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JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... Aug 2023To map literature on research ethics committees, institutional review boards and ethics review framework in Pakistan to identify key insights during public health...
OBJECTIVE
To map literature on research ethics committees, institutional review boards and ethics review framework in Pakistan to identify key insights during public health emergencies and normal times.
METHOD
The systematic scoping review was conducted in April 2022, and comprised literature search on PubMed, World Health Organisation Global Index Medicus and Summons databases for articles published between January 2005 and February 2022. Information extracted included authors' names, year of publication, title, study methodology, and key insights under the heads of challenges and solutions. Due to data heterogeneity, key themes were identified and analysed.
RESULTS
Of the 2,190 studies initially identified, 21(0.95%) were subjected to full-text review, and, from among them, 9(45%) were analysed in detail. There were 4 key insights identified: research ethics committees and institutional review boards in Pakistan remain unregulated as they are currently not registered or accredited by a competent national-level authority; most members of such committees are not formally trained to implement the mandate; internal and external pressures hinder independent decision-making of such committees; and other issues hindering the functionality and performance of research ethics committees and institutional review boards.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite existing publications calling for urgent policy and regulatory reforms, there is a dearth of literature and minimal policy actions underlying the fact that ethics review remains a neglected area in Pakistan.
Topics: Humans; Pakistan; Ethics Committees, Research; Learning; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37697760
DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.8033 -
Ethical Decision Making in Disaster and Emergency Management: A Systematic Review of the Literature.Prehospital and Disaster Medicine Oct 2023Ethical decision making in disaster and emergency management requires more than good intentions; it also asks for careful consideration and an explicit, systematic... (Review)
Review
Ethical decision making in disaster and emergency management requires more than good intentions; it also asks for careful consideration and an explicit, systematic approach. The decisions made by leaders and the effects they have in a disaster must carry the confidence of the community to which they serve. Such decisions are critical in settings where resources are scarce; when decisions are perceived as unjust, the consequences may erode public trust, result in moral injury to staff, and cause community division. To understand how decisions in these settings are informed by ethics, a systematic literature review was conducted to determine what ethical guidance informs decision making in disaster and emergency management. This study found evidence of ethical guidance to inform decision making in disaster management in the humanitarian system, based on humanitarian principles. Evidence of the application of an ethical framework to guide or reference decision making was varied or absent in other emergency management agencies or systems. Development and validation of ethical frameworks to support decision making in disaster management practice is recommended.
Topics: Humans; Disasters; Decision Making
PubMed: 37675490
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X23006325 -
Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing Sep 2023Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates remain low among adolescent girls across ethnic minority groups that experience high incidences of HPV-related cervical... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates remain low among adolescent girls across ethnic minority groups that experience high incidences of HPV-related cervical cancer with poor outcomes. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the factors affecting HPV vaccination among ethnic minority adolescent girls.
METHODS
Six databases (PubMed, OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus) were searched from inception to October 17, 2022. Guided by the conceptual model of vaccine hesitancy, the factors affecting HPV vaccine uptake were descriptively synthesized and analyzed using meta-analyses.
RESULTS
This review included 14 studies. The pooled uptake rate of at least one dose of HPV vaccine among ethnic minority adolescent girls was only 38% (95% confidence interval = 0.22, 0.39). At individual level, age of adolescent girls, knowledge of HPV, perceived importance of HPV vaccination, and perceived risk of HPV infection promoted the vaccine uptake. Beliefs in conspiracy theories and lack of trust in the government and HPV vaccine discouraged the utilization. At social and policy levels, health professionals' recommendations, subjective norms, sexuality-related communication, and vaccine policies such as insurance coverage facilitated HPV vaccination. The religious and moral convictions regarding abstinence from sex until marriage negatively influenced the vaccine acceptance.
CONCLUSIONS
HPV vaccination among ethnic minority adolescent girls was influenced by multi-level factors that highlighted a combined effort, including culturally sensitive health education programmes, sexuality-related communication skills training, collaboration with religious organizations, debunking conspiracy theories in HPV vaccine, and promoting school-based vaccination programs, to increase the coverage.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO, CRD42022366805.
PubMed: 37661962
DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100279 -
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine &... Jan 2024There has been an increase in the number of studies examining the effect of acute and chronic physical activity on academic outcomes in children and adolescents in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There has been an increase in the number of studies examining the effect of acute and chronic physical activity on academic outcomes in children and adolescents in the last two decades. We aimed to systematically determine the acute effects of physical activity on academic outcomes in school-aged youth and to examine possible moderators.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search using PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO databases (from inception to 11th January 2023) for studies assessing the acute effects of physical activity on academic performance-related outcomes in school-aged youth. A univariate and multivariate meta-analysis was conducted based on a random-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood used to pool the academic outcomes results (Hedge's g).
