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International Journal of Environmental... May 2022Despite growing international interest, the caregiving body of literature lacks a recent understanding of young carers' experiences and their contact with the health... (Review)
Review
Despite growing international interest, the caregiving body of literature lacks a recent understanding of young carers' experiences and their contact with the health care system. We conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies to (1) synthesize more recent qualitative evidence on young carers' experience, and (2) to identify how these young carers interact with the health care system in their caregiving role. Using a meta-ethnographic synthesis, a total of 28 empirical studies met inclusion. Key findings helped inform an overarching framework of the experience of young carers as illustrated by a journey map. The journey map is a visual depiction of the stages these young carers go through when in a caregiving role framed by three themes: (1) encountering caregiving; (2) being a young caregiver, and (3) moving beyond caregiving. The caregiving experience is perceived by young people as challenging and complex, which could be improved with more informational navigation and emotional support. Understanding these experiences provides insight into gaps in health services and potential solutions that align with the stages outlined in the journey map.
Topics: Adolescent; Anthropology, Cultural; Caregivers; Delivery of Health Care; Empirical Research; Humans; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 35627362
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105826 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2021Community care nurses educate adolescents about body image, but their interventions appear to be ineffective. Body dissatisfaction predicts unhealthy behaviors among... (Review)
Review
Community care nurses educate adolescents about body image, but their interventions appear to be ineffective. Body dissatisfaction predicts unhealthy behaviors among adolescents. This study aimed to understand the meanings and factors that influence the concept of body image through a systematic review and meta-ethnography of qualitative studies from the perspective of adolescents. Ten studies published from 2009-2019 were identified by a search of relevant systematic databases between September and December 2019. The review followed the seven steps of meta-ethnography developed by Noblit and Hare, including a line-of-argument. The synthesis revealed six themes: self-perception of body image; opinions of friends and colleagues; opinions of family; specific features of the school environment; expectations perceived across the mass-media; and strategies, practices, and self-management of body image. An explanatory model was developed that showed adolescents' development of body image and the path towards its establishment. In conclusion, these results should be considered to implement strategies to promote a healthy body image in adolescents by community health and mental health nurses.
Topics: Adolescent; Anthropology, Cultural; Body Image; Health Status; Humans; Qualitative Research; Self Concept
PubMed: 33561092
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031140 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Mar 2023: Halitosis is a condition characterized by unpleasant breath smell that is starting to receive serious scientific attention, considering it reflects on people's social... (Review)
Review
: Halitosis is a condition characterized by unpleasant breath smell that is starting to receive serious scientific attention, considering it reflects on people's social and personal life. While most studies focus on the prevalence of halitosis, its medical etiology, and the psychological impact on adults, there is a lack of evidence regarding the social impact of halitosis on the younger population. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to observe the social and emotional impact that halitosis has on adolescents and young adults. : The review followed the PRISMA protocol, and four electronic databases (Scopus, Scholar, Web of Science, and ProQuest) were searched. From a total of 593 studies retrieved, only 6 were included in the study after assessing the eligibility criteria. : The main results showed that the levels of self-reported halitosis ranged from 23.1% to 77.5%, with an average of 44.7%, indicating a significant heterogeneity among the studies reporting this issue. Adolescents and young adults who experienced bad breath were feeling more anxious and depressed according to the non-standardized questionnaires and the standardized questionnaires (OHIP-14 and SCL-9-R). The respondents were isolated from social interactions and consequently had lower self-esteem and impaired quality of life. : The conclusions drawn indicate the need for action on a medical level, as well as on a psychological level, in order to improve people's oral health and help them navigate through the difficulties of maintaining social interactions as they live with halitosis.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Young Adult; Halitosis; Quality of Life; Social Change; Oral Health; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 36984565
