Health services to groups with special needs in the Arab world: a review

Abstract

This paper examines the health services provided to the older population (especially those with physical limitations) and the people with mental illnesses in Arab countries and their evolution over the past 3 decades. The paper reviews utilization issues related to morbidity, transportation, patient-provider relationship, cost, stigma and organizational barriers that often impede access and compliance with the care provided or recommended. Health systems in the region need to acknowledge the specific needs of these patients in their national programmes. Raising awareness is an important step in this regard. RÉSUMÉ Le présent article a examiné les services de santé fournis à la population de personnes âgées (en particulier celles affectées par des handicaps physiques) et aux personnes souffrant de maladies mentales dans les pays arabes, ainsi que leur évolution au cours des trente dernières années. La recherche a analysé l'utilisation des services en relation avec la morbidité, les transports, la relation patient-prestataire, le coût, la stigmatisation et les obstacles d'ordre organisationnel qui empêchent souvent l'accès aux soins fournis ou recommandés et leur observance. Les systèmes de santé dans la région doivent prendre en compte les besoins particuliers de ces patients dans leurs programmes nationaux. La sensibilisation est une étape importante à cet égard.

Public, environmental, and occupational health research activity in Arab countries: bibliometric, citation, and collaboration analysis

“…In addition, the momentum for research activity needs to be maintained through continuous analysis of publications from researchers in the region to provide feedback to academic, health institutions and education planners. Finally, in Arab countries, health priorities are changing [73][74][75][76][77][78] which necessitates periodic assessments of health challenges and progress in health research especially when political and humanitarian challenges are dominating the scene in many Arab countries [79][80][81][82][83].…”

Delivery of health services in Arab countries: a review

“…This paper, the third in a series of five reviews [1][2][3][4], highlights developments that have occurred in the various components of the delivery of health services in the Arab region. Particular attention is paid to the increasing role of the private sector in the delivery of care, in treatment abroad ("medical tourism"), as well as to the various attempts at decentralization of health care management in order to increase the autonomy of health facilities.…”

Access and barriers to health care delivery in Arab countries: a review

“…Despite differences in health system size, structure and financing, evidence suggests that across the region particular sections of the population are disproportionately affected by barriers to accessing health care [1]. This paper, the fourth in series of reviews about health services in the Arab region [2][3][4][5], will attempt to identify and analyse barriers to accessing and utilization of health care, particularly for vulnerable people.…”