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Health and Quality of Life Outcomes Oct 2021Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is determined by multiple factors that include components such as spirituality and religiousness (S/R). Even though various... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is determined by multiple factors that include components such as spirituality and religiousness (S/R). Even though various systematic reviews have investigated the association between S/R and improved health outcomes in the most different groups, healthy young individuals are seldom addressed.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the association between S/R and HRQoL among young, healthy individuals.
METHODS
Systematic review of papers published in the last ten years and indexed in four academic research databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus) and two gray literature databases. Inclusion criteria were studies assessing S/R and HRQoL using validated instruments and assessing healthy adults (i.e., non-clinical patients, not belonging to any specific group of chronic diseases), aged between 18 and 64 years old.
RESULTS
Ten out of 1,952 studies met the inclusion criteria: nine cross-sectional and one longitudinal cohort study, in which 89% of the participants were college students. Nine studies report a positive association between S/R and HRQoL, while one study did not report any significant association. The main HRQoL domains associated with S/R were the psychological, social relationships, and environment domains, while the S/R most influent facets/components were optimism, inner strength, peace, high control, hope, and happiness.
CONCLUSIONS
Higher S/R levels among healthy adult individuals were associated with higher HRQoL levels, suggesting the S/R can be an important strategy to deal with adverse environmental situations even among those without chronic diseases, enhancing the wellbeing of individuals. Registration of systematic review: PROSPERO-CRD42018104047.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Status; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Spirituality; Young Adult
PubMed: 34674713
DOI: 10.1186/s12955-021-01878-7 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Oct 2021There are several prognostic models to estimate the risk of mortality after surgery for active infective endocarditis (IE). However, these models incorporate different... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There are several prognostic models to estimate the risk of mortality after surgery for active infective endocarditis (IE). However, these models incorporate different predictors and their performance is uncertain.
OBJECTIVE
We systematically reviewed and critically appraised all available prediction models of postoperative mortality in patients undergoing surgery for IE, and aggregated them into a meta-model.
DATA SOURCES
We searched Medline and EMBASE databases from inception to June 2020.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
We included studies that developed or updated a prognostic model of postoperative mortality in patient with IE.
METHODS
We assessed the risk of bias of the models using PROBAST (Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool) and we aggregated them into an aggregate meta-model based on stacked regressions and optimized it for a nationwide registry of IE patients. The meta-model performance was assessed using bootstrap validation methods and adjusted for optimism.
RESULTS
We identified 11 prognostic models for postoperative mortality. Eight models had a high risk of bias. The meta-model included weighted predictors from the remaining three models (EndoSCORE, specific ES-I and specific ES-II), which were not rated as high risk of bias and provided full model equations. Additionally, two variables (age and infectious agent) that had been modelled differently across studies, were estimated based on the nationwide registry. The performance of the meta-model was better than the original three models, with the corresponding performance measures: C-statistics 0.79 (95% CI 0.76-0.82), calibration slope 0.98 (95% CI 0.86-1.13) and calibration-in-the-large -0.05 (95% CI -0.20 to 0.11).
CONCLUSIONS
The meta-model outperformed published models and showed a robust predictive capacity for predicting the individualized risk of postoperative mortality in patients with IE.
PROTOCOL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020192602).
Topics: Bias; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Endocarditis, Bacterial; Humans; Models, Theoretical; Prognosis
PubMed: 34620380
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.05.051 -
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management Feb 2022The impact of psychological factors on pain levels continues to be of interest throughout a cancer patient's journey. The relationship between pain and optimism has been... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The impact of psychological factors on pain levels continues to be of interest throughout a cancer patient's journey. The relationship between pain and optimism has been described previously in patients with various diseases.
OBJECTIVES
We further investigated the effect of optimism on pain levels felt by patients diagnosed and living with cancer before and after surgery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The search strategy for relevant articles from inception through June 2020 included five databases. The main outcome of interest was the effect of optimism on cancer-related pain.
RESULTS
We identified 482 studies. After the full-text screening, seven articles meeting the inclusion criteria were included. Seven studies were analyzed and are included in the data table. Of the seven included articles, four articles described the association of optimism with cancer pain; four articles studied the relationship between optimism and chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP), and one article investigated optimism's relationship with acute postsurgical pain (APSP). All articles observed a negative correlation between optimism and pain levels.
