Prevalence data of respiratory diseases (RDs) in Central Asia (CA) and Russia are contrasting. To inform future research needs and assist government and clinical policy on RDs, an up-to-date overview is required. We aimed to review the prevalence and economic burden of RDs in CA and Russia. PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for studies that reported prevalence and/or economic burden of RDs (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung diseases (ILD), lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and tuberculosis (TB)) in CA (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan) and Russia. A total of 25 articles (RD prevalence: 18; economics: 7) were included. The majority (n = 12), mostly from Russia, reported on TB. TB prevalence declined over the last 20 years, to less than 100 per 100,000 across Russia and CA, yet in those, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) was alarming high (newly treated: 19–26%, previously treated: 60–70%). COPD, asthma (2–15%) and ILD (0.006%) prevalence was only reported for Russia and Kazakhstan. No studies on cystic fibrosis, lung cancer and pulmonary hypertension were found. TB costs varied between US$400 (Tajikistan) and US$900 (Russia) for drug-susceptible TB to ≥US$10,000 for MDR-TB (Russia). Non-TB data were scarce and inconsistent. Especially in CA, more research into the prevalence and burden of RDs is needed.
In: Tabyshova , A , Emilov , B , Postma , M J , Chavannes , N H , Sooronbaev , T & van Boven , J F M 2020 , ' Prevalence and Economic Burden of Respiratory Diseases in Central Asia and Russia : A Systematic Review ' , International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , vol. 17 , no. 20 , 7483 , pp. 1-13 . https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207483 ; ISSN:1661-7827
Prevalence data of respiratory diseases (RDs) in Central Asia (CA) and Russia are contrasting. To inform future research needs and assist government and clinical policy on RDs, an up-to-date overview is required. We aimed to review the prevalence and economic burden of RDs in CA and Russia. PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for studies that reported prevalence and/or economic burden of RDs (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung diseases (ILD), lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and tuberculosis (TB)) in CA (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan) and Russia. A total of 25 articles (RD prevalence: 18; economics: 7) were included. The majority (n = 12), mostly from Russia, reported on TB. TB prevalence declined over the last 20 years, to less than 100 per 100,000 across Russia and CA, yet in those, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) was alarming high (newly treated: 19-26%, previously treated: 60-70%). COPD, asthma (2-15%) and ILD (0.006%) prevalence was only reported for Russia and Kazakhstan. No studies on cystic fibrosis, lung cancer and pulmonary hypertension were found. TB costs varied between US$400 (Tajikistan) and US$900 (Russia) for drug-susceptible TB to ≥US$10,000 for MDR-TB (Russia). Non-TB data were scarce and inconsistent. Especially in CA, more research into the prevalence and burden of RDs is needed.
Aizhamal Tabyshova,1,2 Bermet Estebesova,3,4 Alina Beishenbekova,5 Talant Sooronbaev,1 Evelyn A Brakema,6 Niels H Chavannes,6 Maarten J Postma,2,7– 9 Job FM van Boven10 1Pulmonology Department, National Center of Cardiology and Internal Medicine Named After M.M. Mirrakhimov, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; 2Department of Health Sciences, Unit of Global Health, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; 3Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University (KRSU), Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; 4Primary Care Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; 5International Medical University, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; 6Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; 7Department of Economics, Econometrics & Finance, University of Groningen, Faculty of Economics & Business, Groningen, The Netherlands; 8Department of Pharmacology & Therapy, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia; 9Center of Excellence in Higher Education for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia; 10University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, The NetherlandsCorrespondence: Aizhamal TabyshovaPulmonology Department, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Togolok Moldo st. 3, Bishkek, 720040, KyrgyzstanEmail aljimon@mail.ruBackground: COPD prevalence and mortality in Kyrgyzstan are high. Data on clinical and economic impact of COPD in Kyrgyzstan are scarce. This study was part of the FRESH AIR research project that focused on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic lung diseases in low-resource settings.Aim: We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns and economic burden of COPD in Kyrgyzstan.Methods: A representative sample of patients with a spirometry-confirmed diagnosis of COPD was included. All patients were registered in one of the five major hospitals in Kyrgyzstan. Patients were surveyed on COPD risk factors, health-care utilization and patient reported outcomes (CCQ, MRC). Associations with high symptom burden (MRC score ≥ 4) and cost were assessed using logistic regression analyses.Results: A total