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Journal of Integrative and... Aug 2023Ginseng has been widely used in fatigue management. However, its efficacy on fatigue remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ginseng and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Ginseng has been widely used in fatigue management. However, its efficacy on fatigue remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ginseng and ginseng herbal formulas for fatigue in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The authors searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED) databases from inception to July 6, 2022. Outcomes included fatigue severity, quality of life (QoL), and adverse events (AEs). Quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. They pooled all included data and performed subgroup analysis by fatigue type, assessment instrument, and ginseng type. The authors included 19 RCTs. Pooled analyses found no significant reduction in fatigue severity with ginseng versus controls (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.82 to 0.11, = 0.13). In subgroup analysis, there was significant fatigue reduction with the ginseng herbal formula (SMD: -0.39, 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.13, = 0.004) and chronic fatigue (CF) (SMD: -0.30, 95% CI: -0.56 to -0.03, = 0.03) compared to controls. Ginseng produced significant reductions in general (i.e., non-disease-specific) fatigue compared to controls (SMD: -0.48, 95% CI: -0.71 to -0.25, < 0.0001). Ginseng was associated with a trend toward QoL improvement ( = 0.05) and did not increase AEs compared with controls. Effect sizes were small. Ginseng herbal formulas improved fatigue severity compared to controls, especially among patients with CF, but with a small effect size. Rigorous RCTs as well as guidelines for standard ginseng usage are needed to further evaluate the effects of ginseng for fatigue and ensure proper use.
Topics: Humans; Panax; Quality of Life; Complementary Therapies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36730693
DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0532 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) May 2012The global epidemic of chronic non-communicable diseases is closely related to changes in lifestyle, including decreasing leisure time physical activity (PA). Physical... (Review)
Review
The global epidemic of chronic non-communicable diseases is closely related to changes in lifestyle, including decreasing leisure time physical activity (PA). Physical inactivity is a major public health challenge. To respond to that challenge, it is essential to know which personal and environmental factors affect PA behaviour. Certain life events may be one contributing factor, by creating emotional distress and disrupting a person's daily routine. The aim was to examine the literature concerning the effects of life events on changes in PA. A systematic literature search was performed on studies that assessed at least one major change in life circumstances and a change in PA. To be included, studies had to assess PA at two timepoints at least (before and after the event). Diseases as life events were excluded from this review. Thirty-four articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies examined the following life-change events: transition to university; change in employment status; marital transitions and changes in relationships; pregnancy/having a child; experiencing harassment at work, violence or disaster; and moving into an institution. The studies reviewed showed statistically significant changes in leisure PA associated with certain life events. In men and women, transition to university, having a child, remarriage and mass urban disaster decreased PA levels, while retirement increased PA. In young women, beginning work, changing work conditions, changing from being single to cohabiting, getting married, pregnancy, divorce/separation and reduced income decreased PA. In contrast, starting a new personal relationship, returning to study and harassment at work increased PA. In middle-aged women, changing work conditions, reduced income, personal achievement and death of a spouse/partner increased PA, while experiencing violence and a family member being arrested or jailed decreased PA. In older women, moving into an institution and interpersonal loss decreased PA, while longer-term widowhood increased PA. In addition, experiencing multiple simultaneous life events decreased PA in men and women. Major life events have a strong effect on leisure PA behaviour. Consequently, people experiencing life events could be an important target group for PA promotion. More research is needed to examine the short- and long-term effects of different life events on PA, gender differences in the effects of life events and the specific determinants of PA change during life events.
