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Health Research Policy and Systems Dec 2023An estimated 85% of research resources are wasted worldwide, while there is growing demand for context-based evidence-informed health policymaking. In low- and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
An estimated 85% of research resources are wasted worldwide, while there is growing demand for context-based evidence-informed health policymaking. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), research uptake for health policymaking and practice is even lower, while little is known about the barriers to the translation of health evidence to policy and local implementation. We aimed to compile the current evidence on barriers to uptake of research in health policy and practice in LMICs using scoping review.
METHODS
The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses-extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Both published evidence and grey literature on research uptake were systematically searched from major databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL (EBSCO), Global Health (Ovid)) and direct Google Scholar. Literature exploring barriers to uptake of research evidence in health policy and practice in LMICs were included and their key findings were synthesized using thematic areas to address the review question.
RESULTS
A total of 4291 publications were retrieved in the initial search, of which 142 were included meeting the eligibility criteria. Overall, research uptake for policymaking and practice in LMICs was very low. The challenges to research uptake were related to lack of understanding of the local contexts, low political priority, poor stakeholder engagement and partnership, resource and capacity constraints, low system response for accountability and lack of communication and dissemination platforms.
CONCLUSION
Important barriers to research uptake, mainly limited contextual understanding and low participation of key stakeholders and ownership, have been identified. Understanding the local research and policy context and participatory evidence production and dissemination may promote research uptake for policy and practice. Institutions that bridge the chasm between knowledge formation, evidence synthesis and translation may play critical role in the translation process.
Topics: Humans; Developing Countries; Health Policy; Policy Making
PubMed: 38057873
DOI: 10.1186/s12961-023-01084-5 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023Achieving sustainable and healthy food systems in support of human and planetary health is a global challenge. We systematically reviewed papers ( = 2322) showing how... (Review)
Review
Achieving sustainable and healthy food systems in support of human and planetary health is a global challenge. We systematically reviewed papers ( = 2322) showing how village chicken products (meat, eggs, and offal) contribute to sustainable and healthy food systems for children along a rural-urban gradient. A total of 72 articles, representing all different sections covered in this review, were finally included. Production of village chickens contributed positively on livestock-derived food consumption by children. Households who owned chickens were likely to move from medium to high dietary diversity. Children from households that owned chickens had lower odds of anemia (1.07) and higher height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ) scores. Egg intervention increased HAZ and WAZ for children by 0.63 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38-0.88] and 0.61 [95% CI, 0.45-0.77], respectively. Village chicken ownership had positive effect on children's poultry meat and egg consumption. Per capita consumption of chicken by girls and boys combined was 38.2 g/day, where girls had 36.9 g/day and boys had 39.4 g/day. Children from households that owned chickens consumed eggs 2.8 more times per week compared to children from households without chickens. Moving along a rural-urban gradient, village chicken production was less common. Improved production and quality of village chicken products, and policies supporting optimal maternal and child intake these products are required.
PubMed: 37835206
DOI: 10.3390/foods12193553 -
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery... Apr 2024The photodynamic bone stabilization system (PBSS) was was developed in 2010, and in 2018 gained FDA approval in the United States. Given its relative novelty, our... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The photodynamic bone stabilization system (PBSS) was was developed in 2010, and in 2018 gained FDA approval in the United States. Given its relative novelty, our analysis sought to analyze the available literature exploring the indications, outcomes, and complications of the PBSS.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review (PROSPERO registration of study protocol: CRD42022363065, October 8th, 2022). PubMed, EBSCOHost, and Google Scholar electronic databases were queried to identify articles evaluating PBSS in the treatment of pathologic or traumatic fractures between January 1 2010 and 15 October 2022. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies tool.
RESULTS
Our initial search yielded 326 publications, which were then screened for appropriate studies that aligned with the purpose of our review. A total of thirteen studies, comprising seven case series, four case reports, and two cohort studies. The total sample size of the included studies consisted of 345 patients, with 242 females (70%) and 103 males (30%). The implants were most commonly utilized in the humerus (41%), radius (12%), and metacarpal (12%). The most common complications were related to broken implants (5%) and dislocation (1%). Most studies reported complete fracture healing and return of full strength and range of motion.
