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Public Understanding of Science... May 2024Despite scientific consensus on climate change, climate denial is still widespread. While much research has characterised climate denial, comparatively fewer studies...
Despite scientific consensus on climate change, climate denial is still widespread. While much research has characterised climate denial, comparatively fewer studies have systematically examined how to counteract it. This review fills this gap by exploring the research about counteracting climate denial, the effectiveness and the intentions behind intervention. Through a systematic selection and analysis of 65 scientific articles, this review finds multiple intervention forms, including education, message framing and inoculation. The intentions of intervening range from changing understanding of climate science, science advocacy, influencing mitigation attitudes and counteracting vested industry. A number of divergent findings emerge: whether to separate science from policy; the disputed effects of emotions and the longitudinal impacts of interventions. The review offers guiding questions for those interested in counteracting denialism, the answers to which indicate particular strategies: identify the form of climate denial; consider the purpose of intervention and recognise one's relationship to their audiences.
Topics: Attitude; Climate Change; Denial, Psychological; Public Opinion
PubMed: 38243813
DOI: 10.1177/09636625231223425 -
BMJ Open Dec 2023Patients with breast cancer and endocrine therapy-related symptoms often experience pain, self-denial, anxiety, fear of recurrence and despair, which can be extremely...
INTRODUCTION
Patients with breast cancer and endocrine therapy-related symptoms often experience pain, self-denial, anxiety, fear of recurrence and despair, which can be extremely physically and psychologically traumatising for the patients. Failure to receive effective support and management reduces adherence to medications, leading to a higher risk of relapse and mortality. Clearly, it is paramount to identify what support these patients may need and how to meet their symptom management needs. This paper outlines a protocol to synthesise qualitative evidence on endocrine therapy symptom experiences, management expectations and preferences of patients with breast cancer.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
The following databases were searched in November 2023 with no date restriction applied: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and OpenGrey. Published studies on qualitative or mixed-method on symptom experiences and management needs during endocrine therapy in patients with breast cancer will be retrieved. We will also search for reference lists and perform a forward citation search. Before inclusion in this review, two reviewers will independently apply the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research to ensure methodological validity. Any disagreements regarding the evaluation of the articles will be resolved through discussion with or by a third reviewer. Data will be extracted using the standardised data extraction tool EndNote20 for unified management, assessment, and review of information. The common sense model of self-regulation will guide data extraction and synthesis. The final synthesised findings will be graded according to the GRADE-CERQual approach to establish confidence.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
This systematic review addressed previously published studies without personally identifiable participant information. Ethical approval from the research committee was not required. The findings of this systematic review will be disseminated to various key stakeholders and published in peer-reviewed journals.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42023406987.
Topics: Female; Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Mental Processes; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Palliative Care; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 38149416
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073915 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Jul 2024Intimate partner abuse (IPA) is widespread, and denial, minimization, justifying, and blaming (DMJB) are common among people who have committed IPA. Views on the... (Review)
Review
Intimate partner abuse (IPA) is widespread, and denial, minimization, justifying, and blaming (DMJB) are common among people who have committed IPA. Views on the function of DMJB in IPA are mixed, often based on the theoretical standpoint of the authors. This systematic review brings together the knowledge of how distorted accounts operate in IPA committed by men. A systematic review of primary research related to DMJB in heterosexual men who have committed to IPA was conducted. In all, 31 papers were found to meet the inclusion criteria (adult, male-to-female abuse, in western culture, peer reviewed and published in English) and were quality appraised. Data were extracted and analyzed using narrative synthesis. The findings indicate the way DMJB operates in this group is complex. It can represent facilitators of abusive behavior, a way to protect the individual's identity and self-esteem, and a tool men use instrumentally to achieve goals. Themes were present within and between studies highlighting the complex function of DMJB. A model representing the hypothesized intertwined function of DMJB for IPA is proposed. The limitations of the review are discussed and implications and recommendations for policy, practice, and future research are proposed.
Topics: Humans; Male; Intimate Partner Violence; Denial, Psychological; Female; Self Concept; Adult; Interpersonal Relations
PubMed: 37702188
DOI: 10.1177/15248380231196108 -
Family Medicine and Community Health Jul 2023General practice receptionists provide an essential function in the healthcare system but routinely encounter acts of incivility and aggression from patients, including...