Topics: Health Behavior; Humans; Leisure Activities; Life Change Events; Motor Activity; Retirement
PubMed: 22512413
DOI: 10.2165/11597610-000000000-00000 -
Addiction (Abingdon, England) Mar 2014To examine the evidence of association between intimate partner physical or sexual violence (IPV) victimization and alcohol consumption in women. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIMS
To examine the evidence of association between intimate partner physical or sexual violence (IPV) victimization and alcohol consumption in women.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies released before 6 June 2013. Studies providing an estimate of association between violence and alcohol consumption or alcohol use disorders were eligible for inclusion. Quality was assessed and random effects meta-analyses used to generate pooled odds ratios (OR) where appropriate. Higgins I(2) where P<0.10 was taken to indicate heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Fifty-five studies providing 102 estimates of association met the inclusion criteria. Most estimates were not controlled for partner alcohol use and other key confounders. Seven longitudinal studies provided 12 estimates of the association between alcohol and subsequent IPV; nine of 12 estimates showed a direction of increased odds of subsequent IPV, pooled OR=1.27 [95% confidence interval (CI)=1.07-1.52], I(2) =0%, P=0.437. Nine longitudinal studies provided 15 estimates of association between IPV and subsequent alcohol use; 14 of 15 estimates showed a direction of increased odds of subsequent alcohol use, pooled OR=1.25 (95% CI 1.02-1.52), I(2)=0%, P=0.751. Cross-sectional studies showed an association between IPV and alcohol use, pooled OR=1.80, 95% CI 1.58-2.06, but with substantial heterogeneity, I(2)=60.8%, P<0.0001. Definition of alcohol use partly accounted for heterogeneity in cross-sectional estimates.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a clear positive association between alcohol use and intimate partner physical or sexual violence victimization among women, suggesting a need for programming and research that addresses this link. However, the temporal direction of the association remains unclear. Longitudinal studies with multiple waves of data collection are needed.
Topics: Alcohol Drinking; Alcohol-Related Disorders; Crime Victims; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Risk Factors; Sex Offenses; Spouse Abuse
PubMed: 24329907
DOI: 10.1111/add.12393 -
Journal of Cancer Survivorship :... Apr 2022Supporting the health of cancer survivors and their families from diagnosis through survivorship is a recognized priority. However, the extent to which health promotion... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Supporting the health of cancer survivors and their families from diagnosis through survivorship is a recognized priority. However, the extent to which health promotion efforts after the completion of acute treatment attend to the needs of adult survivors and families is unclear. This systematic scoping review summarizes the key characteristics of post-treatment lifestyle interventions aiming to improve diet, physical activity, and/or weight-related outcomes for adult cancer survivors and family members.
METHODS
We retrieved relevant studies from six databases using keywords. Studies were appraised for quality and limited to English-language, peer-reviewed journal articles published in or after 2005.
RESULTS
A total of 2,376 articles were obtained from the databases; 14 main articles (and 2 supplemental articles) representing 14 unique interventions were retained for our analysis. Most interventions were designed to modify aspects of participant diet and physical activity (in combination) or physical activity alone; cited social cognitive theory as a guiding or interpretative framework; included survivors of multiple cancer types; and were limited to one type of familial relationship (e.g., spouse/partner, sister). Where reported, intervention samples were predominantly White.
CONCLUSIONS
Few post-treatment interventions concurrently target cancer survivor and family members' positive lifestyle behaviors. Positive findings highlight the potential for expanding this area of intervention research and increasing understanding of individual and familial factors that contribute to successful post-treatment family interventions.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS
Promoting cancer survivors' healthy behaviors within the family context could capitalize on existing support networks and improve the health of family members in supportive roles.
Topics: Adult; Cancer Survivors; Diet; Family; Humans; Life Style; Neoplasms; Survivors
PubMed: 33713302
DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01013-x -
Addictive Behaviors Nov 2017To review the literature on psychosocial interventions for addiction affected family members in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC). (Review)
Review
AIM
To review the literature on psychosocial interventions for addiction affected family members in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC).
METHODS
A systematic review with a detailed search strategy focussing on psychosocial interventions directed towards people affected by addiction without any gender, year or language specifications was conducted. Identified titles and abstracts were screened; where needed full papers retrieved, and then independently reviewed. Data was extracted based on the aims of the study, to describe the modalities, acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of the interventions.
RESULTS
Four papers met our selection criteria. They were published between 2003 and 2014; the total sample size was 137 participants, and two studies were from Mexico and one each from Vietnam and Malaysia. The predominantly female participants comprised of parents, spouses and siblings. The common components of all the interventions included providing information regarding addiction, teaching coping skills, and providing support. Though preliminary these small studies suggests a positive effect on affected family members (AFM). There was lowering of psychological and physical distress, along with a better understanding of addictive behaviour. The interventions led to better coping; with improvements in self-esteem and assertive behaviour. The interventions, mostly delivered in group settings, were largely acceptable.
