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Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

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At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

The transfer of vaccine technology to developing countries. The Latin American experience.

Technological advances by developed countries are producing safer, more potent vaccines. In addition, the transfer of the technology of vaccine production to some developing countries has been taking place during the past five decades, thereby making possible the participation of developing countries in the production and supply of the essential biologicals that are required for immunization programs. Examples of successful transfers of technology, the decisive elements and factors that contribute to the transfers, and the major obstacles to such transfers are presented.

Caribbean Region↗
PubMed1990

[Hodgkin's disease in developing countries].

The presentation of Hodgkin's disease (HD) is not the same in western countries and in developing countries. In the latter HD remains a severe disease partly because of a delayed diagnosis. Pathology is less favorable, stages are more advanced. Young patients are even more afflicted. Despite difficulties to treat patients, oncologists have to move to treat as well as possible potentially curable disease in order to save many years of active life. HD would be a good model to promote multidisciplinary centers where patients could be cared and cured in the best conditions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Developing countries have their own characteristic problems with infection control.

Infection control in developing countries differs markedly from that in the developed countries. It is important that both local and international authorities take these differences into account when formulating policies for use in developing countries. This review examines these issues and sets out some suggestions for improvements. The advantages of involving local experts in the development of such policies are emphasized.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1993

Urgent need for a new approach to the diagnosis of tuberculosis in developing countries in the decade of AIDS.

In many developing countries with a high prevalence of both tuberculosis and HIV infection a dramatic increase of tuberculosis is seen. Our present ability to diagnose tuberculosis in developing countries has its limitations. This review article discusses old and new approaches to the diagnosis of tuberculosis and their value for developing countries.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2002

Preventing congenital anomalies in developing countries.

The birth prevalence of congenital anomalies in developing countries is similar to that observed in developed countries. However, the health impact of birth defects is higher because of a lack of adequate services for the care of affected infants and a higher rate of exposures to infections and malnutrition. A number of successful measures for the prevention of congenital anomalies are being taken in a number of developing nations. Primary prevention programs are based on public education about preconceptional and prenatal risks. Prevention based on reproduction options includes teratogen information services and prenatal screening for fetal anomalies. In addition, programs for the detection of congenital malformations at birth, followed by early treatment, are contributing to secondary prevention. Prevention of congenital anomalies in the developing world requires: (a) good epidemiological data on the prevalence and types of birth defects and genetic disorders; (b) educating health professionals in the goals and methods of preventing birth defects at low cost but with high impact, and (c) expansion of family planning and improvement of antenatal care combined with educational campaigns to avoid the risks for birth defects. The basis for public health preventive measures should be the primary health care level. In a sizable proportion of developing countries, the stage is already set for these measures to be implemented. Required are education, political will, and proper organization and allocation of resources.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Nutrition problems of hospitalised children in a developing country: Thailand.

Nutritional assessment reveals the nutritional status of a patient. It thereby helps identify each patient's need for specific nutritional care and facilitates early intervention. Generally, the common nutrition and nutrition-related problems in hospitalised paediatric patients are: protein energy malnutrition in various degrees; vitamin deficiencies such as A, B1, B2, niacin, folic acid, K and E; mineral deficiencies such as Zn, Fe, Ca, Mg, P, K and Na; essential fatty acid deficiencies; carbohydrate intolerance; maldigestion and malabsorption; and overweight and obesity. However, there is limited information about nutritional status of hospitalised patients in some countries, especially in developing countries. In Thailand, it was found that the prevalence of hospital malnutrition in children aged 1-15 years in the paediatric ward was similar (50-60%) to that of a study conducted 10 years earlier. In another study of micronutrients in 45 paediatric AIDS patients (aged 3-46 months), high prevalences of malnutrition, anaemia and mineral deficiencies were found. For convenience in clinical practice, body mass index (BMI) values for use as an indicator in the assessment of undernutrition in children whose heights are less than 145 cm have been published. These BMI values have been tested and retested using normal children and patients with various degrees of undernutrition and were found to be reliable and valid. Therefore, nutritional status must be assessed in all hospitalised patients. At the very least, weight and height (length) should be obtained.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Epidemiology of epilepsy in developing countries.

