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Jornal de Pediatria Apr 2024Empirical evidence underscores an association between parental stress and emotional and behavioral problems in offspring. However, a comprehensive systematic review or... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Empirical evidence underscores an association between parental stress and emotional and behavioral problems in offspring. However, a comprehensive systematic review or meta-analysis on this topic is lacking. Thus, this study aims to address the scientific inquiry: Is there a relationship between parental stress and emotional/behavioral problems in children?
SOURCES
This systematic review with a meta-analysis surveyed PubMed, PsycINFO, and the Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde between August and September 2021. The present search combined terms (school-age children) AND (parental stress OR parenting stress OR family stress) AND (emotional and behavioral problems OR internalizing and externalizing problems). Eligibility criteria encompassed cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies published within the last five years, exploring the association between parental stress (stressful life events and parenthood-related stress disorders) and emotional/behavioral problems in school-age children. PROSPERO ID CRD42022274034.
SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS
Of the 24 studies meeting all inclusion criteria (n = 31,183) for the systematic review, nine were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed an association between parental stress and emotional problems (COR: 0.46 [95 % CI: 0.27 - 0.61], p < 0.001, Heterogeneity = 89 %) as well as behavioral problems (COR: 0.37 [95 % CI: 0.27 - 0.46], p < 0.001, Heterogeneity = 76 %).
CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that parental stress predicts emotional/behavioral problems in school-age children. Since these problems are related to long-term negative effects in adulthood, these results are crucial for preventing mental health problems in offspring and for screening and managing parental stress.
PubMed: 38636551
DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2024.02.003 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024Biostimulants (Bio-effectors, BEs) comprise plant growth-promoting microorganisms and active natural substances that promote plant nutrient-acquisition, stress...
Biostimulants (Bio-effectors, BEs) comprise plant growth-promoting microorganisms and active natural substances that promote plant nutrient-acquisition, stress resilience, growth, crop quality and yield. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of BEs, particularly under field conditions, appears highly variable and poorly quantified. Using random model meta-analyses tools, we summarize the effects of 107 BE treatments on the performance of major crops, mainly conducted within the EU-funded project BIOFECTOR with a focus on phosphorus (P) nutrition, over five years. Our analyses comprised 94 controlled pot and 47 field experiments under different geoclimatic conditions, with variable stress levels across European countries and Israel. The results show an average growth/yield increase by 9.3% (n=945), with substantial differences between crops (tomato > maize > wheat) and growth conditions (controlled nursery + field (Seed germination and nursery under controlled conditions and young plants transplanted to the field) > controlled > field). Average crop growth responses were independent of BE type, P fertilizer type, soil pH and plant-available soil P (water-P, Olsen-P or Calcium acetate lactate-P). BE effectiveness profited from manure and other organic fertilizers, increasing soil pH and presence of abiotic stresses (cold, drought/heat or salinity). Systematic meta-studies based on published literature commonly face the inherent problem of publication bias where the most suspected form is the selective publication of statistically significant results. In this meta-analysis, however, the results obtained from all experiments within the project are included. Therefore, it is free of publication bias. In contrast to reviews of published literature, our unique study design is based on a common standardized protocol which applies to all experiments conducted within the project to reduce sources of variability. Based on data of crop growth, yield and P acquisition, we conclude that application of BEs can save fertilizer resources in the future, but the efficiency of BE application depends on cropping systems and environments.
PubMed: 38628362
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1333249 -
BMC Public Health Apr 2024The global campaign for "Undetectable equals Untransmittable" (U = U) seeks to spread awareness of HIV treatment as prevention, aiming to enhance psychological...
Integrating 'undetectable equals untransmittable' into HIV counselling in South Africa: the development of locally acceptable communication tools using intervention mapping.
BACKGROUND
The global campaign for "Undetectable equals Untransmittable" (U = U) seeks to spread awareness of HIV treatment as prevention, aiming to enhance psychological well-being and diminish stigma. Despite its potential benefits, U = U faces challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, with low awareness and hesitancy to endorse it. We sought to develop a U = U communications intervention to support HIV counselling in primary healthcare settings in South Africa.
METHODS
We used Intervention Mapping (IM), a theory-based framework to develop the "Undetectable and You" intervention for the South African context. The six steps of the IM protocol were systematically applied to develop the intervention including a needs assessment consisting of a systematic review and qualitative research including focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant (KI) interviews. Program objectives and target population were determined before designing the intervention components and implementation plan.
