Publications by authors named "Sameh El Saharty"

Air pollution is recognized as a critical global health risk, yet there has been no comprehensive assessment of its impact on public health in Libya until now. This study evaluates the burden of disease associated with ambient particulate matter (PM) in Libya, drawing on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. By integrating satellite-based estimates, chemical transport models, and ground-level measurements, PM exposure and its effects on mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) across the different sexes and all age groups from 1990 to 2019 are estimated.

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Non-pharmaceutical interventions have been widely employed to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Their associated effect on SARS-CoV-2 transmission have however been unequally studied across regions. Few studies have focused on the Gulf states despite their potential role for global pandemic spread, in particular in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through religious pilgrimages.

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Background: The prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has been increasing in Saudi Arabia.

Aims: Our objective was to estimate the effect of NCDs on direct medical costs and workforce productivity in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: To estimate direct medical costs, we estimated the unit cost of treating 10 NCDs, then multiplied the unit cost by disease prevalence and summed across diseases.

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Context: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Saudi Arabia has been rising. Although the health burden of excess weight is well established, little is known about the economic burden.

Aims: To assess the economic burden-both direct medical costs and the value of absenteeism and presenteeism-resulting from overweight and obesity in Saudi Arabia.

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Background: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) quickly controlled the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by implementing several non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), including suspension of international and national travel, local curfews, closing public spaces (i.e., schools and universities, malls and shops), and limiting religious gatherings.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study estimates the economic impact of seven major noncommunicable diseases in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, quantifying direct medical costs, absenteeism, and presenteeism.
  • The total direct medical costs amount to $16.7 billion, representing 0.6% of GDP, while additional costs from absenteeism and presenteeism contribute 0.5% and 2.2% of GDP, respectively.
  • Limitations include not accounting for all noncommunicable diseases or indirect costs, highlighting the need for more research to understand this burden and improve health interventions.
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Background: Since early 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has engulfed the world. Amidst the growing number of infections and deaths, there has been an emphasis of patients with non-communicable diseases as they are particularly susceptible to the virus. The objective of this literature review is to systematize the available evidence on the link between non-communicable diseases and Covid-19.

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Article Synopsis
  • Implementation research is crucial for global health as it aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, helping achieve health goals on national and global levels.
  • This type of research fosters collaboration among community members, researchers, policymakers, and implementers, utilizing various methods to enhance health policy implementation and equity.
  • The article presents case studies from low- and middle-income countries, highlighting implementation challenges and effective partnerships, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes and system adaptability.
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Almost three-quarters (74%) of all the noncommunicable disease burden is found within low- and middle-income countries. In September 2014, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute held a Global Health Think Tank meeting to obtain expert advice and recommendations for addressing compelling scientific questions for late stage (T4) research-research that studies implementation strategies for proven effective interventions-to inform and guide the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's global health research and training efforts. Major themes emerged in two broad categories: 1) developing research capacity; and 2) efficiently defining compelling scientific questions within the local context.

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In developing countries, the noncommunicable disease (NCD) and risk factor burdens are shifting toward the poor. Treating chronic diseases can be expensive. In developing countries where generally much health care costs are borne by patients themselves, for those who live in poverty or recently escaped severe poverty, when faced with large, lifelong out-of-pocket expenses, impoverishment persists or can reoccur.

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