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Cureus Oct 2023Peer support, which is given by people with similar life experiences and experiential knowledge, has been shown to be effective for patients with diabetes and mental... (Review)
Review
Peer support, which is given by people with similar life experiences and experiential knowledge, has been shown to be effective for patients with diabetes and mental illness. However, the impact of such peer support on patients coping with heart failure remains indeterminate. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to scrutinize the potential benefits of peer support for patients with heart failure. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of peer support for patients with heart failure in contrast to those without peer support. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov until October 2022. We pooled the data on mortality, readmission rate, and quality of life (QoL) as primary outcomes. The certainty of evidence was evaluated by the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) approach. We included three studies with 390 patients with heart failure. Peer support may have resulted in a slight increase in mortality (risk ratio (RR)=1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.61-2.21; low certainty of the evidence) and in a reduction in the readmission rate (RR=0.93, 95% CI=0.74-1.17; low certainty of the evidence). The evidence was very uncertain about the effect of peer support on QoL (standardized mean difference 2.03 higher in the intervention group, 95% CI=1.79 lower to 5.84 higher; very low certainty of the evidence). Despite that the certainty is low or very low, the extant data available evidence suggests that peer support may not yield substantial improvements in critical outcomes for patients with heart failure. Consequently, endorsing peer support for patients with heart failure currently seems unjustifiable.
PubMed: 38021950
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46751 -
Nursing Open Dec 2023This systematic literature review aimed to identify, appraise and synthesize available research studies that apply intersectionality in nursing research. (Review)
Review
AIM
This systematic literature review aimed to identify, appraise and synthesize available research studies that apply intersectionality in nursing research.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
Empirical and theoretical nursing studies published before February 2022 were identified from the PubMed and CINAHL databases. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they substantially covered the topics of intersectionality and nursing, had undergone peer-review, and were written in English.
REVIEW METHODS
The PRISMA 2020 statement for reporting systematic reviews was used to report findings. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of the included research studies.
RESULTS
Out of 331 identified studies, 60 studies were substantially about nursing and intersectionality, and were included in the review. There are a myriad of ways that the concept of intersectionality has been adopted in nursing research. Furthermore, there was great heterogeneity in the definition and application of the concept of intersectionality, and only a few studies were empirical.
CONCLUSION
There is a need for robust and clear framing of how the concept of intersectionality is defined and understood in nursing research. There is also a need for more empirical research effectively adopting the concept of intersectionality to enhance our understanding of how health inequities operate within the field of nursing.
NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
No patients, service users, caregivers or members of the public were involved in this work.
Topics: Humans; Intersectional Framework; Empirical Research; Nursing Research
PubMed: 37798952
DOI: 10.1002/nop2.2021 -
Nutrients Sep 2023To summarize available evidence in the literature on the impacts of CoQ supplementation on metabolic, biochemical, and performance outcomes in athletes. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
To summarize available evidence in the literature on the impacts of CoQ supplementation on metabolic, biochemical, and performance outcomes in athletes.
METHODS
Six databases, Cochrane Library (33 articles), PubMed (90 articles), Scopus (55 articles), Embase (60 articles), SPORTDiscus (1056 articles), and Science Direct (165 articles), were researched. After applying the eligibility criteria, articles were selected for peer review independently as they were identified by June 2022. The protocol for this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022357750).
RESULTS
Of the 1409 articles found, 16 were selected for this systematic review. After CoQ supplementation, a decrease in oxidative stress markers was observed, followed by higher antioxidant activity. On the other hand, lower levels of liver damage markers (ALT); Aspartate aminotransferase (AST); and Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGT) were identified. Finally, we found a reduction in fatigue indicators such as Creatine Kinase (CK) and an increase in anaerobic performance.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review concludes that supplementation with orally administered CoQ (30-300 mg) was able to potentiate plasma antioxidant activity and anaerobic performance, reducing markers linked to oxidative stress and liver damage in athletes from different modalities aged 17 years old and older.
PubMed: 37764774
DOI: 10.3390/nu15183990 -
European Journal of Cancer Care Nov 2022Although cancer self-help groups (CSHGs) have increased in importance in recent years, certain aspects have not yet been sufficiently investigated in studies to date. In... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Although cancer self-help groups (CSHGs) have increased in importance in recent years, certain aspects have not yet been sufficiently investigated in studies to date. In particular, little is known about members' experiences in face-to-face peer led CSHGs. This systematic review aims to synthesise qualitative studies documenting personal experiences of CSHG members and to enlighten group processes and mechanisms. It focuses on benefits and challenges of participating in face-to-face CSHGs in studies based on qualitative research.
METHODS
MEDLINE, PsycINFO and PSYNDEX were used to identify relevant studies published from January 2000 to April 2022.
