-
Journal of the International AIDS... Aug 2019Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health threat. Although the recent availability of highly effective directly acting antivirals created optimism towards HCV...
INTRODUCTION
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health threat. Although the recent availability of highly effective directly acting antivirals created optimism towards HCV elimination, there is ongoing transmission of HCV in men who have sex with men (MSM). We here report current epidemiological trends and synthesise evidence on behavioural, network, cellular and molecular host factors associated with sexual transmission of HCV, in particular the role of HIV-1 co-infection. We discuss prevention opportunities focusing on the potential of HCV treatment.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, fact sheets from health professional bodies and conference abstracts using appropriate keywords to identify and select relevant reports.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Recent studies strongly suggest that HCV is transmitted via sexual contact in HIV-positive MSM and more recently in HIV-negative MSM eligible for or on pre-exposure prophylaxis. The reinfection risk following clearance is about 10 times the risk of primary infection. International connectedness of MSM transmission networks might contribute to ongoing reinfection. Some of these networks might overlap with networks of people who inject drugs. Although, the precise mechanisms facilitating sexual transmission remain unclear, damage to the mucosal barrier in the rectum could increase susceptibility. Mucosal dendritic cell subsets could increase HCV susceptibility by retaining HCV and transmitting the virus to other cells, allowing egress into blood and liver. Early identification of new HCV infections is important to prevent onward transmission, but early diagnosis of acute HCV infection and prompt treatment is hampered by the slow rate of HCV antibody seroconversion, which in rare cases may take more than a year. Novel tests such as testing for HCV core antigen might facilitate early diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS
High-risk sexual behaviour, network characteristics, co-infection with sexually transmitted infections like HIV-1 and other concomitant bacterial and viral sexually transmitted infections are important factors that lead to HCV spread. Targeted and combined prevention efforts including effective behavioural interventions and scale-up of HCV testing and treatment are required to halt HCV transmission in MSM.
Topics: Coinfection; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Hepacivirus; Hepatitis C; Hepatitis C Antibodies; Humans; Male; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Sexually Transmitted Diseases
PubMed: 31468692
DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25348 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2019Inter-organizational information systems are critical in the modern business world, as a large portion of economic activities are done through inter-organizational... (Review)
Review
Inter-organizational information systems are critical in the modern business world, as a large portion of economic activities are done through inter-organizational collaborations. One such important collaboration is social innovation/entrepreneurship, which involves multiple parties from diverse areas cooperating in major tasks. Against such a backdrop, exploring beneficial factors for organizational members to actively develop and/or make good use of a management information system (MIS) for collaborative performance has become a vital research question. This conceptual paper argues that positive psychology is critical to encourage members to volunteer to construct an MIS that facilitates social innovation effectiveness. Specifically, we discuss the four dimensions of psychological capital (i.e., hope, optimism, self-efficacy, and resilience) on effective inter-organizational MIS attributes (e.g., connectivity), and on the consequences of social innovation. At the core of this discussion, we believe that a positive psychological foundation is a driver for staff effort to contribute to a better MIS, which could benefit social innovation success. This research contributes by offering inspiration for future studies to link the micro- and macro-level aspects of social innovation and entrepreneurship phenomena.
PubMed: 31354556
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01436 -
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology Dec 2019In the scientific literature, "spin" refers to reporting practices that make the study findings appear more favorable than results justify. The practice of "spin" or... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
In the scientific literature, "spin" refers to reporting practices that make the study findings appear more favorable than results justify. The practice of "spin" or misrepresentation and overinterpretation may lead to an imbalanced and unjustified optimism in the interpretation of study results about performance of putative biomarkers. We aimed to classify spin (i.e., misrepresentation and overinterpretation of study findings) in recent clinical studies evaluating the performance of biomarkers in ovarian cancer.
METHODS
We searched PubMed systematically for all evaluations of ovarian cancer biomarkers published in 2015. Studies eligible for inclusion reported the clinical performance of prognostic, predictive, or diagnostic biomarkers.
