Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit最新文献

{"title":"Diagnostic accuracy of GeneXpert Ultra for tuberculosis in weakly positive results.","authors":"Soheila Shaghaghian, Owrang Eilami, Narsis Ghahramani, Hamidreza Hedayati, Mohammad Javad Moradian, Erfan Sadeghi, Zahra Zarei, Mehdi Nejat, Sima Javanmardi","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.6.375","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26719/2026.32.6.375","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The GeneXpert Ultra assay has improved sensitivity for tuberculosis diagnosis, but it is associated with an increased rate of false positive results, particularly in weakly positive categories.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the GeneXpert Ultra assay by comparing 3 approaches to interpreting weakly positive results.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We collected laboratory data from 620 (all) individuals referred to the tuberculosis laboratory affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences laboratory, southern Islamic Republic of Iran, between 21 March 2022 and 20 March 2023. We performed GeneXpert Ultra, acid-fast bacilli smear microscopy and culture, and used results from the culture as reference standard for calculating diagnostic accuracy indices. We analysed the weakly positive results (trace and very low) using 3 approaches in which they were classified as positive or negative, or excluded from the analysis. We used SPSS version 22.0 to describe the characteristics of the participants, MedCalc version 20.104 to analyse the data and 2-tailed binomial test to compare the diagnostic indices. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>GeneXpert 1 showed a low positive predictive value (68.60%) and lower specificity (90.72%) than smear microscopy (95.46%). Compared with GeneXpert 2, GeneXpert 1 demonstrated higher sensitivity (98.99%) and negative predictive value (99.77%), while GeneXpert 2 showed higher specificity (97.32%) and positive predictive value (87.66%). GeneXpert 3 showed high sensitivity (98.92%) and negative predictive value (99.77%), as well as high specificity (97.13%) and positive predictive value (87.60%), resulting in the highest overall accuracy (97.43%) and agreement with culture (Fleiss' kappa = 0.91).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Weakly positive GeneXpert Ultra results should not be interpreted automatically as either negative or positive. Clinic, laboratory and radiologic data should be considered together to identify patients most likely to benefit from tuberculosis treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 6","pages":"375-382"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148564303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Saudi Arabia's heatwave mitigation strategy during the Hajj.","authors":"Nasser Aldosari, Nawal Yousaf, Abdulqadir J Nashwan","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.6.397","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26719/2026.32.6.397","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 6","pages":"397"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148564253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can self-testing fill HIV testing gaps in Pakistan?","authors":"Rab Nawaz Samo, Muhammad Shahid Jamil, Heather Doyle, Umar Riaz, Safdar Kamal Pasha, Sidra Azmat, Syed Faisal Mahmood","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.6.356","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26719/2026.32.6.356","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 6","pages":"356-359"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148564179","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"How walkable are neighbourhoods in Oman? Perceived and objective assessment of built environment.","authors":"Huda Al Siyabi, Ruth Mabry, Gustavo De Siqueira, Amal Al Siyabi, Zahir Al Anquodi, Umar A Hassan, Adewale L Oyeyemi","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.6.360","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26719/2026.32.6.360","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Physical inactivity remains common in Oman despite national strategies to promote physical activity and active transport.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To compare perceived and objectively measured walkability features between old and new residential neighbourhoods in Nizwa and Barka, Oman.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Between June and August 2023, we surveyed 374 adults from 4 neighbourhoods and assessed their perceived and objective walkability using the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale and the Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes. Data were analysed using SPSS version 28 and walkability scores were compared between old and new neighbourhoods using multivariable analysis of covariance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Residents in old neighbourhoods reported significantly higher perceived street connectivity [mean 3.7 (SD 0.6) versus 2.9 (1.0); P < 0.001], safety (P < 0.001), aesthetic appeal (P = 0.001), and access to destinations (P = 0.038) than residents in new neighbourhoods. Perceived pedestrian infrastructure and social environment did not differ by neighbourhood type. Objective assessments showed higher aesthetic scores in new neighbourhoods (P = 0.001), whereas old neighbourhoods scored higher for pedestrian infrastructure (P = 0.009) and the presence of commercial and residential destinations (P = 0.034).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The old neighbourhoods in Oman were perceived and observed to be more walkable. Improving pedestrian connectivity, infrastructure and mixed land use in new developments may support walking and other physical activities.</p>","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 6","pages":"360-367"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148564276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of intimate partner violence among married women in Islamic Republic of Iran.","authors":"Mehran Alijanzadeh, Nahid Yazdi, Masomeh Alamshahi, Mark D Griffiths, Zainab Alimoradi","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.6.368","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26719/2026.32.6.368","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intimate partner violence is a major public health problem worldwide and a leading form of violence against women in Islamic Republic of Iran.