CONCLUSION
Despite being a relatively novel technology, PBSS appears to be a viable option for fracture stabilization. Most studies included in our analysis reported complete fracture healing and return of function with minimal complications.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Fractures, Spontaneous; Fractures, Bone; Fracture Healing; Joint Dislocations; Patient Reported Outcome Measures
PubMed: 38376586
DOI: 10.1007/s00590-024-03833-w -
Urology Feb 2024To determine the safety and effectiveness of water vapor thermal therapy (Rezum) in men with large prostate volumes of at least 80cm. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To determine the safety and effectiveness of water vapor thermal therapy (Rezum) in men with large prostate volumes of at least 80cm.
METHODS
We performed systematic searches for studies of Rezum therapy in men with prostate volume of at least 80 cm. Meta-analysis outcomes included the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS Quality of Life (IPSS-QOL), Qmax, postvoid residual, International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF), and serious (Clavien-Dindo grade III-V) complications, surgical retreatments. Outcomes were analyzed using a random effects meta-analysis model.
RESULTS
The review included 15 studies (11 retrospective) of 471 men with prostate volume at least 80 cm treated with Rezum therapy and followed for a median of 6months (range: 3-17months). Rezum therapy resulted in statistically significant improvements in IPSS (mean change: -11.0; 95% CI: -12.2, -9.7; P < .001), IPSS-QOL (mean change: -2.9; 95% CI: -3.5, -2.4; P < .001), Qmax (mean change: 6.5 mL/s; 95% CI: 4.8, 8.2 mL/s; P < .001), and postvoid residual (mean change: -101 mL; 95% CI: -145, -57; P < .001). No change in IIEF-EF was observed (mean change: 0.3; 95% CI: -1.1, 1.6; P = .71). Serious complications occurred in <0.1% (95% CI: 0.0%, 0.4%) and surgical retreatment in 1.2% (95% CI: 0.0%, 3.5%) of patients.
CONCLUSION
Rezum therapy provides a statistically significant and clinically important short-term improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms with low complication rates in men with prostate volume of at least 80 cm. Long-term outcomes with Rezum therapy in large prostates remain unclear.
Topics: Male; Humans; Prostate; Quality of Life; Steam; Erectile Dysfunction; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38006957
DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2023.10.036 -
Journal of Immunotherapy (Hagerstown,... May 2024The therapeutic landscape for patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is rapidly evolving due to advances in molecular testing and the...
Clinical Outcomes of PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors Among Patients With Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With BRAF, ERBB2/HER2, MET , or RET Alterations: A Systematic Literature Review.
The therapeutic landscape for patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is rapidly evolving due to advances in molecular testing and the development of new targeted therapies and immunotherapies. However, the efficacy of programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors in advanced or metastatic patients with NSCLC whose tumors harbor BRAF V600E mutation, HER2/ERBB2 alteration, MET exon 14 skipping mutation, or RET rearrangement is not completely understood. A systematic literature review was performed to summarize evidence from clinical trials and observational studies on objective response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival in patients whose tumors express these biomarkers and who were treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Searches of Embase, MEDLINE, conference abstracts, and a clinical trial registry identified a total of 12 unique studies: 4 studies included patients with BRAF V600E mutation, 6 studies included patients with HER2/ERBB2 alteration, 7 studies included patients with MET exon 14 skipping mutation, and 5 studies included patients with RET rearrangement. Across studies, there was heterogeneity in treatment and patient characteristics and a lack of reporting on many important predictive and prognostic factors, including treatment regimens, patients' line of therapy, and tumor PD-L1 expression, which may explain the wide variation in objective response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival across studies. Therefore, additional studies prospectively evaluating clinical outcomes of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors among patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors harbor emerging predictive or prognostic biomarkers are needed to determine whether this class of immunotherapy can provide additional survival benefits for these patients.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; B7-H1 Antigen; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret; Receptor, ErbB-2
PubMed: 38112201
DOI: 10.1097/CJI.0000000000000500 -
Breast Disease 2024Breast self-examination (BSE) is an important tool for early detection of breast cancer and can contribute to increased awareness and familiarity with breast tissue.... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Breast self-examination (BSE) is an important tool for early detection of breast cancer and can contribute to increased awareness and familiarity with breast tissue. This study aimed to review factors that influenced BSE in preventing breast cancer.