RESULTS
The needs assessment indicated low global U = U awareness, especially in Africa, and scepticism about its effectiveness. Lay counsellors and clinic managers stressed the need for a simple and standardized presentation of U = U addressing both patients' needs for encouragement and modelling of U = U success but also clear guidance toward ART adherence behaviour. Findings from each step of the process informed successive steps. Our final intervention consisted of personal testimonials of PLHIV role models and their partners, organized as an App to deliver U = U information to patients in primary healthcare settings.
CONCLUSIONS
We outline an intervention development strategy, currently in evaluation stage, utilizing IM with formative research and input from key U = U stakeholders and people living with HIV (PLHIV).
Topics: Humans; South Africa; HIV Infections; Counseling; Health Services Needs and Demand; Communication
PubMed: 38622528
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18471-4 -
JMIR MHealth and UHealth Apr 2024Telemedicine technology is a rapidly developing field that shows immense potential for improving medical services. In palliative care, informal caregivers assume the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Telemedicine technology is a rapidly developing field that shows immense potential for improving medical services. In palliative care, informal caregivers assume the primary responsibility in patient care and often face challenges such as increased physical and mental stress and declining health. In such cases, telemedicine interventions can provide support and improve their health outcomes. However, research findings regarding the use of telemedicine among informal caregivers are controversial, and the efficacy of telemedicine remains unclear.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of telemedicine on the burden, anxiety, depression, and quality of life of informal caregivers of patients in palliative care.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, CBM, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials published from inception to March 2023. Two authors independently screened the studies and extracted the relevant information. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Intervention effects were estimated and sensitivity analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4, whereas 95% prediction intervals (PIs) were calculated using R (version 4.3.2) and RStudio.
RESULTS
A total of 9 randomized controlled trials were included in this study. The meta-analysis indicated that telemedicine has reduced the caregiving burden (standardized mean differences [SMD] -0.49, 95% CI -0.72 to -0.27; P<.001; 95% PI -0.86 to -0.13) and anxiety (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.06; P=.009; 95% PI -0.98 to 0.39) of informal caregivers; however, it did not affect depression (SMD -0.21, 95% CI -0.47 to 0.05; P=.11; 95% PI -0.94 to 0.51) or quality of life (SMD 0.35, 95% CI -0.20 to 0.89; P=.21; 95% PI -2.15 to 2.85).
CONCLUSIONS
Although telemedicine can alleviate the caregiving burden and anxiety of informal caregivers, it does not significantly reduce depression or improve their quality of life. Further high-quality, large-sample studies are needed to validate the effects of telemedicine. Furthermore, personalized intervention programs based on theoretical foundations are required to support caregivers.
Topics: Humans; Palliative Care; Caregivers; Quality of Life; Stress, Psychological; Telemedicine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38602303
DOI: 10.2196/54244 -
Soa--ch'ongsonyon Chongsin Uihak =... Apr 2024This study aims to extract and summarize the literature on the mental health status of patients with monkeypox. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to extract and summarize the literature on the mental health status of patients with monkeypox.
METHODS
This review was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using different databases and publishers such as Scopus, Sage, ScienceDirect, PubMed, BMJ, Wiley Online Library, Wolters Kluwer OVID-SP, and Google Scholar. The literature review was based on monkeypox and mental health. The year of publication was 2021-2023, during the monkeypox disease period. Data were extracted from opinions, editorials, empirical studies, and surveys.
RESULTS
Based on the literature related to the mental status of patients with monkeypox, the following themes and subthemes were identified: anxiety and depression, self-harm and suicidal tendencies, neuropsychiatric symptoms, mental health, social stigma, sex workers, vaccination, and stress-related diseases.
CONCLUSION
A review of monkeypox virus infection studies reveals that 25%-50% of patients experience anxiety and depression due to isolation, boredom, and loneliness. Factors such as infected people, a lack of competence among healthcare professionals, and shame over physical symptoms exacerbate mental insults. The implications of society include increased self-harm, suicide, low productivity, fear of stigmatization, and transmission of infection.
PubMed: 38601106
DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.230064 -
Global Health Research and Policy Apr 2024Conflicts, natural disasters, and complex emergencies present substantial health challenges to United Nations (UN) peacekeepers deployed in mission areas. This scoping...
BACKGROUND
Conflicts, natural disasters, and complex emergencies present substantial health challenges to United Nations (UN) peacekeepers deployed in mission areas. This scoping review aims at summarizing previous research on the health of UN peacekeepers and identifies issues for further investigation.
METHODS
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for Scoping Reviews, we systematically searched Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for English and Chinese literature published from April 1997 to November 2023. A data charting form was developed by two reviewers to extract relevant themes and provided narrative descriptions.