CONCLUSION
Despite the differences in the pathophysiology of pain types investigated, and which stage of the patient's journey pain was experienced, all studies reported a negative association with the level of optimism and pain described by patients. Therefore, promoting and supporting psychological coping techniques, including optimism for cancer patients may decrease patients' suffering, increase their quality of life at different cancer stages, and reduce opioid use.
Topics: Cancer Pain; Humans; Neoplasms; Optimism; Pain, Postoperative; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34563629
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.09.008 -
Issues in Mental Health Nursing Jan 2022Societal trends and COVID-19 quarantines have increased the number of adolescents experiencing social isolation, placing them at heightened risk for mental health...
Societal trends and COVID-19 quarantines have increased the number of adolescents experiencing social isolation, placing them at heightened risk for mental health issues. The aim of this review is to explore protective factors that might mitigate psychological harm in the presence of social isolation. A systematic literature review was conducted using Fink's step-by-step process. Four library databases were searched, and results were reported using PRISMA. Of the 246 studies reviewed, 12 studies were retained following the quality assessment. The sample includes 14,064 participants from USA, Australia, and Europe, ranging from 10-19 years old. Social connectedness (ie., family connectedness, school connectedness, social support), self-esteem, and prosocial behaviors were the most common protective factors to social isolation. Additional factors such as self-efficacy, optimism, and ethnic identity are discussed. Implications for future research are recommended, including the need to explore spiritual, biological, and sociocultural factors influencing social connectedness and mental health in adolescents.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Altruism; COVID-19; Child; Humans; Mental Health; SARS-CoV-2; Social Isolation; Young Adult
PubMed: 34346800
DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2021.1948642 -
Cognitive, Affective & Behavioral... Oct 2021Optimism is a personality trait strongly associated with physical and psychological well-being, with correlates in nonhuman species. Optimistic individuals hold positive... (Review)
Review
Optimism is a personality trait strongly associated with physical and psychological well-being, with correlates in nonhuman species. Optimistic individuals hold positive expectancies for their future, have better physical and psychological health, recover faster after heart disease and other ailments, and cope more effectively with stress and anxiety. We performed a systematic review of neuroimaging studies focusing on neural correlates of optimism. A search identified 14 papers eligible for inclusion. Two key brain areas were linked to optimism: the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), involved in imagining the future and processing of self-referential information; and the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), involved in response inhibition and processing relevant cues. ACC activity was positively correlated with trait optimism and with the probability estimations of future positive events. Behavioral measures of optimistic tendencies investigated through the belief update task correlated positively with IFG activity. Elucidating the neural underpinnings of optimism may inform both the development of prevention and treatment strategies for several mental disorders negatively associated with optimism, such as depression, as well as help to foster new resilience promotion interventions targeting healthy, vulnerable, and mentally ill individuals.
Topics: Anxiety; Brain; Brain Mapping; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Optimism; Prefrontal Cortex
PubMed: 34341967
DOI: 10.3758/s13415-021-00931-8 -
Journal of the International... Aug 2022Older age is often identified as a risk factor for poor outcome from traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, this relates predominantly to mortality following... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Older age is often identified as a risk factor for poor outcome from traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, this relates predominantly to mortality following moderate-severe TBI. It remains unclear whether increasing age exerts risk on the expected recovery from mild TBI (mTBI). In this systematic review of mTBI in older age (60+ years), a focus was to identify outcome through several domains - cognition, psychological health, and life participation.
METHODS
Fourteen studies were identified for review, using PRISMA guidelines. Narrative synthesis is provided for all outcomes, from acute to long-term time points, and a meta-analysis was conducted for data investigating life participation.
RESULTS
By 3-month follow-up, preliminary findings indicate that older adults continue to experience selective cognitive difficulties, but given the data it is possible these difficulties are due to generalised trauma or preexisting cognitive impairment. In contrast, there is stronger evidence across time points that older adults do not experience elevated levels of psychological distress following injury and endorse fewer psychological symptoms than younger adults. Meta-analysis, based on the Glasgow Outcome Scale at 6 months+ post-injury, indicates that a large proportion (67%; 95% CI 0.569, 0.761) of older adults can achieve good functional recovery, similar to younger adults. Nevertheless, individual studies using alternative life participation measures suggest more mixed rates of recovery.