CONCLUSIONS
The limited evidence does suggest positive benefits to AFMs. The scope of research needs to be extended to other addictions, and family members other than spouse and female relatives. Indigenous and locally adapted interventions are needed to address this issue keeping in mind the limited resources of LMIC. This is a field indeed in its infancy and this under recognised and under-served group needs urgent attention of researchers and policy makers.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Behavior, Addictive; Counseling; Developing Countries; Family; Humans; Poverty; Psychotherapy; Social Support
PubMed: 28554034
DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.05.015 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Mar 2022Accumulating research suggests that stressful life events, especially those that threaten close intimate bonds, are associated with an increased risk of dementia.... (Review)
Review
Spousal caregiving, widowhood, and cognition: A systematic review and a biopsychosocial framework for understanding the relationship between interpersonal losses and dementia risk in older adulthood.
Accumulating research suggests that stressful life events, especially those that threaten close intimate bonds, are associated with an increased risk of dementia. Grieving the loss of a spouse, whether in the form of caregiving or after the death, ranks among 'life's most significant stressors', evoking intense psychological and physiological distress. Despite numerous studies reporting elevated dementia risk or poorer cognition among spousal caregivers and widow(er)s compared to controls, no review has summarized findings across cognitive outcomes (i.e., dementia incidence, cognitive impairment rates, cognitive performance) or proposed a theoretical model for understanding the links between partner loss and abnormal cognitive decline. The current systematic review summarizes findings across 64 empirical studies. Overall, both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies revealed an adverse association between partner loss and cognitive outcomes. In turn, we propose a biopsychosocial model of cognitive decline that explains how caregiving and bereavement may position some to develop cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. More longitudinal studies that focus on the biopsychosocial context of caregivers and widow(er)s are needed.
Topics: Aged; Caregivers; Cognition; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dementia; Female; Humans; Widowhood
PubMed: 34971701
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.010 -
Maternal & Child Nutrition Jan 2023In the extended UNICEF framework of early childhood nutrition, parents' stress is associated with parental feeding style. However, no comprehensive review has examined... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
In the extended UNICEF framework of early childhood nutrition, parents' stress is associated with parental feeding style. However, no comprehensive review has examined the association between parents' stress and feeding styles and practices. The objective of our review was to synthesise the current literature examining the association between parents' stress and their feeding practices and/or styles, among parents of children ≤ 5 years old. We searched; MEDLINE, EMBASE, PSYCHINFO and CINAHL from 2019 to 2021. Two investigators independently extracted relevant data and assessed the study quality and the certainty of evidence. Data were pooled using generic inverse variance with fixed effects (<5 comparisons) or random effects (≥5 comparisons) and expressed as correlation coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Between study heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and quantified with I . We identified 6 longitudinal and 11 cross-sectional studies, of which 4 studies provided sufficient data to be pooled. A very small correlation between general stress and restrictive feeding practices was observed (r = 0.06 [95% CI: 0.01-0.12]; no substantial heterogeneity (I = 0.00%, P < 0.85, very low certainty). No correlation between general stress and feeding pressure was identified (r = 0.06 [95% CI: -0.02 to 0.15]). Results showed that both general and parenting stress were associated with suboptimal breastfeeding practices and unresponsive feeding styles. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a low-to-moderate quality of literature for the inclusion of parents' stress in the extended UNICEF care model of child nutrition. Future research needs to explore this relationship longitudinally and in ethnic diverse populations to inform tailored interventions that promote responsive feeding practices.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feeding Behavior; Parenting; Parents; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36284502
DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13448 -
European Journal of Cardiovascular... Sep 2011Cardiac disease is a chronic illness that has extensive impact on patients and their partners. No previous review has been made on how the partner relationship is... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Cardiac disease is a chronic illness that has extensive impact on patients and their partners. No previous review has been made on how the partner relationship is affected following cardiac disease. The review limited itself to the main cardiac disease of myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia and heart failure.
AIM
The aim of this review was to identify how the partner relationship is affected following cardiac disease after hospital discharge.