RESULTS
Of the 978 studies screened for eligibility, 20 studies were included in the review and were methodologically assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. All included studies consistently indicate that participation in a peer led CSHG leads to multiple perceived benefits, that is, informational support, shared experience, learning from others, helping others as well as cultivating humour as a coping strategy. Additionally, various challenges in CSHGs were identified, that is, confrontation with the suffering of others, divergent information needs, distressing group dynamics and challenging aspects concerning leadership and sustainability.
CONCLUSION
This indicates that groups need low-threshold offers to be able to organise support in case of need.
Topics: Humans; Qualitative Research; Self-Help Groups; Peer Group; Counseling; Neoplasms
PubMed: 36104303
DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13700 -
Bone Marrow Transplantation Aug 2022Peer support has been utilized and associated with clinical outcomes (e.g., improved mood) in patients with solid malignancies. However, to date, there is minimal... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Peer support has been utilized and associated with clinical outcomes (e.g., improved mood) in patients with solid malignancies. However, to date, there is minimal literature examining peer support among patients with hematologic malignancies and/or patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
METHODS
In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we completed a systematic review using five databases to assess the relationship between peer support and clinical outcomes (e.g., distress, physical symptoms) among patients with hematologic malignancies or HSCT recipients.
RESULTS
The eight included studies examined peer support in a total of 574 patients. Four intervention studies highlighted the potential benefits of peer support, such as improved physical symptoms. Two studies, one interventional and one cross-sectional, highlighted the need for more empirically based peer support interventions in the HSCT population.
CONCLUSION
Among patients with hematologic malignancies and/or HSCT recipients, there is a dearth of literature examining the association between peer support and outcomes, although few studies have described a positive association between peer support and better health outcomes. More randomized controlled studies are needed to better understand the role of peer support and peer support interventions on outcomes in these vulnerable populations.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Hematologic Neoplasms; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans
PubMed: 35597891
DOI: 10.1038/s41409-022-01709-3 -
BJPsych Open Dec 2023Higher education institutions (HEIs) are seeking effective ways to address the rising demand for student mental health services. Peer support is widely considered a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Higher education institutions (HEIs) are seeking effective ways to address the rising demand for student mental health services. Peer support is widely considered a viable option to increase service capacity; however, there are no agreed definitions of peer support, making it difficult to establish its impact on student mental health and well-being.
AIMS
This systematic review aims to better understand and evaluate peer support in HEIs.
METHOD
Five databases, OpenGrey and Grey Matters were searched in May 2021. Included studies were quantitative, longitudinal (with and without a control) or cross-sectional with a control. The vote-counting method was used for synthesis. The risk of bias was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool.
RESULTS
Three types of peer support were represented in 28 papers: peer-led support groups, peer mentoring and peer learning. Peer learning and peer mentoring had more positive, significant results reported for the outcomes of anxiety and stress. Peer-led support groups were the only type targeting students with mental health difficulties.
CONCLUSIONS
The heterogeneity of measures and outcomes prevents firm conclusions on the effectiveness of peer support for mental health and well-being. Most studies were rated 'poor' or 'fair' in their risk of bias. There is not a solid evidence base for the effectiveness of peer support. Nonetheless, HEIs can use the terminology developed in this review for shared discussions that guide more robust research and evaluation of peer support as an intervention.
PubMed: 38098123
DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.603 -
Psycho-oncology Aug 2023Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is reported by both cancer survivors and caregivers however less is known about caregiver FCR. This study aimed to (a) conduct a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is reported by both cancer survivors and caregivers however less is known about caregiver FCR. This study aimed to (a) conduct a meta-analysis to compare survivor and caregiver FCR levels; (b) examine the relationship between caregiver FCR and depression, and anxiety; (c) evaluate psychometric properties of caregiver FCR measures.
METHODS
CINAHL, Embase, PsychINFO and PubMed were searched for quantitative research examining caregiver FCR. Eligibility criteria included caregivers caring for a survivor with any type of cancer, reporting on caregiver FCR and/or measurement, published in English-language, peer-review journals between 1997 and November 2022. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) taxonomy was used to evaluate content and psychometric properties. The review was pre-registered (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020201906).
RESULTS
Of 4297 records screened, 45 met criteria for inclusion. Meta-analysis revealed that caregivers reported FCR levels as high as FCR amongst survivors, with around 48% of caregivers reporting clinically significant FCR levels. There was a strong correlation between anxiety and depression and medium correlation with survivor FCR. Twelve different instruments were used to measure caregiver FCR. Assessments using the COSMIN taxonomy revealed few instruments had undergone appropriate development and psychometric testing. Only one instrument met 50% or more of the criteria, indicating substantial development or validation components were missing in most.
CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest FCR is as often a problem for caregivers as it is for survivors. As in survivors, caregiver FCR is associated with more severe depression and anxiety. Caregiver FCR measurement has predominately relied on survivor conceptualisations and unvalidated measures. More caregiver-specific research is urgently needed.
Topics: Humans; Caregivers; Fear; Anxiety; Recurrence; Neoplasms; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
PubMed: 37303263
DOI: 10.1002/pon.6176 -
American Journal of Preventive Medicine Oct 2021Peer providers with lived experiences of mental health and substance use are a growing component of the workforce responsible for the prevention and treatment of... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Peer providers with lived experiences of mental health and substance use are a growing component of the workforce responsible for the prevention and treatment of behavioral health disorders. This systematic literature review aims to better define the roles of peers and their unique contributions to behavioral health care.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Researchers searched MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central, and Scopus databases for studies published between January 1, 2013 and April 3, 2020. Studies were included if they (1) were experimental or observational studies, (2) included an adult population of people with a behavioral health disorder, and (3) used paid peer providers in addition to traditional behavioral health services. Researchers extracted sample demographics, intervention characteristics, outcome data, and significant associations from studies that met inclusion criteria and assessed the trends in these data in May 2020.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
A total of 23 articles assessing peer-provided services were included. Peers were employed most frequently in mental healthcare roles in the Department of Veterans Affairs, hospital, and community health facilities. A total of 14 studies observed significant clinical improvements in participants' social functioning, quality of life, patient activation, and behavioral health. A majority of studies involved the supervision of peers and required peers to have completed training in service delivery.
CONCLUSIONS
Peers are effective providers of behavioral health treatment and relapse prevention services who encourage recovery through resilience building, empowerment, and self-advocacy. There remains a need for more evidence-based interventions on the efficacy of peers in substance use disorder treatment and the impact of formalized certification and training opportunities.
Topics: Health Workforce; Humans; Quality of Life; United States
PubMed: 34175172
DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.03.025 -
Journal of Epidemiology Feb 2022Online peer support groups are common and can be an effective tool for mothers with young children. The purpose of this review is to examine the types of support that...
BACKGROUND
Online peer support groups are common and can be an effective tool for mothers with young children. The purpose of this review is to examine the types of support that online-based peer groups establish, as well as its health effects on mothers and their children.
METHODS
Systematic scoping review. Systematic review of existing literature was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane and Ichushi (Japanese language) database in December 2019.
RESULTS
Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 1,475 articles were extracted by initial search. After the review of titles, abstracts and full texts, a total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria. The types of support mothers received were mainly informational and emotional support. Mothers also felt a sense of connection and community. Some health effects of online-based peer support group were seen in the area of mothers' mental well-being. Minimal effects were seen in behavioral modification for child nutrition and breastfeeding.
CONCLUSION
Due to the limited evidence in interventional studies, the effects of online-based peer support groups were inconclusive. Further studies with rigorous research designs would be helpful in future research.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Child; Child, Preschool; Counseling; Female; Humans; Mental Health; Mothers; Peer Group
PubMed: 33132282
DOI: 10.2188/jea.JE20200079 -
Nurse Education Today Dec 2022Peer mentoring in nursing is imperative to both mentors' and mentees' personal and professional development. Yet, there is a dearth of reviews appraising the relevant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Peer mentoring in nursing is imperative to both mentors' and mentees' personal and professional development. Yet, there is a dearth of reviews appraising the relevant qualitative and quantitative studies reported in the literature.
OBJECTIVES
To synthesize the best evidence exploring the impacts of peer mentoring programs on nursing students.
DESIGN
A mixed-method systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
Published and unpublished literature written in English between January 2011 and May 2022 were identified from nine databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PsycINFO.
REVIEW METHODS
A systematic search strategy was applied in June 2021. Two reviewers independently screened and selected the eligible studies focusing on nursing students in higher education institutions who participated in peer mentoring programs. We included studies of quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods and explored the main outcomes of peer mentoring programs. Eligible studies were appraised independently using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists. Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data using a standardized form. A meta-analysis, narrative synthesis, and meta-aggregation were then conducted, followed by a convergent segregated approach to integrate the findings.
RESULTS
Thirty-one studies were selected for analysis. We aggregated four sets of synthesized findings from fourteen categories. A meta-analysis of the data showed that the intervention group experienced significant improvement in stress levels. In addition, the integrated results revealed peer mentors, with the support of academia, served as rich resources and support for peer mentees.
CONCLUSION
This review highlights the importance of providing support to peer mentors to help them achieve the desired outcomes of peer mentoring while they cater to the needs of nursing student mentees.
Topics: Humans; Mentoring; Mentors; Peer Group; Students, Nursing
PubMed: 36179425
DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105577