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Review
. 2016 Nov 10;14(1):81.
doi: 10.1186/s12961-016-0153-9.

Mapping genetic research in non-communicable disease publications in selected Arab countries: first step towards a guided research agenda

Zeina Jamaluddine  1 , Abla Mehio Sibai  2 , Shahd Othman  2 , Soha Yazbek  3
Affiliations
Review

Mapping genetic research in non-communicable disease publications in selected Arab countries: first step towards a guided research agenda

Zeina Jamaluddine et al. Health Res Policy Syst. .

Abstract

Background: In the Arab world, intervention and policy response to non-communicable diseases (NCD) has been weak despite extensive epidemiological evidence highlighting the alarmingly increased prevalence of chronic diseases. Generating genetic information is one key component to promote efficient disease management strategies. This study undertook a scoping review to generate the profile of the undertaken research on genetics of NCD publications in selected Arab countries. An analysis of the research produced examined the extent, range, nature, topic and methods of published research. The study aimed at identifying the gaps in genetic NCD research to inform policy action for NCD prevention and control.

Methods: The scoping review was conducted based on the five-stage methodological framework and included countries in Arab region selected to represent various economies and epidemiological transitions.

Results: The search identified 555 articles that focus on genetics-NCD research in the selected Arab countries over the duration of this study (January 2000 to December 2013). The most commonly conducted research was descriptive and clinically focused, rather than etiologically focused. Country-specific carrier and risk screening studies were not among the top research designs. The genetic component of certain highly heritable diseases, as well as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, chronic lung dysfunction and metabolic syndrome were all under investigated.

Conclusions: This scoping review identified gaps for further research in the context of bioinformatics and genome-wide association studies. Genetic research in the Arab region has to be redirected towards NCDs with the highest morbidity, heritability and health burden within each country. A focused research plan to include community genetics is required for its proper integration in the Arab community.

Keywords: Arab world; Genetic research; Non-communicable diseases; Scoping review.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Literature search flow
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Rates of genetic NCD research and impact factor in selected Arab countries. a Studies published per million capita. b Mean impact factor. *P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant when compared to the country with the highest mean impact factor (Lebanon)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Trends in genetic NCD research publications by time and country. a Trend in percent of genetic NCD research published per year from 2010 until 2013. b Trends of genetic NCD research publication from 2011 until 2013 by country
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Study type and methods used in genetic NCD research in selected Arab countries. a Study designs in total and per country. b Mean impact factor by study designs. c Descriptive and etiologically focused clinical studies. d Genetic methodologies. *P < 0.05 as statistically significant
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Comparison between percent genetic NCD publications and range percentages of disease heritability
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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