RESULTS
We included 11 articles (803 children and adolescents [range: 6-16 years]) in the systematic review. Overall, acute physical activity increased academic outcomes (Hedge's g = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20-0.50). Multivariate meta-analyses revealed that physical activity increased academic performance in mathematics (Hedge's g = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.16-0.42) and language (Hedge's g = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09-0.47). Only behavior change techniques (Hedge's g = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.18-0.90, p < 0.001) played a significant role in this relationship.
CONCLUSIONS
A single bout of physical activity can improve academic outcomes in school-aged youth, which may serve as a complementary tool for the educational field. However, the observed heterogeneity in the results indicates that we should interpret the findings obtained with caution.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Academic Performance; Exercise
PubMed: 37632197
DOI: 10.1111/sms.14479 -
Stem Cell Research & Therapy Aug 2023Recent advances in methods to culture pluripotent stem cells to model human development have resulted in entities that increasingly have recapitulated advanced stages of... (Review)
Review
Recent advances in methods to culture pluripotent stem cells to model human development have resulted in entities that increasingly have recapitulated advanced stages of early embryo development. These entities, referred to by numerous terms such as embryoids, are becoming more sophisticated and could resemble human embryos ever more closely as research progresses. This paper reports a systematic review of the ethical, legal, regulatory, and policy questions and concerns found in the literature concerning human embryoid research published from 2016 to 2022. We identified 56 papers that use 53 distinct names or terms to refer to embryoids and four broad categories of ethical, legal, regulatory, or policy considerations in the literature: research justifications/benefits, ethical significance or moral status, permissible use, and regulatory and oversight challenges. Analyzing the full range of issues is a critical step toward fostering more robust ethical, legal, and social implications research in this emerging area and toward developing appropriate oversight.
Topics: Humans; Embryo, Mammalian; Embryonic Development; Pluripotent Stem Cells; Policy
PubMed: 37605210
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03448-8 -
Archives of Public Health = Archives... Aug 2023Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has received much attention and many countries are striving to achieve it. The Southeast Asian region, in particular, comprises many...
BACKGROUND
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has received much attention and many countries are striving to achieve it. The Southeast Asian region, in particular, comprises many developing countries with limited resources, exacerbating challenges around attaining UHC. This paper aims to specifically explore the health financing challenges these countries face in achieving UHC via a systematic review approach and formulate recommendations that will be useful for policymakers.
METHODS
The systematic review followed the guidelines as recommended by PRISMA. The narrative synthesis approach was used for data synthesis, followed by identifying common themes.
RESULTS
The initial search returned 160 articles, and 32 articles were included after the screening process. The identified challenges in health financing towards achieving UHC in the Southeast Asian region are categorised into six main themes, namely (1) Unsustainability of revenue-raising methods, (2) Fragmented health insurance schemes, (3) Incongruity between insurance benefits and people's needs, (4) Political and legislative indifference, (5) Intractable and rapidly rising healthcare cost, (6) Morally reprehensible behaviours.
CONCLUSIONS
The challenges identified are diverse and therefore require a multifaceted approach. Regional collaborative efforts between countries will play an essential role in the progress towards UHC and in narrowing the inequity gap. At the national level, individual countries must work towards sustainable health financing strategies by leveraging innovative digital technologies and constantly adapting to dynamic health trends.
REGISTRATION
This study is registered with PROSPERO, under registration number CRD42022336624.
PubMed: 37592326
DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01159-3 -
BMJ Open Aug 2023To synthesise the available evidence on the reporting of conflicts of interest (COI) by individuals posting health messages on social media, and on the reporting of...
OBJECTIVES
To synthesise the available evidence on the reporting of conflicts of interest (COI) by individuals posting health messages on social media, and on the reporting of funding sources of studies cited in health messages on social media.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE (OVID) (2005-March 2022), Embase (2005-March 2022) and Google Scholar (2005-August 2022), supplemented with a review of reference lists and forward citation tracking.
DESIGN
Reviewers selected eligible studies and abstracted data in duplicate and independently. We appraised the quality of the included studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. We summarised the results in both narrative and tabular formats. We followed the PRISMA 2020 checklist for reporting our study.
RESULTS
Of a total of 16 645 retrieved citations, we included 17 eligible studies. The frequency of reporting of conflicts of interest varied between 0% and 60%, but it was mostly low. In addition, a significant proportion, ranging between 15% and 80%, of healthcare professionals using social media have financial relationships with industry. However, three studies assessed the proportion of conflicts of interest of physicians identified through Open Payment Database but not reported by the authors. It was found that 98.7-100% of these relationships with industry are not reported when communicating health-related information. Also, two studies showed that there is evidence of a potential association between COI and the content of posting. No data was found on the reporting of funding sources of studies cited in health messages on social media.