of 306 patients were included with mean age 62.1 (SD: 11.2), 61.4% being male, mean BMI 26.9 (SD: 5.2) and mean monthly income $85.1 (SD: 75.4). Biomass was used for heating and cooking by 71.2% and 52.0%. Current and ex-smokers accounted 14.1% and 32%. Mean FEV1 was 46% (SD: 12.8), 71.9% had COPD GOLD III–IV and most frequent co-morbidities were hypertension (25.2%), diabetes (5.6%) and heart diseases (4.6%). Mean CCQ score was 2.0 (SD: 0.9) and MRC score 3.7 (SD: 0.9). Yearly mean number of hospital days due to COPD was 10.1 (SD: 3.9). Total annual per-patient costs of reimbursed health-care utilization ($107) and co-payments ($224, ie, 22% of patients' annual income) were $331. We found that only GOLD IV and hypertension were significantly associated with high symptom burden. Exacerbations and hypertension were significantly associated with high cost.Conclusion: The clinical and economic burden of COPD on patients and the government in Kyrgyzstan is considerable. Notably, almost half of interviewed patients were current or ex-smokers and biomass exposure was high.Keywords: COPD, clinical characteristics, economics, healthcare utilization, Kyrgyzstan
BACKGROUND: COPD prevalence and mortality in Kyrgyzstan are high. Data on clinical and economic impact of COPD in Kyrgyzstan are scarce. This study was part of the FRESH AIR research project that focused on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic lung diseases in low-resource settings. AIM: We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns and economic burden of COPD in Kyrgyzstan. METHODS: A representative sample of patients with a spirometry-confirmed diagnosis of COPD was included. All patients were registered in one of the five major hospitals in Kyrgyzstan. Patients were surveyed on COPD risk factors, health-care utilization and patient reported outcomes (CCQ, MRC). Associations with high symptom burden (MRC score ≥4) and cost were assessed using logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 306 patients were included with mean age 62.1 (SD: 11.2), 61.4% being male, mean BMI 26.9 (SD: 5.2) and mean monthly income $85.1 (SD: 75.4). Biomass was used for heating and cooking by 71.2% and 52.0%. Current and ex-smokers accounted 14.1% and 32%. Mean FEV(1) was 46% (SD: 12.8), 71.9% had COPD GOLD III–IV and most frequent co-morbidities were hypertension (25.2%), diabetes (5.6%) and heart diseases (4.6%). Mean CCQ score was 2.0 (SD: 0.9) and MRC score 3.7 (SD: 0.9). Yearly mean number of hospital days due to COPD was 10.1 (SD: 3.9). Total annual per-patient costs of reimbursed health-care utilization ($107) and co-payments ($224, ie, 22% of patients' annual income) were $331. We found that only GOLD IV and hypertension were significantly associated with high symptom burden. Exacerbations and hypertension were significantly associated with high cost. CONCLUSION: The clinical and economic burden of COPD on patients and the government in Kyrgyzstan is considerable. Notably, almost half of interviewed patients were current or ex-smokers and biomass exposure was high.
In: Tabyshova , A , Estebesova , B , Beishenbekova , A , Sooronbaev , T , Brakema , E A , Chavannes , N H , Postma , M J & van Boven , J F M 2021 , ' Clinical Characteristics, Treatment Patterns and Economic Burden of COPD in Kyrgyzstan : A FRESH AIR Study ' , International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease , vol. 16 , pp. 2833-2843 . https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S322778 ; ISSN:1176-9106
Background: COPD prevalence and mortality in Kyrgyzstan are high. Data on clinical and economic impact of COPD in Kyrgyzstan are scarce. This study was part of the FRESH AIR research project that focused on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic lung diseases in low-resource settings. Aim: We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns and economic burden of COPD in Kyrgyzstan. Methods: A representative sample of patients with a spirometry-confirmed diagnosis of COPD was included. All patients were registered in one of the five major hospitals in Kyrgyzstan. Patients were surveyed on COPD risk factors, health-care utilization and patient reported outcomes (CCQ, MRC). Associations with high symptom burden (MRC score ≥4) and cost were assessed using logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 306 patients were included with mean age 62.1 (SD: 11.2), 61.4% being male, mean BMI 26.9 (SD: 5.2) and mean monthly income $85.1 (SD: 75.4). Biomass was used for heating and cooking by 71.2% and 52.0%. Current and ex-smokers accounted 14.1% and 32%. Mean FEV1 was 46% (SD: 12.8), 71.9% had COPD GOLD III-IV and most frequent co-morbidities were hypertension (25.2%), diabetes (5.6%) and heart diseases (4.6%). Mean CCQ score was 2.0 (SD: 0.9) and MRC score 3.7 (SD: 0.9). Yearly mean number of hospital days due to COPD was 10.1 (SD: 3.9). Total annual per-patient costs of reimbursed health-care utilization ($107) and co-payments ($224, ie, 22% of patients' annual income) were $331. We found that only GOLD IV and hypertension were significantly associated with high symptom burden. Exacerbations and hypertension were significantly associated with high cost. Conclusion: The clinical and economic burden of COPD on patients and the government in Kyrgyzstan is considerable. Notably, almost half of interviewed patients were current or ex-smokers and biomass exposure was high.
