World Health Organization

About: World Health Organization is a government organization based out in Islamabad, Pakistan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 13330 authors who have published 22232 publications receiving 1322023 citations. The organization is also known as: World Health Organisation & WHO.

Active ageing: a policy framework.

Abstract: The paper reflects the message of the WHO Policy Framework on Active Ageing. The Policy Framework is intended to inform discussion and the formation of action plans that promote healthy and active ageing. It was developed by WHO's Ageing and Life Course Programme as a contribution to the Second United Nations World Assembly on Ageing held in April 2002. The paper presents the challenge of rapid ageing population, especially in developing countries. And it discusses the concept and the rational of the active ageing. Policy Responses to this challenge are identify in the final part of the paper.

The Long-Term Health Consequences of Child Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, and Neglect: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Background: Child sexual abuse is considered a modifiable risk factor for mental disorders across the life course. However the long-term consequences of other forms of child maltreatment have not yet been systematically examined. The aim of this study was to summarise the evidence relating to the possible relationship between child physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect, and subsequent mental and physical health outcomes. Methods and Findings: A systematic review was conducted using the Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO electronic databases up to 26 June 2012. Published cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies that examined non-sexual child maltreatment as a risk factor for loss of health were included. All meta-analyses were based on quality-effects models. Out of 285 articles assessed for eligibility, 124 studies satisfied the pre-determined inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Statistically significant associations were observed between physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect and depressive disorders (physical abuse [odds ratio (OR)=1.54; 95% CI 1.16–2.04], emotional abuse [OR=3.06; 95% CI 2.43–3.85], and neglect [OR=2.11; 95% CI 1.61–2.77]); drug use (physical abuse [OR=1.92; 95% CI 1.67–2.20], emotional abuse [OR=1.41; 95% CI 1.11–1.79], and neglect [OR=1.36; 95% CI 1.21–1.54]); suicide attempts (physical abuse [OR=3.40; 95% CI 2.17–5.32], emotional abuse [OR=3.37; 95% CI 2.44–4.67], and neglect [OR=1.95; 95% CI 1.13–3.37]); and sexually transmitted infections and risky sexual behaviour (physical abuse [OR=1.78; 95% CI 1.50–2.10], emotional abuse [OR=1.75; 95% CI 1.49– 2.04], and neglect [OR=1.57; 95% CI 1.39–1.78]). Evidence for causality was assessed using Bradford Hill criteria. While suggestive evidence exists for a relationship between maltreatment and chronic diseases and lifestyle risk factors, more research is required to confirm these relationships. Conclusions: This overview of the evidence suggests a causal relationship between non-sexual child maltreatment and a range of mental disorders, drug use, suicide attempts, sexually transmitted infections, and risky sexual behaviour. All forms of child maltreatment should be considered important risks to health with a sizeable impact on major contributors to the burden of disease in all parts of the world. The awareness of the serious long-term consequences of child maltreatment should encourage better identification of those at risk and the development of effective interventions to protect children from violence. Please see later in the article for the Editors’ Summary.

Evidence-Based Health Policy--Lessons from the Global Burden of Disease Study

Abstract: The Global Burden of Disease Study, a comprehensive regional and global assessment of mortality and disability from 107 diseases and injuries and 10 risk factors, is an example of an evidence-based input to public health policy debate. The study, which includes projections of the burden through the year 2020, uses the disability-adjusted life year as a composite measure of years of life lost due to premature mortality and years lived with disability. Future patterns of death and disability are likely to change dramatically because of aging of the world9s population, the epidemic of tobacco-related disease, the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic, and the likely reduction in death rates from communicable diseases in children.