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BMJ Mental Health Jun 2024To describe the pattern of the prevalence of mental health problems during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the impact of containment measures on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIM
To describe the pattern of the prevalence of mental health problems during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the impact of containment measures on these trends.
METHODS
We identified articles published until 30 August 2021 that reported the prevalence of mental health problems in the general population at two or more time points. A crowd of 114 reviewers extracted data on prevalence, study and participant characteristics. We collected information on the number of days since the first SARS-CoV-2 infection in the study country, the stringency of containment measures and the number of cases and deaths. We synthesised changes in prevalence during the pandemic using a random-effects model. We used dose-response meta-analysis to evaluate the trajectory of the changes in mental health problems.
RESULTS
We included 41 studies for 7 mental health conditions. The average odds of symptoms increased during the pandemic (mean OR ranging from 1.23 to 2.08). Heterogeneity was very large and could not be explained by differences in participants or study characteristics. Average odds of psychological distress, depression and anxiety increased during the first 2 months of the pandemic, with increased stringency of the measures, reported infections and deaths. The confidence in the evidence was low to very low.
CONCLUSIONS
We observed an initial increase in the average risk of psychological distress, depression-related and anxiety-related problems during the first 2 months of the pandemic. However, large heterogeneity suggests that different populations had different responses to the challenges imposed by the pandemic.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Prevalence; Mental Disorders; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics; Anxiety; Mental Health; Depression
PubMed: 38876492
DOI: 10.1136/bmjment-2024-301018 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024To investigate the effects of digital health interventions for improving adherence to oral iron supplementation in pregnant women.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of digital health interventions for improving adherence to oral iron supplementation in pregnant women.
LITERATURE SEARCH
Five databases were searched from their inception to October 2023 with no date restrictions.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of digital health interventions on adherence to oral iron supplementation (e.g., tablets and capsules) compared to non-digital health interventions for pregnant women were eligible.
DATA SYNTHESIS
We calculated standardized mean differences (SMDs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for continuous variables using the inverse variance method. We calculated odds ratios (OR) with 95%CI for categorical variables using the Mantel-Haenszel model. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The risk of bias of the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2.0.
RESULTS
Ten trials with 1,633 participants were included. Based on 7 trials, digital health interventions can improve objective adherence rate comparing with non-digital health interventions (1,289 participants, OR = 4.07 [2.19, 7.57], < 0.001, I = 69%) in pregnant women. Digital health interventions can improve subjective adherence behavior comparing with non-digital health interventions (3 trials, 434 participants, SMD = 0.82 [0.62, 1.01], < 0.001, I = 0%) in pregnant women. Based on 3 trials, digital health interventions can improve tablets consumption comparing with non-digital health interventions (333 participants, SMD = 1.00 [0.57, 1.42], < 0.001, I = 66%) in pregnant women. Digital health interventions can improve hemoglobin level comparing with non-digital health interventions (7 trials, 1,216 participants, MD = 0.59 [0.31, 0.88], < 0.001, I = 93%) in pregnant women.
CONCLUSION
Digital health interventions were effective at improving adherence to oral iron supplementation and hemoglobin levels in pregnant women.
PubMed: 38873205
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1375622 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jun 2024Neonatal hypoglycaemia is the most common metabolic disorder in infants, and may be influenced by maternal glycaemic control. This systematic review evaluated the effect... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Neonatal hypoglycaemia is the most common metabolic disorder in infants, and may be influenced by maternal glycaemic control. This systematic review evaluated the effect of intrapartum maternal glycaemic control on neonatal hypoglycaemia.
METHODS
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, non-randomised studies of interventions, and cohort or case-control studies that examined interventions affecting intrapartum maternal glycaemic control compared to no or less stringent control. We searched four databases and three trial registries to November 2023. Quality assessments used Cochrane Risk of Bias 1 or the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models analysed separately for women with or without diabetes. The review was registered prospectively on PROSPERO (CRD42022364876).