CONCLUSIONS
Although our initial review suggests some optimism in recovery from mTBI in older age, there is an urgent need for more investigations in this under-researched but growing demographic. This is critical for ensuring adequate health service provision, if needed.
Topics: Aged; Brain Concussion; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Glasgow Outcome Scale; Humans; Recovery of Function
PubMed: 34313210
DOI: 10.1017/S1355617721000795 -
BMC Psychology Jul 2021Hikikomori is a phenomenon describing people who exhibit behaviors of self-secluding themselves at home for long durations of time and usually only having face-to-face... (Review)
Review
Understanding the experiences of hikikomori through the lens of the CHIME framework: connectedness, hope and optimism, identity, meaning in life, and empowerment; systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Hikikomori is a phenomenon describing people who exhibit behaviors of self-secluding themselves at home for long durations of time and usually only having face-to-face social interactions with none other than family. Existing interventions for hikikomori are inconclusive and the majority are absent in using a theoretical framework to guide its components. Therefore, applicability of the psychosocial recovery framework of Connectedness, Hope and Optimism, Identity, Meaning in Life, and Empowerment (CHIME) towards hikikomori care was reviewed.
METHOD
Five databases were searched in April 2020 with the search formula from a published systematic review on hikikomori combined with search terms specific to domains of the CHIME framework. Articles included in the review were of the English language, of all publication years, peer-reviewed, quantitative or qualitative research studies and case studies, included study designs that were observational or interventional in nature, and involved populations of socially withdrawn youth.
RESULTS
CHIME's comprehensive structure and organized approach could guide researchers or service providers in determining areas needing assessments, measurement, and areas of focus. It is suggested that the CHIME framework is applicable after modifying a specific dimension-'meaning of mental illness experiences' into 'meaning of the hikikomori experience'. Thematic overlap occurred between the domains of connectedness, identity, and meaning. Yet, additional dimensions or domains such as trust building, non-linearity, and spatiality can be included for addressing specific limitations in this application, which would help towards catering services to help hikikomori in recovery or in increasing quality-of-life of those individuals' while entrapped in this withdrawn lifestyle.
CONCLUSION
CHIME framework could be applicable towards hikikomori care after applying the suggested modifications. Additionally, many knowledge gaps were found in literature during this review that warrants further investigation to improve hikikomori care.
Topics: Adolescent; Hope; Humans; Mental Disorders; Optimism; Qualitative Research; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34246318
DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00605-7 -
International Journal of Nursing Studies Sep 2021The contribution of work to positive mental health is increasingly apparent. Transition into the workplace causes a range of stressors for new graduate nurses who... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The contribution of work to positive mental health is increasingly apparent. Transition into the workplace causes a range of stressors for new graduate nurses who experience both psychological wellbeing and illbeing in their first year of practice.
OBJECTIVE
To determine published prevalence, predictors, barriers and enablers of new graduate registered nurse wellbeing, work wellbeing and mental health.
DESIGN
Systematic review of quantitative research.
DATA SOURCES
Databases included Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Excerpta Medica database, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online and Psychological Information. Quantitative and mixed-methods studies were considered for inclusion if published in English from 2009 to 2019 reporting primary data analysis including new graduate nurses' wellbeing, work wellbeing and mental health.
REVIEW METHODS
Quantitative studies were systematically identified then screened and appraised against pre-determined inclusion criteria. Analysis was conducted by grouping according to analytical methods and results reported as a narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
Thirty-four studies were included. The quality of the evidence was variable with just a quarter of the studies being assessed as meeting the quality criteria on all nine measures. For the new graduate nurses prevalence of wellbeing, levels of resilience, optimism, and hope were found to be high. For work wellbeing, most reported higher job satisfaction by 12-months. For work illbeing, levels of burnout were moderately high, predominantly in terms of emotional exhaustion, and stress was initially high, particularly in terms of workload, but decreased over time. For the predictors, job satisfaction was positively predicted by structural empowerment and career satisfaction, and negatively predicted by co-worker incivility, supervisor incivility and emotional exhaustion. For work illbeing, stress was a positive predictor for intent to leave. Stress reductions were associated with momentary levels of high task mastery, social acceptance and role clarity.