METHODS
In the initial stage of searching for journal articles, 186 journals were obtained, then screening was carried out within a time span of 2019-2024 and using Indonesian and English 54 journals. Of the 12 journals reviewed, the results showed that 4 journals reviewed had conducted pre and post-BSE practices, and 8 journal reviews conducted BSE practices conducted by students and health workers.
RESULTS
Several factors play an important role in implementing BSE, namely age, knowledge, history of exposure to information, family history, ethnicity, and attitude. Overall, the study shows that the need to create awareness and educate women, especially rural women, on the importance of BSE as a preventive measure for breast cancer is paramount.
CONCLUSIONS
Factors influencing the implementation of BSE can be a barrier or an enhancement in breast cancer prevention.
Topics: Female; Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Breast Self-Examination; Early Detection of Cancer; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Indonesia
PubMed: 38820008
DOI: 10.3233/BD-249001 -
Military Medicine Feb 2024High-speed boat operators constitute a population at risk of work-related injuries and disabilities. This review aimed to summarize the available knowledge on...
INTRODUCTION
High-speed boat operators constitute a population at risk of work-related injuries and disabilities. This review aimed to summarize the available knowledge on workplace-related injuries and chronic musculoskeletal pain among high-speed boat operators.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this systematic review, we searched Medline, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library Database for studies, published from 1980 to 2022, on occupational health and hazards onboard high-speed boats. Studies and reports were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated, compared, used, or described harms associated with impact exposure onboard high-speed boats. Studies focusing on recreational injuries and operators of non-planing boats were excluded. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of acute injuries. The secondary outcome measures comprised the presence of chronic musculoskeletal disorders, pain medication use, and days off work.
RESULTS
Of the 163 search results, 5 (2 prospective longitudinal and 3 cross-sectional cohort studies) were included in this systematic review. A total of 804 cases with 3,312 injuries sustained during 3,467 person-years onboard high-speed boats were included in the synthesis of the results. The pooled incidence rate was 1.0 per person-year. The most common injuries were related to the lower back (26%), followed by neck (16%) and head (12%) injuries. The pooled prevalence of chronic pain was 74% (95% CI: 73-75%) and 60% (95% CI: 59-62%) of the cohort consumed analgesics.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite very limited data, this review found evidence that high-speed boat operators have a higher rate of injuries and a higher prevalence of chronic pain than other naval service operators and the general workforce. Given the low certainty of these findings, further prospective research is required to verify the injury incidence and chronic pain prevalence among high-speed boat operators.
Topics: Humans; Musculoskeletal Pain; Ships; Chronic Pain; Cross-Sectional Studies; Occupational Diseases
PubMed: 37837204
DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad377 -
Neuropsychologia Feb 2024Patients with a disturbed sense of limb ownership (DSO) offer a unique window of insight into the multisensory processes contributing to the sense of body ownership. A... (Review)
Review
Examining the role of self-reported somatosensory sensations in body (dis)ownership: A scoping review and empirical study of patients with a disturbed sense of limb ownership.
Patients with a disturbed sense of limb ownership (DSO) offer a unique window of insight into the multisensory processes contributing to the sense of body ownership. A limited amount of past research has examined the role of sensory deficits in DSO, and even less is known regarding the role of patient self-reported somatosensory sensations in the pathogenesis of DSO. To address this lack of knowledge we first conducted a systematic scoping review following PRISMA-SR guidelines, examining current research into somatosensory deficits and patient self-reported somatosensory sensations in patients with DSO. Eighty studies, including 277 DSO patients, were identified. The assessment of sensory deficits was generally limited in scope and quality, and deficits in tactile sensitivity and proprioception were most frequently found. The reporting of somatosensory sensations was even less frequent, with instances of paraesthesia (pins-and-needles), stiffness/rigidity, numbness and warmth, coldness and heaviness amongst the deficits recorded. In a second part of the study, we sought to directly address the lack of evidence concerning the impact of patient self-reported somatosensory sensations in DSO by measuring DSO and self-reported somatosensory sensations in a large (n = 121) sample of right-hemisphere stroke patients including N = 65 with DSO and N = 56 hemiplegic controls. Results show that feelings of coldness and stiffness modulate DSO symptoms. Sense of heaviness and numbness are more frequent in patients with DSO but do not have a clear impact on disownership symptomology. Although preliminary, these results suggest a role of subjective sensations about the felt body in the sense of limb ownership.
