-
Preventive Medicine Reports Jun 2024Sleep apnea, a prevalent global health issue, is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. This systematic review aggregates global data to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sleep apnea, a prevalent global health issue, is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. This systematic review aggregates global data to outline a comprehensive analysis of its associated risk factors.
PURPOSE
The systematic review underscores the global prevalence of sleep apnea and the universal importance of its early detection and management by delineating key risk factors contributing to its development.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We conducted a thorough systematic review of international medical databases up to July 31, 2023, including PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library, to ensure a wide-ranging collection of data reflective of various populations.
RESULTS
The systematic review identifies several risk factors such as obesity, age, gender, neck circumference, family history, smoking, alcohol use, underlying medical conditions, and nasal congestion, highlighting their prevalence across diverse demographics globally.
CONCLUSION
Emphasizing lifestyle modifications and proactive interventions, our findings advocate for global health strategies to mitigate the risk of sleep apnea and enhance sleep health worldwide.
PubMed: 38741931
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102750 -
BMC Public Health May 2024The WHO highlight alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy food, and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes as one of the most effective policies for preventing and reducing the burden... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The WHO highlight alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy food, and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes as one of the most effective policies for preventing and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases. This umbrella review aimed to identify and summarise evidence from systematic reviews that report the relationship between price and demand or price and disease/death for alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy food, and SSBs. Given the recent recognition as gambling as a public health problem, we also included gambling.
METHODS
The protocol for this umbrella review was pre-registered (PROSPERO CRD42023447429). Seven electronic databases were searched between 2000-2023. Eligible systematic reviews were those published in any country, including adults or children, and which quantitatively examined the relationship between alcohol, tobacco, gambling, unhealthy food, or SSB price/tax and demand (sales/consumption) or disease/death. Two researchers undertook screening, eligibility, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using the ROBIS tool.
RESULTS
We identified 50 reviews from 5,185 records, of which 31 reported on unhealthy food or SSBs, nine reported on tobacco, nine on alcohol, and one on multiple outcomes (alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy food, and SSBs). We did not identify any reviews on gambling. Higher prices were consistently associated with lower demand, notwithstanding variation in the size of effect across commodities or populations. Reductions in demand were large enough to be considered meaningful for policy.
CONCLUSIONS
Increases in the price of alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy food, and SSBs are consistently associated with decreases in demand. Moreover, increasing taxes can be expected to increase tax revenue. There may be potential in joining up approaches to taxation across the harm-causing commodities.
Topics: Humans; Sugar-Sweetened Beverages; Gambling; Commerce; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Taxes; Food; Alcohol Drinking; Alcoholic Beverages; Tobacco Products
PubMed: 38730332
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18599-3 -
Annals of Behavioral Medicine : a... May 2024Health behaviors play a significant role in chronic disease management. Rather than being independent of one another, health behaviors often co-occur, suggesting that... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Health behaviors play a significant role in chronic disease management. Rather than being independent of one another, health behaviors often co-occur, suggesting that targeting more than one health behavior in an intervention has the potential to be more effective in promoting better health outcomes.
PURPOSE
We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials of interventions that target more than one behavior to examine the effectiveness of multiple health behavior change interventions in patients with chronic conditions.
METHODS
Five electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane) were systematically searched in November 2023, and studies included in previous reviews were also consulted. We included randomized trials of interventions aiming to change more than one health behavior in individuals with chronic conditions. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data, and used Cochrane's Risk of Bias 2 tool. Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the effects of interventions on change in health behaviors. Results were presented as Cohen's d for continuous data, and risk ratio for dichotomous data.
RESULTS
Sixty-one studies were included spanning a range of chronic diseases: cardiovascular (k = 25), type 2 diabetes (k = 15), hypertension (k = 10), cancer (k = 7), one or more chronic conditions (k = 3), and multiple conditions (k = 1). Most interventions aimed to change more than one behavior simultaneously (rather than in sequence) and most targeted three particular behaviors at once: "physical activity, diet and smoking" (k = 20). Meta-analysis of 43 eligible studies showed for continuous data (k = 29) a small to substantial positive effect on behavior change for all health behaviors (d = 0.081-2.003) except for smoking (d = -0.019). For dichotomous data (k = 23) all analyses showed positive effects of targeting more than one behavior on all behaviors (RR = 1.026-2.247).