Epilepsy is an important health problem in developing countries, where its prevalence can be up to 57 per 1000 population. This article reviews the epidemiology of epilepsy in developing countries in terms of its incidence, prevalence, seizure type, mortality data, and etiological factors. The prevalence of epilepsy is particularly high in Latin America and in several African countries, notably Liberia, Nigeria, and the United Republic of Tanzania. Parasitic infections, particularly neurocysticercosis, are important etiological factors for epilepsy in many of these countries. Other reasons for the high prevalence include intracranial infections of bacterial or viral origin, perinatal brain damage, head injuries, toxic agents, and hereditary factors. Many of these factors are, however, preventable or modifiable, and the introduction of appropriate measures to achieve this could lead to a substantial decrease in the incidence of epilepsy in developing countries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Principles and problems of environmental pollution of groundwater resources with case examples from developing countries.

The principles and problems of environmental pollution and contamination are outlined. Emphasis is given to case examples from developing countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America with a comparative analysis to developed countries. The problems of pollution/contamination are widespread in developed countries but are gradually spreading from the urban to rural areas in the developing countries. Great efforts in research and control programs to check pollution-loading into the environment have been made in the industrialized countries, but only negligible actions have been taken in developing countries. Pollutants emanate from both point and distributed sources and have adversely affected both surface water and groundwaters. The influences of the geologic and hydrologic cycles that exacerbate the incidences of pollution/contamination have not been well understood by environmental planners and managers. Professionals in the different areas of pollution control projects, particularly in developing countries, lack the integrated multiobjective approaches and techniques in problem solving. Such countries as Nigeria, Kenya, Brazil, and India are now menaced by pollution hazards. Appropriate methods of control are hereby suggested.

Africa↗
PubMed2006

World Health Organization cancer priorities in developing countries.

The burden of cancer in developing countries is growing and threatens to exact a heavy morbidity, mortality, and economic cost in these countries in the next 20 years. The unfolding global public health dimensions of the cancer pandemic demand a widespread effective international response. The good news is that the majority of cancers in developing countries are preventable, and the efficacy of treatment can be improved with early detection. Currently, the knowledge exists to implement sound, evidence-based practices in cancer prevention, screening/early detection, treatment, and palliation. It is estimated that the information at hand could prevent up to one-third of new cancers and increase survival for another one-third of cancers detected at an early stage. To achieve this, knowledge must be translated into action. To facilitate the call to action in the fight against cancer, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a comprehensive approach to cancer control. The WHO has produced many valuable guidelines and resources for the effective implementation of national cancer control programs. Several milestones in the WHO's efforts include the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control, and global strategies for diet and exercise, reproductive health, and cervical cancer. This review examines the strategies and approaches that have successfully resulted into global action to confront the rising global burden of cancer in the developing world.

Developing Countries↗
PubMed1990

The engine or the caboose: health policy in developing countries.

A discussion of health policy in developing countries is presented. It argues that developing countries must adopt a progressive approach to health policy which rejects the two-tiered system of public and private health care. However, it also points out that ideology is not sufficient to maintain support. A progressive health system must utilize administrative and social and behavioral sciences to achieve effectiveness and efficiency in health care delivery. It cannot ignore these goals any more than a private health care system can.

Delivery of Health Care↗
PubMed1989

Overview and epidemiological assessment of the current global tuberculosis situation: with an emphasis on tuberculosis control in developing countries.

This paper reviews the global epidemiological situation to tuberculosis, with an emphasis on the disappointing tuberculosis control achievements in developing countries over the last three decades. It is concluded tht in low prevalence developed countries it will take at least 35-40 years to eliminate tuberculosis because of endogenous exacerbation in subjects remotely infected. In developing countries most of the estimated 4 million new smear-positive and 4 million new smear-negative and extra-pulmonary cases with some 2-3 million deaths from tuberculosis occur each year. It is evident that a low cure rate is the most important reason for failure of tuberculosis control programmes in poor developing countries. Canetti stressed the urgent need to develop chemotherapeutic methods adapted to the conditions prevailing in developing countries. Based on a 9-year experience in IUATLD-assisted national tuberculosis programmes in 10 developing countries, it became apparent that the basic chemotherapeutic regimen consisting of Thiazina (combined tablet of isoniazid and thiacetazone) for 12 months supplemented by streptomycin for the first 2 months is not suitable for achieving a high cure rate in those countries. A high cure rate (90%) under routine conditions can be achieved with an inexpensive 8-month short-course regimen with a 2-month strictly supervised initial intensive phase with daily isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and streptomycin, followed by 6 months of self-administered Thiazina daily. A substantial decrease in the risk of tuberculous infection in developing countries is essential, since we are facing their serious problems concerning tuberculosis with the increasing number of AIDS patients. BCG vaccination alone at least with the present type of vaccine, cannot substantially influence the epidemiological situation. It goes without saying that it should be applies to children to prevent tuberculosis whenever its use is justified for its purpose.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2004