CONCLUSIONS
For new graduate nurses, levels of emotional exhaustion, workload and stress were moderately high to high initially, decreasing over time as the graduate nurses' job satisfaction increased. Most studies focused on the nurses' intent to resign or stay and both psychological capital and work engagement positively predicted intent to stay whereas work stress positively predicted intent to resign. Resilience and group cohesion moderated the negative effects of some variables, thus may be potential enablers of work wellbeing. The standards of research reporting or design were generally sub-optimal according to quality indicators. Systematic review registration number: (CRD42020148812).
Topics: Burnout, Professional; Education, Nursing, Graduate; Humans; Job Satisfaction; Mental Health; Workplace
PubMed: 34218048
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.103997 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2021Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is considered by the American Psychological Association as an evidence-based treatment for a variety of disorders, including... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is considered by the American Psychological Association as an evidence-based treatment for a variety of disorders, including chronic pain. The main objective of the present systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of ACT in patients with central pain sensitization syndromes (CPSS).
METHODS
This systematic review was conducted according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration and PRISMA statements. The protocol was registered in advance in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) international database. The selected articles were evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) assessment tool. The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched.
RESULTS
The literature search identified 21 studies (including investigations of fibromyalgia syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and migraine) eligible for the systematic review. There were no studies regarding the effectiveness of ACT for chronic tension-type headache (CTTH), interstitial cystitis (IC), or temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The evaluation of ROB showed that 12 of the selected studies were of low quality, 5 were of moderate quality, and 4 were high quality. ACT reduces some clinical symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and pain. This positive effect of ACT might be mediated by pain acceptance, psychological flexibility, optimism, self-efficacy, or adherence to values. ACT showed better results in comparison to non-intervention (e.g., "waiting list") conditions, as well as pharmacological and psychoeducational interventions. It is not entirely clear whether extended ACT treatments are more advantageous than briefer interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
There are few studies about the effectiveness of ACT on CPSS. However, ACT seems to reduce subjective CPSS symptoms and improve the health-related quality of life of these patients. The absence of studies on the effectiveness of ACT in CTTH, IC, and TMD, indicate the pressing need for further ACT studies in these CPSS.
PubMed: 34205244
DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122706 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Sep 2021Personal recovery, living a satisfying, hopeful life alongside symptoms, has become an increasingly valued aim across mental health care agendas internationally.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Personal recovery, living a satisfying, hopeful life alongside symptoms, has become an increasingly valued aim across mental health care agendas internationally. However, there is little understanding of how people experience personal recovery alongside the mood challenges characteristic of a bipolar disorder diagnosis. Personal recovery frameworks have been developed for populations with mixed psychiatric diagnoses, predominantly psychotic disorders.
METHODS
This systematic review of qualitative data used the widely adopted personal recovery processes Connectedness, Hope and optimism, Identity, Meaning and purpose, Empowerment (CHIME) in a "best fit" framework synthesis to understand personal recovery experiences in bipolar disorder. Included studies were coded with deductive framework analysis based on the CHIME processes and inductive thematic analysis for aspects beyond the a priori framework.
RESULTS
A comprehensive search of six literature databases led to inclusion of twelve articles published 2010-2020. Deductive coding supported the fit with the CHIME framework but revealed difficulties, losses, and tensions within and across recovery processes. The proposed framework for personal recovery in bipolar disorder, Purpose and meaning, Optimism and hope, Empowerment, Tensions, Identity, Connectedness (POETIC), organises all CHIME processes around these tensions.
LIMITATIONS
Diversity among study participants was limited with majority middle-aged, female, Western participants.
CONCLUSIONS
The compact POETIC personal recovery framework tailored for bipolar disorder is directly applicable to clinical practice with personal recovery objectives. It highlights the need for professionals to introduce personal recovery in a realistic and balanced way to address recent criticism by service user organisations of personal recovery as overly optimistic.
Topics: Bipolar Disorder; Female; Hope; Humans; Middle Aged; Optimism; Psychotic Disorders; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 34139411
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.05.051