AIM To assess the quality of and to critically synthesize the available data on hepatitis C infections in the Middle East and North Africa(MENA) region to map evidence gaps.METHODS We conducted an overview of systemat...AIM To assess the quality of and to critically synthesize the available data on hepatitis C infections in the Middle East and North Africa(MENA) region to map evidence gaps.METHODS We conducted an overview of systematic reviews(SRs) following an a priori developed protocol(CRD42017076736). Our overview followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and metaanalyses guidelines for reporting SRs and abstracts and did not receive any funding. Two independent reviewers systematically searched MEDLINE and conducted a multistage screening of the identified articles. Out of 5758 identified articles, 37 SRs of hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection in populations living in 20 countries in the MENA region published between 2008 and 2016 were included in our overview. The nine primary outcomes of interest were HCV antibody(anti-) prevalences and incidences in different at-risk populations; the HCV viremic(RNA positive) rate in HCV-positive individuals; HCV viremic prevalence in the general population(GP); the prevalence of HCV co-infection with the hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus, or schistosomiasis; the HCV genotype/subtype distribution; and the risk factors for HCV transmission. The conflicts of interest declared by the authors of the SRs were also extracted. Good quality outcomes reported by the SRs were defined as having the population, outcome, study time and setting defined as recommended by the PICOTS framework and a sample size > 100.RESULTS We included SRs reporting HCV outcomes with different levels of quality and precision. A substantial proportion of them synthesized data from mixed populations at differing levels of risk for acquiring HCV or at different HCV infection stages(recent and prior HCV transmissions). They also synthesized the data over long periods of time(e.g., two decades). Anti-HCV prevalence in the GP varied widely in the MENA region from 0.1%(study dates not reported) in the United Arab Emirates to 2.1%-13.5%(2003-2006) in Pakistan and 14.7%(2008) in Egypt. Data were no展开更多
Objective:To explore the seroprevalence,spatial distribution and risk factors for Leishmania seropositivity in Jordan.Methods:Blood samples from 872 apparently healthy participants were randomly selected from 11 gover...Objective:To explore the seroprevalence,spatial distribution and risk factors for Leishmania seropositivity in Jordan.Methods:Blood samples from 872 apparently healthy participants were randomly selected from 11 governorates in Jordan and tested for anti-Leishmania K39 IgG.Risk factors(animal ownership and agriculture practices)and demographic data were also collected using pre-tested and validated questionnaire.Results:Overall,2.52% of participants were seropositive for Leishmania spp.Participants living in the Jordan Valley plateau had significantly greater odds(adjusted odds ratio= 3.70,95% CI 1.37-9.93)of seropositivity than those living in the Highlands after adjustment for age.Conclusions:This study supports the intermittent reports of cutaneous leishmaniasis outbreaks in the Jordan Valley.Vector control measures in the Jordan Valley should be considered,including insecticide treated bed nets,sugar baits and using flowering plants to attract and trap Phlebotomus papatasi sand flies.Active surveillance in the Jordan Valley is also recommended in light of this and other reports.展开更多
Diabetes is increasing in epidemic proportions globally, exhibiting the most striking increase in third world countries with emerging economies. This phenomena is particularly evident in the Middle East and North Afri...Diabetes is increasing in epidemic proportions globally, exhibiting the most striking increase in third world countries with emerging economies. This phenomena is particularly evident in the Middle East and North Africa(MENA) region, which has the highest prevalence of diabetes in adults. The most concerning indirect cost of diabetes is the missed work by the adult population coupled with the economic burden of loss of productivity. The major drivers of this epidemic are the demographic changes with increased life expectancy and lifestyle changes due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. Our focus is to compare MENA region countries, particularly Egypt and Saudi Arabia, in terms of their economic development, labor force diversity and the prevalence of diabetes.展开更多
文摘AIM To assess the quality of and to critically synthesize the available data on hepatitis C infections in the Middle East and North Africa(MENA) region to map evidence gaps.METHODS We conducted an overview of systematic reviews(SRs) following an a priori developed protocol(CRD42017076736). Our overview followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and metaanalyses guidelines for reporting SRs and abstracts and did not receive any funding. Two independent reviewers systematically searched MEDLINE and conducted a multistage screening of the identified articles. Out of 5758 identified articles, 37 SRs of hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection in populations living in 20 countries in the MENA region published between 2008 and 2016 were included in our overview. The nine primary outcomes of interest were HCV antibody(anti-) prevalences and incidences in different at-risk populations; the HCV viremic(RNA positive) rate in HCV-positive individuals; HCV viremic prevalence in the general population(GP); the prevalence of HCV co-infection with the hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus, or schistosomiasis; the HCV genotype/subtype distribution; and the risk factors for HCV transmission. The conflicts of interest declared by the authors of the SRs were also extracted. Good quality outcomes reported by the SRs were defined as having the population, outcome, study time and setting defined as recommended by the PICOTS framework and a sample size > 100.RESULTS We included SRs reporting HCV outcomes with different levels of quality and precision. A substantial proportion of them synthesized data from mixed populations at differing levels of risk for acquiring HCV or at different HCV infection stages(recent and prior HCV transmissions). They also synthesized the data over long periods of time(e.g., two decades). Anti-HCV prevalence in the GP varied widely in the MENA region from 0.1%(study dates not reported) in the United Arab Emirates to 2.1%-13.5%(2003-2006) in Pakistan and 14.7%(2008) in Egypt. Data were no
基金supported by Jordan University of Science and Technology(Deanship of Research Project#162/2016)
文摘Objective:To explore the seroprevalence,spatial distribution and risk factors for Leishmania seropositivity in Jordan.Methods:Blood samples from 872 apparently healthy participants were randomly selected from 11 governorates in Jordan and tested for anti-Leishmania K39 IgG.Risk factors(animal ownership and agriculture practices)and demographic data were also collected using pre-tested and validated questionnaire.Results:Overall,2.52% of participants were seropositive for Leishmania spp.Participants living in the Jordan Valley plateau had significantly greater odds(adjusted odds ratio= 3.70,95% CI 1.37-9.93)of seropositivity than those living in the Highlands after adjustment for age.Conclusions:This study supports the intermittent reports of cutaneous leishmaniasis outbreaks in the Jordan Valley.Vector control measures in the Jordan Valley should be considered,including insecticide treated bed nets,sugar baits and using flowering plants to attract and trap Phlebotomus papatasi sand flies.Active surveillance in the Jordan Valley is also recommended in light of this and other reports.
文摘Diabetes is increasing in epidemic proportions globally, exhibiting the most striking increase in third world countries with emerging economies. This phenomena is particularly evident in the Middle East and North Africa(MENA) region, which has the highest prevalence of diabetes in adults. The most concerning indirect cost of diabetes is the missed work by the adult population coupled with the economic burden of loss of productivity. The major drivers of this epidemic are the demographic changes with increased life expectancy and lifestyle changes due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. Our focus is to compare MENA region countries, particularly Egypt and Saudi Arabia, in terms of their economic development, labor force diversity and the prevalence of diabetes.