RESULTS
We included 46 studies of women with diabetes and five studies of women without diabetes: one RCT, 32 cohort and 18 case-control studies (11,273 participants). For women with diabetes, the RCT showed little to no difference in the incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia between tight versus less tight intrapartum glycaemic control groups (76 infants, RR 1.00 (0.45, 2.24), p = 1.00, low certainty evidence). However, 11 cohort studies showed tight intrapartum glycaemic control may reduce neonatal hypoglycaemia (6,152 infants, OR 0.44 (0.31, 0.63), p < 0.00001, I = 58%, very low certainty evidence). For women without diabetes, there was insufficient evidence to determine the effect of tight intrapartum glycaemic control on neonatal hypoglycaemia.
CONCLUSIONS
Very uncertain evidence suggests that tight intrapartum glycaemic control may reduce neonatal hypoglycaemia in infants of women with diabetes. High-quality RCTs are required.
Topics: Humans; Hypoglycemia; Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Glycemic Control; Pregnancy in Diabetics; Blood Glucose; Diabetes, Gestational; Infant, Newborn, Diseases
PubMed: 38872105
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06615-8 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of gestational diabetes mellitus characterized by insulin resistance and abnormal function of pancreatic beta cells. In...
INTRODUCTION
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of gestational diabetes mellitus characterized by insulin resistance and abnormal function of pancreatic beta cells. In recent years, genomic association studies have revealed risk and susceptibility genes associated with genetic susceptibility to GDM. However, genetic predisposition cannot explain the rising global incidence of GDM, which may be related to the increased influence of environmental factors, especially the gut microbiome. Studies have shown that gut microbiota is closely related to the occurrence and development of GDM. This paper reviews the relationship between gut microbiota and the pathological mechanism of GDM, in order to better understand the role of gut microbiota in GDM, and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical application of gut microbiota in the treatment of related diseases.
METHODS
The current research results on the interaction between GDM and gut microbiota were collected and analyzed through literature review. Keywords such as "GDM", "gut microbiota" and "insulin resistance" were used for literature search, and the methodology, findings and potential impact on the pathophysiology of GDM were systematically evaluated.
RESULTS
It was found that the composition and diversity of gut microbiota were significantly associated with the occurrence and development of GDM. Specifically, the abundance of certain gut bacteria is associated with an increased risk of GDM, while other changes in the microbiome may be associated with improved insulin sensitivity. In addition, alterations in the gut microbiota may affect blood glucose control through a variety of mechanisms, including the production of short-chain fatty acids, activation of inflammatory pathways, and metabolism of the B vitamin group.
DISCUSSION
The results of this paper highlight the importance of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of GDM. The regulation of the gut microbiota may provide new directions for the treatment of GDM, including improving insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control through the use of probiotics and prebiotics. However, more research is needed to confirm the generality and exact mechanisms of these findings and to explore potential clinical applications of the gut microbiota in the management of gestational diabetes. In addition, future studies should consider the interaction between environmental and genetic factors and how together they affect the risk of GDM.
Topics: Diabetes, Gestational; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Insulin Resistance; Probiotics; Bacteria
PubMed: 38868299
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1364545 -
Journal of Global Health Jun 2024As birth policy can affect maternal and infant health, we sought to identify whether and how the introduction of the two-child policy might have affected the prevalence... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
As birth policy can affect maternal and infant health, we sought to identify whether and how the introduction of the two-child policy might have affected the prevalence of placenta previa in pregnant women in mainland China.
METHODS
In this update meta-analysis and systematic review, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Weipu, Wanfang, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for studies evaluating the prevalence of placenta previa in China published between the inception of each database and March 2024, with no restrictions. Two investigators independently extracted the data from each included study. We then combined the prevalence of placenta previa using random-effects models.
