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BMJ Open Aug 2023Transgender and gender non-binary (TNB) youth living in the USA report elevated levels of substance use compared with their cisgender counterparts, with previous...
BACKGROUND
Transgender and gender non-binary (TNB) youth living in the USA report elevated levels of substance use compared with their cisgender counterparts, with previous literature pointing to minority stressors as some of the factors that could facilitate such elevated levels. Yet, substance use and misuse prevalence and associated modifiable factors among TNB youth are not fully known. The current paper details the protocol for a systematic review aimed at (1) identifying substance use and misuse prevalence among TNB youth (ages <25) and related demographic disparities (based on racial, ethnic and gender identity, and sexual orientation), (2) examining factors associated with substance use and misuse among TNB youth and (3) examining protective factors against substance use and misuse among TNB youth.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
Systematic searches will be conducted across four databases: PubMed, LGBTQ+ Source, CINAHL and PsycInfo to identify quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods peer-reviewed research publications. An exhaustive list of keywords and corresponding MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms representing the concepts of 'TNB' (the population of interest) and 'substance use and misuse' (outcome) will be employed. Identified records will be initially screened via a review of titles and abstracts. Full text of the remaining records will be reviewed corresponding to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Extracted data will be synthesised in table and narrative format. A meta-analysis will be considered contingent on the existence of sufficient data. Methodological quality and risk of bias of studies will be assessed.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
This review does not require approval from the Institutional Review Board as it involves no interactions with human subjects. We will disseminate our findings via peer-reviewed manuscripts and academic conference presentations.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42023394985.
Topics: Female; Adolescent; Humans; Male; United States; Transgender Persons; Prevalence; Gender Identity; Ethics Committees, Research; Minority Groups; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Review Literature as Topic
PubMed: 37640466
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073877 -
Vaccine: X Dec 2023SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy is associated with a greater risk of maternal and newborn morbidity and maternal death. Bangladesh confirmed its first COVID-19 case in...
SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy is associated with a greater risk of maternal and newborn morbidity and maternal death. Bangladesh confirmed its first COVID-19 case in March of 2020, and vaccination rollout started in January of 2021. In Bangladesh, pregnant women are allowed to receive COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy with qualifications while lactating women are permitted to receive COVID-19 vaccines with no qualifications as of October 2021. There is limited evidence on how vaccine policies are disseminated, interpreted, and implemented from the national level to the community level in Bangladesh. We conducted in-depth interviews from April-August 2022 with policymakers and healthcare workers in Bangladesh to understand how different stakeholders understood and implemented COVID-19 vaccination policies related to pregnant and lactating women. We interviewed policymakers at three levels: national, divisional, and district, and interviewed healthcare workers from one one urban and three rural communities within one division. We found a gap between policies related to COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant and lactating women and policy interpretation among policymakers and healthcare workers. Policymakers and healthcare workers' perceptions differed related to policy dissemination, attitudes toward policies related to pregnant and lactating women, and eligibility of pregnant and lactating women. Our findings indicate the need for effective dissemination of and understanding of policies. Within the context of vaccine uptake and vaccine acceptance, policymakers play a critical role as they are charged with developing and disseminating policy related to vaccine eligibility. Healthcare workers rely on timely and accurate communication related to vaccine eligibility, including populations, timing, and locations. Efforts are needed to narrow the policy and policy implementation gap as doing so is crucial to controlling vaccine preventable disease.
PubMed: 37589020
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2023.100370 -
BMJ Open Dec 2023Relative to outdoor air pollution, there is little evidence examining the composition and concentrations of indoor air pollution and its associated health impacts. The...
INTRODUCTION
Relative to outdoor air pollution, there is little evidence examining the composition and concentrations of indoor air pollution and its associated health impacts. The INGENIOUS project aims to provide the comprehensive understanding of indoor air pollution in UK homes.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
'Real Home Assessment' is a cross-sectional, multimethod study within INGENIOUS. This study monitors indoor air pollutants over 2 weeks using low-cost sensors placed in three rooms in 300 Born in Bradford (BiB) households. Building audits are completed by researchers, and participants are asked to complete a home survey and a health and behaviour questionnaire, in addition to recording household activities and health symptoms on at least 1 weekday and 1 weekend day. A subsample of 150 households will receive more intensive measurements of volatile organic compound and particulate matter for 3 days. Qualitative interviews conducted with 30 participants will identify key barriers and enablers of effective ventilation practices. Outdoor air pollution is measured in 14 locations across Bradford to explore relationships between indoor and outdoor air quality. Data will be analysed to explore total concentrations of indoor air pollutants, how these vary with building characteristics, and whether they are related to health symptoms. Interviews will be analysed through content and thematic analysis.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
Ethical approval has been obtained from the NHS Health Research Authority Yorkshire and the Humber (Bradford Leeds) Research Ethics Committee (22/YH/0288). We will disseminate findings using our websites, social media, publications and conferences. Data will be open access through the BiB, the Open Science Framework and the UK Data Service.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants; Cross-Sectional Studies; Environmental Monitoring; Air Pollution; Particulate Matter; Air Pollution, Indoor; United Kingdom
PubMed: 38056942
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081099 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research May 2024The information epidemic emerged along with the COVID-19 pandemic. While controlling the spread of COVID-19, the secondary harm of epidemic rumors to social order cannot...