CONCLUSIONS
Targeting more than one behavior at a time is effective in chronic disease management and more research should be directed into developing the science of multiple behavior change.
Topics: Humans; Chronic Disease; Health Behavior; Behavior Therapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38721982
DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaae021 -
Sleep Advances : a Journal of the Sleep... 2024Evidence from studies among non-Indigenous populations has established the association of poor sleep to mental health issues and supported how improving sleep could...
STUDY OBJECTIVES
Evidence from studies among non-Indigenous populations has established the association of poor sleep to mental health issues and supported how improving sleep could reduce the risk of mental ill health. In contrast, for Indigenous people, who experience disproportionate rates of mental ill health, the association between sleep and mental health and the potential of sleep health in reducing the risk and severity of mental health issues have never been fully reviewed. Considering the literature gap, this review assesses the association between sleep and mental health in Indigenous people.
METHODS
Following PRISMA guidelines, a study was submitted to the PROSPERO database for registration (293798) prior to commencing the review. Then academic databases were searched for relevant studies published up till 19 February 2023. Studies with quantitative data on sleep and mental health association in Indigenous people were included and a narrative review/synthesis was conducted.
RESULTS
Seven studies, using carer/self-reports (six cross-sectional, one longitudinal) among three Indigenous groups ( = 3066) met the inclusion criteria. In Indigenous Australian children, arousal problems were associated with aggression, and withdrawn behavior, while early bedtime was associated with a lower risk of behavioral problems. In Native American young people, insomnia symptoms were associated with depressive symptoms in adults, short sleep was associated with affective disorders. Clinical sleep issues, i.e. restless leg and apnea, were associated with depression. In Amerindian/Mestizo adults, restless leg syndrome was associated with depression and anxiety. Overall, findings report the prevalence of poor sleep and mental health issues among Indigenous communities across the globe. Six studies scored "moderate quality" and one study scored "high quality" in quality assessment.
CONCLUSIONS
While there is limited research available, our finding suggests an association between poor sleep and mental health issues in Indigenous people. Further investigation of the potential role of, and investing in, sleep health could help support mental health.
PubMed: 38721053
DOI: 10.1093/sleepadvances/zpae028 -
HPB : the Official Journal of the... Jul 2024Huge (>10 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma is burdened by elevated mortality due to its peculiar characteristics and delayed diagnosis. Liver resection is considered the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Huge (>10 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma is burdened by elevated mortality due to its peculiar characteristics and delayed diagnosis. Liver resection is considered the gold standard although survival is poor. Recently, some different strategies have been evaluated to improve results in tumor recurrence and survival. The aim of this research is to identify which strategy offers the best results in terms of overall survival for resectable huge hepatocellular carcinoma.
METHODS
A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 13 studies was conducted from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases including research comparing two or more treatments to manage huge hepatocellular carcinoma. Results were synthesized through forest plots and risk of bias assessed with the CINeMA framework as recommended.
RESULTS
The association of liver resection and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization confers a significant improvement in survival compared to liver resection alone (HR: 0.55) while transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, radioembolization, and ethanol ablation alone were associated to decreased overall survival. Within-study bias, indirectness and incoherence were the domains mainly affected by concerns in risk of bias analysis.
CONCLUSION
Multimodal treatment including liver resection and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization increases survival in patients with resectable huge hepatocellular carcinoma.
Topics: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms; Humans; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; Hepatectomy; Network Meta-Analysis; Combined Modality Therapy; Treatment Outcome; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38702254
DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2024.04.002 -
PloS One 2024We conducted a systematic evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy and complications of tolterodine and α-adrenergic receptor blockers in alleviating ureteral... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
Comparison of the efficacy and complications of tolterodine and α-adrenergic receptor blockers in improving ureteral stent-related symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy and complications of tolterodine and α-adrenergic receptor blockers in alleviating ureteral stent-related symptoms.
METHODS
Until August 2023, we conducted a comprehensive literature search on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and complications of tolterodine and α-adrenergic receptor blockers in treating ureteral stent-related symptoms. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data. The scores from various domains of the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) were summarized and compared, and statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.0 software.