RESULTS
Our search identified 1,026 studies; 326 studies met all eligibility criteria, of which we evaluated the first 200 studies. Of these, 140 (70%) contained one or more form of spin in the title, abstract, or main-text conclusion, exaggerating the performance of the biomarker. The most frequent forms of spin identified were (1) other purposes of biomarker claimed not investigated (65; 32.5%); (2) mismatch between intended aim and conclusion (57; 28.5%); and (3) incorrect presentation of results (40; 20%).
CONCLUSION
Our study provides evidence of misrepresentation and overinterpretation of finding in recent clinical evaluations of ovarian cancer biomarkers.
Topics: Bias; Biomarkers, Tumor; Epidemiologic Research Design; Female; Humans; Ovarian Neoplasms; Public Reporting of Healthcare Data
PubMed: 31330251
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2019.07.011 -
Systematic Reviews Jun 2019Living alone has become more common in today's societies. Despite the high number of the population living alone, research directed towards the mental wellbeing issues...
BACKGROUND
Living alone has become more common in today's societies. Despite the high number of the population living alone, research directed towards the mental wellbeing issues related to living alone has been limited. This systematic literature review aimed to assess the association between living alone and positive mental health.
METHODS
We conducted searches in Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and other complementary databases from January 1998 to May 2019. Randomised trials and observational studies investigating adults over 18 years of age and living alone (defined as living in a single household or a household size of one person) were eligible. The primary outcome was positive mental health, defined as comprising both hedonic and eudaimonic elements of mental wellbeing, and it was measured with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale and/or theWHO-5 Index. Two reviewers independently screened and selected data; one reviewer extracted data, and the second checked the extracted data. A narrative synthesis described the quality and content of the evidence. Included studies were appraised using relevant Joanna Briggs Institute checklist.
RESULTS
A total of 4 cross-sectional studies (22,591 adult participants) were included after screening of 341 titles and abstracts and 46 full-text articles. These studies were conducted in Europe and were published between 2014 and 2017. The studies differed in their measurements of positive mental health (WHO-5 Well-Being Index, 3 studies; WEMWBS, 1 study), sources of data (1 regional, 1 national, and 2 European-level studies), and study populations (regional study, adults over 65 years of age; national-level study, mental health nurses over 21 years of age; European-level studies, employees between 15 and 65 years of age and adults over 18 years of age). A potential association between living alone and low positive mental health was found in three out of the four studies. Our findings were limited as the number of included studies was low and the quality of evidence varied across studies.
CONCLUSIONS
This review allows a limited look at the association between living alone and positive mental health. Because the number of included studies was low and the quality of evidence varied across studies, further research is warranted.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Family Characteristics; Humans; Mental Health; Optimism; Psychology, Positive
PubMed: 31174604
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-019-1057-x -
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice Jan 2019In patients with diabetes, psychological well-being constructs (e.g., optimism, positive affect) have been associated with superior medical outcomes, including better...
In patients with diabetes, psychological well-being constructs (e.g., optimism, positive affect) have been associated with superior medical outcomes, including better glucose control and lower mortality rates. Well-being interventions may be well-suited to individuals with diabetes, as they are simple to deliver, broadly applicable across a range of psychological distress, and may help increase self-efficacy and motivation for diabetes self-care. This systematic review, completed using PRISMA guidelines, examined peer-reviewed studies indexed in PubMed, PsycINFO, and/or Scopus between database inception and October 2017 that investigated the effects of well-being interventions (e.g., positive psychology interventions, mindfulness-based interventions, resilience-based interventions) on psychological and physical health outcomes in individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The search yielded 34 articles (N = 1635 participants), with substantial variability in intervention type, measures used, and outcomes studied; the majority found the intervention to provide benefit. Overall, results indicate that a range of well-being interventions appear to have promise in improving health outcomes in this population, but the literature does not yet provide definitive data about which specific interventions are most effective. The variability in interventions and outcomes points to a need for further rigorous, controlled, and well-powered studies of specific interventions, with well-accepted, clinically relevant outcome measures.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Self Care
PubMed: 30500545
DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2018.11.014 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Nov 2018Pregnancy is a period of transition with important physical and emotional changes. Even in uncomplicated pregnancies, these changes can affect the quality of life (QOL)...