OBJECTIVE
General practice receptionists provide an essential function in the healthcare system but routinely encounter acts of incivility and aggression from patients, including hostility, abuse and violence. This study was conducted to summarise what is known about patient-initiated aggression towards general practice receptionists, including impacts on reception staff and existing mitigation strategies.
DESIGN
Systematic review with convergent integrated synthesis.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Studies published at any time in English that examine patient aggression experiences of reception staff in primary care settings.
INFORMATION SOURCES
Searches of five major databases were performed (CINAHL Complete, Scopus, PubMed, Healthcare Administration Database and Google Scholar) to August 2022.
RESULTS
Twenty studies of various designs were included, ranging from the late 1970s to 2022 and originating from five OECD countries. Twelve were assessed as high quality using a validated checklist. Reviewed articles represented 4107 participants; 21.5% were general practice receptionists. All studies reported that displays of aggression towards receptionists by patients were a frequent and routine occurrence in general practice, particularly verbal abuse such as shouting, cursing, accusations of malicious behaviour and use of racist, ablest and sexist insults. Although infrequent, physical violence was widely reported. Inefficient appointment scheduling systems, delayed access to doctors and prescription denial appeared common precipitators. Receptionists adapted their behaviour and demeanour to placate and please patients to avoid escalation of patient frustrations at the cost of their own well-being and clinic productivity. Training in patient aggression management increased receptionist confidence and appeared to decrease negative sequalae. Coordinated support for general practice reception staff who had experienced patient aggression was generally lacking, with a small proportion receiving professional counselling.
CONCLUSIONS
Patient aggression towards reception staff is a serious workplace safety concern for general practices and negatively affects healthcare sector function more broadly. Receptionists in general practice deserve evidence-based measures to improve their working conditions and well-being for their own benefit and that of the community.
REGISTRATION
Pre-registered in Open Science Framework (osf.io/42p85).
Topics: Humans; Aggression; Family Practice; General Practice; Violence; Physicians
PubMed: 37414572
DOI: 10.1136/fmch-2023-002171 -
BMJ Open Jun 2024Synthesis of the experience of women with pain from pelvic or vaginal mesh or its removal, to identify pain-related problems and to formulate psychological aspects of...
OBJECTIVES
Synthesis of the experience of women with pain from pelvic or vaginal mesh or its removal, to identify pain-related problems and to formulate psychological aspects of pain.
DESIGN
Systematic review and thematic analysis of qualitative studies of pain from pelvic or vaginal mesh, or mesh removal, in women over 18 years, using individual interviews, focus groups, free text, or written or oral contributions to formal enquiries.
DATA SOURCES
Medline, Embase and PsycINFO, from inception to 26 April 2023.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Qualitative studies of pain and other symptoms from pelvic or vaginal mesh or its removal; adults; no language restriction.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Line-by-line coding of participant quotations and study author statements by one author to provide codes that were applied to half the studies by another author and differences resolved by discussion. Codes were grouped into subthemes and themes by both authors, then scrutinised and discussed by a focus group of mesh-injured women for omissions, emphasis and coherence. Studies were appraised using an amalgamation of the CASP and COREQ tools.
RESULTS
2292 search results produced 9 eligible studies, with 7-752 participants, a total of around 2000. Four recruited patients, four totally or partially from mesh advocacy groups, and two were national enquiries (UK and Australia). Four major themes were as follows: broken body, broken mind; distrust of doctors and the medical industry; broken life and keeping going-a changed future. Psychological content mainly concerned the loss of trust in medical care, leaving women unsupported in facing an uncertain future. Mesh-injured women strongly endorsed the findings.
CONCLUSIONS
Pain and other problems associated with pelvic mesh are profound and far-reaching for women affected. Worse, they feel subject to continued gaslighting, including denial of their mesh-related problems and dismissal of their concerns about continued mesh insertion.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022330527.