RESULTS
A total of 8 studies met the inclusion criteria for our analysis. These studies were conducted at different centers. All studies were randomized controlled trials, involving a total of 487 patients, with 244 patients receiving α-adrenergic receptor blockers and 243 patients receiving tolterodine. The results showed that tolterodine demonstrated significantly better improvement in body pain (MD, 1.56; 95% CI [0.46, 2.66]; p = 0.005) (MD, 0.46; 95% CI [0.12, 0.80]; p = 0.008) (MD, 3.21; 95% CI [1.89, 4.52]; p = 0.00001) among patients after ureteral stent placement compared to α-adrenergic receptor blockers at different time points. Additionally, at 4 weeks, tolterodine showed superior improvement in general health (MD, 0.15; 95% CI [0.03, 0.27]; p = 0.01) and urinary symptoms (MD, 1.62; 95% CI [0.59, 2.66]; p = 0.002) compared to α-adrenergic receptor blockers, while at 6 weeks, tolterodine showed better improvement in work performance (MD, -1.60; 95% CI [-2.73, -0.48]; p = 0.005) compared to α-adrenergic receptor blockers. Additionally, the incidence of dry mouth (RR, 4.21; 95% CI [1.38, 12.87]; p = 0.01) is higher with the use of tolterodine compared to α-adrenergic receptor blockers. However, there were no significant statistical differences between the two drugs in other outcomes.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis suggests that tolterodine is superior to α-adrenergic receptor blockers in improving physical pain symptoms after ureteral stent placement, while α-adrenergic receptor blockers are more effective than tolterodine in enhancing work performance. Additionally, the incidence of dry mouth is higher with the use of tolterodine compared to α-adrenergic receptor blockers. However, higher-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to further investigate this issue.
Topics: Tolterodine Tartrate; Humans; Stents; Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; Ureter; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38701097
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302716 -
Addictive Behaviors Aug 2024Despite the high prevalence and comorbidity of alcohol consumption and anxiety, it is unclear whether alcohol consumption influences long-term anxiety. This study aimed...
OBJECTIVE
Despite the high prevalence and comorbidity of alcohol consumption and anxiety, it is unclear whether alcohol consumption influences long-term anxiety. This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the long-term longitudinal effects of alcohol consumption on anxiety in adults.
METHODS
EMBASE, PsychInfo, Medline, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from inception to April 12th, 2024. Articles analysing the relationship between alcohol consumption and anxiety symptoms or anxiety disorder diagnosis at least three-months later in adults were eligible. Articles were screened and extracted by two independent reviewers with study quality assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.
RESULTS
From 884 records, eight studies of mixed quality met inclusion criteria. One study using a sample representative of the USA population found low volume consumption was associated with lower long-term anxiety. All other studies used a convenience sample or a specific medical population sample. The significance and direction of the relationship between alcohol consumption and long-term anxiety in these studies varied, likely due to differences in alcohol consumption thresholds used and populations studied.
CONCLUSIONS
A paucity of research on the longitudinal effects of alcohol consumption on anxiety was found, highlighting a significant gap in the research literature. Furthermore, existing research, primarily focussed on clinical subpopulations, has yielded mixed results. Further research is needed to explore the longitudinal dose dependent impact of alcohol consumption on anxiety using samples representative of national populations.
Topics: Humans; Alcohol Drinking; Anxiety; Adult; Anxiety Disorders
PubMed: 38692070
DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108047 -
PloS One 2024Congenital anomalies represent a significant contributor to infant mortality, morbidity, and enduring disability. With this in mind, the present investigation endeavour... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Congenital anomalies represent a significant contributor to infant mortality, morbidity, and enduring disability. With this in mind, the present investigation endeavour to ascertain the pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies and associated determinants among neonates in Ethiopia.
METHOD
PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHAL, Hinari, and Global Health databases were systematically searched. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) assessment checklist was used to assess quality of included studies. Data were extracted from database and exported to stataMP-17 for analysis. Pooled prevalence was determined using DerSimonian-Laird random effects model. The degree of heterogeneity and Publication bias were assessed using I2 statistics and Eggers test, respectively. Study protocol was registered under PROSPERO ID CRD42021229140.