BACKGROUND
Pregnancy is a period of transition with important physical and emotional changes. Even in uncomplicated pregnancies, these changes can affect the quality of life (QOL) of pregnant women, affecting both maternal and infant health. The objectives of this study were to describe the quality of life during uncomplicated pregnancy and to assess its associated socio-demographic, physical and psychological factors in developed countries.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were made in PubMed, EMBASE and BDSP (Public Health Database). Two independent reviewers extracted the data. Countries with a human development index over 0.7 were selected. The quality of the articles was evaluated on the basis of the STROBE criteria.
RESULTS
In total, thirty-seven articles were included. While the physical component of QOL decreased throughout pregnancy, the mental component was stable and even showed an improvement during pregnancy. Main factors associated with better QOL were mean maternal age, primiparity, early gestational age, the absence of social and economic problems, having family and friends, doing physical exercise, feeling happiness at being pregnant and being optimistic. Main factors associated with poorer QOL were medically assisted reproduction, complications before or during pregnancy, obesity, nausea and vomiting, epigastralgia, back pain, smoking during the months prior to conception, a history of alcohol dependence, sleep difficulties, stress, anxiety, depression during pregnancy and sexual or domestic violence.
CONCLUSIONS
Health-related quality of life refers to the subjective assessment of patients regarding the physical, mental and social dimensions of well-being. Improving the quality of life of pregnant women requires better identification of their difficulties and guidance which offers assistance whenever possible.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Alcoholism; Anxiety; Back Pain; Depression; Exercise; Female; Gestational Age; Happiness; Humans; Maternal Age; Nausea; Obesity; Optimism; Parity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnant Women; Quality of Life; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Sleep Wake Disorders; Smoking; Social Support; Stress, Psychological; Vomiting
PubMed: 30470200
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-2087-4 -
Biology of Blood and Marrow... Jan 2019Positive psychological constructs (eg, optimism, positive affect) have been independently associated with superior health outcomes across many medical populations....
Positive psychological constructs (eg, optimism, positive affect) have been independently associated with superior health outcomes across many medical populations. However, there has been little synthesis of the literature examining these associations among patients with hematologic malignancies receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). To address this gap we completed a systematic review, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, of studies examining relationships between positive psychological constructs and health-related outcomes (eg, psychiatric symptoms, function, health-related quality of life [HRQoL], or treatment compliance) after HSCT. Eighteen eligible studies (N = 4201; 47% women; mean age, 47.1) were identified. Optimism (n = 12 studies) was the most frequently studied positive construct and HRQoL (examined in n = 11 studies) the most common outcome. All 17 studies with quantitative analyses found a significant (P < .05) association between a positive psychological construct and a health outcome; most but not all controlled for 1 or more relevant covariates. Among patients with hematologic malignancies who receive HSCT, positive psychological constructs appear to be associated with improved HRQoL and other health outcomes. Further work is warranted to more comprehensively understand the independent effects of positive psychological constructs on a variety of health outcomes and to develop interventions to promote well-being that are adapted to the needs of this population.
Topics: Female; Hematologic Neoplasms; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life
PubMed: 30308327
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2018.09.030 -
BMC Psychiatry Jun 2018Although positive psychology interventions (PPIs) show beneficial effects on mental health in non-clinical populations, the current literature is inconclusive regarding... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The effect of positive psychology interventions on well-being and distress in clinical samples with psychiatric or somatic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Although positive psychology interventions (PPIs) show beneficial effects on mental health in non-clinical populations, the current literature is inconclusive regarding its effectiveness in clinical settings. We aimed to examine the effects of PPIs on well-being (primary outcome), depression, anxiety, and stress (secondary outcomes) in clinical samples with psychiatric or somatic disorders.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus were searched for controlled studies of PPIs in clinical samples between Jan 1, 1998 and May 31, 2017. Methodological quality of each study was rated. We used Hedges' adjusted g to calculate effect sizes and pooled results using random-effect models.
RESULTS
Thirty studies were included, representing 1864 patients with clinical disorders. At post-intervention, PPIs showed significant, small effect sizes for well-being (Hedges' g = 0.24) and depression (g = 0.23) compared to control conditions when omitting outliers. Significant moderate improvements were observed for anxiety (g = 0.36). Effect sizes for stress were not significant. Follow-up effects (8-12 weeks), when available, yielded similar effect sizes. Quality of the studies was low to moderate.