CONCLUSIONS
While a significant proportion of healthcare professionals using social media have financial relationships with industry, lack of reporting on COI and undisclosed COI are common. We did not find studies on the reporting of funding sources of studies cited in health messages on social media.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.5jyl8jj4rg2w/v1.
Topics: Humans; Conflict of Interest; Health Communication; Social Media; Physicians; Industry
PubMed: 37580091
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072258 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Conscientious objection (CO) in the context of health care arises when a health care professional (HCP) refuses to participate in a certain procedure because it is not... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Conscientious objection (CO) in the context of health care arises when a health care professional (HCP) refuses to participate in a certain procedure because it is not compatible with their ethical or moral principles. Refusal to treat in health care includes, in addition to CO, other factors that may lead the HCP not to want to participate in a certain procedure. Therefore, we can say that CO is a form of refusal of treatment based on conscience. Hastened death has become an increasingly reality around the world, being a procedure in which not all HCPs are willing to participate. There are several factors that can condition the HCPs' refusal to treat in this scenario.
METHODS
With the aim of identifying these factors, we performed a systematic review, following the PRISMA guidelines. On 1 October 2022, we searched for relevant articles on Pubmed, Web of Science and Scopus databases.
RESULTS
From an initial search of 693 articles, 12 were included in the final analysis. Several motivations that condition refusal to treat were identified, including legal, technical, social, and CO. Three main motivations for CO were also identified, namely religious, moral/secular, and emotional/psychological motivations.
CONCLUSIONS
We must adopt an understanding approach respecting the position of each HCP, avoiding judgmental and discriminatory positions, although we must ensure also that patients have access to care. The identification of these motivations may permit solutions that, while protecting the HCPS' position, may also mitigate potential problems concerning patients' access to this type of procedure.
PubMed: 37570368
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11152127 -
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology Oct 2023To investigate if observational studies showing favorable results for antidepressants on suicidal behavior (reduced risk) are preferably and more easily published in...
OBJECTIVES
To investigate if observational studies showing favorable results for antidepressants on suicidal behavior (reduced risk) are preferably and more easily published in psychiatric journals and cited more often compared to studies with unfavorable results (increased risk).
STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING
Prespecified secondary analysis, including 27 original studies selected through a systematic review of observational studies reporting associations between the use of newer antidepressant drugs and suicide risk.
RESULTS
Independent of study quality, studies reporting favorable results were more frequently published in psychiatric than nonpsychiatric journals and were more often conducted by lead authors with financial conflicts of interest (fCOI). Within psychiatric journals, lead authors with fCOI published in journals with a higher impact factor (IF) and ranking. Within psychiatric journals, favorability of results also correlated with citation frequency, IF, and journal ranking, but these associations became weaker and inconclusive after adjusting for study quality. Results for ease of publishing were inconclusive.
CONCLUSION
Studies reporting unfavorable results (increased suicide risk with antidepressant exposure) are less likely to be published in psychiatric journals. Lead authors with fCOI report more favorable results, and their studies are published in the most prestigious psychiatric journals. This may create a biased evidence base and an unbalanced dissemination and appraisal of findings within psychiatry.
Topics: Humans; Periodicals as Topic; Publications; Journal Impact Factor; Suicide; Conflict of Interest
PubMed: 37544615
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2023.07.015 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023The aim of this review was to assess the possible risk factors arising from working conditions, that could have an impact on the stress, fear, and anxiety of...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review was to assess the possible risk factors arising from working conditions, that could have an impact on the stress, fear, and anxiety of construction workers.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA format in the Pubmed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycInfo electronic databases on February 3, 2023, using the following key words: anxiety, stress, fear, and construction workers. Methodological quality was assessed using the critical appraisal tools of the Joanna Briggs Institute.
RESULTS
A total of 35 studies were included. The results showed a number of conditioning factors for stress, anxiety, and fear among construction workers such as age, inappropriate safety equipment, safety culture, high workload and long working hours, physical pain, low social support from direct supervisor or co-workers, lack of organizational justice and lack of reward, financial situation, maladaptive coping strategies, and characteristics of the pandemic.
CONCLUSIONS
There are a number of risk factors related to working conditions, organizations, and individuals that can affect the levels of stress, anxiety, and fear among construction workers, such as age, work hardship, safety culture and, especially, the long hours that construction professionals work. This may lead to an increase in the number of occupational accidents and higher associated fatality rates.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022367724, identifier: CRD42022367724.
Topics: Humans; Construction Industry; Organizational Culture; Social Justice; Anxiety; Fear
PubMed: 37521990
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1226914