Epidemiology of Phenylketonuria Disease in Jordan: Medical and Nutritional Challenges.

Background: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most frequent inborn error in amino acid metabolism caused by a deficiency of the phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme (PAH). If PKU is left untreated, high concentrations of phenylalanine (Phe) accumulate in the blood, leading to severe brain dysfunction, neurodevelopmental, behavioral and psychological problems. Data concerning the epidemiology of PKU in Jordan are limited.

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

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is experiencing a nutrition transition, characterized by the emergence of overnutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies. No previous study has comparatively examined nutrient intake in adults across countries in the EMR. This review examined the adequacy of nutrients in adults living in the EMR.

The capacity of primary health care centers in Jordan to manage hypertension: areas for improvement.

The assessment of the capacity of Primary Health Care (PHC) settings for the management of hypertension is essential to identify areas for improving management outcomes. This study aimed to assess the capacity of PHC centers in Jordan to manage hypertension including the assessment of human resources, equipment, and infrastructure. All comprehensive PHC centers located in Irbid and Mafraq governorates in north of Jordan (n = 23) were assessed.

Trend of Iodine Status in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Impact of the Universal Salt Iodization Programs: a Narrative Review.

Recognizing the importance of iodine deficiency as a single most important preventable cause of brain damage, World Health Organization (WHO) urged all countries to scale up salt iodization since 1991 where iodine deficiency was declared as a global public health problem. All countries committed to report on the national iodine status of school-aged children (6-12 years), every 3 years. This paper aims to evaluate the progress of countries in Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) toward the eradication of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and recommend operational action to support implementation of the WHO Regional Nutrition Strategy (2020-2030).

Fat Intake Reduction Strategies among Children and Adults to Eliminate Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality globally with an estimated 39.5 million deaths per year (72% of total death) in 2016, due to the four major NCDs: cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), almost 68% of all deaths are attributed to NCDs commonly known as chronic or lifestyle-related diseases.