BACKGROUND
The information epidemic emerged along with the COVID-19 pandemic. While controlling the spread of COVID-19, the secondary harm of epidemic rumors to social order cannot be ignored.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this paper was to understand the characteristics of rumor dissemination before and after the pandemic and the corresponding rumor management and debunking mechanisms. This study aimed to provide a theoretical basis and effective methods for relevant departments to establish a sound mechanism for managing network rumors related to public health emergencies such as COVID-19.
METHODS
This study collected data sets of epidemic rumors before and after the relaxation of the epidemic prevention and control measures, focusing on large-scale network rumors. Starting from 3 dimensions of rumor content construction, rumor propagation, and rumor-refuting response, the epidemic rumors were subdivided into 7 categories, namely, involved subjects, communication content, emotional expression, communication channels, communication forms, rumor-refuting subjects, and verification sources. Based on this framework, content coding and statistical analysis of epidemic rumors were carried out.
RESULTS
The study found that the rumor information was primarily directed at a clear target audience. The main themes of rumor dissemination were related to the public's immediate interests in the COVID-19 field, with significant differences in emotional expression and mostly negative emotions. Rumors mostly spread through social media interactions, community dissemination, and circle dissemination, with text content as the main form, but they lack factual evidence. The preferences of debunking subjects showed differences, and the frequent occurrence of rumors reflected the unsmooth channels of debunking. The χ test of data before and after the pandemic showed that the P value was less than .05, indicating that the difference in rumor content before and after the pandemic had statistical significance.
CONCLUSIONS
This study's results showed that the themes of rumors during the pandemic are closely related to the immediate interests of the public, and the emotions of the public accelerate the spread of these rumors, which are mostly disseminated through social networks. Therefore, to more effectively prevent and control the spread of rumors during the pandemic and to enhance the capability to respond to public health crises, relevant authorities should strengthen communication with the public, conduct emotional risk assessments, and establish a joint mechanism for debunking rumors.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; China; Information Dissemination; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Social Media; Communication
PubMed: 38748460
DOI: 10.2196/48564 -
JMIR Cancer Sep 2023Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer mortality among women globally. The use of mobile health tools such as apps and games is increasing rapidly, even in...
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer mortality among women globally. The use of mobile health tools such as apps and games is increasing rapidly, even in low- and middle-income countries, to promote early diagnosis and to manage care and support of survivors and patients.
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this review was to categorize selected mobile health apps related to breast health and prevention of breast cancer, based on features such as breast self-examination (BSE) training and reminders, and to analyze their current dissemination. An ancillary objective was to highlight the limitations of existing tools and suggest ways to improve them.
METHODS
We defined strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, which required apps to have titles or descriptions that suggest that they were designed for the general public, and not for patients with breast cancer or health workers. Apps that focused on awareness and primary care via self-check were included, while those that focused on topics such as alternative treatments and medical news were excluded. Apps that were not specifically related to breast cancer were also excluded. Apps (in any language) that appeared in the search with keywords were included. The database consisted of apps from AppAgg and Google Play Store. Only 85 apps met the inclusion criteria. Selected apps were categorized on the basis of their alleged interactive features. Descriptive statistics were obtained, and available language options, the number of downloads, and the cost of the apps were the main parameters reviewed.
RESULTS
The selected apps were categorized on the basis of the following features: education, BSE training, reminders, and recording. Of the 85 selected apps, 72 (84.7%) focused on disseminating breast cancer information. BSE training was provided by only 47% (n=40) of the apps, and very few had reminder (n=26, 30.5%) and recording (n=11, 12.9%) features. The median number of downloads was the highest for apps with recording features (>1000 downloads) than those with education, BSE training, reminder, and recording features (>5000 downloads). Most of these apps (n=74, 83.5%) were monolingual, and around 80.3% (n=49) of these apps were in English. Almost all the apps on Google Play Store were free of charge.