In: FRESH AIR Collaborators , Brakema , E A , Tabyshova , A , van der Kleij , R M J J , Sooronbaev , T , Lionis , C , Anastasaki , M , Pham Le An , T , Luan Than Nguyen , , Kirenga , B , Walusimbi , S , Postma , M J , Chavannes , N H & van Boven , J F M 2019 , ' The socioeconomic burden of chronic lung disease in low-resource settings across the globe - an observational FRESH AIR study ' , Respiratory Research , vol. 20 , no. 1 , 291 . https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-019-1255-z ; ISSN:1465-9921
BACKGROUND: Low-resource settings are disproportionally burdened by chronic lung disease due to early childhood disadvantages and indoor/outdoor air pollution. However, data on the socioeconomic impact of respiratory diseases in these settings are largely lacking. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the chronic lung disease-related socioeconomic burden in diverse low-resource settings across the globe. To inform governmental and health policy, we focused on work productivity and activity impairment and its modifiable clinical and environmental risk factors. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional, observational FRESH AIR study in Uganda, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, and Greece. We assessed the chronic lung disease-related socioeconomic burden using validated questionnaires among spirometry-diagnosed COPD and/or asthma patients (total N = 1040). Predictors for a higher burden were studied using multivariable linear regression models including demographics (e.g. age, gender), health parameters (breathlessness, comorbidities), and risk factors for chronic lung disease (smoking, solid fuel use). We applied identical models per country, which we subsequently meta-analyzed. RESULTS: Employed patients reported a median [IQR] overall work impairment due to chronic lung disease of 30% [1.8-51.7] and decreased productivity (presenteeism) of 20.0% [0.0-40.0]. Remarkably, work time missed (absenteeism) was 0.0% [0.0-16.7]. The total population reported 40.0% [20.0-60.0] impairment in daily activities. Breathlessness severity (MRC-scale) (B = 8.92, 95%CI = 7.47-10.36), smoking (B = 5.97, 95%CI = 1.73-10.22), and solid fuel use (B = 3.94, 95%CI = 0.56-7.31) were potentially modifiable risk factors for impairment. CONCLUSIONS: In low-resource settings, chronic lung disease-related absenteeism is relatively low compared to the substantial presenteeism and activity impairment. Possibly, given the lack of social security systems, relatively few people take days off work at the expense of decreased productivity. Breathlessness (MRC-score), ...
The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of locally tailored implementation of improved cookstoves/heaters in low- and middle-income countries. This interventional implementation study among 649 adults and children living in rural communities in Uganda, Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan, was performed after situational analyses and awareness programmes. Outcomes included household air pollution (PM2.5 and CO), self-reported respiratory symptoms (with CCQ and MRC-breathlessness scale), chest infections, school absence and intervention acceptability. Measurements were conducted at baseline, 2 and 6-12 months after implementing improved cookstoves/heaters. Mean PM2.5 values decrease by 31% (to 95.1 µg/m3) in Uganda (95%CI 71.5-126.6), by 32% (to 31.1 µg/m3) in Vietnam (95%CI 24.5-39.5) and by 65% (to 32.4 µg/m3) in Kyrgyzstan (95%CI 25.7-40.8), but all remain above the WHO guidelines. CO-levels remain below the WHO guidelines. After intervention, symptoms and infections diminish significantly in Uganda and Kyrgyzstan, and to a smaller extent in Vietnam. Quantitative assessment indicates high acceptance of the new cookstoves/heaters. In conclusion, locally tailored implementation of improved cookstoves/heaters is acceptable and has considerable effects on respiratory symptoms and indoor pollution, yet mean PM2.5 levels remain above WHO recommendations. ; European Union's Horizon 2020 programme under grant agreement no. 680997, TRIAL ID NTR5759, http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctsearch.asp?Term=23332. The devices, measuring the personal HAP, were funded by Netherlands Enterprise Agency ...
The Nature Step to Respiratory Health was the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defined as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be considered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs. Background: The Nature Step to Respiratory Health was the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defned as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be consid‑ ered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs. Results: The concept of the Nature Step has evolved from innovative research indicating, how changed lifestyle in urban surroundings reduces contact with biodiverse environments, impoverishes microbiota, afects immune regulation and increases risk of NCDs. The Nature Step calls for strengthening connections to nature. Physical activity in natural environments should be promoted, use of fresh vegetables, fruits and water increased, and consumption of sugary drinks, tobacco and alcohol restricted. Nature relatedness should be part of everyday life and especially emphasized in the care of children and the elderly. Taking "nature" to modern cities in a controlled way is possible but a challenge for urban planning, nature conservation, housing, trafc arrangements, energy production, and ...
Abstract Background The Nature Step to Respiratory Health was the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defined as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be considered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs. Results The concept of the Nature Step has evolved from innovative research indicating, how changed lifestyle in urban surroundings reduces contact with biodiverse environments, impoverishes microbiota, affects immune regulation and increases risk of NCDs. The Nature Step calls for strengthening connections to nature. Physical activity in natural environments should be promoted, use of fresh vegetables, fruits and water increased, and consumption of sugary drinks, tobacco and alcohol restricted. Nature relatedness should be part of everyday life and especially emphasized in the care of children and the elderly. Taking "nature" to modern cities in a controlled way is possible but a challenge for urban planning, nature conservation, housing, traffic arrangements, energy production, and importantly for supplying and distributing food. Actions against the well-known respiratory risk factors, air pollution and smoking, should be taken simultaneously. Conclusions In Finland and elsewhere in Europe, successful programmes have been implemented to reduce the burden of respiratory disorders and other NCDs. Unhealthy behaviour can be changed by well-coordinated actions involving all stakeholders. The growing public health concern caused by NCDs in urban surroundings cannot be solved by health care alone; a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory.
Background: The Nature Step to Respiratory Health was the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defined as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be considered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs. Results: The concept of the Nature Step has evolved from innovative research indicating, how changed lifestyle in urban surroundings reduces contact with biodiverse environments, impoverishes microbiota, affects immune regulation and increases risk of NCDs. The Nature Step calls for strengthening connections to nature. Physical activity in natural environments should be promoted, use of fresh vegetables, fruits and water increased, and consumption of sugary drinks, tobacco and alcohol restricted. Nature relatedness should be part of everyday life and especially emphasized in the care of children and the elderly. Taking "nature" to modern cities in a controlled way is possible but a challenge for urban planning, nature conservation, housing, traffic arrangements, energy production, and importantly for supplying and distributing food. Actions against the well-known respiratory risk factors, air pollution and smoking, should be taken simultaneously. Conclusions: In Finland and elsewhere in Europe, successful programmes have been implemented to reduce the burden of respiratory disorders and other NCDs. Unhealthy behaviour can be changed by well-coordinated actions involving all stakeholders. The growing public health concern caused by NCDs in urban surroundings cannot be solved by health care alone; a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory.
Background: The Nature Step to Respiratory Health was the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defined as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be considered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs. Results: The concept of the Nature Step has evolved from innovative research indicating, how changed lifestyle in urban surroundings reduces contact with biodiverse environments, impoverishes microbiota, affects immune regulation and increases risk of NCDs. The Nature Step calls for strengthening connections to nature. Physical activity in natural environments should be promoted, use of fresh vegetables, fruits and water increased, and consumption of sugary drinks, tobacco and alcohol restricted. Nature relatedness should be part of everyday life and especially emphasized in the care of children and the elderly. Taking "nature" to modern cities in a controlled way is possible but a challenge for urban planning, nature conservation, housing, traffic arrangements, energy production, and importantly for supplying and distributing food. Actions against the well-known respiratory risk factors, air pollution and smoking, should be taken simultaneously. Conclusions: In Finland and elsewhere in Europe, successful programmes have been implemented to reduce the burden of respiratory disorders and other NCDs. Unhealthy behaviour can be changed by well-coordinated actions involving all stakeholders. The growing public health concern caused by NCDs in urban surroundings cannot be solved by health care alone; a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory.
Background: The Nature Step to Respiratory Health was the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defined as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be considered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs. Results: The concept of the Nature Step has evolved from innovative research indicating, how changed lifestyle in urban surroundings reduces contact with biodiverse environments, impoverishes microbiota, affects immune regulation and increases risk of NCDs. The Nature Step calls for strengthening connections to nature. Physical activity in natural environments should be promoted, use of fresh vegetables, fruits and water increased, and consumption of sugary drinks, tobacco and alcohol restricted. Nature relatedness should be part of everyday life and especially emphasized in the care of children and the elderly. Taking "nature" to modern cities in a controlled way is possible but a challenge for urban planning, nature conservation, housing, traffic arrangements, energy production, and importantly for supplying and distributing food. Actions against the well-known respiratory risk factors, air pollution and smoking, should be taken simultaneously. Conclusions: In Finland and elsewhere in Europe, successful programmes have been implemented to reduce the burden of respiratory disorders and other NCDs. Unhealthy behaviour can be changed by well-coordinated actions involving all stakeholders. The growing public health concern caused by NCDs in urban surroundings cannot be solved by health care alone; a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory.
Background: The Nature Step to Respiratory Health was the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defined as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be considered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs. Results: The concept of the Nature Step has evolved from innovative research indicating, how changed lifestyle in urban surroundings reduces contact with biodiverse environments, impoverishes microbiota, affects immune regulation and increases risk of NCDs. The Nature Step calls for strengthening connections to nature. Physical activity in natural environments should be promoted, use of fresh vegetables, fruits and water increased, and consumption of sugary drinks, tobacco and alcohol restricted. Nature relatedness should be part of everyday life and especially emphasized in the care of children and the elderly. Taking "nature" to modern cities in a controlled way is possible but a challenge for urban planning, nature conservation, housing, traffic arrangements, energy production, and importantly for supplying and distributing food. Actions against the well-known respiratory risk factors, air pollution and smoking, should be taken simultaneously. Conclusions: In Finland and elsewhere in Europe, successful programmes have been implemented to reduce the burden of respiratory disorders and other NCDs. Unhealthy behaviour can be changed by well-coordinated actions involving all stakeholders. The growing public health concern caused by NCDs in urban surroundings cannot be solved by health care alone; a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory.
Background: The Nature Step to Respiratory Health was the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defined as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be considered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs. Results: The concept of the Nature Step has evolved from innovative research indicating, how changed lifestyle in urban surroundings reduces contact with biodiverse environments, impoverishes microbiota, affects immune regulation and increases risk of NCDs. The Nature Step calls for strengthening connections to nature. Physical activity in natural environments should be promoted, use of fresh vegetables, fruits and water increased, and consumption of sugary drinks, tobacco and alcohol restricted. Nature relatedness should be part of everyday life and especially emphasized in the care of children and the elderly. Taking "nature" to modern cities in a controlled way is possible but a challenge for urban planning, nature conservation, housing, traffic arrangements, energy production, and importantly for supplying and distributing food. Actions against the well-known respiratory risk factors, air pollution and smoking, should be taken simultaneously. Conclusions: In Finland and elsewhere in Europe, successful programmes have been implemented to reduce the burden of respiratory disorders and other NCDs. Unhealthy behaviour can be changed by well-coordinated actions involving all stakeholders. The growing public health concern caused by NCDs in urban surroundings cannot be solved by health care alone; a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory. ; Peer reviewed
Background: In all societies, the burden and cost of allergic and chronic respiratory diseases are increasing rapidly. Most economies are struggling to deliver modern health care effectively. There is a need to support the transformation of the health care system into integrated care with organizational health literacy. Main body: As an example for chronic disease care, MASK (Mobile Airways Sentinel NetworK), a new project of the ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) initiative, and POLLAR (Impact of Air POLLution on Asthma and Rhinitis, EIT Health), in collaboration with professional and patient organizations in the field of allergy and airway diseases, are proposing real-life ICPs centred around the patient with rhinitis, and using mHealth to monitor environmental exposure. Three aspects of care pathways are being developed: (i) Patient participation, health literacy and self-care through technology-assisted "patient activation", (ii) Implementation of care pathways by pharmacists and (iii) Nextgeneration guidelines assessing the recommendations of GRADE guidelines in rhinitis and asthma using real-world evidence (RWE) obtained through mobile technology. The EU and global political agendas are of great importance in supporting the digital transformation of health and care, and MASK has been recognized by DG Santé as a Good Practice in the field of digitally-enabled, integrated, person-centred care. Conclusion: In 20 years, ARIA has considerably evolved from the first multimorbidity guideline in respiratory diseases to the digital transformation of health and care with a strong political involvement. ; info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion