a larger sample size, to be more recently published, and conducted in multiple countries belonging to different income categories. In conclusion, the overall quality of RCTs of smoking cessation interventions is far from perfect, and more RCTs in less developed countries are required to generate high grade evidence for global tobacco control. Collaboration between researchers in developed and less developed countries should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Fan
- Center for Health Policy and Management Research, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R.China
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R.China
| | - Fujian Song
- Department of Population Health and Primary Care, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Hai Gu
- Center for Health Policy and Management Research, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R.China
| | - Jianming Wang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R.China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R.China
| | - Guizhen Jia
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R.China
| | - Moyuan Lu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R.China
| | - Jiao Qian
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R.China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R.China
| | - Jiemiao Shen
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R.China
| | - Zhewen Ren
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R.China
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Adlakha D, Hipp JA, Brownson RC. Adaptation and Evaluation of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale in India (NEWS-India). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:401. [PMID: 27049394 PMCID: PMC4847063 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13040401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, with most of these deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) like India. Research from developed countries has consistently demonstrated associations between built environment features and physical activity levels of populations. The development of culturally sensitive and reliable measures of the built environment is a necessary first step for accurate analysis of environmental correlates of physical activity in LMICs. This study systematically adapted the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS) for India and evaluated aspects of test-retest reliability of the adapted version among Indian adults. Cultural adaptation of the NEWS was conducted by Indian and international experts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with local residents and key informants in the city of Chennai, India. At baseline, participants (N = 370; female = 47.2%) from Chennai completed the adapted NEWS-India surveys on perceived residential density, land use mix-diversity, land use mix-access, street connectivity, infrastructure and safety for walking and cycling, aesthetics, traffic safety, and safety from crime. NEWS-India was administered for a second time to consenting participants (N = 62; female = 53.2%) with a gap of 2-3 weeks between successive administrations. Qualitative findings demonstrated that built environment barriers and constraints to active commuting and physical activity behaviors intersected with social ecological systems. The adapted NEWS subscales had moderate to high test-retest reliability (ICC range 0.48-0.99). The NEWS-India demonstrated acceptable measurement properties among Indian adults and may be a useful tool for evaluation of built environment attributes in India. Further adaptation and evaluation in rural and suburban settings in India is essential to create a version that could be used throughout India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Adlakha
- Center for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queens University-Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK.
| | - J Aaron Hipp
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management and Center for Geospatial Analytics, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Ross C Brownson
- Prevention Research Center, Brown School, Division of Public Health Sciences and Siteman Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
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Su RN, Yang HX. Comprehensive understanding of developmental origins of health and disease concepts: Early intervention to non-communicable diseases in China. Chronic Dis Transl Med 2015; 1:141-144. [PMID: 29062999 PMCID: PMC5643576 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdtm.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ri-Na Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Hui-Xia Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
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Aziz NA, Mohamed SS, Badara TA, Boubacar G, Gallo SP, Awa G, Anta TD. [Chronic noncommunicable diseases in Senegalese soldiers: cross-sectional study in 2013]. Pan Afr Med J 2015; 22:59. [PMID: 26834912 PMCID: PMC4725656 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2015.22.59.4777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Méthodes Résultats Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndiaye Abdoul Aziz
- Département de Santé Communautaire, Université de Bambey, Bambey, Sénégal; Service de Santé des Armées Sénégalaises, Sénégal
| | - Seck Sidy Mohamed
- Service de Santé des Armées Sénégalaises, Sénégal; Département de Médecine Interne et Néphrologie, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Université Gaston Berger de Saint-Louis, Sénégal
| | | | - Gueye Boubacar
- Département de Santé Communautaire, Université de Bambey, Bambey, Sénégal
| | - Sow Papa Gallo
- Département de Santé Communautaire, Université de Bambey, Bambey, Sénégal
| | - Gaye Awa
- Département de Santé Communautaire, Université de Bambey, Bambey, Sénégal
| | - Tal-Dia Anta
- Département Santé Publique, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal
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Fan H, Song F. An assessment of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for non-communicable diseases (NCDs): more and higher quality research is required in less developed countries. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13221. [PMID: 26272174 PMCID: PMC4642521 DOI: 10.1038/srep13221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Research is crucial to implement evidence-based health interventions for control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study aims to assess main features of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for control of NCDs, and to identify gaps in clinical research on NCDs between high-income and less developed countries. The study included 1177 RCTs in 82 Cochrane Systematic reviews (CSRs) and evaluated interventions for adults with hypertension, diabetes, stroke, or heart diseases. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore factors associated with risk of bias in included RCTs. We found that 78.2% of RCTs of interventions for major NCDs recruited patients in high-income countries. The number of RCTs included in the CSRs was increasing over time, and the increasing speed was more noticeable for RCTs conducted in middle-income countries. RCTs conducted in less developed countries tended to be more recently published, less likely to be published in English, with smaller sample sizes, and at a higher risk of bias. In conclusion, there is still a lack of research evidence for control of NCDs in less developed countries. To brace for rising NCDs and avoid waste of scarce research resources, not only more but also higher quality clinical trials are required in low-and-middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Fan
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Fujian Song
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, U.K
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Al-Kindi S, Al-Juhaishi T, Haddad F, Taheri S, Abi Khalil C. Cardiovascular disease research activity in the Middle East: a bibliometric analysis. Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis 2015; 9:70-6. [PMID: 25801472 DOI: 10.1177/1753944715578585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Middle East has a high prevalence of noncommunicable chronic diseases. The objective of this article was to quantify the research activity in cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Middle East over the last 10 years. METHODS A Medline search was conducted using medical subject headings and author affiliation to retrieve research articles published from the Middle East between 2003 and 2012 (inclusive). RESULTS Middle Eastern countries produced only 3% of the total number of CVD research articles in the world. However, the overall trend showed an increase in the number of articles over the years, mainly from Turkey and Iran. Within this region, the ratio of CVD to non-CVD publications was highest in Qatar (0.23). Lebanon ranked first in the number of CVD publications per million persons (PMP) averaging 194.2 publications PMP and Turkey ranked highest in the number of CVD publications per US$1000 gross domestic product (GDP) per capita averaging 954 CVD publications per US$1000 GDP per capita. CONCLUSIONS Although there has been a drive towards greater publication of CVD papers in the last decade, research activity in the Middle East still lags behinds developed countries. Greater productivity is anticipated to emerge to accompany the recent significant investment in research in Gulf countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadeer Al-Kindi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospitals - Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, US
| | - Taha Al-Juhaishi
- Department of Medicine. Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fadi Haddad
- Department of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Shahrad Taheri
- Department of Medicine. Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
| | - Charbel Abi Khalil
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
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Peykari N, Djalalinia S, Kasaeian A, Naderimagham S, Hasannia T, Larijani B, Farzadfar F. Diabetes research in Middle East countries; a scientometrics study from 1990 to 2012. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF ISFAHAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2015; 20:253-62. [PMID: 26109972 PMCID: PMC4468230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2014] [Revised: 01/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes burden is a serious warning for urgent action plan across the world. Knowledge production in this context could provide evidences for more efficient interventions. Aimed to that, we quantify the trend of diabetes research outputs of Middle East countries focusing on the scientific publication numbers, citations, and international collaboration. MATERIALS AND METHODS This scientometrics study was performed based on the systematic analysis through three international databases; ISI, PubMed, and Scopus from 1990 to 2012. International collaboration of Middle East countries and citations was analyzed based on Scopus. Diabetes' publications in Iran specifically were assessed, and frequent used terms were mapped by VOSviewer software. RESULTS Over 23-year period, the number of diabetes publications and related citations in Middle East countries had increasing trend. The number of articles on diabetes in ISI, PubMed, and Scopus were respectively; 13,994, 11,336, and 20,707. Turkey, Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have devoted the five top competition positions. In addition, Israel, Turkey, and Iran were leading countries in citation analysis. The most collaborative country with Middle East countries was USA and within the region, the most collaborative country was Saudi Arabia. Iran in all databases stands on third position and produced 12.7% of diabetes publications within region. Regarding diabetes researches, the frequent used terms in Iranian articles were "effect," "woman," and "metabolic syndrome." CONCLUSION Ascending trend of diabetes research outputs in Middle East countries is appreciated but encouraging to strategic planning for maintaining this trend, and more collaboration between researchers is needed to regional health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Peykari