Topics: Humans; Female; Surgical Mesh; Qualitative Research; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Pelvic Pain
PubMed: 38830733
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085879 -
Military Medicine May 2024Excessive gambling can cause substantial biopsychosocial problems (e.g., difficulties with finances, relationships, mental, and physical health). For military Service... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Excessive gambling can cause substantial biopsychosocial problems (e.g., difficulties with finances, relationships, mental, and physical health). For military Service Members, it can also result in security clearance denial or revocation, failure to achieve promotions, and premature career termination. Recent congressional mandates have obligated the U.S. Department of Defense to screen for problematic gambling, the predictive values of which are a function of (i) problem prevalence and (ii) tool sensitivity and specificity. This meta-review (i.e., systematic review of systematic reviews) on the screening properties of gambling assessment tools and the effectiveness of treatments for gambling disorder is to inform military services on responding to Service Members' gambling problems.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
EBSCO Discovery Service, PubMed, PsycINFO, Ovid Medline, Social Care Online, Epistemonikos, International Health Technology Assessment, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials electronic databases were searched up to December 2022 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on measurements of adult subclinical or gambling, and interventions targeting individuals with GD. Three and four studies were included in each section of the current meta-review (i.e., assessment tools and treatment). For review 1, the estimated risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews.
RESULTS
Thirty-one tools were identified through the three systematic reviews. All had modest sensitivities and specificities; combined with low prevalences in the general SM population, positive results would be incorrect 64-99% of the time. However, if screening were conducted with SMs referred for alcohol problems, a positive result on the best screening tools would be correct 76% of the time. Several commonly used treatment approaches had demonstrated efficacy for GD.
CONCLUSIONS
The combination of low prevalence of GD and subclinical gambling problems in the general population, coupled with modest sensitivity and specificity, makes screening unfeasible in the general SM population. However, dual-phase screening in higher-prevalence subpopulations (i.e., SMs already identified with substance-abuse or mental-health problems) would be viable. Regarding treatment, several interventions-already used in military healthcare-with extensive empirical track records have been successfully used to treat adults with GD.
Topics: Humans; Gambling; Mass Screening; Military Personnel; Prevalence
PubMed: 37966458
DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad426 -
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience :... Feb 2024Anosognosia, a neurological condition, involves a lack of awareness of one's neurological or psychiatric deficits. Anton Syndrome (AS), an unusual form of anosognosia,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Anosognosia, a neurological condition, involves a lack of awareness of one's neurological or psychiatric deficits. Anton Syndrome (AS), an unusual form of anosognosia, manifests as bilateral vision loss coupled with denial of blindness. This systematic review delves into 64 studies encompassing 72 AS cases to explore demographics, clinical presentations, treatments, and outcomes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study rigorously followed PRISMA guidelines, screening PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases without timeframe limitations. Only English human studies providing full text were included. Data underwent thorough assessment, examining patient demographics, etiological variables, and treatment modalities.
RESULTS
Sixty-four studies met the stringent inclusion criteria. Examining 72 AS cases showed a median age of 55 (6 to 96 years) with no gender preference. Hypertension (34.7 %) and visual anosognosia (90.3 %) were prevalent. Stroke (40.3 %) topped causes. Management included supportive (30.6 %) and causal approaches (30.6 %). Improvement was seen in 45.8 %, unchanged in 22.2 %, and deterioration in 11.1 %. Anticoagulation correlated with higher mortality (p < 0.05).
DISCUSSION
AS, an unusual manifestation of blindness, stems mainly from occipital lobe damage, often due to cerebrovascular incidents. The syndrome shares features with Dide-Botcazo syndrome and dates back to Roman times. Its causes range from strokes to rare conditions like multiple sclerosis exacerbation. Accurate diagnosis involves considering clinical presentations and imaging studies, distinguishing AS from similar conditions.
CONCLUSION
This comprehensive review sheds light on AS's complex landscape, emphasizing diverse etiologies, clinical features, and treatment options. Tailored treatments aligned with individual causes are crucial. The study's findings caution against blanket anticoagulation therapy, suggesting a nuanced approach. Further research is pivotal to refine diagnostics and optimize care for AS individuals.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Blindness, Cortical; Brain; Stroke; Vision Disorders; Agnosia
PubMed: 38262263
DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2024.01.014 -
Annals of Surgical Oncology Jan 2024Breast reconstruction (BR) is routinely offered to restore symmetry after mastectomy for breast cancer. Not all women, however, may want reconstructive surgery. A... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Breast reconstruction (BR) is routinely offered to restore symmetry after mastectomy for breast cancer. Not all women, however, may want reconstructive surgery. A contralateral mastectomy (CM) to achieve "flat symmetry" can be an excellent alternative, but surgeons are often reluctant to offer this procedure. This systematic review aimed to summarize the available evidence regarding the outcomes of CM as the first step to developing guidelines in this area.
