Abstract
BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has some major implications on many countries to achieve universal health coverage. This study aimed to investigate the implementation of Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), which is used to assess the risk factors of NCDs among children and adolescents in the eastern Mediterranean region (EMR).MethodsThis study was a meta-analysis and systematic literature review of 2001–2018 published studies, which were found by searching PubMed, Google Scholar, WHO, and CDC databases. In this study, the target group was students aged between 13 and 17 years old. GSHS implementation as well as risk factors of NCDs were compared across different countries. The random-effect model for meta-analysis was considered at 95% confidence interval.ResultIn the EMR, 19 countries have implemented GSHS at least once following the survey manual (37 surveys). Overall, 201,795 students were included in our analysis. The overall estimation prevalence rateof the overweight was 24.5% (20.6–28.8), obesity was 7.3% (5.4–9.5), insufficient physical activity was 82.4% (80.7–84.1), tobacco usage was 14.3% (10.53–18.67), and smoking was 9.6% (8.1–11.3), respectively. Among those aged 13 to 17 years old, these rates were estimated as 19.8 (13.2–27.3), 9.7 (6.2–14.0), 86.1 (84.1–87.9), 17.8 (11.8–24.7), and 11.5 (9.4–13.8), respectively.ConclusionGSHS has been widely implemented across EMR countries. Using nationally representative data, the results show that more efforts are needed to target the NCDs risk factors among adolescents in the region.
Highlights
The increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has some major implications on many countries to achieve universal health coverage
Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) has been widely implemented across eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) countries
The results show that more efforts are needed to target the NCDs risk factors among adolescents in the region
Summary
The increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has some major implications on many countries to achieve universal health coverage. This study aimed to investigate the implementation of Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), which is used to assess the risk factors of NCDs among children and adolescents in the eastern Mediterranean region (EMR). This approach has three steps for data collection, including performing the questionnaire-based assessment, biochemical measurements, and laboratory measurements [6] In this regard, it is recommended to conduct GSHS every 3 to 5 years [7]. This study aimed at examining the implementation status of GSHS in the EMR, comparing prevalence rates of NCD risk factors, including alcohol and tobacco abuse, obesity and overweight (inappropriate dietary behaviors), and physical activity among EMR countries as well as estimating an overall value for each one of these indicators in adolescents aged between 13 and 15 and between 13 and 17 years old, using the metaanalysis method
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