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran, Iran,Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran, Iran,Development of Research and Technology Center, Deputy of Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shirin Djalalinia
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran, Iran,Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran, Iran,Development of Research and Technology Center, Deputy of Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Kasaeian
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran, Iran,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohreh Naderimagham
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Hasannia
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshad Farzadfar
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran, Iran,Address for correspondence: Dr. Farshad Farzadfar, 4th Floor, No. 4, Ostad Nejatollahi St., Enhelab Ave., Tehran, Iran. E-mail:
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Bosu WK. The prevalence, awareness, and control of hypertension among workers in West Africa: a systematic review. Glob Health Action 2015; 8:26227. [PMID: 25623611 PMCID: PMC4306751 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v8.26227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND : Interventions in workplace settings are considered to be cost-effective in preventing cardiovascular diseases. A systematic review was conducted to assess the prevalence of hypertension and the level of awareness and control among workers in West Africa. DESIGN A systematic search for studies on formal and informal sector workers aged ≥15 years in West Africa published between 1980 and September 2014 was undertaken using the Ovid Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Clinical and obstetric studies and studies that did not report prevalence were excluded. Data on study settings, characteristics of workers, blood pressure (BP) levels, prevalence of hypertension, and associated demographic factors were extracted. RESULTS A total of 45 studies from six countries were identified involving 30,727 formal and informal sector workers. In 40 studies with a common definition of hypertension, the prevalence ranged from 12.0% among automobile garage workers to 68.9% among traditional chiefs. In 15 of these studies, the prevalence exceeded 30%. Typically sedentary workers such as traders, bank workers, civil servants, and chiefs were at high risk. Among health care workers, the prevalence ranged from 17.5 to 37.5%. The prevalence increased with age and was higher among males and workers with higher socio-economic status. Complications of hypertension, co-morbidities, and clustering of risk factors were common. The crude prevalence of hypertension increased progressively from 12.9% in studies published in the 1980s to 34.4% in those published in 2010-2014. The proportion of hypertensives who were previously aware of their diagnosis, were on treatment or had their BP controlled was 19.6-84.0%, 0-79.2%, and 0-12.7%, respectively. Hypertensive subjects, including health workers, rarely checked their BP except when they were ill. CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence of hypertension among West Africa's workforce, of which a significant proportion is undiagnosed, severe or complicated. The clustering of risk factors, co-morbidities, and general low awareness warrant an integrated and multisectoral approach. Models for workplace health programmes aiming to improve cardiovascular health should be extended to informal sector workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- William K Bosu
- Department of Epidemics and Disease Control, West African Health Organisation, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso; ;
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Zyoud SH, Al-Jabi SW, Sweileh WM, Awang R, Waring WS. Bibliometric profile of the global scientific research on methanol poisoning (1902-2012). J Occup Med Toxicol 2015; 10:17. [PMID: 25949270 PMCID: PMC4422445 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-015-0062-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methanol poisoning is on the rise and has been associated with high morbidity and mortality; it has resulted in growing research in the field of toxicology. The aim of this study was to reveal underlying patterns in scientific outputs related to methanol poisoning at the global level by evaluating different bibliometric indices. METHODS We searched for publications that contained specific words regarding methanol poisoning in Scopus database. RESULTS A total of 912 articles, with 8,317 citations and with an average of 9.1 citations per document, were retrieved on methanol poisoning, and the bulk of the articles were published from the USA (20.9%), followed by Spain (4.4%), Canada (4.3%), India (3.1%), and France (3.0%). The articles were published belonging to 57 countries. No data related to methanol poisoning were published from 155 (73.1%) out of 212 countries. Twenty-one documents (2.3%) were published in Clinical Toxicology, whereas 18 (2.0%) were published in The Lancet. CONCLUSIONS Scientific production related to methanol poisoning is increasing. articles have been published in a wide range of journals with a variety of subject areas, most notably clinical toxicology; and the country with the greatest production was the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa’ed H Zyoud
- Poison Control and Drug Information Center (PCDIC), College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Information, National Poison Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau Pinang, Penang 11800 Malaysia
| | - Samah W Al-Jabi
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
| | - Waleed M Sweileh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
| | - Rahmat Awang
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Information, National Poison Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau Pinang, Penang 11800 Malaysia
| | - W Stephen Waring
- Acute Medical Unit, York Teaching Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, Wigginton Road, York, YO31 8HE UK
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Barnoya J, Monzon JC, Colditz GA. Increasing chronic disease research capacity in Guatemala through a mentoring program. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2013; 104:e427-32. [PMID: 24183187 DOI: 10.17269/cjph.104.3946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Revised: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Chronic Disease Research Fellowship Program (RFP) aims to build the research capacity of recent medical graduates to support the development of chronic disease control strategies. SETTING Guatemala is undergoing an epidemiologic transition. However, given the way universities and the health care system are structured, it lacks an environment that fosters research careers and generates the required knowledge to implement sound public health policies and clinical strategies. The RFP was implemented at the Cardiovascular Unit of Guatemala. INTERVENTION This 4-year Program recruited two one-year fellows and provided funding to define a research topic, write a protocol and implement the research. Strong emphasis is placed on developing skills in knowledge translation and exchange to bridge the "know-do" gap. Close mentoring relationships between the Principal Investigator and former and current fellows are fostered through the Program. OUTCOMES The mentoring Program has generated strategic data to support the implementation of sound chronic disease control strategies, mainly related to tobacco control. Results have been presented nationally and internationally. Research training has included principles of biostatistics and epidemiology, and a journal club. The Program is increasingly generating interest among medical graduates to pursue further research training abroad and is building local research capacity. Fellows and research assistants have created a research network in Guatemala and abroad. The main obstacle the Program faces is ensuring long-term sustainability. CONCLUSIONS A mentoring program can lead to an increase in research interest and capacity in a low-income country with little research infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquin Barnoya
- Unidad de Cirugia Cardiovascular de Guatemala and Washington University in St. Louis.
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Kengne AP. A snapshot of cardiovascular diseases in Africa in the new millennium. Cardiovasc J Afr 2013; 24:104-5. [PMID: 24217038 PMCID: PMC3721265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andre Pascal Kengne
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town and South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Jones AC, Geneau R. Assessing research activity on priority interventions for non-communicable disease prevention in low- and middle-income countries: a bibliometric analysis. Glob Health Action 2012; 5:1-13. [PMID: 22944364 PMCID: PMC3427597 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v5i0.18847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2012] [Revised: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Action is urgently needed to curb the rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and reduce the resulting social and economic burdens. There is global evidence about the most cost-effective interventions for addressing the main NCD risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and alcohol misuse. However, it is unknown how much research is focused on informing the local adoption and implementation of these interventions. OBJECTIVE To assess the degree of research activity on NCD priority interventions in LMICs by using bibliometric analysis to quantify the number of relevant peer-reviewed scientific publications. METHODS A multidisciplinary, multi-lingual journal database was searched for articles on NCD priority interventions. The interventions examined emphasise population-wide, policy, regulation, and legislation approaches. The publication timeframe searched was the year 2000-2011. Of the 11,211 articles yielded, 525 met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Over the 12-year period, the number of articles published increased overall but differed substantially between regions: Latin America & Caribbean had the highest (127) and Middle East & North Africa had the lowest (11). Of the risk factor groups, 'tobacco control' led in publications, with 'healthy diets and physical activity' and 'reducing harmful alcohol use' in second and third place. Though half the publications had a first author from a high-income country institutional affiliation, developing country authorship had increased in recent years. CONCLUSIONS While rising global attention to NCDs has likely produced an increase in peer-reviewed publications on NCDs in LMICs, publication rates directly related to cost-effective interventions are still very low, suggesting either limited local research activity or limited opportunities for LMIC researchers to publish on these issues. More research is needed on high-priority interventions and research funders should re-examine if intervention research is enough of a funding priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Jones
- Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, International Development Research Centre, 150 Kent Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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