Topics: Humans; Body Image; Self Report; Ownership; Hypesthesia; Proprioception
PubMed: 38141962
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108776 -
Frontiers in Health Services 2024COVID-19 lockdowns, shelter in place, closures of transportation and mental health services, and dearth of mental health providers created new barriers to obtaining... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
COVID-19 lockdowns, shelter in place, closures of transportation and mental health services, and dearth of mental health providers created new barriers to obtaining support for mental health needs at a time of increased rates of anxiety and depression. During the pandemic, a record number of households owned and adopted pets, opening a potential avenue to investigate the relationship between pets and mental health. This systematic literature review examined the question: What is the evidence for a relationship between human-animal interaction and/or animal ownership and common mental disorders among adults who interacted with pets compared to adults who did not during the COVID-19 pandemic?
METHODS
To address this question, four databases were searched: Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and SCOPUS for peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and July 2023. Of the 1,746 articles identified by the searches, 21 studies were included in this review.
RESULTS
Results suggest that there exists a relationship between animal ownership and strong pet attachment and pet interaction, though the directionality of the relationship was not investigated by the included studies. There was an association between having a stronger relationship with a pet and lower feelings of depression and other mental health symptoms. There was also evidence of an association between anxiety and higher levels of animal attachment.
CONCLUSION
Understanding the association between human-animal interaction and common mental disorders may be helpful to clinicians assessing the mental health of clients. Clinicians may glean additional insight about stressors, risk factors, social supports, and lifestyle of clients based on the client's status as a pet owner. Future research could further explore the direction of the causal relationship of human-animal interaction and/or animal ownership on common mental disorders; this could further inform how the HAI relationship can be used to support clients with mental health struggles.
PubMed: 38385049
DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2024.1321293 -
Nutrition Reviews Mar 2024Many countries and institutions have adopted policies to promote healthier food and drink availability in various settings, including public sector workplaces.
CONTEXT
Many countries and institutions have adopted policies to promote healthier food and drink availability in various settings, including public sector workplaces.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to systematically synthesize evidence on barriers and facilitators to implementation of and compliance with healthy food and drink policies aimed at the general adult population in public sector workplaces.
DATA SOURCES
Nine scientific databases, 9 grey literature sources, and government websites in key English-speaking countries along with reference lists.
DATA EXTRACTION
All identified records (N = 8559) were assessed for eligibility. Studies reporting on barriers and facilitators were included irrespective of study design and methods used but were excluded if they were published before 2000 or in a non-English language.
DATA ANALYSIS
Forty-one studies were eligible for inclusion, mainly from Australia, the United States, and Canada. The most common workplace settings were healthcare facilities, sports and recreation centers, and government agencies. Interviews and surveys were the predominant methods of data collection. Methodological aspects were assessed with the Critical Appraisal Skills Program Qualitative Studies Checklist. Generally, there was poor reporting of data collection and analysis methods. Thematic synthesis identified 4 themes: (1) a ratified policy as the foundation of a successful implementation plan; (2) food providers' acceptance of implementation is rooted in positive stakeholder relationships, recognizing opportunities, and taking ownership; (3) creating customer demand for healthier options may relieve tension between policy objectives and business goals; and (4) food supply may limit the ability of food providers to implement the policy.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that although vendors encounter challenges, there are also factors that support healthy food and drink policy implementation in public sector workplaces. Understanding barriers and facilitators to successful policy implementation will significantly benefit stakeholders interested or engaging in healthy food and drink policy development and implementation.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021246340.
Topics: Adult; Humans; United States; Public Sector; Workplace; Canada
PubMed: 37335857
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad062