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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 -
Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal Jul 2020Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) emerged early in the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as a possible drug with potential therapeutic and prophylactic... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) emerged early in the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as a possible drug with potential therapeutic and prophylactic benefits. It was quickly adopted in China, Europe, and the USA. We systematically reviewed the existing clinical evidence of HCQ use for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
METHODS
We screened for clinical studies describing HCQ administration to treat or prevent COVID-19 in PubMed. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized comparative cohorts, and case series studies that had all undergone peer review.
RESULTS
A total of 623 studies were screened; 17 studies evaluating HCQ treatment were included. A total of 13 were observational studies, and 4 were RCTs. In terms of effect on mortality rates, observational studies provided conflicting results. As a whole, RCTs, including one large British RCT that has not yet been published, showed no significant effect of HCQ on mortality rates, clinical cure, and virologic response. The use of HCQ as a post-exposure prophylactic agent was found to be ineffective in one RCT.
CONCLUSION
There is no evidence supporting HCQ for prophylaxis or treatment of COVID-19. Many observational trials were methodologically flawed. Scientific efforts have been disappointingly fragmented, and well-conducted trials have only recently been completed, more than 7 months and 600,000 deaths into the pandemic.
PubMed: 32792041
DOI: 10.5041/RMMJ.10416 -
The impact of double-blind peer review on gender bias in scientific publishing: a systematic review.American Journal of Obstetrics and... Jul 2022Gender-based bias during journal peer review can lead to publication biases and perpetuate gender inequality in science. Double-blind peer review, in which the names of... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Gender-based bias during journal peer review can lead to publication biases and perpetuate gender inequality in science. Double-blind peer review, in which the names of authors and reviewers are masked, may present an opportunity for scientific literature to increase equity and reduce gender-based biases. This systematic review of studies evaluates the impact of double-blind vs single-blind peer review on the publication rates by perceived author gender.
DATA SOURCES
The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus electronic databases were searched using the terms "blind," "peer review," "gender," "woman," and "author." All published literature in the English language from database inception through 2020 was queried.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Prospective experimental and observational studies comparing double-blind to single-blind peer review strategies examining impact on publication decisions by author gender were included.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
The extracted data were primarily descriptive and included information on study design, sample size, primary outcome, major findings, and scientific discipline. The studies were characterized on the basis of design and whether the results demonstrated an impact of double-blind peer review on review scores and publication decision by perceived author gender. This study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews or PROSPERO.
RESULTS
In total, 1717 articles were identified, 123 were reviewed, and 8 were included, encompassing 5 prospective experimental studies and 3 observational studies. Four studies demonstrated a difference in the acceptance rate or review score on the basis of perceived author gender, whereas the other 4 studies demonstrated no differences when the author gender was anonymized.
CONCLUSION
Studies evaluating the impact of double-blind peer review on author gender demonstrate mixed results, but there is reasonable evidence that gender bias may exist in scientific publishing and that double-blinding can mitigate its impact. Further evaluation of the processes in place to create the body of evidence that clinicians and researchers rely on is essential to reduce bias, particularly in female-majority fields such as obstetrics and gynecology.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Double-Blind Method; Peer Review; Publishing; Sexism; Single-Blind Method
PubMed: 35120887
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.01.030 -
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 -
Journal of Education and Health... 2023Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a systemic disorder with a complex multifactorial and heterogeneous pathogenesis and has become the most common cause of... (Review)
Review
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a systemic disorder with a complex multifactorial and heterogeneous pathogenesis and has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease in many countries around the world. Numerous studies in Iran have presented different results on the prevalence and risk factors of NAFLD, in this study, which has been done in a systematic review and meta-analysis, provides a good estimate of the prevalence and risk factors of the disease in Iran. Following the peer review of electronic search strategies (PRESS and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses [PRISMA] statement, we searched Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Persian scientific searcher (Elmnet) from inception to September 19, 2022. In the present study, 71 articles were reviewed for qualitative and meta-analysis. The overall mean prevalence of NAFLD in children studies was 22.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.9% to 33.9%). The prevalence was notably higher in adult studies 40.5% (95% CI: 35.1% to 46%). In 24 studies, the association between NAFLD and sex was reported, 10 of which showed significant relationships. Out of 46 studies observed that NAFLD prevalence increased significantly with body mass index (BMI). Eight out of 14 studies reported significant associations between FBS and NAFLD in children's studies. Though Iran has a high NAFLD prevalence compared to most areas, and due to the unfavorable situation of risk factors contributing to the NAFLD, it is necessary to take the necessary interventions to control these risk factors and prevent NAFLD.
PubMed: 38144003
DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1056_22 -
Journal of Pediatric Nursing 2021Effective pain management is the key to improving not only patient outcomes but also patient satisfaction. Patient controlled analgesia (PCA) is a pain management method...