RESULTS
We included 128 studies in our analysis, 48 more than in our previous review. The prevalence of placenta previa among Chinese pregnant women was 1.44% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.32, 1.56). After the implementation of the two-child policy, the prevalence increased significantly, from 1.25% (95% CI = 1.16, 1.34) to 4.12% (95% CI = 3.33, 4.91).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of placenta previa increased significantly from the one-child policy period to the two-child policy period among mainland Chinese pregnant women, with varying trends across regions. This change requires the attention of health officials and timely adjustment of resource allocation policies.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO: CRD42021262309.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; China; Female; Placenta Previa; Prevalence; Delivery, Obstetric
PubMed: 38867677
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04108 -
American Journal of Obstetrics &... Jun 2024Mental health affects maternal well-being and indirectly the development of fetal brain structures and motor and cognitive skills of the offspring up to adulthood. Main... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Mental health affects maternal well-being and indirectly the development of fetal brain structures and motor and cognitive skills of the offspring up to adulthood. Main objective is to find specific characteristics of music interventions that improve validated maternal outcomes.
DATA SOURCES
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews investigating music interventions during pregnancy were identified from the start of data sources up to December 2023 using MEDLINE, CENTRAL, or WEB OF SCIENCE.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Using COVIDENCE two reviewers screened for RCTs with ≥3 music interventions during pregnancy which applied either Perceived Stress Scales (PSS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventories (STAI), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scales (EPDS), or blood pressure (BP) as outcomes.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB2), the Checklist to assess Trustworthiness in RCTs (TRACT), and the reversed Cohen's d were applied. The review was registered via PROSPERO CRD42022299950.
RESULTS
From 251 detected records, 14 RCTs and 2375 pregnancies were included. Music interventions varied from in total 3 to 84 active or passive sessions with either patient- or pre-selected music and a duration of 10 to 60 minutes per session. Thereby, 2/4 studies observed a significant decrease in PSS, 8/9 a significant decrease in STAI, and 3/4 a significant decrease in EPDS; BP was significantly reduced in 3/4 RCTs. RoB2 was "high" in 5/14, or "with concerns" in 9/14 studies. Stratifying the Cohen's d in 14 intervention arms suggested a big effect in 234/469 mothers on BP and in 244/489 mothers on maternal anxiety and a medium effect in 284/529 mothers on maternal anxiety. Small or very small effects on BP were observed in 35/70, on EPDS in 136/277, and on PSS in 374/784 mothers-to-be.
CONCLUSIONS
We found a general positive impact of music interventions on maternal stress resilience. This was independent of the music itself but rather influenced by the frequency and empathy of performances. In how far music interventions may improve postnatal development and skills of the offspring should be increasingly evaluated with follow-ups to interrupt vicious epigenetic circles in times of global pandemics, violent conflicts, and natural catastrophes.
PubMed: 38866136
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2024.101400 -
BMJ Open Jun 2024
Meta-Analysis
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Pelvic Pain; Low Back Pain; Acupuncture Therapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Pregnancy Complications
PubMed: 38862225
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056878ret -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jun 2024However, misoprostol is often used to terminate a pregnancy, but it can also cause side effects. Isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) can help the cervix mature by increasing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
Efficacy and safety of isosorbide mononitrate plus misoprostol compared to misoprostol alone in the management of the first and second trimester abortion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
However, misoprostol is often used to terminate a pregnancy, but it can also cause side effects. Isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) can help the cervix mature by increasing the production of prostaglandin E2 and vasodilation. Considering that the results of studies in this field are contradictory, it is the purpose of this study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vaginal ISMN plus misoprostol compared to misoprostol alone in the management of first- and second-trimester abortions.
METHOD
The search process was conducted for MEDLINE through the PubMed interface, Scopus, Web-of-Science, Science Direct, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform until November 10, 2023. Our assessment of bias was based on version 2 of the risk-of-bias tool (RoB2) for randomized trials and our level of evidence quality was determined by GRADE. Meta-analysis of all data was carried out using Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.1.