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59030564 -
Social Science & Medicine (1982) Jan 2022Travel has individual, societal and planetary health implications. We explored socioeconomic and gendered differences in travel behaviour in Africa, to develop an... (Review)
Review
Travel has individual, societal and planetary health implications. We explored socioeconomic and gendered differences in travel behaviour in Africa, to develop an understanding of travel-related inequity. We conducted a mixed-methods systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42019124802). In 2019, we searched MEDLINE, TRID, SCOPUS, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, Global Health, Africa Index Medicus, CINAHL and MediCarib for studies examining travel behaviour by socioeconomic status and gender in Africa. We appraised study quality using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists. We synthesised qualitative data using meta-ethnography, followed by a narrative synthesis of quantitative data, and integrated qualitative and quantitative strands using pattern matching principles. We retrieved 103 studies (20 qualitative, 24 mixed-methods, 59 quantitative). From the meta-ethnography, we observed that travel is: intertwined with social mobility; necessary to access resources; associated with cost and safety barriers; typified by long distances and slow modes; and dictated by gendered social expectations. We also observed that: motorised transport is needed in cities; walking is an unsafe, 'captive' mode; and urban and transport planning are uncoordinated. From these observations, we derived hypothesised patterns that were tested using the quantitative data, and found support for these overall. In lower socioeconomic individuals, travel inequity entailed reliance on walking and paratransit (informal public transport), being unable to afford travel, travelling less overall, and travelling long distances in hazardous conditions. In women and girls, travel inequity entailed reliance on walking and lack of access to private vehicles, risk of personal violence, societally-imposed travel constraints, and household duties shaping travel. Limitations included lack of analytical rigour in qualitative studies and a preponderance of cross-sectional quantitative studies (offering a static view of an evolving process). Overall, we found that travel inequity in Africa perpetuates socioeconomic and gendered disadvantage. Proposed solutions focus on improving the safety, efficiency and affordability of public transport and walking.
Topics: Africa; Anthropology, Cultural; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Socioeconomic Factors; Travel; Travel-Related Illness
PubMed: 34802781
DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114545 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2021The mind-body therapies of traditional Chinese medicine include several intervention types and combine physical poses with conscious relaxation and breathing...
The mind-body therapies of traditional Chinese medicine include several intervention types and combine physical poses with conscious relaxation and breathing techniques. The purpose of this Evidence Map is to describe these different interventions and report related health outcomes. This evidence map is based on the 3iE Evidence Gap Map methodology. We searched seven electronic databases (BVS, PUBMED, EMBASE, PEDro, ScienceDirect, Web of Sciences, and PschyInfo) from inception to November 2019 and included systematic reviews only. Systematic reviews were analyzed based on AMSTAR 2. We used Tableau to graphically display quality assessment, the number of reviews, outcomes, and effects. The map is based on 116 systematic reviews and 44 meta-analyses. Most of the reviews were published in the last 5 years. The most researched interventions were Tai Chi and Qi Gong. The reviews presented the following quality assessment: 80 high, 43 moderate, 23 low, and 14 critically low. Every 680 distinct outcome effect was classified: 421 as potential positive; 237 as positive; 21 as inconclusive/mixed; one potential negative and none no effect. Positive effects were related to chronic diseases; mental indicators and disorders; vitality, well-being, and quality of life. Potential positive effects were related to balance, mobility, Parkinson's disease, hypertension, joint pain, cognitive performance, and sleep quality. Inconclusive/mixed-effects justify further research, especially in the following areas: Acupressure as Shiatsu and Tuiná for nausea and vomiting; Tai Chi and Qi Gong for acute diseases, prevention of stroke, stroke risk factors, and schizophrenia. The mind-body therapies from traditional Chinese medicine have been applied in different areas and this Evidence Map provides a visualization of valuable information for patients, professionals, and policymakers, to promote evidence-based complementary therapies.
