Non-communicable diseases and war injuries in Palestine : burden, incidence and management in the health system

Background: The epidemics of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and war-related injuries are a significant health concerns, and are rapidly emerging as major causes of mortality and disability globally, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Palestine. Health research on the epidemiology and management of NCDs and war injuries is scarce and largely neglected. Therefore, this research responds to epidemiologic and public health concerns due to the increasing incidences of NCDs and war-injuries. The objective of this thesis was to describe, characterize and analyze the burden, incidence and management of NCDs and war-related injuries in the Palestinian health system (PHS). Methods: A combination of methods was employed in the research, including quantitative (study I and II), and qualitative approaches (study III and IV) in order to achieve the study aims and to gain a better understanding of NCDs and war injuries related issues in the PHS. For study I, the Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) framework was employed using available registry data of NCDs from 2010 to quantify the burden of NCDs, whereas, for study II a registry injuries data of the 2014 Gaza war was used to analyze the incidence and patterns of war injuries in the PHS. For study III, a qualitative focus group strategy was used to explore healthcare providers’ perspectives on NCDs and war injuries management and for study IV, a qualitative interview strategy was applied, using study topic guides to explore patients and policy makers’ perspectives of barriers to managing and delivering of care to war injured survivors or patients with NCDs. The participants were purposely selected and invited to be involved in the focus group discussions and interviews. The qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using manifest content and thematic analysis in study III and IV respectively. Results: The research concludes that the total burden of reported NCDs was estimated at 57