The contribution of Cyprus to non-communicable diseases and biomedical research from 2002 to 2013: implications for evidence-based health policy.
BACKGROUND
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of disease burden and mortality at the European level and in Cyprus. This research was conducted to map the research activities of Cypriot institutions in five NCDs, namely oncology, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, mental health and respiratory conditions.


METHODS
For the period 2002-2013, research in Cyprus was assessed on its biomedical outputs and compared to the rest of Europe relative to their GDP. The research output in the five NCDs was obtained and contrasted to their respective disease burdens. The results from each of the five NCDs showed the amount of cross-country collaboration with other researchers from other European countries and from the rest of the world, and the research level of the papers on a clinical to basic scale. For each NCD field the research application was assessed, whereas for oncology the research type was also assessed. Information was collected on the development of clinical guidelines, on Cypriot newspapers reporting on medical and policy documents and advisory committees' output as well as research and funding organisations available in Cyprus, for potential evaluation of impact in health policy on the five NCDs.


RESULTS
Cypriot biomedical research output appeared appropriate in volume compared with its wealth and the expected value from a regression line for other European countries. However, it was focused particularly on the molecular mechanisms of transmittable or hereditary diseases, rather than on the five NCDs. Cyprus performs well in palliative care, which receives funding from several local charities and other non-profit organisations. Cyprus has the highest relative burden from diabetes in Europe, but the subject is largely neglected by researchers. Similarly, it suffers more from mental disorders than most of the rest of Europe, but the amount of research is relatively small. Respiratory conditions research is under-funded and under-researched too.


CONCLUSIONS
The biomedical research portfolio in Cyprus is adequate in volume, but not well fitted to its pattern of disease. The means whereby research can be used to improve healthcare in the country are also unsatisfactory, although the Ministry of Health is now developing a comprehensive plan which will include the development of clinical guidelines and proposals for the evaluation of how healthcare is delivered on the island.
['Pallari|Elena|E|http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1967-6345', 'Lewison|Grant|G|', 'Pallari|Chryso Th|CT|', 'Samoutis|George|G|', 'Begum|Mursheda|M|', 'Sullivan|Richard|R|']
D015706:Bibliometrics D035843:Biomedical Research D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases D017281:Cost of Illness D003535:Cyprus D003920:Diabetes Mellitus D062489:Health Impact Assessment D006291:Health Policy D006292:Health Priorities D006801:Humans D007391:International Cooperation D001523:Mental Disorders D009369:Neoplasms D000073296:Noncommunicable Diseases D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases
Cyprus Non-communicable diseases Biomedical research Clinical guidelines Newspapers Policy documents Funding