The contribution of Cyprus to non-communicable diseases and biomedical research from 2002 to 2013: implications for evidence-based health policy

Abstract

BackgroundNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of disease burden and mortality at the European level and in Cyprus. This research was conducted to map the research activities of Cypriot institutions in five NCDs, namely oncology, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, mental health and respiratory conditions.MethodsFor the period 2002–2013, research in Cyprus was assessed on its biomedical outputs and compared to the rest of Europe relative to their GDP. The research output in the five NCDs was obtained and contrasted to their respective disease burdens. The results from each of the five NCDs showed the amount of cross-country collaboration with other researchers from other European countries and from the rest of the world, and the research level of the papers on a clinical to basic scale. For each NCD field the research application was assessed, whereas for oncology the research type was also assessed. Information was collected on the development of clinical guidelines, on Cypriot newspapers reporting on medical and policy documents and advisory committees’ output as well as research and funding organisations available in Cyprus, for potential evaluation of impact in health policy on the five NCDs.ResultsCypriot biomedical research output appeared appropriate in volume compared with its wealth and the expected value from a regression line for other European countries. However, it was focused particularly on the molecular mechanisms of transmittable or hereditary diseases, rather than on the five NCDs. Cyprus performs well in palliative care, which receives funding from several local charities and other non-profit organisations. Cyprus has the highest relative burden from diabetes in Europe, but the subject is largely neglected by researchers. Similarly, it suffers more from mental disorders than most of the rest of Europe, but the amount of research is relatively small. Respiratory conditions research is under-funded and under-researched too.ConclusionsThe biomedical research portfolio in Cyprus is adequate in volume, but not well fitted to its pattern of disease. The means whereby research can be used to improve healthcare in the country are also unsatisfactory, although the Ministry of Health is now developing a comprehensive plan which will include the development of clinical guidelines and proposals for the evaluation of how healthcare is delivered on the island.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12961-018-0355-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Re-engineering the Cypriot healthcare service system

“…Recently, it was demonstrated that CPGs in oncology differ in their underlying evidence-base due to the temporal and geographical discrepancies of cited evidence [21]. More recently, it was shown that Cyprus is lagging behind the development of clinical practice guidelines [22]. Our findings are in agreement with these findings.…”

“…An example is the requirement for investment in lifestyle or behavioural interventions. It was recently shown that Cyprus has the highest relative burden from diabetes in Europe, according to the World Health Organisation, and it was found that the topic however is seriously under-researched [22]. The organisations conducting research on diabetes are University of Nicosia, Nicosia General Hospital and the University of Cyprus followed by the European University, Ygeia Polyclinic and seven other Cypriot institutions.…”

Mapping the burden of diabetes in five small countries in Europe and setting the agenda for health policy and strategic action

“…Although the island has are no clinical practice guidelines, the specialists follow European guidance or that of the UK. Cyprus has a high diabetes prevalence, but the amount of research done in the field is not appropriate to the needs of the population [27]. In Cyprus, individuals suffering from diabetes are entitled to a holistic healthcare service that includes free medication and consultations.…”

Burden of non-communicable diseases in Cyprus, 1990–2017: findings from the Global Burden of Disease 2017 study

“…A 2018 World Health Organization (WHO) report revealed that NCDs accounted for over 90% of all deaths in the Cypriot population [1]. Markedly, neoplasms accounted for 19% of all deaths in Cyprus [2]. Moreover, the prevalence of diabetes in the Cypriot population was estimated to be 10% which is slightly higher compared to the prevalence of diabetes in other EU countries [3].…”