RESULT
A total of 18 studies with 519,327 participants were included in the study. Pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies in Ethiopia was 2% (95% CI: 0.02, 0.03%). Among affected newborns neural tube defect (48%) was the most common congenital anomaly in Ethiopia, followed by orofacial cleft (19%). Risk factors such as alcohol consumption (pooled OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.54, 3.38), lack of folic acid supplement (pooled OR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.09-7.36), medication during pregnancy (pooled OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.03-6.47), khat (Catha edulis) chewing (pooled OR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.61-3.71), exposure to pesticides (pooled OR: 4.45, 95% CI: 2.44-8.09) and maternal illness (pooled OR:1.79, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.10) had statistically significant association with congenital anomalies in Ethiopia.
CONCLUSION
In this review, prevalence of congenital anomalies in Ethiopia was high with considerable regional variation. The most common type of congenital anomaly in Ethiopia was neural tube defects, followed by oro-facial cleft. Alcohol consumption, inadequate intake of folic acid, khat chewing, maternal diseases, exposure to pesticides, and use of medication during pregnancy were identified as potential contributors to congenital abnormalities in Ethiopia.
Topics: Humans; Ethiopia; Prevalence; Congenital Abnormalities; Female; Risk Factors; Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Neural Tube Defects
PubMed: 38687732
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302393 -
Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports Jun 2024A systematic review of the literature was performed to summarize cannabis use among adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Special focus was given to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A systematic review of the literature was performed to summarize cannabis use among adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Special focus was given to the prevalence of cannabis use during COVID-19, as well as factors that may explain changes in cannabis consumption patterns.
METHODS
The protocol of this systematic review was registered. Articles from seven publication databases were searched in January 2022. The inclusion criteria for studies were as follows: 1) published in English; 2) study instruments needed to include items on COVID-19; 3) conducted after January 1st, 2020; 4) published in a peer-reviewed journal, dissertation, or thesis; 5) study population ≤25 years of age; 6) study designs were limited to observational analytical studies; 7) measured cannabis use. This review excluded other reviews, editorials, and conference abstracts that were not available as full text manuscripts. Independent review, risk of bias assessment, and data abstraction were performed by two authors.
RESULTS
Fifteen articles from the United States (n=11) and Canada (n=4) were included in this review. The findings of this review showed that the prevalence of cannabis use during the pandemic among adolescents and young adults were mixed. Some mental health symptoms, including depression and anxiety, were identified as the most commonly reported reasons for increased cannabis use during the pandemic.
CONCLUSIONS
This review highlights the inconsistencies in the prevalence of cannabis use among adolescents and young adults during the pandemic. Therapeutic interventions for mental health and continued public health surveillance should be conducted to understand the long-term effects of cannabis use among adolescents and young adults.
PubMed: 38682152
DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2024.100232 -
Cureus Mar 2024Stroke, a neurological disorder, has emerged as a formidable health challenge in India, with its incidence on the rise. Increased risk factors, which also correlate with... (Review)
Review
Stroke, a neurological disorder, has emerged as a formidable health challenge in India, with its incidence on the rise. Increased risk factors, which also correlate with economic prosperity, are linked to this rise, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol intake. Particularly worrisome is the impact on young adults, a pivotal segment of India's workforce. Stroke encompasses various clinical subtypes and cerebrovascular disorders (CVDs), contributing to its multifaceted nature. Globally, stroke's escalating burden is concerning, affecting developing nations. To combat this trend effectively and advance prevention and treatment strategies, comprehensive and robust data on stroke prevalence and impact are urgently required. In India, these encompass individuals with elevated BMIs, and those afflicted by hypertension, diabetes, or a familial history of stroke. Disparities in stroke incidence and prevalence manifest across India, with differences in urban and rural settings, gender-based variations, and regional disparities. Early detection, dietary changes, effective risk factor management, and equitable access to stroke care are required to address this issue. Government initiatives, like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) 2019, provide guidelines, but effective implementation and awareness campaigns are vital. Overcoming barriers to stroke care, especially in rural areas, calls for improved infrastructure, awareness campaigns, and support systems. Data standardization and comprehensive population studies are pivotal for informed public health policies.
PubMed: 38681344
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57058