PROBLEM
Effective pain management is the key to improving not only patient outcomes but also patient satisfaction. Patient controlled analgesia (PCA) is a pain management method that allows the patient to self-administer their medication. Because of the great variety of physical and cognitive abilities in the pediatric population, involvement of a nurse or parent proxy is necessary.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to ascertain the most effective approaches to PCA in pediatric settings.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Criteria for articles selection were as follows: (a) published in a peer-review journal, (b) between 2014 and 2019, (c) in English, (d) directly addressing the issues of safety and efficacy of patient-controlled analgesia by proxy in the pediatric patient population.
SAMPLE
Databases used in the search included CINAHL Plus with Full Text, DynaMed, MedLine with Full Text, and ScienceDirect. Combinations of the following keywords were used to search each database: "nurse controlled analgesia", "parent controlled analgesia", "patient controlled analgesia by proxy", "NCA", "P/NCA", "PCA by proxy", "pediatrics", "children", "pediatric patients". Database searches yielded 172 results. Articles that were duplicated, missing inclusion criteria or did not directly address the issues of safety and efficacy of PCA by proxy were removed. Eleven articles fit the selection criteria.
RESULTS
Eleven articles were included in the final report. The themes that emerged from the analysis included pain management of neonates and infants, children with developmental disabilities, children with cancer, as well as the sources and possible solutions to errors in medication preparation.
CONCLUSIONS
It was concluded that PCA by proxy remains a safe and efficient method of pain administration for the pediatric population, with the exception of children suffering from developmental and neurological disabilities.
IMPLICATIONS
PCA by proxy, although presenting challenges, remains a safe and efficient way of pain management across different pediatric populations, such as infants and neonates or children with cancer, both inpatient and outpatient, and new technologies could positively influence the safety of this method of pain management. Conversely, children with developmental and neurological disabilities do not benefit from this method of pain management and are more prone to experiencing adverse effects.
Topics: Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; Analgesics, Opioid; Child; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Pain Management; Pain, Postoperative; Parents; Patient Satisfaction; Pediatrics
PubMed: 34139608
DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2021.06.002 -
PloS One 2021Hypertension is a major health problem in Ghana, being a leading cause of admissions and deaths in the country. In the context of a changing food and health policy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Hypertension is a major health problem in Ghana, being a leading cause of admissions and deaths in the country. In the context of a changing food and health policy environment, we undertook a systematic review (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020177174) and a meta-analysis of the prevalence of adult hypertension, and its awareness and control in Ghana.
METHODS
We searched major databases including PubMed, Embase as well as Google Scholar and online digital collections of public universities of Ghana to locate relevant published and unpublished community-based articles up till April 2020.
FINDINGS
Eighty-five articles involving 82,045 apparently-healthy subjects aged 15-100 years were analyzed. In individual studies, the prevalence of hypertension, defined in most cases as blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg, ranged from 2.8% to 67.5%. The pooled prevalence from the meta-analysis was 27.0% (95% CI 24.0%-30.0%), being twice as high in the coastal (28%, 95% CI: 24.0%-31.0%) and middle geo-ecological belts (29%, 95% CI: 25.0%-33.0%) as in the northern belt (13%, 95% CI: 7.0%-21.0%). The prevalence was similar by sex, urban-rural residence or peer-review status of the included studies. It did not appear to vary over the study year period 1976-2019. Of the subjects with hypertension, only 35% (95% CI: 29.0%-41.0%) were aware of it, 22% (95% CI: 16.0%-29.0%) were on treatment and 6.0% (95% CI: 3.0%-10.0%) had their blood pressure controlled. Sensitivity analyses corroborated the robust estimates. There was, however, high heterogeneity (I2 = 98.7%) across the studies which was partly explained by prevalent obesity in the subjects.
CONCLUSION
More than one in four adults in Ghana have hypertension. This high prevalence has persisted for decades and is similar in rural and urban populations. With the low awareness and poor control of hypertension, greater investments in cardiovascular health are required if Ghana is to meet the global target for hypertension.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Awareness; Female; Ghana; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Prevalence; Rural Population; Sex Factors
PubMed: 33667277
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248137 -
Academic Medicine : Journal of the... Sep 2002A systematic course/clerkship peer-review process was developed to meet several objectives: improvement of quality of course/clerkship, enhancement of understanding of... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
A systematic course/clerkship peer-review process was developed to meet several objectives: improvement of quality of course/clerkship, enhancement of understanding of individual course and overall curricular content, improvement of communication and collaboration between basic science and clinical disciplines across campuses, provision of forum to address curricular concerns of students and faculty, facilitation of data collection for LCME reviews and the AAMC CurrMIT project; and monitoring curricular equivalency at multiple clinical sites.