METHOD
CINAHL, PubMed and PsycINFO were searched from 1999 to 2009. Quality assessment of included articles was made using the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers' Manual. A total of 20 articles were included.
RESULTS
Five themes identified how the partner relationship is affected following cardiac disease, namely: overprotection, communication deficiency, sexual concerns, changes in domestic roles, and adjustment to illness. Patients reported feeling overprotected by their spouses which occasionally served as a fertile ground for arguments or conflicts. Most couples experienced some implications concerning their sexual life following cardiac disease, though in various degrees. Both patients and partners seemed to experience communication deficiency concerning emotions within their relationship following the event. Most couples experienced a shift in roles and responsibilities within their partner relationship. Even though most couples experienced great distress following being afflicted with cardiac disease they reported that the disease had brought them closer together.
CONCLUSION
The review found that though couples found the cardiac event distressful they conformed and adjusted their relationship to the new situation.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Communication Barriers; Heart Diseases; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Life Change Events; Patient Discharge; Role; Sexuality; Spouses
PubMed: 21345737
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcnurse.2011.01.006 -
Maturitas Oct 2015Unpaid, informal carers play a vital role in supporting people with long-term conditions. Being a carer can be challenging and carers may need support but they... (Review)
Review
Unpaid, informal carers play a vital role in supporting people with long-term conditions. Being a carer can be challenging and carers may need support but they frequently fail to access it. Compared to research investigating the experiences of female carers, research with male carers is underdeveloped. The available evidence suggests male and female carers have many experiences in common but some research suggests that compared to females, male carers are even less likely to access services. The aim of this systematic review was therefore to synthesise research investigating adult male carers' experiences of accessing formal and informal support focussing on the barriers and facilitators. Nine health and social care electronic databases were searched (e.g. PubMed, PsychINFO, CINAHL Plus, Social Policy and Practice, Scopus). Seven studies (five qualitative and two quantitative) fitting the inclusion criteria were identified. All came from North America and most focussed on older carers caring for people with dementia. All seven studies described barriers to accessing support and three highlighted facilitators. Male carers felt committed to their role, seeing it as their responsibility but were often ambivalent about seeking help. Insufficient service information was frequently emphasised. Participants highlighted positive past experiences and professional or voluntary sector support in providing information and helping access services. Research into male carers' experiences in accessing support remains underdeveloped. Research that distinguishes between, for example, the experiences of spouses and sons and with direct comparisons between male and female carers is needed. Whether gender specific services would benefit male carers remains undetermined.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Caregivers; Dementia; Female; Humans; Male; Social Support; Women's Health
PubMed: 26271710
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.07.013 -
Heart & Lung : the Journal of Critical... 2023Families of patients admitted to ICUs often experience post-intensive care syndrome-family, and previous studies have reported several possible risk factors. However, to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Families of patients admitted to ICUs often experience post-intensive care syndrome-family, and previous studies have reported several possible risk factors. However, to date, no meta-analyses have been conducted on the numerous risk factors associated with the development of post-intensive care syndrome-family and how strongly these factors are in association with post-intensive care syndrome-family.
OBJECTIVES
To identify risk factors for post-intensive care syndrome-family and determine the effect size of individual risk factors.
METHODS
This systematic review used MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases to search all studies through December 1, 2021, that reported risk factors for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and prolonged grief disorder in the families of adult patients in ICUs. A meta-analysis was conducted to calculate an overall estimate for key risk factors, and odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were used as summary statistics using the random-effects model.
RESULTS
Of 2964 identified studies, 17 were included. Nine factors for anxiety, eight for depression, and three for PTSD were assessed using results from 13 studies. The risk factor with the largest effect size was "history of mental illness," which, along with "female sex," was a significant risk factor common to anxiety, depression, and PTSD. "Poor communication with ICU staff," "severely ill patient," and "patients' spouse" were common risk factors for anxiety and depression.
CONCLUSIONS
We identified several risk factors related to patient and family demographic characteristics. Further research is required to identify and validate modifiable risk factors for the psychosocial experiences of families of ICU patients.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Anxiety; Intensive Care Units; Risk Factors; Depression
PubMed: 36642001
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2023.01.005