Occupational health research in developing countries: a partner for social justice.

Occupational health remains neglected in developing countries because of competing social, economic, and political challenges. Occupational health research in developing countries should recognize the social and political context of work relations, especially the fact that the majority of developing countries lack the political mechanisms to translate scientific findings into effective policies. Researchers in the developing world can achieve tangible progress in promoting occupational health only if they end their professional isolation and examine occupational health in the broader context of social justice and national development in alliance with researchers from other disciplines. An occupational health research paradigm in developing countries should focus less on the workplace and more on the worker in his or her social context.

Developing Countries↗
PubMed1998

Quality improvement and the integrated management of childhood illness: lessons from developed countries.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund have launched a global initiative to reform the health care received by sick children in developing countries. The core of this initiative, known as Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), is a clinical practice guideline. The guideline addresses the case management of clinically ill children under the conditions typical of peripheral facilities, focusing on the most common serious conditions, such as pneumonia and malaria. WHO estimates that up to 70% of childhood deaths in developing countries are attributable to conditions addressed by IMCI. About 40 developing countries have made commitments to implementing IMCI in public-sector programs. QI STRATEGIES AND GUIDELINES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: Like other clinical guidelines, which are increasingly accepted in developing countries' health programs, IMCI raises difficult quality issues. High levels of guideline compliance are needed for IMCI to be effective. However, many developing countries have achieved relatively low levels of compliance with far simpler guidelines, such as those for diarrhea case management. Despite obvious differences, the experience of developed countries in quality improvement (QI) offers a wide range of promising strategies for IMCI, including (1) developing standards, (2) communicating those standards to providers, (3) monitoring quality and providing feedback, (4) team-based QI problem solving, (5) designing processes conducive to high levels of quality, and (6) regulating providers and institutions. MORE LESSONS FROM DEVELOPED COUNTRIES FOR IMCI: Only recently have QI strategies been adapted for use in developing countries, and virtually none of the early experience has dealt with IMCI. Indirect evidence suggests that a wide range of QI approaches will prove suitable for IMCI. However, it will be important to carefully evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early applications. The experience of developed countries also provides useful models for important issues that have not yet been addressed by the IMCI initiative. These issues include (1) the review and possible modification of the current guideline, (2) extending IMCI into the private sector through regulatory strategies, and (3) institutionalizing QI.

Case Management↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Overview and epidemiologic assessment of the current global tuberculosis situation with an emphasis on control in developing countries.

The global epidemiologic situation of tuberculosis is reviewed, with emphasis on the disappointing achievements in its control in developing countries over the last three decades. In developed countries where prevalence of tuberculosis is low, it will take at least 30-50 years to eliminate the disease because of exacerbation by individuals who acquire infection abroad. In developing countries, 2-3 million deaths will occur among the estimated 4 million new smear-positive and 4 million new smear-negative and extrapulmonary cases of tuberculosis. The low cure rate with standard chemotherapy is the chief reason for failure of tuberculosis control in developing countries. The basic chemotherapeutic regimen (streptomycin for 2 months then a combination of isoniazid and thiacetazone for 12 months) does not achieve a high cure rate in developing countries. Under routine conditions the cure rate is high (90%) with an inexpensive 8-month regimen consisting of 2 months of strictly supervised daily administration of isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and streptomycin and then 6 months of self-administration of a tablet containing both isoniazid and thiacetazone. A substantial decrease in the risk of tuberculous infection in developing countries is essential because of the increase in number of AIDS patients with tuberculosis. Vaccination alone, at least with the present vaccine, cannot substantially influence the epidemiologic situation but should be continued for children when its use is justified for prevention.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2004

The opportunities and obstacles to collaboration between the developing and developed countries in the field of occupational health.

