-
Child Abuse & Neglect Mar 2022Neglect is a highly prevalent, yet historically understudied form of maltreatment. Recent research has revealed the far reaching and unique effects that neglect has on... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Neglect is a highly prevalent, yet historically understudied form of maltreatment. Recent research has revealed the far reaching and unique effects that neglect has on subsequent cognitive, behavioural and socio-emotional development, and on long-term physical and mental health outcomes. Adolescent interpersonal functioning is important to explore given the significant relational transitions that occur during this stage of development, and the known impact that these social changes can have on future life outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review synthesises the literature exploring the relationship between neglect and adolescent interpersonal functioning in peer relationships.
METHODS
Seven databases and three grey literature sites were systematically searched, and identified records screened against inclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Twenty-one articles were included in the final sample, exploring five different indicators of adolescent interpersonal functioning. Around half of the papers investigating quality of peer relationships found that neglect, particularly emotional neglect, is associated with reduced relationship quality, and there is consistent evidence that neglect increases the risk of gang involvement and deviant peer affiliation.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings may be used to strengthen a trauma-informed approach to work with adolescents. Research on neglect and adolescent romantic relationships is sparse. Overall, the literature is varied and further research using longitudinal data and consistent measures of neglect would be of value.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child Abuse; Emotions; Humans; Peer Group; Physical Examination
PubMed: 35078090
DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105510 -
Health Education & Behavior : the... Feb 2022. Low levels of physical activity (PA) in adolescents highlight the necessity for effective intervention. During adolescence, peer relationships can be a fundamental...
. Low levels of physical activity (PA) in adolescents highlight the necessity for effective intervention. During adolescence, peer relationships can be a fundamental aspect of adopting and maintaining positive health behaviors. . This review aims to determine peer-led strategies that showed promise to improve PA levels of adolescents. It will also identify patterns across these interventions, including training provided and the behavior change techniques (BCTs) employed. . Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, PubMed, PsychINFO, and Scopus were searched using key concepts of peer, PA and adolescent for articles that examined interventions that had a peer-led component and reported on at least one PA outcome in 12- to 19-year-olds. Following title and abstract screening of 1,509 studies, and full text review stage, 18 progressed to data synthesis. Methodological quality was assessed using an adapted scale. . Quality assessment identified 11 studies as high quality. Half of the included studies ( = 9) reported improved PA outcomes in the school setting. The most prominent behavioral change techniques were social support, information about health consequences, and demonstration of the behavior. Older adolescents leading younger peers and younger adolescents leading those of the same age showed potential. Seldom have older adolescents been targeted. Gender-specific interventions showed the most promise. . Peer leadership requires careful planning and in the school setting can be a resourceful way of promoting adolescent PA.
Topics: Adolescent; Behavior Therapy; Exercise; Health Behavior; Humans; Peer Group; Social Support
PubMed: 34628981
DOI: 10.1177/10901981211044988 -
One Health (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Jun 2023West Nile virus (WNV) is one of the most widely distributed flaviviruses worldwide. It is considered an endemic and emerging pathogen in different areas of the Europe... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE
West Nile virus (WNV) is one of the most widely distributed flaviviruses worldwide. It is considered an endemic and emerging pathogen in different areas of the Europe and Mediterranean countries (MR). Mosquitoes of the genus spp. are the main vectors, and birds its main vertebrate hosts. It can occasionally infect mammals, including humans. Different environmental factors can influence its distribution and transmission through its effects on vector or host populations. Our objective was to determine environmental factors associated with changes in vector distribution and WNV transmission in Europe and MR.
MATERIAL & METHODS
Systematic peer review of articles published between 2000 and 2020. We selected studies on WNV, and its vectors carried out in Europe and MR. The search included terms referring to climatic and environmental factors.
RESULTS
We included 65 studies, of which 21 (32%) were conducted in Italy. spp. was studied in 26 papers (40%), humans in 19 papers (29%) and host animals (mainly horses) in 16 papers (25%), whereas bird reservoirs were addressed in 5 studies (8%). A significant positive relationship was observed between changes in temperature and precipitation patterns and the epidemiology of WNV, although contrasting results were found among studies. Other factors positively related to WNV dynamics were the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI] and expansion of anthropized habitats.