DESCRIPTION
Previously each course had carried out an internal review process. These reviews varied considerably in terms of the data collected and how those data were used for quality improvement. Data and outcomes of the internal reviews were seldom shared with colleagues, students, or administrators. This limited communication discouraged collaboration and led to disparity in curricular content between campuses. A collaborative effort between the medical school's Office of Medical Education (OME) and the Education Council, the faculty governance committee composed of faculty from each basic science and clinical department on each campus, has led to the development and implementation of a systematic course/clerkship peer-review process. Two standing committees of the Education Council oversee the systematic review process. One committee is charged with oversight of the first two years of the curriculum and a second committee with oversight of the third and fourth years. A two-tiered course/clerkship review process was designed with all courses undergoing a limited annual review. A comprehensive, "nuts and bolts" review for required courses was to occur every three years. The limited annual review was based on course evaluations completed by students, collected and summarized by the OME, and presented to the Education Council. The comprehensive review of a required course/clerkship occurred over a six-to-eight-month period. Course directors on each campus completed a questionnaire and submitted materials. To facilitate cross-discipline communication and synergy, a subcommittee composed of both basic science and clinical faculty, principally course directors, and at least one medical student who had completed the course at each campus reviewed submitted materials and had a series of meetings with the course directors, support personnel, and department chairs. Final review reports presented to the Education Council identify issues, concerns, and recommendations for action. To date 11 required courses have completed the comprehensive review process. Simple oversights, significant curricular disparity between campuses, and opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration have been identified and addressed. Student-rated satisfaction has improved for those courses that have been reviewed.
DISCUSSION
The systematic course/clerkship peer-review process has been a success, although there was initial resistance to "outside review." We have not yet completed one cycle of comprehensive course reviews but already faculty and administration have a better understanding of individual course and overall curriculum content. Faculty have developed working relationships and are sharing educational strategies across disciplines and campuses, and identifying innovative collaborations. The annual review process is now perceived to lack depth and is under reconsideration.
Topics: Clinical Clerkship; Curriculum; Humans; Peer Review; Program Development
PubMed: 12228100
DOI: 10.1097/00001888-200209000-00034 -
Implementation Science Communications Jun 2021Governments in some countries or states/provinces mandate school-based policies intended to improve the health and well-being of primary and secondary students and in...
BACKGROUND
Governments in some countries or states/provinces mandate school-based policies intended to improve the health and well-being of primary and secondary students and in some cases the health of school staff. Examples include mandating a minimum time spent per week in programmed physical activity, mandating provision of healthy foods and limiting fat content of school meals, and banning tobacco products or use on school campuses. Although school health researchers have studied whether schools, districts, or states/provinces are meeting requirements, it is unclear to what extent implementation processes and determinants are assessed. The purposes of the present systematic review of quantitative measures of school policy implementation were to (1) identify quantitative school health policy measurement tools developed to measure implementation at the school, district, or state/provincial levels; (2) describe the policy implementation outcomes and determinants assessed and identify the trends in measurement; and (3) assess pragmatic and psychometric properties of identified implementation measures to understand their quality and suitability for broader application.
METHODS
Peer-reviewed journal articles published 1995-2020 were included if they (1) had multiple-item quantitative measures of school policy implementation and (2) addressed overall wellness, tobacco, physical activity, nutrition, obesity prevention, or mental health/bullying/social-emotional learning. The final sample comprised 86 measurement tools from 67 peer-review articles. We extracted study characteristics, such as psychometric and pragmatic measure properties, from included articles based on three frameworks: (1) Implementation Outcomes Framework, (2) Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, and (3) Policy Implementation Determinants Framework.
RESULTS
Most implementation tools were developed to measure overall wellness policies which combined multiple policy topics (n = 35, 40%) and were in survey form (n = 75, 87%). Fidelity was the most frequently prevalent implementation outcome (n = 70, 81%), followed by adoption (n = 32, 81%). The implementation determinants most assessed were readiness for implementation, including resources (n = 43, 50%), leadership (n = 42, 49%), and policy communication (n = 41, 48%). Overall, measures were low-cost and had easy readability. However, lengthy tools and lack of reported validity/reliability data indicate low transferability.
CONCLUSIONS
Implementation science can contribute to more complete and rigorous assessment of school health policy implementation processes, which can improve implementation strategies and ultimately the intended health benefits. Several high-quality measures of implementation determinants and implementation outcomes can be applied to school health policy implementation assessment. Dissemination and implementation science researchers can also benefit from measurement experiences of school health researchers.
PubMed: 34174969
DOI: 10.1186/s43058-021-00169-y -
Archives of Psychiatric Nursing Dec 2022This study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on nurses' burnout and related factors. (Review)
Review
AIM
This study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on nurses' burnout and related factors.
BACKGROUND
Nurses at the frontlines in every field of the health system and composed most of the health service industry closely experience all negative events during the pandemic.
METHODS
This study is a rapid systematic review.
RESULTS
A total of 751 studies were selected, of which 13 studies were compatible with the inclusion criteria. The sample size ranged from 107 to 12.596. The studies determined that nurses' burnout levels were generally moderate level and above during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic, occupational, psychological, and COVID-19-related factors affected this burnout.
CONCLUSION
The results of this review may use to make implications that would ease the effect of the pandemic on nurses and develop strategies to protect nurses from burnout in similar possible situations. The protocol information is included here for blind peer review.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER (ID)
CRD42021244849.
REGISTRATION AND PROTOCOL
Prior to undertaking the review, we registered the protocol in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). The registration number is CRD42021244849. Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021244849. The changes made during the review process were registered in PROSPERO with an update.
Topics: Humans; Burnout, Professional; COVID-19; Nurses; Pandemics
PubMed: 36428057
DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2022.09.002