CONCLUSION
These findings indicate that PPIs, wherein the focus is on eliciting positive feelings, cognitions or behaviors, not only have the potential to improve well-being, but can also reduce distress in populations with clinical disorders. Given the growing interest for PPIs in clinical settings, more high quality research is warranted as to determine the effectiveness of PPIs in clinical samples.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42016037451.
Topics: Anxiety Disorders; Depressive Disorder; Humans; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Optimism; Psychotherapy; Reinforcement, Psychology; Somatoform Disorders; Stress, Psychological; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29945603
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1739-2 -
International Archives of Occupational... Jul 2018The objective of this systematic review was to explore and provide systematically assessed information about the association between person-related factors and work... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The objective of this systematic review was to explore and provide systematically assessed information about the association between person-related factors and work participation of people with health problems. The research question was: what is the association between selected person-related factors and work participation of workers with health problems?
METHODS
A systematic review was carried out in PubMed and PsycINFO to search for original papers published between January 2007 and February 2017. The risk of bias of the studies included was assessed using quality assessment tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework for prognostic studies.
RESULTS
In total, 113 studies were included, all of which addressed the association between person-related factors and work participation. The factors positively associated with work participation were positive expectations regarding recovery or return to work, optimism, self-efficacy, motivation, feelings of control, and perceived health. The factors negatively associated with work participation were fear-avoidance beliefs, perceived work-relatedness of the health problem, and catastrophizing. Different coping strategies had a negative or a positive relationship with work participation.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this review provide more insight into the associations between different cognitions and perceptions and work participation. The results of this study suggest that person-related factors should be considered by occupational- and insurance physicians when they diagnose, evaluate or provide treatment to employees. Further research is required to determine how these physicians could obtain and apply such information and whether its application leads to a better quality of care.
Topics: Absenteeism; Adaptation, Psychological; Cognition; Employment; Health Status; Humans; Motivation; Optimism; Return to Work; Self Efficacy
PubMed: 29700608
DOI: 10.1007/s00420-018-1308-5 -
International Journal For Equity in... Aug 2017Indigenous children living in high income countries have a consistently high prevalence of mental health problems. We aimed to identify psychosocial risk and protective... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Indigenous children living in high income countries have a consistently high prevalence of mental health problems. We aimed to identify psychosocial risk and protective factors for mental health in this setting.
METHODS
A systematic review of studies published between 1996 and 2016 that quantitatively evaluated the association between psychosocial variables and mental health among Indigenous children living in high income countries was conducted. Psychosocial variables were grouped into commonly occurring domains. Individual studies were judged to provide evidence for an association between a domain and either good mental health, poor mental health, or a negligible or inconsistent association. The overall quality of evidence across all studies for each domain was assessed using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines.
RESULTS
Forty-seven papers were eligible (mainland US 30 [64%], Canada 8 [17%], Australia 7 [15%], Hawaii 4 [9%]), including 58,218 participants aged 4-20 years. Most papers were cross-sectional (39, 83%) and measured negative mental health outcomes (41, 87%). Children's negative cohesion with their families and the presence of adverse events appeared the most reliable predictors of increased negative mental health outcomes. Children's substance use, experiences of discrimination, comorbid internalising symptoms, and negative parental behaviour also provided evidence of associations with negative mental health outcomes. Positive family and peer relationships, high self-esteem and optimism were associated with increased positive mental health outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Quantitative research investigating Indigenous children's mental health is largely cross-sectional and focused upon negative outcomes. Indigenous children living in high income countries share many of the same risk and protective factors associated with mental health. The evidence linking children's familial environment, psychological traits, substance use and experiences of discrimination with mental health outcomes highlights key targets for more concerted efforts to develop initiatives to improve the mental health of Indigenous children.
Topics: Child; Developed Countries; Humans; Mental Disorders; Population Groups; Psychology
PubMed: 28830449
DOI: 10.1186/s12939-017-0652-5