Topics: Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Mind-Body Therapies; Quality of Life; Tai Ji
PubMed: 34988045
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.659075 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023The use of medicinal plants to treat inflammatory conditions and painful processes has attracted the attention of scientists and health professionals due to the evidence... (Review)
Review
The use of medicinal plants to treat inflammatory conditions and painful processes has attracted the attention of scientists and health professionals due to the evidence that natural products can promote significant therapeutic benefits associated with fewer adverse effects compared to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. The genus is composed of various plants with pharmacological potential, which are used to treat various diseases in traditional communities worldwide. The present study systematically reviewed species with anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential. To this end, a systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The search was conducted on the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciVerse Scopus, and Web of Science. Different combinations of search terms were used to ensure more excellent article coverage. After the selection, a total of 45 articles were included in this review. This study identified twelve species indicated for the treatment of different inflammatory conditions, such as wounds, fever, bronchitis, abscess, asthma, hepatitis, labyrinthitis, tonsillitis, and uterine inflammation. The indications for pain conditions included headache, sore throat, heartburn, menstrual cramp, colic, toothache, stomachache, migraine, chest pain, abdominal pain, local pain, labor pain, and recurring pain. Among the listed species, ten plants were found to be used according to traditional knowledge, although only four of them have been experimentally studied. When assessing the methodological quality of preclinical in vivo assays, most items presented a risk of bias. The SR results revealed the existence of different species used to treat inflammation and pain. The results of this systematic review indicate that species have the potential to be used in the treatment of diseases with an inflammatory component, as well as in the management of pain. However, given the risk of biases, the experimental analysis of these species through preclinical testing is crucial for their safe and effective use.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Ethnopharmacology; Phytotherapy; Plectranthus; Abdominal Pain; Analgesics; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Inflammation; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 37570622
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155653 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jun 2023Dengue has historically been considered an urban disease associated with dense human populations and the built environment. Recently, studies suggest increasing dengue... (Review)
Review
Dengue has historically been considered an urban disease associated with dense human populations and the built environment. Recently, studies suggest increasing dengue virus (DENV) transmission in rural populations. It is unclear whether these reports reflect recent spread into rural areas or ongoing transmission that was previously unnoticed, and what mechanisms are driving this rural transmission. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize research on dengue in rural areas and apply this knowledge to summarize aspects of rurality used in current epidemiological studies of DENV transmission given changing and mixed environments. We described how authors defined rurality and how they defined mechanisms for rural dengue transmission. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase for articles evaluating dengue prevalence or cumulative incidence in rural areas. A total of 106 articles published between 1958 and 2021 met our inclusion criteria. Overall, 56% (n = 22) of the 48 estimates that compared urban and rural settings reported rural dengue incidence as being as high or higher than in urban locations. In some rural areas, the force of infection appears to be increasing over time, as measured by increasing seroprevalence in children and thus likely decreasing age of first infection, suggesting that rural dengue transmission may be a relatively recent phenomenon. Authors characterized rural locations by many different factors, including population density and size, environmental and land use characteristics, and by comparing their context to urban areas. Hypothesized mechanisms for rural dengue transmission included travel, population size, urban infrastructure, vector and environmental factors, among other mechanisms. Strengthening our understanding of the relationship between rurality and dengue will require a more nuanced definition of rurality from the perspective of DENV transmission. Future studies should focus on characterizing details of study locations based on their environmental features, exposure histories, and movement dynamics to identify characteristics that may influence dengue transmission.
Topics: Child; Humans; Dengue; Dengue Virus; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Longitudinal Studies; Rural Population
PubMed: 37289678
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011333 -
Pharmaceutical Biology Dec 2023Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction (CLMD) is a traditional Chinese medicine for treating depression. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effect-enhancing and toxicity-reducing effects of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli decoction in the treatment of multimorbidity with depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
CONTEXT
Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction (CLMD) is a traditional Chinese medicine for treating depression.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the effect of CLMD combined with antidepressants on multimorbidity with depression (MMD).
METHOD
Published randomized controlled trials were collected from PubMed, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal, Wanfang and China Biomedical Literature Service System Databases. Participants were divided into study groups (CLMD combined with antidepressants) and control groups (antidepressants). RevMan5.4 software was used for data analysis.
RESULTS
Hamilton's Depression Scale score was significantly lower (MD = -5.62, 95%CI [-5.86, -5.37], < 0.00001), and the effective rate was significantly higher (RR = 1.23, 95%CI [1.17, 1.29], < 0.00001) in study groups. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score of study groups were significantly lower (MD = -2.82, 95%CI [-3.84, -1.81], < 0.00001; MD = -2.26, 95%CI [-3.19, -1.34], < 0.00001). 5-HT, DA, NE and IL-1β level were significantly lower (SMD = 1.99, = 0.003; SMD = 1.99, < 0.00001; SMD = 0.86, < 0.00001; MD = -14.64, = 0.003) in study groups. Adverse reaction rate in study groups was significantly lower (RR = 0.47, 95%CI [0.24, 0.91], = 0.03). The gastrointestinal tract and autonomic nervous system disorders were reduced in study groups.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
CLMD combined with antidepressants enhances the effect of antidepressants and reduces their adverse reactions, performing a synergistic effect; it may be considered as an effective option in the treatment of MMD.