CONCLUSION
The epidemiology of WNV seems to be related to climatic factors that are changing globally due to ongoing climate change. Unfortunately, the complete zoonotic cycle was not analyzed in most papers, making it difficult to determine the independent impact of environment on the different components of the transmission cycle. Given the current expansion and endemicity of WNV in the area, it is important to adopt holistic approaches to understand WNV epidemiology and to improve WNV surveillance and control.
PubMed: 37363246
DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100478 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2023Intermittent fasting (IF) is an emerging dietetic intervention that has been associated with improved metabolic parameters. Nowadays, the most common IF protocols are... (Review)
Review
Intermittent fasting (IF) is an emerging dietetic intervention that has been associated with improved metabolic parameters. Nowadays, the most common IF protocols are Alternate-Day Fasting (ADF) and Time-Restricted Fasting (TRF), but in this review and meta-analysis we have also considered Religious Fasting (RF), which is similar to TRF but against the circadian rhythm. The available studies usually include the analysis of a single specific IF protocol on different metabolic outcomes. Herein, we decided to go further and to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the advantages of different IF protocols for metabolic homeostasis in individuals with different metabolic status, such as with obesity, diabetes type 2 (T2D) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Systematic searches (PubMed, Scopus, Trip Database, Web of Knowledge and Embase, published before June 2022) of original articles in peer-review scientific journals focusing on IF and body composition outcomes were performed. Sixty-four reports met the eligibility criteria for the qualitative analysis and forty-seven for the quantitative analysis. Herein, we showed that ADF protocols promoted the major beneficial effects in the improvement of dysregulated metabolic conditions in comparison with TRF and RF protocols. Furthermore, obese and MetS individuals are the most benefited with the introduction of these interventions, through the improvement of adiposity, lipid homeostasis and blood pressure. For T2D individuals, IF impact was more limited, but associated with their major metabolic dysfunctions-insulin homeostasis. Importantly, through the integrated analysis of distinct metabolic-related diseases, we showed that IF seems to differently impact metabolic homeostasis depending on an individual's basal health status and type of metabolic disease.
PubMed: 37297894
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113699 -
Journal of Clinical Nursing Jun 2021To summarise the international empirical literature to provide a comprehensive overview of peer learning and collaborative practice placement models in health care and... (Review)
Review
AIMS
To summarise the international empirical literature to provide a comprehensive overview of peer learning and collaborative practice placement models in health care and to synthesise their benefits and challenges.
BACKGROUND
Practical placements for students are in high demand due to the need for an increased nursing, midwifery and health professional workforce, thus collaborative placement models are an attractive solution to potentially increase placement capacity and enhance the student learning experience.
DESIGN
A systematic search of the literature and qualitative data synthesis using the PRISMA checklist and ENTREQ guidelines.
REVIEW METHODS
MEDLINE and CINAHL searched in March 2020. Quality appraisal of studies conducted. Collaborative models and empirical findings summarised. Reported benefits, challenges and implementation recommendations synthesised. Two tables developed for data representation.
RESULTS
172 studies were identified by the search strategy. Of these, 47 articles were included for appraisal and synthesis. 30 articles employed qualitative, seven quantitative and ten mixed-methods approaches. Research took place in eight countries. The majority of studies employed focus groups, interviews as well as questionnaire design. The total participant sample was 3462 consisting of students and educators.
CONCLUSIONS
This review confirmed that any peer learning is beneficial in supporting students' confidence and team working skills. It is especially helpful when pairing first year with third-year students. The latter can demonstrate their clinical skills and prepare for working in practice. Simultaneously, expert-led learning is important for role modelling and for the recognition of acquired skills. Evidence on the optimal placement experience is inconclusive; however, it can be concluded that any form of collaborative placement model requires careful planning and continuous preparation for staff and students.
RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
Decision makers should consider implementing at least some form of peer learning to assist students with peer support, and ideally work towards a collaborative learning environment.
