Lessons learned in the provision NCD primary care to Syrian refugee and host communities in Lebanon: the need to 'act locally and think globally'. (25th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sibai, Abla M; Najem Kteily, Martine; Barazi, Rana; Chartouni, Mia; Ghanem, Maguy; Afifi, Rima A
• Is Part Of: Journal of public health. Volume 42:Number 3(2020:Sep.)
• Page Start: e361
• Page End: e368
• Publication Date: 2019-11-25
• Subjects: emergency -- humanitarian -- Lebanon -- NCD -- older adult -- refugees -- Syria; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdz096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-3842

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain inadequate in resource-scarce countries, particularly in conflict situations. This paper describes a multicomponent intervention for management of hypertension and diabetes among older adult Syrian refugees and the Lebanese host community and reflects on challenges for scaling up NCD integration into primary care in humanitarian situations. Methods: Using a mixed method approach, the study focused on monitoring and evaluation of the three components of the intervention: healthcare physical facilities and documentation processes, provider knowledge and guideline-concordant performance, and refugee and host community awareness. Results: Findings revealed overall high compliance of healthcare workers with completing data collection forms. Their knowledge of basic aspects of hypertension/diabetes management was adequate, but diagnosis knowledge was low. Patients and healthcare providers voiced satisfaction with the program. Yet, interruptions in medicines' supplies and lapses in care were perceived by all study groups alike as the most problematic aspect of the program. Conclusions: Our intervention program was aligned with internationally agreed-upon practices, yet, our experiences in the field point to the need for more 'local testing' of modified interventions within such contexts. This can then inform 'thinking globally' on guidelines for the delivery of NCD care in crisis settings.