Topics: Humans; Depression; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Multimorbidity
PubMed: 37439185
DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2228356 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Nov 2021This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of subacute thyroiditis (SAT). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of subacute thyroiditis (SAT).
METHODS
Chinese databases were searched using a combination of "patent Chinese medicine", "traditional Chinese medicine", "traditional Chinese and western medicine", "sub-thyroiditis", and "subacute thyroiditis". Studies that set Chinese patent medicine treatment of SAT as the experimental group were selected. Then, meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3.
RESULTS
A total of 12 studies were included, and most of them had a high risk of bias (low quality). The heterogeneity test results of clinical efficacy showed that Chi2=6.21, df=7, P=0.52>0.1, and I2=0%<50%. Then, the fixed effects model (FEM) was used, with OR =2.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.89-4.13. The heterogeneity test of recurrence rate showed that Chi2=10.69, df=9, P=0.30>0.1, and I2=16%<50%. The heterogeneity test of erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed that I2=97%, P<0.00001, MD =-10.02; 95% CI: -12.88 to -7.16, and P<0.00001. The heterogeneity test of free triiodothyronine showed that Chi2=500.75, I2=99%>50%, P<0.00001, MD =-2.88; 95% CI: -3.85 to -1.91; Z=5.83, and P<0.00001. The heterogeneity test of free thyroid hormone showed that Chi2=25.15, I2=72%>50%, P=0.0007, MD =-2.48; 95% CI: -3.69 to -1.26; Z=3.99, and P<0.0001. The heterogeneity test of the occurrence of adverse reactions showed that Chi2=11.28, df=11, P=0.42>0.1, and I2=3%<50%, and the combined effect size was Z=6.49 and P<0.00001, with OR =0.21; 95% CI: 0.13-0.34.
DISCUSSION
The meta-analysis of this study confirms that Chinese patent medicines have considerable clinical effects in the treatment of SAT. They can reduce the recurrence rate, adjust the levels of free triiodothyronine and free thyroid hormone, and have good safety.
Topics: China; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Nonprescription Drugs; Thyroiditis, Subacute; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34872266
DOI: 10.21037/apm-21-2248 -
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience :... Apr 2023Vestibular migraine is a common vertigo disease, and studies confirm that Traditional Chinese medical has unique advantages in treating vestibular migraine. However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Vestibular migraine is a common vertigo disease, and studies confirm that Traditional Chinese medical has unique advantages in treating vestibular migraine. However, there is no unified clinical treatment method and lacks objective outcome indicators. This study aims to provide evidence-based medical evidence by systematically evaluating the clinical efficacy of oral TCM in treating vestibular migraine.
METHODS
Search journals related with clinical randomized controlled trials of oral traditional Chinese medicine for vestibular migraine in databases includes China Academic Journals full-text database (CNKI), China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), China Science and Technology Journal Database(VIP), Wangfang Medicine Online(WANFANG), PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and OVID databases from their inceptions until September 2022. The quality of the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, then conduct the Meta analysis by using RevMan5.3.
RESULTS
There were 179 papers left after selection. Moreover, according to the literature inclusion and exclusion criteria, 158 studies were filtered and the remaining 21 articles would be considered in this paper, which include 1650 patients in total and 828 of them were in the therapy group and 822 of them were in the control group.Furthermore,the therapy group outperformed the control group in terms of the total efficiency rate and TCM syndrome score, and the difference is statistically significant(P < 0.01). The number of vertigo attacks and the duration of each vertigo decreased compared to the control group, which difference is also statistically significant (P < 0.01). The funnel chart of the total efficiency rate was approximately symmetric and publication bias was low.
CONCLUSION
The oral traditional Chinese medicine is an effective way for vestibular migraine, which would help with the clinical symptoms, reduce the TCM syndrome score, decrease the number of vertigo attacks and the duration of each vertigo, and improve life quality of patients.
Topics: Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Treatment Outcome; Migraine Disorders; China
PubMed: 36863125
DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2023.02.015