The 2.4 billion working people in the developing countries often have to endure employment conditions, which do not meet even basic occupational safety and health (OSH) standards. The lack of work safety, excessive work loads, and occupational physical, chemical and biological exposures result in occupational diseases, injuries and as many as 1.2 million fatalities each year. Furthermore, as little as 15% of workers in the developing countries have access to occupational health and safety services. Some collaboration between the industrialized and developing countries in the field of OSH has been practiced for 30 years but its volume has been modest compared to other sectors of development assistance. The lessons learned from 30 years of experience are that the most important OSH improving factors in developing countries include legal and policy instruments, national OSH programs, infrastructure for OSH implementation, and OSH services. The establishment of OSH expert human resources, centers serving as engines for research, training, as well as information and registration systems can also be considered as key factors in any such collaboration. A convincing government OSH policy, and close cooperation between social partners and the government are also critical factors that guarantee sustainable OSH programs in a developing country over a long-term basis.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2006

Adverse perinatal conditions in hearing-impaired children in a developing country.

Prevailing adverse perinatal conditions in developing countries have been associated with substantial mortality, but little evidence exists on their impact on permanent childhood disabilities and morbidity due to limitations in clinical investigations and medical records. This study aims to identify the possible association between parent-reported adverse perinatal conditions and permanent hearing loss, in order to establish service needs within current maternal and child health programmes. Structured questionnaires were administered to 363 parents of deaf children and 309 parents of normal-hearing children in an inner city area of Lagos, Nigeria. The parents were from all social classes. After a multivariable logistic regression analysis, birth asphyxia [OR 20.45; 95% CI 6.26, 66.85], difficult delivery [OR 8.09; 95% CI 2.76, 23.68], neonatal jaundice [OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.25, 4.79] and neonatal seizures [OR 2.30; 95% CI 1.09, 4.85] were associated with permanent hearing loss. Consanguineous marriages [OR 6.69; 95% CI 2.72, 16.46] and family history of deafness [OR 6.27; 95% CI 2.07, 18.97] also emerged as additional risk factors for permanent hearing loss. In addition, parents of children in state-owned schools for the deaf were significantly more likely to belong to higher social classes compared with normal-hearing children in mainstream state-owned schools. There is a need to incorporate services for the early detection of permanent hearing loss into current maternal and child healthcare programmes in developing countries.

Asphyxia Neonatorum↗
PubMed1984

Assessment and implementation of health care priorities in developing countries; incompatible paradigms and competing social systems.

This paper addresses conceptual issues underlying the assessment and implementation of health care priorities in developing countries as practised by foreign development agencies coping with a potentially destabilizing unmet social demand. As such, these agencies mediate the gap between existing health care structures patterned around the narrow needs of the ruling classes and the magnitude of public ill-health mass movements thrive to eradicate with implications for capitalism at large. It is in this context that foreign agencies are shown to intervene for the re-assessment and implementation of health care priorities in developing countries with the objective of defending capitalism against the delegitimizing effects of its own development, specifically the persistence of mass disease. Constrained by this objective, the interpretations they offer of the miserable state of health prevailing in developing countries and how it could be improved remains ideological: it ranges between 'stage theory' and modern consumption-production Malthusianism. (a) Developing countries are entering into a new pattern of public health which derives from their unique location in the development of capitalism, more specifically in the new international division of labor. Their present position affects not only the pattern and magnitude of disease formation but also the effective alleviation of mass disease without an alteration in the mode of production itself. (b) In the context of under-development, increased productivity is at the necessary cost of public health. Orienting health care priorities in line with belief in the instrumentality of profit for eradicating the diseases of under-development is ideological and counterproductive. Public health improvement is basically incompatible with production-consumption Malthusianism from which the leading 'Basic Needs' orientation in the assessment and implementation of health care priorities derives. Marx said that "Countries of developing capitalism suffer not only from its development but also from its under-development". Rephrasing Marx, this paper points out that developing countries suffer not only from the under-development of capitalism but also from its development.

Delivery of Health Care↗