RESULTS
We screened 1079 de-duplicated records and included 143 studies in this scoping review. There were 112 studies on the health status of UN peacekeepers, with more than half on mental health problems such as stress and anxiety. Many studies explored the health status of UN peacekeepers in African countries deployed from mainly U.S., Canada, U.K., China, Australia and Norway. There were 39 studies on the health risk factors of UN peacekeepers, including natural environmental, social environmental, psychological, behavioral lifestyle, biological factors and health service factors. There were 62 articles on the health protection of UN peacekeepers, mainly based on previous deployment experience, with a lack of theoretical guidance from global health perspectives. This scoping review found that health problems of UN peacekeepers are complicated, and whose impacts are cross-border. Social environmental factors were explored the most among health risk factors. Disease prevention measures, medical and health measures, and psychosocial measures were the main health protection for UN peacekeepers.
CONCLUSIONS
This scoping review highlighted that health problems of UN peacekeepers were typical global health issues with complicated and cross-border health risk factors. Therefore, comprehensive strategies could be taken from global health perspectives, including multi-phases (before-deployment, during-deployment, and post-deployment), multi-disciplines (public health, medicine, politics, health diplomacy, and others), and multi-levels (the UN, host countries, troop-contributing countries, the UN peacekeeping team, and UN peacekeepers).
Topics: Humans; Delivery of Health Care; Military Personnel; Risk Factors; United Nations
PubMed: 38600572
DOI: 10.1186/s41256-024-00351-4 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Exercise-induced oxidative stress affects multiple neurophysiological processes, diminishing the exercise performance. Hydrogen (H) can selectively reduce excessive free...
OBJECTIVE
Exercise-induced oxidative stress affects multiple neurophysiological processes, diminishing the exercise performance. Hydrogen (H) can selectively reduce excessive free radicals, but studies observed its "dual effects" on exercise-induced oxidative stress, that is, increasing or decreasing the oxidative stress. Therefore, we here conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the influence of H on exercise-induced oxidative stress in healthy adults.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of publications across five databases. The following keywords were used for search strategy: ["hydrogen"[Mesh] or "molecular hydrogen" or "hydrogen rich water" or "hydrogen-rich water" or "hydrogen rich saline"] and ["Oxidative Stress"[Mesh] or "Antioxidative Stress" or "Oxidative Damage" or "Oxidative Injury" or "Oxidative Cleavage"] and ["randomized controlled trial"[Mesh] or "randomized" or "RCT"]. We included trials reporting the effects of H on exercise-induced oxidative stress and potential antioxidant capacity post-exercise in healthy adults. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted to explore how various elements of the intervention design affected those outcomes.
RESULTS
Six studies, encompassing seven experiments with a total of 76 participants, were included in our analysis. Among these studies, hydrogen-rich water, hydrogen bathing, and hydrogen-rich gas were three forms used in H administration. The H was applied in different timing, including before, during, or after exercise only, both before and after exercise, and repeatedly over days. Single-dose, multi-dose within 1 day and/or multiple-dose over days were implemented. It was observed that compared to placebo, the effects of H on oxidative stress (diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites, d-ROMs) was not significant (SMD = -0.01, 95%CI-0.42 to 0.39, = 0.94). However, H induced greater improvement in antioxidant potential capacity (Biological Antioxidant Potential, BAP) (SMD = 0.29, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.54, = 0.03) as compared to placebo. Subgroup analyses revealed that H supplementation showed greater improvement (SMD = 0.52, 95%CI 0.16 to 0.87, = 0.02) in the antioxidant potential capacity of intermittent exercises than continuous exercise.
CONCLUSION
H supplementation can help enhance antioxidant potential capacity in healthy adults, especially in intermittent exercise, but not directly diminish the levels of exercise-induced oxidative stress. Future studies with more rigorous design are needed to examine and confirm these findings.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=364123, Identifier CRD42022364123.