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To estimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence among married women in Islamic Republic of Iran and identify associated socioeconomic factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using an online questionnaire administered through the Porsline platform, we collected data from 602 married women living in Qazvin Province, Islamic Republic of Iran, who were literate and had access to a smartphone with active internet connection. The study was conducted between February and April 2024. It assessed the psychological, physical, sexual, and intimate partner violence status of the women. The data were analysed using SPSS version 27 and multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with violence among the women.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, the prevalence of intimate partner violence was 53.7%. Of the women, 51.0% reported psychological violence, 24.8% physical violence and 20.6% sexual violence. Spousal drug misuse and longer marriage duration were associated with higher odds of all violence types. Higher household economic status and greater emotional support from the paternal family were associated with lower odds of violence. Physical violence was more frequent among women whose marriages were not initiated through parental introduction.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Socioeconomic disadvantage, limited paternal family support and spousal drug misuse were associated with intimate partner violence among the study participants. Interventions to strengthen resilience among the women are needed, including improved economic opportunities, counselling and engagement, and substance abuse reduction services.</p>","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 6","pages":"368-374"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148564290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A review of differentiated HIV testing services in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.","authors":"Hossam Mohamed, Ahmed Sabry Alaama, Muhammad S Jamil","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.6.383","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26719/2026.32.6.383","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>HIV infection rates are increasing among key populations in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, due to low diagnosis and treatment coverage.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To review HIV service policies and assess the uptake of testing services in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We reviewed HIV/AIDS data for the 22 Eastern Mediterranean Region Member States, including data from the routine global, regional and national surveillance systems, as well as information from policy documents, strategic plans and guidelines. We analysed the data using R statistical package version 4.5.2.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>As of 2023, the region had an estimated 530 000 people living with HIV: 38% were diagnosed, 28% were on treatment and 24% had achieved viral suppression. Only Saudi Arabia met the 95% diagnosed target, with 95% diagnosed on treatment and 95% on treatment achieving viral suppression. The annual average number of tests conducted between 2019 and 2023 in the region was 5 million. Eight percent of these tests were among key populations. All the Member States offered facility-based testing as part of their national policies, 77% offered community-based services, 45% HIV selftesting, 32% social-network-based testing, and 77% provider-assisted referral. Eighty-six percent of them offered routine antenatal testing and 45% allowed testing by lay providers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There are critical gaps in HIV testing and treatment coverage by Eastern Mediterranean Region countries, indicating an urgent need for innovative approaches, including political commitment backed by adequate resources, to scale-up services to achieve the 2030 goals.</p>","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 6","pages":"383-391"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148564154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Public health considerations for preventing crimean-congo haemorrhagic fever in Islamic Republic of Iran.","authors":"Jalil Nejati","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.6.399","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26719/2026.32.6.399","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 6","pages":"399"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148564288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strategic priorities for implementing the Eastern Mediterranean regional framework to defeat meningitis by 2030.","authors":"Hanan H Balkhy","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.6.351","DOIUrl":"10.26719/2026.32.6.351","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Meningitis remains a persistent public health threat in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), despite the availability of effective vaccines. The launch of the Regional Framework for Implementing the Defeating Meningitis by 2030 Global Road Map, aligned with the World Health Assembly Resolution WHA73.9, offers EMR Member States an evidence‑informed blueprint to accelerate actions towards achieving the set targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 6","pages":"351-352"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148564259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Addressing the genetic data deficit in metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease across the Eastern Mediterranean Region.","authors":"Mohamed El-Kassas, Khalid M AlNaamani","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.6.353","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26719/2026.32.6.353","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 6","pages":"353-355"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148564193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Generation Z and the future of nursing in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.","authors":"Kamaruddeen Mannethodi, Jibin Kunjavara, Abdulqadir Jeprel Nashwan","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.6.396","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26719/2026.32.6.396","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 6","pages":"396"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148564218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}