Topics: Clinical Competence; Delivery of Health Care; Health Personnel; Humans; Learning; Students, Nursing
PubMed: 33461240
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15661 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024(1) Background: While medication and various forms of psychotherapy are common treatments for severe mental illness, peer support programs have also proven to be... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: While medication and various forms of psychotherapy are common treatments for severe mental illness, peer support programs have also proven to be effective in managing mental disorders. These programs, which involve individuals with similar experiences in navigating mental health challenges, aim to improve coping skills and foster supportive community networks. However, despite the prevalent mention of peer support programs, especially those with supervision, there has been no systematic review or meta-analysis of peer support supervision. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the forms and effectiveness of peer support programs for individuals with severe mental illnesses. (2) Methods: A literature search focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between February 2003 and January 2024 was conducted. (3) Results: Sixteen RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria and involving a total of 4008 participants were reviewed. These studies utilized various peer support program strategies, with eight studies included in the qualitative analysis. The combined effect sizes for depressive symptoms (d = 0.12; 95% CI, -0.14, 0.37; = 0.37), empowerment (d = 1.17; 95% CI, -0.81, 3.15; = 0.25), quality of life (d = 0.70; 95% CI, -0.12, 1.52; = 0.09), psychiatric symptoms (d = -0.05; 95% CI, -0.20, 0.10; = 0.54), and self-efficacy (d = 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05, 0.36; = 0.01) were assessed. (4) Conclusions: Our analysis emphasizes the need for further studies on peer support programs for individuals with severe mental illness, particularly those focused on self-efficacy outcomes across diverse geographic locations involving more countries and with larger scales to bolster the strength of the evidence.
PubMed: 38921293
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121179 -
Research Integrity and Peer Review May 2023Differential participation and success in grant applications may contribute to women's lesser representation in the sciences. This study's objective was to conduct a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Differential participation and success in grant applications may contribute to women's lesser representation in the sciences. This study's objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to address the question of gender differences in grant award acceptance rates and reapplication award acceptance rates (potential bias in peer review outcomes) and other grant outcomes.
METHODS
The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021232153) and conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 standards. We searched Academic Search Complete, PubMed, and Web of Science for the timeframe 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2020, and forward and backward citations. Studies were included that reported data, by gender, on any of the following: grant applications or reapplications, awards, award amounts, award acceptance rates, or reapplication award acceptance rates. Studies that duplicated data reported in another study were excluded. Gender differences were investigated by meta-analyses and generalized linear mixed models. Doi plots and LFK indices were used to assess reporting bias.
RESULTS
The searches identified 199 records, of which 13 were eligible. An additional 42 sources from forward and backward searches were eligible, for a total of 55 sources with data on one or more outcomes. The data from these studies ranged from 1975 to 2020: 49 sources were published papers and six were funders' reports (the latter were identified by forwards and backwards searches). Twenty-nine studies reported person-level data, 25 reported application-level data, and one study reported both: person-level data were used in analyses. Award acceptance rates were 1% higher for men, which was not significantly different from women (95% CI 3% more for men to 1% more for women, k = 36, n = 303,795 awards and 1,277,442 applications, I = 84%). Reapplication award acceptance rates were significantly higher for men (9%, 95% CI 18% to 1%, k = 7, n = 7319 applications and 3324 awards, I = 63%). Women received smaller award amounts (g = -2.28, 95% CI -4.92 to 0.36, k = 13, n = 212,935, I = 100%).
CONCLUSIONS
The proportions of women that applied for grants, re-applied, accepted awards, and accepted awards after reapplication were less than the proportion of eligible women. However, the award acceptance rate was similar for women and men, implying no gender bias in this peer reviewed grant outcome. Women received smaller awards and fewer awards after re-applying, which may negatively affect continued scientific productivity. Greater transparency is needed to monitor and verify these data globally.
PubMed: 37131184
DOI: 10.1186/s41073-023-00127-3 -
Psychology of Addictive Behaviors :... Feb 2024Adolescents' relationships with their peers play a pivotal role in their substance-use behaviors. As such, decades of research have examined how substance use relates to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Adolescents' relationships with their peers play a pivotal role in their substance-use behaviors. As such, decades of research have examined how substance use relates to adolescents' overall levels of closeness to their peers, here termed , with mixed results. This report sought to determine how the operationalizations of peer connectedness and substance use affect the nature of the relationship between them.
METHOD
We used a systematic review strategy to find a comprehensive set of studies investigating the relationship between peer connectedness and substance use. Three-level meta-analytic regression was used to empirically test whether the operationalization of these variables moderates effect sizes across studies.
RESULTS
We found 147 studies, of which 128 were analyzed using multilevel meta-analytic regression models. Operationalizations of peer connectedness varied widely, encompassing sociometric and self-report measures. Of these measures, sociometric indices specifically pertaining to popularity were most strongly predictive of substance use. Less consistent relationships were observed between substance use and sociometric measures of friendship, as well as with self-report measures.
CONCLUSIONS
Being perceived as popular by one's peers is positively related to substance use among adolescents. This relationship is stronger and more consistent than those between substance use and other peer-connectedness variables, underscoring the necessity of operationalizing these constructs specifically and clearly. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Peer Group; Friends; Substance-Related Disorders; Adolescent Behavior
PubMed: 36972090
DOI: 10.1037/adb0000914 -
International Journal of Mental Health... 2020Peer-led support models have gained increasing popularity in suicide prevention. While previous reviews show positive effects of peer-led support for people with mental... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Peer-led support models have gained increasing popularity in suicide prevention. While previous reviews show positive effects of peer-led support for people with mental health problems and those bereaved by suicide, little is known about the types of lived experience peer support programs in suicide prevention and whether these are effective in improving the health and wellbeing of people at risk of suicide. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of peer support programs that aim to reduce suicidality and are led by people with lived experience of suicide.
METHOD
We conducted a systematic scoping review, involving a search of three academic (Medline, PsycINFO, Embase) and selected grey literature databases (Google Scholar, WHO Clinical Trials Registry) for publications between 2000 and 2019. We also contacted suicide prevention experts and relevant internet sites to identify peer support programs that exist but have not been evaluated. The screening of records followed a systematic two-stage process in alignment with PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
We identified 8 records accounting for 7 programs focussed on peer-led support programs in suicide prevention. These programs employed a range of different designs and included a variety of settings (schools, communities, rural and online). Only 3 of the 7 programs contained data on effectiveness. With the small number of eligible programs the findings from this review are limited and must be interpreted with caution.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the increased focus of policymakers on the importance of peer support programs in suicide prevention, our scoping review confirms an evidence gap in research knowledge regarding program design, implementation, and effectiveness. More rigour is required in reporting peer-led support initiatives to clarify the underlying definition of peer support and lived experience and to enhance our understanding of the types of current peer support programs available to those experiencing suicidality. Further, we need formal and high-quality evaluations of peer support suicide prevention programs led by people with lived experience to better understand their effectiveness on participant health across different settings and delivery modalities and to allow for comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analysis in future.
PubMed: 32817757
DOI: 10.1186/s13033-020-00396-1 -
The Western Journal of Emergency... Dec 2022As the significance of social workers (SW) in improving healthcare delivery in the emergency department (ED) continues to expand, emergency physicians will increasingly... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
As the significance of social workers (SW) in improving healthcare delivery in the emergency department (ED) continues to expand, emergency physicians will increasingly be expected to effectively partner with SWs in both academic and community settings. In this scoping review we sought to provide evidence-based recommendations for effective emergency clinician educational interventions on how to incorporate SWs in the ED to address health-related social needs while also identifying directions for future research.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review of publications in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and APA PsycINFO. A search strategy was designed in accordance with Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies (PRESS) guidelines. Using the scoping review framework by Arksey and O'Malley, we applied consensus-based inclusion and exclusion criteria to guide study selection. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow chart delineating the selection process was generated using Covidence.
RESULTS
Our search strategy identified nine qualifying articles for further analysis out of an initial sample of 2,119 articles. Of the nine articles that underwent full text review, 89% (8/9) evaluated a short educational didactic with or without a hands-on component to reinforce learning. Barriers to successful implementation of curricula discussed in all articles included time constraints, lack of buy-in from clinical faculty, lack of knowledge of appropriate referral sources once a problem is identified, and perceived distraction of the training from more standard clinical topics. Facilitators of curricula implementation and training success included the presence of a pre-existing and structured weekly conference schedule, ability to complete the training in a relatively short time frame or during intern orientation, presence of simulation resources, and residents' overall perceived interest in the topics.
CONCLUSION
Ultimately, we found that interdisciplinary learning with SWs is generally well received by participants, and we offer various suggestions on incorporation into student and resident education. Moving forward, we recommend that a standardized curriculum of working with SWs be developed using didactic sessions, simulation, and/or direct observation with feedback.
Topics: Humans; Social Workers; Education, Medical; Learning; Students; Emergency Service, Hospital
PubMed: 36602488
DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2022.10.55693