PubMed: 38590828
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1328705 -
American Journal of Cancer Research 2024Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In recent years, African countries have been faced with a rapid increase in morbidity and mortality due to this... (Review)
Review
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In recent years, African countries have been faced with a rapid increase in morbidity and mortality due to this pathology. Management is often complicated by the high treatment costs, side effects and the increasing occurrence of resistance to treatments. The identification of new active ingredients extracted from endemic medicinal plants is definitively an interesting approach for the implementation of new therapeutic strategies: their extraction is often lower cost; their identification is based on an ethnobotanical history and a tradipratic approach; their use by low-income populations is simpler; this can help in the development of new synthetic molecules that are more active, more effective and with fewer side effects. The objective of this review is to document the molecules derived from African medicinal plants whose anti-cancer activities and the mechanisms of molecular actions have been identified. From the scientific databases , PubMed and Google Scholar, we searched for publications on compounds isolated from African medicinal plants and having activity on cancer cells in culture. The data were analyzed in particular with regard to the cytotoxicity of the compounds and their mode of action. A total of 90 compounds of these African medicinal plants were selected. They come from nine chemical groups: alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, quinones, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, xanthones and organic sulfides. These compounds have been associated with several cellular effects: i) Cytotoxicity, including caspase activation, alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential, and/or induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS); ii) Anti-angiogenesis; iii) Anti-metastatic properties. This review points out that the cited African plants are rich in active ingredients with anticancer properties. It also stresses that screening of these anti-tumor active ingredients should be continued at the continental scale. Altogether, this work provides a rational basis for the selection of phytochemical compounds for use in clinical trials.
PubMed: 38590420
DOI: 10.62347/AUHB5811 -
Sleep Advances : a Journal of the Sleep... 2024Insufficient sleep is common among children and adolescents, and can contribute to poor health. School-based interventions potentially could improve sleep behavior due... (Review)
Review
STUDY OBJECTIVES
Insufficient sleep is common among children and adolescents, and can contribute to poor health. School-based interventions potentially could improve sleep behavior due to their broad reach, but their effectiveness is unclear. This systematic review focused on the effects of school-based interventions on sleep behavior among children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years.
METHODS
Five electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of sleep health interventions initiated or conducted in school settings and in which behavioral sleep outcomes were measured. Cochrane risk of bias tools were used to assess study quality.
RESULTS
From the 5303 database records and two papers from other sources, 21 studies (22 papers) met the inclusion criteria for this review. These studies involved 10 867 children and adolescents at baseline from 13 countries. Most studies ( = 15) were conducted in secondary schools. Sleep education was the most common intervention, either alone ( = 13 studies) or combined with other initiatives (stress management training, = 2; bright light therapy, = 1; health education, = 1). Interventions were typically brief in terms of both the intervention period (median = 4 weeks) and exposure (median = 200 minutes). Behavioral outcomes included actigraphy-measured and self-reported sleep patterns, and sleep hygiene. All outcomes had high risk of bias or some concerns with bias. Sleep education interventions were typically ineffective. Later school start times promoted longer sleep duration over 1 week (1 study, high risk of bias).
CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence does not provide school-based solutions for improving sleep health, perhaps highlighting a need for complex, multi-component interventions (e.g. whole-of-school approaches) to be trialed.
PubMed: 38584765
DOI: 10.1093/sleepadvances/zpae019 -
BMC Geriatrics Apr 2024Apart from both China and the Philippines continuing to be exposed to and affected by different climate-induced hazards, in particular floods and typhoons, they are also...
BACKGROUND
Apart from both China and the Philippines continuing to be exposed to and affected by different climate-induced hazards, in particular floods and typhoons, they are also reported to be witnessing rapid ageing populations of 60 years and older. As such, this systematic review synthesized the existing evidence about the impacts aggravated by floods and typhoons on the geriatric disabling health of older Chinese and Filipinos, respectively.
METHODS
Four (4) electronic databases were systematically searched to identify eligible studies published between 2000 and early 2023. This process had to confirm the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA), as well as the standard protocol registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023420549).
RESULTS
Out of 317 and 216 initial records retrieved for China and the Philippines, respectively, 27 (China) and 25 (Philippines) studies were eligible for final review. The disabling conditions they reported to affect the health of older adults were grouped into 4 categories: cognitive and intellectual, physical, chronic and terminal illnesses, and mental and psychological, with the latter identified as the most prevalent condition to affect older Chinese and Filipinos. On a sub-category level, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was the most common condition reported in 27 flood-related studies in China, while injuries and wounds prevailed in the Philippines, according to 25 typhoon-related studies.
CONCLUSION
The increasing occurrence of extreme climate hazards, especially floods and typhoons in China and the Philippines, respectively, impacted the health of their older adults with various disabling effects or conditions. Therefore, this calls for appropriate geriatric-informed interventions in the context of climate change and rapidly ageing settings beyond China and the Philippines to others that are also prone to floods and typhoons.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Aging; Asian People; China; Cyclonic Storms; Floods; Philippines; Health Status; Geriatric Assessment
PubMed: 38580910
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04855-z