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Etzel RA, Abbas NH, Anastario MP, Mustapha A, Osuolale O, Sarkar A, Soyiri IN, Whaibeh E, Soskolne CL. Ethics guidelines for environmental epidemiologists: 2023 revision. Environ Epidemiol 2024; 8:e299. [PMID: 38617426 PMCID: PMC11008652 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Recognition of the importance to environmental epidemiology of ethical and philosophical deliberation led, in 1996, to the establishment of Ethics Guidelines for the profession. In 1999, these guidelines were adopted by the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology. The guidelines were revised in 2012 and again in 2023 to ensure continued relevance to the major issues facing the field. Comprising normative standards of professional conduct, the guidelines are structured into four subsections: (1) obligations to individuals and communities who participate in research; (2) obligations to society; (3) obligations regarding funders/sponsors and employers; and (4) obligations to colleagues. Through the 2023 revision of the Ethics Guidelines, the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology seeks to ensure the highest possible standards of transparency and accountability for the ethical conduct of environmental epidemiologists engaged in research and public health practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth A. Etzel
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Nivine H. Abbas
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Balamand, Lebanon
| | | | | | - Olayinka Osuolale
- Department of Biological Sciences, Elizade University, Ilara Mokin, Nigeria
| | - Atanu Sarkar
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Ireneous N. Soyiri
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hull York Medical School, Institute for Clinical and Applied Health Research, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
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Whaibeh E, Mrad-Nakhlé M, Aouad N, Annesi-Maesano I, Abbas N, Chaiban C, Abi Hanna J, Abi Tayeh G. The Environmental Exposures in Lebanese Infants (EELI) birth cohort: an investigation into the Developmental Origins of Health and Diseases (DOHaD). Int J Environ Health Res 2024; 34:1675-1686. [PMID: 37429297 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2234834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The EELI Study is a longitudinal birth cohort launched in 2021 in Lebanon to examine the long-term impact of environmental exposures on the health of prospective Lebanese mothers and infants and disease outcomes. This article delineates the adopted study design and protocols, current progress, and contextual considerations for the planning and launching of a birth cohort in a resource-limited setting. A sample of n = 135 pregnant women expecting to give birth at the Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital has been recruited since the study launch. Over 500 variables have been recorded for each participant, and over 1000 biological specimens have been processed and stored in a biobank for further analysis. The EELI study establishes methodological and logistic basis to explore the concept of the exposome and its implementation and to establish a toolkit of the SOPs and questionnaires that can be employed by the other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emile Whaibeh
- Doctoral School of Health and Sciences (EDSS), Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Myriam Mrad-Nakhlé
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Norma Aouad
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- Institute Desbrest of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Montpellier and INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Nivine Abbas
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Clara Chaiban
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jowy Abi Hanna
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Abi Tayeh
- Doctoral School of Health and Sciences (EDSS), Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
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Whaibeh E. The good, the bad, and the disruptive: how telehealth can reduce health inequity and mitigate the digital divide in the MENA region. Med Confl Surviv 2022; 38:339-345. [PMID: 36317382 DOI: 10.1080/13623699.2022.2139871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emile Whaibeh
- Ecole Doctorale Sciences et Santé [EDSS], Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
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Whaibeh E, Vogt EL, Mahmoud H. Addressing the Behavioral Health Needs of Sexual and Gender Minorities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Review of the Expanding Role of Digital Health Technologies. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:387-397. [PMID: 35841471 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01352-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the role of digital health technologies in behavioral health treatment and promotion for sexual and gender minorities (SGM). RECENT FINDINGS Digital technologies have advantages and limitations at multiple levels in addressing SGM's behavioral health needs. For patients, digital technologies improve convenience and may reduce stigma; however, privacy concerns in the home may limit their utilization. Providers also benefit from the convenience of these technologies; however, not all providers are comfortable delivering virtual care to SGM. For society, digital technologies reduce transportation-related costs and increase access to healthcare in an increasingly hostile political climate for SGM; however, these advantages are limited by technological access and anti-SGM policies. Digital technologies can improve the behavioral health of SGM at the patient, provider, and systemic levels. Further efforts are necessary to standardize provider training, improve SUD-specific care delivery, and increase quality and accessibility of these technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emile Whaibeh
- Department of Public Health, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon.,École Doctorale Sciences Et Santé, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Emily L Vogt
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Mahmoud H, Naal H, Whaibeh E, Smith A. Telehealth-Based Delivery of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: a Critical Review of Recent Developments. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:375-386. [PMID: 35895282 PMCID: PMC9326140 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01346-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Telehealth-delivered medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder (tele-MOUD) has received increased attention, with the intersection of the opioid epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic, but research on recent developments is scattered. We critically review recent literature on tele-MOUD and synthesize studies reporting primary data under four themes: clinical effectiveness, non-clinical effectiveness, perceptions, and regulatory considerations. RECENT FINDINGS Despite increasing publications, most failed to include long-term comprehensive assessments. Findings indicate favorable outcomes such as improvements in retention and abstinence rates, positive experiences, and improved feasibility with the relaxation of regulatory measures. With increased adoption, clinician and patient perceptions appeared largely positive. Negative findings, albeit minor, were primarily associated with workflow adaptation difficulties and limited access of underserved populations to technology and internet connection. Additional financial, logistical, outreach, and training support for clinicians, patients, and support staff is recommended, in addition to permanent evidence-based regulatory reforms, to scale and optimize tele-MOUD services. Comprehensive recommendations to overcome limitations are expanded therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam Mahmoud
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Hady Naal
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Public Health, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Emile Whaibeh
- Department of Public Health, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
- École Doctorale Sciences Et Santé, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Abstract
Significant efforts have been conducted to improve access to Mental Health Services (MHS) and reduce the burden of Mental Health Disorders (MHD) in Low-to Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). However, important challenges to accessing MHS still exist and limit improvements. Telemental Health (TMH), a modality that delivers remote MHS provides an ideal solution to complement existing efforts; however, there are limited reports on its implementation in developing countries such as Lebanon. This study presents the first roadmap for TMH applicability in Lebanon, with a focus on the Primary Health Care (PHC) setting, which has international relevance. We review existing guidelines and contextualise them to the Lebanese setting by addressing essential components for implementation. In specific, we shed light on 6 aspects: (1) patient population, (2) technological guidelines, (3) clinical guidelines, (4) administrative guidelines, (5) workforce, and (6) monitoring and evaluation. In addition, we acknowledge the important role of governmental efforts in setting the infrastructural and regulatory aspects for TMH practice. We provide guidance for public health professionals, government officials, and clinicians looking to adopt TMH practice in Lebanon or other countries with similar development and cultural landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hady Naal
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Emile Whaibeh
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hossam Mahmoud
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Naal H, Mahmoud H, Whaibeh E. The potential of telemental health in improving access to mental health services in Lebanon: Analysis of barriers, opportunities, and recommendations. International Journal of Mental Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00207411.2020.1863743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hady Naal
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hossam Mahmoud
- Cambia Health Solutions, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hossam Mahmoud
- 2 University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA.,Insight+Regroup Telehealth, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Hady Naal
- 4American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Whaibeh E, Mahmoud H, Vogt EL. Reducing the Treatment Gap for LGBT Mental Health Needs: the Potential of Telepsychiatry. J Behav Health Serv Res 2019; 47:424-431. [DOI: 10.1007/s11414-019-09677-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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