RESULT
Seven randomized clinical trials were included in the systematic review and three in the meta-analysis, with mixed quality. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that in the second-trimester abortion, the inclusion of ISMN in conjunction with vaginal misoprostol results in a noteworthy reduction in the induction abortion interval, specifically by 4.21 h (95% CI: -7.45 to -0.97, P = 0.01). The addition of vaginal ISMN to misoprostol, compared to vaginal misoprostol alone, increased the odds of a completed abortion by 3.76 times. (95% CI: 1.08 to 13.15, P = 0.04).
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study can offer valuable insights aimed at enhancing counseling and support for non-surgical methods of medication abortion within professional settings. Moreover, it improves the effectiveness of clinical treatment and reduces the occurrence of unnecessary surgical interventions in the abortion management protocol.
Topics: Humans; Misoprostol; Female; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Isosorbide Dinitrate; Abortion, Induced; Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Drug Therapy, Combination; Administration, Intravaginal; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38858628
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06614-9 -
PloS One 2024This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of post-abortion care services in Chinese women who have undergone induced abortion. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of post-abortion care services in Chinese women who have undergone induced abortion.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in five databases from January 2011 to June 2023 (PROSPERO registration CRD42023440458). Estimates of intervention effects were represented as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to evaluate the strength of recommendations.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis of 42 randomized controlled studies involving 70,126 participants indicated that post-abortion care services could significantly increase rate of effective contraceptive use (RR = 2.33, 95%CI = 1.80-3.00, 10 studies, GRADE (Medium)), reduce repeat abortion rate (RR = 0.26, 95%CI = 0.20-0.36, 19 studies, GRADE (High)), increase follow-up visit rate (RR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.06-1.75, 5 studies, GRADE (Very low)) in one year after abortions, and improve patient satisfaction rate (RR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.03-1.83, 9 studies, GRADE (High)).
CONCLUSION
Post-abortion care services could help increase the rate of continuation of post-abortion effective contraceptives, prevent repeat abortions, and promote female fertility. Exploring strategies for better provision of post-abortion services requires more high-quality research.
Topics: Humans; Female; Abortion, Induced; China; Pregnancy; Fertility; Patient Satisfaction
PubMed: 38857218
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304221 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children, originates from a multifaceted interplay of genetic, neurological,... (Review)
Review
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children, originates from a multifaceted interplay of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Recent studies have increasingly concentrated on environmental determinants, notably air pollution, and their impact on the risk of developing ADHD. Additionally, previous research has often conflated clinically diagnosed ADHD cases with instances of mere ADHD-like symptoms, a methodology that can introduce bias and obscure the true relationship between environmental factors and ADHD. To address this oversight, our systematic review meticulously investigates the relationship between both prenatal and postnatal exposures to particular air pollutants and strictly clinically diagnosed ADHD. Our comprehensive review encompassed 801 studies from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases, out of which eight met our rigorous inclusion criteria. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was utilized to gauge quality and bias. Our review found substantiated the connection between prenatal exposure to PM and NO and a heightened risk of ADHD, while exposure to PM during the prenatal stage was not associated with ADHD. These findings hint at varied health impacts from different particulate matters and the prospect of gender-specific susceptibilities to such exposures. We also identified an association between postnatal exposure to PM, PM, and NO and an increased ADHD risk, underlining the potential neurodevelopmental harms from early exposure to these pollutants. These relationships, seemingly intricate and potentially dose-dependent, underscore the need for more detailed scrutiny. The unique value of our review is in its detailed exploration of the association between specific air pollution exposures and clinically diagnosed ADHD. Our findings offer much-needed clarity in this complex domain and emphasize the importance of future research to standardize exposure and outcome metrics, probe potential mechanisms, and reduce bias and heterogeneity.
Topics: Humans; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Air Pollution; Female; Air Pollutants; Environmental Exposure; Particulate Matter; Child; Male; Maternal Exposure
PubMed: 38855453
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1396251