Israel Ministry of Health

About: Israel Ministry of Health is a government organization based out in Jerusalem, Israel. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 1633 authors who have published 2108 publications receiving 65387 citations.

Molecular Characterization of Tickborne Relapsing Fever Borrelia, Israel

Abstract: Blood samples from 18 tickborne relapsing fever (TBRF) patients and Ornithodoros tholozani specimens were tested with a Borrelia flaB-PCR. Results were positive for all patients and 2%–40% of ticks. A 7–amino acid gap characterized all 9 sequenced flagellin gene amplicons. By phylogenetic analysis, Israel TBRF Borrelia sequences clustered separately from American and African groups.

Psychiatric services and training for children and adolescents in Europe: Results of a country survey

Abstract: Mental health budgets, services and programs are seldom commensurate with mental health needs in the countries, particularly of population groups whose voice in advocacy is weak. In this inquiry we explored the adequacy of mental health care resources available for the young in Europe. To achieve this objective this survey investigated a few variables (e. g., number of services, degree of coverage, trained personnel) that were used as gross indicators of the discrimination suffered by this health sector. We sent a short postal questionnaire to the mental health focal points of the 51 countries included in the World Health Organization European Region. Thirty six countries (70.5 %) responded. The results showed that the degree of coverage and quality of services for the young were generally worse in comparison with those for adults, including for serious disorders. A lack of both specialized and in-training personnel was identified. The exposure of general practitioners and pediatricians to psychiatry for the young was limited. Generally, the lower the income level of the country the worse the situation. Our mapping confirmed findings of previous inquiries. European child psychiatry leaders had raised a set of recommendations to improve the current situation; their implementation can now benefit from novel strategies adopted by the World Health Organization to advance mental health worldwide.

Determinants of Disordered Eating Behaviors among Israeli Adolescent Girls

Abstract: Eating behaviors were assessed by a modified SCOFF questionnaire in a National representative cross-sectional study among 2978 Israeli schoolgirls. The mean age was 14.7. Thirty percent met the criteria for disordered eating. Being Jewish or underweight reduced the odds for disordered eating. The following increased the risk: dieting, early onset of menarche, being overweight or obese, and suffering from constipation. School socio-economic status, physical activity, and smoking status were not contributory. These results help identify possible interventions to prevent the development of disordered eating behaviors.

A Nation-Wide Study on the Percentage of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Patients Who Earn Minimum Wage or Above

Abstract: Objective Although it is undisputable that patients with severe mental illness have impaired ability to work, the extent of this is unclear. This is a nation-wide, cross-sectional survey of patients who have been hospitalized with severe mental illness earning minimum wage or above. Method Data from the Israeli Psychiatric Hospitalization Case Registry were linked with nation-wide data from the National Insurance Institute (the equivalent of US Social Security) on personal income. Hospitalization data were obtained on all consecutive admissions to any psychiatric hospital in the country between 1990-2008 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, other nonaffective psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder (N = 35 673). Earning minimum wage or more was defined as earning at least 1000 USD/month, which was equivalent to minimum wage in Israel in December 2010. Results The percentages of patients with only 1 admission who were earning minimum wage or above in December 2010 were as follows: 10.6% of patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia; 21.6% of patients with a diagnosis of nonaffective psychotic disorders; and 24.2% of patients with bipolar disorder. The percentages of patients with multiple admissions who were earning minimum wage or above were as follows: 5.8% of patients with schizophrenia; 11.2% of patients with nonaffective psychotic disorders; and 19.9% of patients with bipolar disorder. Conclusions Despite potential confounders, the results indicate that patients with schizophrenia, nonaffective psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder have a poor employment outcome, even if they have only been admitted once. These results emphasize the importance of improving interventions to re-integrate these individuals into the work force.

Allergic reactions to insect stings: Results from a national survey of 10,000 junior high school children in Israel

Abstract: Background Insect sting allergy is a medical condition the magnitude of which has not been fully estimated in children. Objectives We sought to evaluate the prevalence of insect stings among schoolchildren in Israel, the rate of allergic reactions, and hospital attendance. Methods A self-report questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood was administered to a national sample of schoolchildren aged 13 to 14 years across Israel. Questions regarding insect stings, allergic reactions, and hospital attendance were added. Results Ten thousand twenty-one questionnaires were available for analysis. Most (56.3%) had been stung at least once in their lifetime. Of these, 20.5% had a large local reaction (LLR), 11.6% had a mild (cutaneous) systemic reaction (MSR), and 4.4% had a moderate-to-severe systemic reaction (SSR); 11.5%, 6.5%, and 2.5% of the study group, respectively. Arabs had significantly more allergic reactions of all 3 types than Jews (P Conclusions The frequency of reported allergic sting reactions in children might be higher than previously estimated. Arab children reported significantly more allergic reactions than Jews. Hospital attendance does not correlate with the severity of the allergic reaction, and only a minority of children with SSRs are treated in hospital. Clinical implications The improper care of severe reactions highlights the need for better public and physician education.