CONCLUSIONS
Although there exist several apps on Google Play Store to promote awareness about breast health and cancer, the usefulness of most of them appears debatable. To provide a complete breast health package to the users, such apps must have all of the following features: reminders or notifications and symptom recording and tracking. There is still an urgent need to scientifically evaluate existing apps in the target populations in order to make them more functional and user-friendly.
PubMed: 37676704
DOI: 10.2196/42044 -
BMJ Open May 2024Waste in medical research is a relatively well-known issue. However, only a few initiatives exist to address this issue. Lean Management methods (Lean) were developed in... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Waste in medical research is a relatively well-known issue. However, only a few initiatives exist to address this issue. Lean Management methods (Lean) were developed in industrial manufacturing and later applied within healthcare improvement. Overall, the results from studies of the application of Lean to healthcare appear to be positive in terms of greater efficiency regarding treatment outcomes and patient care. Nevertheless, the application of Lean to improve research processes is not well studied and, given that research alongside clinical practice and experiential knowledge provides the foundation for the treatment and care of patients, it is paramount to identify approaches and review the degree to which they increase efficiency within research procedures. Therefore, this review will scope the landscape of studies that investigated Lean and how to implement Lean in research processes, particularly regarding healthcare research.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
Our approach follows the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley for conducting scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The search strategy for this scoping review was developed using the PCC model. We will identify the relevant literature by searching four search databases: Scopus, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier and Business Source Complete. Next, we will use citation pearl growing to identify all relevant published literature. The data charting process will follow the PRISMA-ScR checklist and will be organised using NVivo. We will generate qualitative and quantitative assessments of the extracted data by using NVivo, RStudio and Excel. We will follow the PRISMA-ScR guideline when reporting the results.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
The review will comprise existing published studies and no primary data will be collected. Our findings will be shared through open access peer-reviewed journals, national and international conferences and emails to all relevant collaborative relationships. We plan to disseminate our findings via academic social media platforms, newspaper articles and blogposts.
Topics: Humans; Research Design; Total Quality Management; Health Services Research; Quality Improvement; Efficiency, Organizational
PubMed: 38749681
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074207 -
JMIR Formative Research Sep 2023The widespread use of social media has made it easier for patients to access cancer information. However, a large amount of misinformation and harmful information that...
BACKGROUND
The widespread use of social media has made it easier for patients to access cancer information. However, a large amount of misinformation and harmful information that could negatively impact patients' decision-making is also disseminated on social media platforms.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to determine the actual amount of misinformation and harmful information as well as trends in the dissemination of cancer-related information on Twitter, a representative social media platform. Our findings can support decision-making among Japanese patients with cancer.
METHODS
Using the Twitter app programming interface, we extracted tweets containing the term "cancer" in Japanese that were posted between August and September of 2022. The eligibility criteria were the cancer-related tweets with the following information: (1) reference to the occurrence or prognosis of cancer, (2) recommendation or nonrecommendation of actions, (3) reference to the course of cancer treatment or adverse events, (4) results of cancer research, and (5) other cancer-related knowledge and information. Finally, we selected the top 100 tweets with the highest number of "likes." For each tweet, 2 independent reviewers evaluated whether the information was factual or misinformation, and whether it was harmful or safe with the reasons for the decisions on the misinformation and harmful tweets. Additionally, we examined the frequency of information dissemination using the number of retweets for the top 100 tweets and investigated trends in the dissemination of information.
RESULTS
The extracted tweets totaled 69,875. Of the top 100 cancer-related tweets with the most "likes" that met the eligibility criteria, 44 (44%) contained misinformation, 31 (31%) contained harmful information, and 30 (30%) contained both misinformation and harmful information. Misinformation was described as Unproven (29/94, 40.4%), Disproven (19/94, 20.2%), Inappropriate application (4/94, 4.3%), Strength of evidence mischaracterized (14/94, 14.9%), Misleading (18/94, 18%), and Other misinformation (1/94, 1.1%). Harmful action was described as Harmful action (9/59, 15.2%), Harmful inaction (43/59, 72.9%), Harmful interactions (3/59, 5.1%), Economic harm (3/59, 5.1%), and Other harmful information (1/59, 1.7%). Harmful information was liked more often than safe information (median 95, IQR 43-1919 vs 75.0 IQR 43-10,747; P=.04). The median number of retweets for the leading 100 tweets was 13.5 (IQR 0-2197). Misinformation was retweeted significantly more often than factual information (median 29.0, IQR 0-502 vs 7.5, IQR 0-2197; P=.01); harmful information was also retweeted significantly more often than safe information (median 35.0, IQR 0-502 vs 8.0, IQR 0-2197; P=.002).
