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Journal of Medical Internet Research Jan 2021Although at present there is broad agreement among researchers, health professionals, and policy makers on the need to control and combat health misinformation, the...
BACKGROUND
Although at present there is broad agreement among researchers, health professionals, and policy makers on the need to control and combat health misinformation, the magnitude of this problem is still unknown. Consequently, it is fundamental to discover both the most prevalent health topics and the social media platforms from which these topics are initially framed and subsequently disseminated.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aimed to identify the main health misinformation topics and their prevalence on different social media platforms, focusing on methodological quality and the diverse solutions that are being implemented to address this public health concern.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published in English before March 2019, with a focus on the study of health misinformation in social media. We defined health misinformation as a health-related claim that is based on anecdotal evidence, false, or misleading owing to the lack of existing scientific knowledge. We included (1) articles that focused on health misinformation in social media, including those in which the authors discussed the consequences or purposes of health misinformation and (2) studies that described empirical findings regarding the measurement of health misinformation on these platforms.
RESULTS
A total of 69 studies were identified as eligible, and they covered a wide range of health topics and social media platforms. The topics were articulated around the following six principal categories: vaccines (32%), drugs or smoking (22%), noncommunicable diseases (19%), pandemics (10%), eating disorders (9%), and medical treatments (7%). Studies were mainly based on the following five methodological approaches: social network analysis (28%), evaluating content (26%), evaluating quality (24%), content/text analysis (16%), and sentiment analysis (6%). Health misinformation was most prevalent in studies related to smoking products and drugs such as opioids and marijuana. Posts with misinformation reached 87% in some studies. Health misinformation about vaccines was also very common (43%), with the human papilloma virus vaccine being the most affected. Health misinformation related to diets or pro-eating disorder arguments were moderate in comparison to the aforementioned topics (36%). Studies focused on diseases (ie, noncommunicable diseases and pandemics) also reported moderate misinformation rates (40%), especially in the case of cancer. Finally, the lowest levels of health misinformation were related to medical treatments (30%).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of health misinformation was the highest on Twitter and on issues related to smoking products and drugs. However, misinformation on major public health issues, such as vaccines and diseases, was also high. Our study offers a comprehensive characterization of the dominant health misinformation topics and a comprehensive description of their prevalence on different social media platforms, which can guide future studies and help in the development of evidence-based digital policy action plans.
Topics: Communication; Humans; Prevalence; Public Health; Social Media
PubMed: 33470931
DOI: 10.2196/17187 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics 2019Currently, many countries are dealing with groups refusing available recommended vaccinations. Despite several studies having demonstrated the efficacy of mandatory...
Currently, many countries are dealing with groups refusing available recommended vaccinations. Despite several studies having demonstrated the efficacy of mandatory vaccinations in ensuring herd immunity, opposition is widespread. The aim of our study was to systematically review published studies evaluating attitudes towards mandatory vaccination programs. PubMed and Scopus scientific databases were searched and 4,198 results were returned, of these 29 met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-two studies assessed attitudes towards mandatory vaccination programs in general, while 9 papers focused specifically on the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. Most of the studies were performed in Europe and North America. According to the assessed studies, the majority of the population seems to be in favour of compulsory vaccinations, although attitudes differed among studies. The results presented in this review could be an important starting point to further understand the issue of vaccine hesitancy and support the implementation of effective vaccination strategies.
Topics: Europe; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Immunity, Herd; Immunization Programs; Mandatory Programs; North America; Vaccination; Vaccination Refusal; Vaccines
PubMed: 30633626
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1564437 -
The Lancet. HIV Sep 2021Robust age-specific estimates of anal human papillomavirus (HPV) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) in men can inform anal cancer prevention efforts....
Epidemiology of anal human papillomavirus infection and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in 29 900 men according to HIV status, sexuality, and age: a collaborative pooled analysis of 64 studies.
BACKGROUND
Robust age-specific estimates of anal human papillomavirus (HPV) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) in men can inform anal cancer prevention efforts. We aimed to evaluate the age-specific prevalence of anal HPV, HSIL, and their combination, in men, stratified by HIV status and sexuality.
METHODS
We did a systematic review for studies on anal HPV infection in men and a pooled analysis of individual-level data from eligible studies across four groups: HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), HIV-negative MSM, HIV-positive men who have sex with women (MSW), and HIV-negative MSW. Studies were required to inform on type-specific HPV infection (at least HPV16), detected by use of a PCR-based test from anal swabs, HIV status, sexuality (MSM, including those who have sex with men only or also with women, or MSW), and age. Authors of eligible studies with a sample size of 200 participants or more were invited to share deidentified individual-level data on the above four variables. Authors of studies including 40 or more HIV-positive MSW or 40 or more men from Africa (irrespective of HIV status and sexuality) were also invited to share these data. Pooled estimates of anal high-risk HPV (HR-HPV, including HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, and 68), and HSIL or worse (HSIL+), were compared by use of adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) from generalised linear models.
FINDINGS
The systematic review identified 93 eligible studies, of which 64 contributed data on 29 900 men to the pooled analysis. Among HIV-negative MSW anal HPV16 prevalence was 1·8% (91 of 5190) and HR-HPV prevalence was 6·9% (345 of 5003); among HIV-positive MSW the prevalences were 8·7% (59 of 682) and 26·9% (179 of 666); among HIV-negative MSM they were 13·7% (1455 of 10 617) and 41·2% (3798 of 9215), and among HIV-positive MSM 28·5% (3819 of 13 411) and 74·3% (8765 of 11 803). In HIV-positive MSM, HPV16 prevalence was 5·6% (two of 36) among those age 15-18 years and 28·8% (141 of 490) among those age 23-24 years (p=0·0091); prevalence was 31·7% (1057 of 3337) among those age 25-34 years and 22·8% (451 of 1979) among those age 55 and older (p<0·0001). HPV16 prevalence in HIV-negative MSM was 6·7% (15 of 223) among those age 15-18 and 13·9% (166 of 1192) among those age 23-24 years (p=0·0076); the prevalence plateaued thereafter (p=0·72). Similar age-specific patterns were observed for HR-HPV. No significant differences for HPV16 or HR-HPV were found by age for either HIV-positive or HIV-negative MSW. HSIL+ detection ranged from 7·5% (12 of 160) to 54·5% (61 of 112) in HIV-positive MSM; after adjustment for heterogeneity, HIV was a significant predictor of HSIL+ (aPR 1·54, 95% CI 1·36-1·73), HPV16-positive HSIL+ (1·66, 1·36-2·03), and HSIL+ in HPV16-positive MSM (1·19, 1·04-1·37). Among HPV16-positive MSM, HSIL+ prevalence increased with age.
INTERPRETATION
High anal HPV prevalence among young HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM highlights the benefits of gender-neutral HPV vaccination before sexual activity over catch-up vaccination. HIV-positive MSM are a priority for anal cancer screening research and initiatives targeting HPV16-positive HSIL+.
FUNDING
International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Topics: Age Factors; Anal Canal; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Sexuality; Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions
PubMed: 34339628
DOI: 10.1016/S2352-3018(21)00108-9 -
American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy May 2018Background Pure endoscopic surgery (functional endoscopic sinus surgery) has been increasingly replacing external approaches in the management of sinonasal inverted... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
Background Pure endoscopic surgery (functional endoscopic sinus surgery) has been increasingly replacing external approaches in the management of sinonasal inverted papillomas. Objective To analyze and compare the effectiveness of pure endoscopic procedure with external or combined procedures to paranasal inverted papillomas, including the experience from two institutions in North Greece, over a 20-year period. Methods Systematic literature searches of MEDLINE (1952-2016), EMBASE (1974-2016), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Review of all English-language studies comparing endoscopic and open techniques. Odds ratios (ORs), risk ratio, 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and tests for heterogeneity were reported. Recurrence rates according to initial tumor stage. Results In total, 2451 patients had been enrolled in the 23 studies, published between 1992 and 2014. All the included articles are graded as level IV evidence. Among the 1526 patients of the endoscopic group, 212 (13.8%) had recurrence, with the mean time of recurrence to range from 14 to 46.6 months. In the external approach group, 111 (18.7%) of the 592 patients had recurrence, with the time of recurrence to range from 7 to 92 months. The recurrence rate in the combined approach group was 12.9%. The occurrence rate of recurrence attributable to the surgical choice was significantly different between endoscopic and external group (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.40-0.92; P = 0.02; 14.9% vs. 18.8% in endoscopic and external group, respectively). Conclusions The present systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that endoscopic approach seems a favorable treatment option of sinonasal inverted papillomas and confirms the global recommendation that is the gold standard in the treatment of such nose lesions, revealing a lower recurrence rate compared to external approaches.
Topics: Endoscopy; Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Odds Ratio; Papilloma, Inverted; Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29649889
DOI: 10.1177/1945892418765004 -
Allergy & Rhinology (Providence, R.I.) 2022Inverted papillomas of the middle ear are extremely rare tumors that carry an increased risk of recurrence and malignant transformation. There are currently 59 cases of... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Inverted papillomas of the middle ear are extremely rare tumors that carry an increased risk of recurrence and malignant transformation. There are currently 59 cases of middle ear inverted papillomas reported in the literature. The objective in this study was to systematically evaluate outcomes regarding middle ear inverted papillomas with respect to demographics, anatomical tumor sites, malignant transformation status, recurrence rate and HPV status.
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective case series and systematic review.
METHODS
A systematic review was completed on June 25, 2020 with a search strategy including PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Google Scholar. This revealed 181 articles. Full-text review was completed, and 66 articles were included. 115 articles were eliminated due to duplication of articles from databases, article titles not applicable to the aims of the systematic review and articles describing inverted papilloma of body sites other than middle ear.
DISCUSSION
Thirty-one cases of primary inverted papillomas of the middle ear were found in the literature with an additional 26 cases of secondary tumors. Four case reports did not specify primary versus secondary. The malignant transformation rate was 34.4% with a 53.6% recurrence rate. Treatment of middle ear inverted papillomas is primarily surgical with adjuvant radiation therapy considered for patients with recurrence or malignant transformation. Frequent clinical follow up of these patients is critical due to the increased rate of recurrence and malignant transformation.
CONCLUSION
Inverted papillomas of the middle ear are rare tumors that carry a high risk of recurrence and malignant transformation necessitating complete resection and frequent clinical follow up.
PubMed: 36325130
DOI: 10.1177/21526575221130711 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2023Head and neck cancer of unknown primary (HNCUP) is defined as cervical lymph node metastases without a detectable primary tumor. The management of these patients... (Review)
Review
Head and neck cancer of unknown primary (HNCUP) is defined as cervical lymph node metastases without a detectable primary tumor. The management of these patients presents a challenge to clinicians since guidelines in the diagnosis and treatment of HNCUP remain controversial. An accurate diagnostic workup is fundamental for the search for the hidden primary tumor to allow the best adequate treatment strategy. The purpose of this systematic review is to present the currently available data about the diagnostic and prognostic molecular biomarkers for HNCUP. Systematic research in an electronic database was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol and identified 704 articles, of which 23 studies were selected and included in the analysis. Fourteen studies investigated HNCUP diagnostic biomarkers and focused on the human papilloma virus (HPV) and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) due to the strong associations with oropharyngeal cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer, respectively. HPV status was shown to possess prognostic value, correlating with longer disease-free survival and overall survival. HPV and EBV are the only available HNCUP biomarkers, and they are already used in clinical practice. A better characterization of the molecular profiling and the development of tissue-of-origin classifiers are necessary to improve the diagnosis, staging, and therapeutic management of patients with HNCUP.
PubMed: 37189593
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13081492 -
BMC Public Health Sep 2023Social determinants of health are drivers of vaccine inequity and lead to higher risks of complications from infectious diseases in under vaccinated communities. In many... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Social determinants of health are drivers of vaccine inequity and lead to higher risks of complications from infectious diseases in under vaccinated communities. In many countries, pharmacists have gained the rights to prescribe and administer vaccines, which contributes to improving vaccination rates. However, little is known on how they define and target vulnerable communities.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to describe how vulnerable communities are targeted in community pharmacies.
METHODS
We performed a systematic search of the Embase and MEDLINE database in August 2021 inspired by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocols (PRISMA ScR). Articles in English, French or Spanish addressing any vaccine in a community pharmacy context and that target a population defined as vulnerable were screened for inclusion.
RESULTS
A total of 1039 articles were identified through the initial search, and 63 articles met the inclusion criteria. Most of the literature originated from North America (n = 54, 86%) and addressed influenza (n = 29, 46%), pneumococcal (n = 14, 22%), herpes zoster (n = 14, 22%) or human papilloma virus vaccination (n = 14, 22%). Lifecycle vulnerabilities (n = 48, 76%) such as age and pregnancy were most often used to target vulnerable patients followed by clinical factors (n = 18, 29%), socio-economical determinants (n = 16, 25%) and geographical vulnerabilities (n = 7, 11%). The most frequently listed strategy was providing a strong recommendation for vaccination, promotional posters in pharmacy, distributing leaflet/bag stuffers and providing staff training. A total of 24 barriers and 25 facilitators were identified. The main barriers associated to each vulnerable category were associated to effective promotional strategies to overcome them.
CONCLUSION
Pharmacists prioritize lifecycle and clinical vulnerability at the expense of narrowing down the definition of vulnerability. Some vulnerable groups are also under targeted in pharmacies. A wide variety of promotional strategies are available to pharmacies to overcome the specific barriers experienced by various groups.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Pharmacies; Vaccination; Pneumococcal Vaccines; Influenza Vaccines; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37741997
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16601-y -
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology Apr 2017Inverted papilloma is the most common benign tumour affecting the nose. There is a high rate of recurrence and a potential of malignant transformation. This review... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Inverted papilloma is the most common benign tumour affecting the nose. There is a high rate of recurrence and a potential of malignant transformation. This review article aimed to identify the best available management of this pathology today.
METHOD
A systematic review of the current English-language literature was performed. Only original articles with a minimum follow up of one year and an average follow up of two years were included.
RESULTS
A total of 1385 patients from 16 case series were identified. The total recurrence rate for all patients was 11.5 per cent. Significantly lower recurrence rates were found for procedures using an attachment-oriented excision (recurrence of 6.9 per cent; p = 0.0001) and utilising frozen sections (recurrence of 7.0 per cent; p = 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
There is a general trend towards endoscopic surgery. There may be some benefit to the use of attachment-oriented surgery and frozen sections. Multi-centred randomised controlled trials are required.
Topics: Disease Management; Endoscopy; Frozen Sections; Humans; Nasal Surgical Procedures; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Nose Neoplasms; Papilloma, Inverted
PubMed: 28179032
DOI: 10.1017/S0022215117000172 -
Cancer Epidemiology Dec 2015Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are associated with head and neck cancers (H&NC). Transmission of HPV to the upper aerodigestive tract occurs plausibly through sexual... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are associated with head and neck cancers (H&NC). Transmission of HPV to the upper aerodigestive tract occurs plausibly through sexual contact, although epidemiologic evidence on the role of sexual behaviours in H&NC aetiology is inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies examining the association between four indicators of sexual behaviours (number of sexual partners and oral sex partners, oral sex practice, and age at first intercourse) and H&NC. Summary odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using fixed and random effects models for each indicator, contrasting 'highest' to 'lowest', 'ever' to 'never', or 'youngest' to 'oldest' categories. Twenty case-control studies were included out of 3838 identified publications. Using random effects models, summary ORs suggested an increased risk of H&NC for number of sexual partners [OR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.02-1.63] (19 studies) and number of oral sex partners [OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.00-2.84] (5 studies), whereas no effect was observed with oral sex practice [OR=1.09, 95% CI: 0.88-1.35] (17 studies) and age at first intercourse [OR=1.40, 95% CI: 0.71-2.79] (6 studies). For number of sexual partners and oral sex practice, which were assessed in more studies, we further excluded studies contributing to heterogeneity and those not adjusted for age, sex, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The summary ORs were 0.95 (95% CI: 0.75-1.20) for number of sexual partners and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.84-1.26) for oral sex practice. Our findings highlight that observed associations might be partly attributed to confounding effects of sociodemographic and behavioural factors.
Topics: Female; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Male; Odds Ratio; Papillomaviridae; Risk; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners
PubMed: 26372414
DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2015.08.010 -
BMC Public Health May 2023Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Globally, both men and women have a 50% risk of being infected at least once in...
BACKGROUND
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Globally, both men and women have a 50% risk of being infected at least once in their life. HPV prevalence is among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), at an average of 24%. HPV causes different types of cancers, including cervical cancer (CC), which is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in SSA. HPV-vaccination has been proven to be effective in reducing HPV induced cancers. SSA countries are delayed in reaching the WHO's target of fully vaccinating 90% of girls within the age of 15 by 2030. Our systematic review aims to identify barriers and facilitators of HPV-vaccination in SSA to inform national implementation strategies in the region.
METHODS
This is a mixed method systematic review based on the PRISMA statement and The Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers' Manual. Search strategies were adapted to each selected database: PubMed/MEDLINE, Livivo, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and African Journals Online for papers published in English, Italian, German, French and Spanish between 1 December 2011 and 31 December 2021. Zotero and Rayyan were the software used for data management. The appraisal was conducted by three independent reviewers.
RESULTS
A total of 20 articles were selected for appraisal from an initial 536 articles. Barriers included: limited health system capacities, socio-economic status, stigma, fear and costs of vaccines, negative experience with vaccinations, COVID-19 pandemic, lack of correct information, health education (HE) and consent. Additionally, we found that boys are scarcely considered for HPV-vaccination by parents and stakeholders. Facilitators included: information and knowledge, policy implementation, positive experience with vaccinations, HE, stakeholders' engagement, women's empowerment, community engagement, seasonality, and target-oriented vaccination campaigns.
CONCLUSIONS
This review synthesizes barriers and facilitators of HPV-vaccinations in SSA. Addressing these can contribute to the implementation of more effective HPV immunization programs targeted at eliminating CC in line with the WHO 90/70/90 strategy.
REGISTRATION AND FUNDING
Protocol ID: CRD42022338609 registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Partial funds: German Centre for Infection research (DZIF) project NAMASTE: 8,008,803,819.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Papillomavirus Infections; Pandemics; COVID-19; Africa South of the Sahara; Vaccination; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Papillomavirus Vaccines
PubMed: 37237329
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15842-1