METHODS
PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched to identify primary research studies, published in English between 1 January 2000 and 30 August 2022, evaluating clinical or patient-reported outcomes for women who underwent a CM without reconstruction after a mastectomy for unilateral breast cancer. Simple descriptive statistics summarized quantitative data, and content analysis was used for qualitative data.
RESULTS
The study included 15 studies (13 quantitative, 1 qualitative, and 1 mixed-methods) evaluating outcomes for at least 1954 women who underwent a bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction (BM) after unilateral breast cancer. The risk of surgical complications after BM was higher than after unilateral mastectomy without reconstruction (UM) but significantly less than after BR. Satisfaction with the decision for BM was high in all the studies. Key themes relating to flat denial, stigma, and gender-based assumptions were identified.
CONCLUSION
Women electing to undergo BM reported high levels of satisfaction with their decision and complication rates similar to those for UM. Further study is needed to comprehensively explore the outcomes for women seeking BM, but these data should give surgeons confidence to offer the procedure as an alternative option for symmetry after unilateral mastectomy for breast cancer.
REGISTRATION
This systematic review was prospectively registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022353689).
Topics: Female; Humans; Mastectomy; Breast Neoplasms; Unilateral Breast Neoplasms; Mammaplasty; Mastectomy, Simple
PubMed: 37749407
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14294-6 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024The concept of caring stress and its specific management has received less attention than other dimensions of stress in nurses. Therefore, to clarify the concept of...
OBJECTIVE
The concept of caring stress and its specific management has received less attention than other dimensions of stress in nurses. Therefore, to clarify the concept of caring stress, a scoping review study was designed. This scoping review aimed to investigate the concept of caring stress among clinical nurses and examine the strategies used for its management.
METHODS
This review employed a scoping review methodology to comprehensively map the essential concepts and attributes of the phenomenon by drawing on a wide range of sources. International databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scientific Information Database (SID) were searched to gather relevant studies published until October 1, 2023. MESH terms included "caring stress", "care", "stress", "nurse", and "stress management" were used. Two reviewers independently collected data from full-text papers, ensuring that each paper underwent assessment by at least two reviewers.
RESULTS
Out of 104,094 articles initially searched, 22 articles were included in this study. High workloads, transmitting the infection, stressful thoughts, stressful emotions, and stressful communications were the significant concepts and factors of caring stress among nurses. Also, rest breaks during patient care shifts, playing music in the ward, and denial of critical situations were examples of positive and negative coping and management ways to reduce caring stress.
CONCLUSION
Effective stress management strategies can lead to better patient care and safety. Stressed nurses are more likely to make errors or become less vigilant in their duties, impacting patient outcomes. By addressing caring stress, clinical practice can prioritize patient well-being. Further research is required to delve deeper into this critical issue concerning nurses in the future.
PubMed: 38863606
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1337938 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Internet of Things (IoT) technology has become an inevitable part of our daily lives. With the increase in usage of IoT Devices, manufacturers continuously develop IoT... (Review)
Review
Internet of Things (IoT) technology has become an inevitable part of our daily lives. With the increase in usage of IoT Devices, manufacturers continuously develop IoT technology. However, the security of IoT devices is left behind in those developments due to cost, size, and computational power limitations. Since these IoT devices are connected to the Internet and have low security levels, one of the main risks of these devices is being compromised by malicious malware and becoming part of IoT botnets. IoT botnets are used for launching different types of large-scale attacks including Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. These attacks are continuously evolving, and researchers have conducted numerous analyses and studies in this area to narrow security vulnerabilities. This paper systematically reviews the prominent literature on IoT botnet DDoS attacks and detection techniques. Architecture IoT botnet DDoS attacks, evaluations of those attacks, and systematically categorized detection techniques are discussed in detail. The paper presents current threats and detection techniques, and some open research questions are recommended for future studies in this field.
PubMed: 38894365
DOI: 10.3390/s24113571