CONCLUSIONS
It is evident that there is a prevalence of misinformation and harmful information related to cancer on Twitter in Japan and it is crucial to increase health literacy and awareness regarding this issue. Furthermore, we believe that it is important for government agencies and health care professionals to continue providing accurate medical information to support patients and their families in making informed decisions.
PubMed: 37672310
DOI: 10.2196/49452 -
Cureus May 2024Print media plays a pivotal role in communicating public health information, acting as a vital channel for spreading awareness and encouraging healthy behaviors. This... (Review)
Review
Print media plays a pivotal role in communicating public health information, acting as a vital channel for spreading awareness and encouraging healthy behaviors. This narrative review delves into the historical significance of print media in health communication while evaluating its relevance in today's digital media environment. Despite encountering significant hurdles like digital competition and financial limitations, print media remains indispensable for addressing crucial health issues and disseminating information during public health emergencies. Effectively utilizing print media for health promotion necessitates careful planning, thorough evaluation, and targeted distribution to ensure widespread impact and audience engagement. Employing a comprehensive search strategy, relevant literature was identified through electronic databases and manual searches of reference lists. The gathered literature underwent rigorous screening to align with the review's objectives, with key insights synthesized through iterative analysis. Print media remains a cornerstone of health communication, offering tangible avenues for information dissemination and audience interaction. However, its efficacy is subject to various factors, including technological advancements, evolving media landscapes, and challenges in content dissemination. Overcoming these obstacles requires innovative approaches and collaborative endeavors to harness the full potential of print media in advancing public health objectives.
PubMed: 38832199
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59574 -
BMJ Open Dec 2023Short birth interval (SBI) has been linked to an increased risk of adverse maternal, perinatal, infant and child health outcomes. However, the prevalence and maternal...
BACKGROUND
Short birth interval (SBI) has been linked to an increased risk of adverse maternal, perinatal, infant and child health outcomes. However, the prevalence and maternal and child health impacts of SBI in the Asia-Pacific region have not been well understood. This study aims to identify and summarise the existing evidence on SBI including its definition, measurement prevalence, determinants and association with adverse maternal and child health outcomes in the Asia-Pacific region.
METHODS
Five databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Maternity and Infant Care, and Web of Science (WoS)) will be systematically searched from September 2000 up to May 2023. Data will be extracted, charted, synthesised and summarised based on the outcomes measured, and where appropriate, meta-analysis will be performed. The risk of bias will be assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal. Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework will be used to evaluate the quality of cumulative evidence from the included studies.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
This review does not require ethics approval. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs and conference presentations.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
A protocol will be registered on PROSPERO for each separate outcome before performing the review.Cite Now.
Topics: Infant; Child; Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Prevalence; Birth Intervals; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Asia; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Review Literature as Topic
PubMed: 38154890
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076908 -
The Science of the Total Environment Sep 2023Estuarine ecosystems undergo pronounced and intricate changes due to the mixing of freshwater and saltwater. Additionally, urbanization and population growth in...
Estuarine ecosystems undergo pronounced and intricate changes due to the mixing of freshwater and saltwater. Additionally, urbanization and population growth in estuarine regions result in shifts in the planktonic bacterial community and the accumulation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The dynamic changes in bacterial communities, environmental factors, and carriage of ARGs from freshwater to seawater, as well as the complex interrelationships among these factors, have yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we conducted a comprehensive study based on metagenomic sequencing and full-length 16S rRNA sequencing, covering the entire Pearl River Estuary (PRE) in Guangdong, China. The abundance and distribution of the bacterial community, ARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and bacterial virulence factors (VFs) were analyzed on a site-by-site basis through sampling along the salinity gradient in PRE, from upstream to downstream. The structure of the planktonic bacterial community undergoes continuous changes in response to variations in estuarine salinity, with the phyla Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria being dominant bacterial throughout the entire region. The diversity and abundance of ARGs and MGEs gradually decreased with the direction of water flow. A large number of ARGs were carried by potentially pathogenic bacteria, especially in Alpha-proteobacteria and Beta-proteobacteria. Multi-drug resistance genes have the highest abundance and subtypes in PRE. In addition, ARGs are more linked to some MGEs than to specific bacterial taxa and disseminate mainly by HGT and not by vertical transfer in the bacterial communities. Various environmental factors, such as salinity and nutrient concentrations, have a significantly impact on the community structure and distribution of bacteria. In conclusion, our results represent a valuable resource for further investigating the intricate interplay between environmental factors and anthropogenic disturbances on bacterial community dynamics. Moreover, they contribute to a better understanding of the relative impact of these factors on the dissemination of ARGs.
Topics: Estuaries; Genes, Bacterial; Ecosystem; Salinity; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Bacteria; China
PubMed: 37211102
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164265