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Revista Espanola de Salud Publica Mar 2024Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), as their name suggests, are infections caused by more than thirty different bacteria, viruses, and parasites and are transmitted... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), as their name suggests, are infections caused by more than thirty different bacteria, viruses, and parasites and are transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, although some sexually transmitted infections can also transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth and lactation. According to World Health Organization, one of the main populations at risk for acquiring these diseases are sex workers and their clients. Due to the high prevalence, the characteristics and behaviors that favor the development of these diseases are analyzed. The main objective of this paper was to analyze the risk factors in the acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases in the population of sex workers.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted in Scopus, Pubmed, CINAHL, Medline, LILACS and IBECS, of observational, longitudinal and mixed methods studies conducted in sex workers and published between January 2011 and March 2021, with a final sample of fourty-three articles. The mixed methods assessment tool (MMAT) was used to assess the methodological quality of the papers.
RESULTS
After analyzing the literature, eleven groups of risk factors related to the acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases were obtained, these being economic factors, factors related to sexual practices, drug use, sex work, education, health problems, country of origin and mobility, partner, age, violence and other factors not belonging to the previous categories.
CONCLUSIONS
Sex workers have numerous characteristics and behaviors that make them vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections. Of note are years of prostitution, drug use, number of partners and condom use, which are key factors for future prevention and intervention strategies, as well as research.
Topics: Pregnancy; Child; Female; Humans; Sex Workers; Condoms; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Spain; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Sexual Behavior; Risk Factors; HIV Infections
PubMed: 38477553
DOI: No ID Found -
Heliyon Mar 2024Self-harm (any self-injury or -poisoning regardless of intent) is highly prevalent in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) populations. It is strongly associated with... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Self-harm (any self-injury or -poisoning regardless of intent) is highly prevalent in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) populations. It is strongly associated with various adverse health and wellbeing outcomes, including suicide. Despite increased risk, TGD individuals' unique self-harm pathways are not well understood. Following PRISMA guidelines we conducted the first systematic review of risk and protective factors for self-harm in TGD people to identify targets for prevention and intervention.
METHODS
We searched five electronic databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Web of Science) published from database inception to November 2023 for primary and secondary studies of risk and/or protective factors for self-harm thoughts and behaviours in TGD people. Data was extracted and study quality assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scales.
FINDINGS
Overall, 78 studies published between 2007 and 2023 from 16 countries (N = 322,144) were eligible for inclusion. Narrative analysis identified six key risk factors for self-harm in TGD people (aged 7-98years) were identified. These are younger age, being assigned female at birth, illicit drug and alcohol use, sexual and physical assault, gender minority stressors (especially discrimination and victimisation), and depression or depressive symptomology. Three important protective factors were identified: social support, connectedness, and school safety. Other possible unique TGD protective factors against self-harm included: chosen name use, gender-identity concordant documentation, and protective state policies. Some evidence of publication bias regarding sample size, non-responders, and confounding variables was identified.
INTERPRETATION
This systematic review indicates TGD people may experience a unique self-harm pathway. Importantly, the risk and protective factors we identified provide meaningful targets for intervention. TGD youth and those assigned female at birth are at increased risk. Encouraging TGD people to utilise and foster existing support networks, family/parent and peer support groups, and creating safe, supportive school environments may be critical for self-harm and suicide prevention strategies. Efforts to reduce drug and alcohol use and experiences of gender-based victimisation and discrimination are recommended to reduce self-harm in this high-risk group. Addressing depressive symptoms may reduce gender dysphoria and self-harm. The new evidence presented in this systematic review also indicates TGD people may experience unique pathways to self-harm related to the lack of social acceptance of their gender identity. However, robust longitudinal research which examines gender-specific factors is now necessary to establish this pathway.
PubMed: 38468947
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26074 -
Thrombosis Research Apr 2024Long peripheral catheters (LPCs) and midline catheters (MCs) are indiscriminately labelled with different names, leading to misclassifications both in primary and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Long peripheral catheters (LPCs) and midline catheters (MCs) are indiscriminately labelled with different names, leading to misclassifications both in primary and secondary studies. The available studies used different methods to report the incidence of catheter-related complications, affecting the possibility of properly comparing the catheter outcomes. The aim of this review was to explore the complications related to LPCs and MCs after reclassifying according to their length.
METHODS
Systematic literature review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, conducted on PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL databases. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Data regarding LPCs and MCs were compared. Catheter outcomes were classified into major and minor complications, recomputed and reported as cases/1000 catheter-days.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies were included. Over-half of the devices were correctly labelled by the authors, misclassifications affected particularly LPCs improperly labelled MCs. The cumulative incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections was 0.3 and 0.4/1000 catheter-days, that of symptomatic catheter-related thrombosis was 0.9 and 1.8/1000 catheter-days for MCs and LPCs, respectively. Minor complications and catheter failure were higher for LPCs.
CONCLUSIONS
A misclassification exists in the labelling of MCs and LPCs. A widespread heterogeneity of diagnostic criteria adopted to classify the catheters' outcomes was found, exposing the risk of misestimating the incidence of complications and undermining the possibility of effectively comparing results of the published research. We proposed a list of definitions and relevant variables as a first step toward the development of standardized criteria to be adopted for research purposes.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Catheters; Thrombosis; Data Collection; Incidence; Catheterization, Peripheral; Catheters, Indwelling; Catheterization, Central Venous
PubMed: 38422981
DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2024.02.022 -
International Journal of Audiology Feb 2024To assess non-medical amplification devices in adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, and the impact of device features on outcomes. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess non-medical amplification devices in adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, and the impact of device features on outcomes.
DESIGN
A prospectively registered systematic review.
STUDY SAMPLE
Ten studies evaluating personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), and four evaluating smartphone amplification applications (or apps). Devices were classified as "premium" or "basic" based on the number of compression channels (≥16 or <16, respectively).
RESULTS
Meta-analyses showed that premium PSAPs improved speech intelligibility in noise performance compared to unaided, whereas basic PSAPs and smartphone apps did not. Premium PSAPs performed better than basic hearing aids. Premium hearing aids performed better than premium and basic PSAPs, smartphone apps, and basic hearing aids. Although data could not be pooled, similar findings were also found for quality of life, listening ability, cognition, feasibility, and adverse effects.
CONCLUSIONS
Premium PSAPs appear to be an effective non-medical amplification device for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Given the overlap in features available, it may be that this is a key consideration when drawing comparisons between devices, rather than the device being named a PSAP or hearing aid. Nevertheless, the extent to which PSAPs are effective without audiological input remains to be determined.
PubMed: 38421265
DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2321184 -
Nursing Reports (Pavia, Italy) Jan 2024(1) Background: The aim of this study was to review the scope of the existing scientific literature on creating safe and inclusive healthcare environments for... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: The aim of this study was to review the scope of the existing scientific literature on creating safe and inclusive healthcare environments for transgender people and provide an overview of the resources and nursing skills required to do so. (2) Methods: With the research question in mind, an exploratory search of six databases was conducted to identify all relevant primary studies. After screening and selection of articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 41 articles were included and reviewed. (3) Results: The results were classified under four headings: the training of health professionals, the creation of safe spaces, the nurse as facilitator, and best care practice. Most of the evidence indicates that it is essential for nurses and other healthcare staff to be trained in specific skills to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to transgender people; however, there is a lack of material and human resources to do so. (4) Conclusions: The trans-inclusive care competent nurse should use neutral language that respects the person's preferred name and pronouns in a safe healthcare environment that offers and ensures warmth, respect, and inclusivity in the care provided. This study was registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF) on 9 January 2024 (osf.io/rpj6a).
PubMed: 38391067
DOI: 10.3390/nursrep14010022 -
Journal of Epidemiology and Community... Apr 2024Social network analysis (SNA) is often used to examine how social relationships influence adolescent health behaviours, but no study has documented the range of network...
Lack of consistency in measurement methods and semantics used for network measures in adolescent health behaviour studies using social network analysis: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Social network analysis (SNA) is often used to examine how social relationships influence adolescent health behaviours, but no study has documented the range of network measures used to do so. We aimed to identify network measures used in studies on adolescent health behaviours.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review to identify network measures in studies investigating adolescent health behaviours with SNA. Measures were grouped into eight categories based on network concepts commonly described in the literature: popularity, position within the network, network density, similarity, nature of relationships, peer behaviours, social norms, and selection and influence mechanisms. Different subcategories were further identified. We detailed all distinct measures and the labels used to name them in included articles.
RESULTS
Out of 6686 articles screened, 201 were included. The categories most frequently investigated were peer behaviours (n=201, 100%), position within the network (n=144, 71.6%) and popularity (n=110, 54.7%). The number of measurement methods varied from 1 for 'similarity on popularity' (within the 'similarity' category) to 28 for the 'characterisation of the relationship between the respondent and nominated peers' (within the 'nature of the relationships' category). Using the examples of 'social isolation', 'group membership', 'individuals in a central position' (within the 'position within the network' category) and 'nominations of influential peers' (sub within the 'popularity' category), we illustrated the inconsistent reporting and heterogeneity in measurement methods and semantics.
CONCLUSION
Robust methodological recommendations are needed to harmonise network measures in order to facilitate comparison across studies and optimise public health intervention based on SNA.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Adolescent Health; Semantics; Health Behavior; Adolescent Behavior; Peer Group; Social Networking
PubMed: 38290822
DOI: 10.1136/jech-2023-220980 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023The objective of this review is to use a decolonised, Indigenist lens to understand the definition of solastalgia from an Aboriginal perspective, as a potential...
UNLABELLED
The objective of this review is to use a decolonised, Indigenist lens to understand the definition of solastalgia from an Aboriginal perspective, as a potential emotional response experienced by Aboriginal communities impacted by increasingly frequent natural disasters, such as bushfires. Initial search results revealed a lack of literature referencing solastalgia in an Aboriginal-specific context. Indigenist research methodologies such as Heuristic inquiry and Aboriginal Participatory Action Research (APAR) contributed to the identification of alternative terminologies, which led to the majority of the included publications referring to solastalgia-related concepts, with one included publication mentioning solastalgia specifically. These methods were consequently used to synthesize data, confirm results and contribute to final discussions. Lastly, our results determined that at this stage there is insufficient evidence to conclusively suggest that Aboriginal Peoples in a general sense, experience solastalgia. Acknowledging the ethical dilemma and potential harm of generalising personal philosophies and experiences based on Culture. Thereby, signify the need for further research in this space and in particular, from a decolonised, Indigenist perspective.
PREFACE
In the context of this review, we as co-authors are mindful of and respect the tensions or politics associated with proclaiming or discussing the identities of Australia's First Peoples. Therefore, in the context of this review, the often preferred term refers to the traditional owners of Australia. Where possible, traditional place/tribe names are written to acknowledge the ownership and origins of the information referenced within this review. Furthermore, we wish to acknowledge the storeys and traditional knowledge shared by the authors of the studies referenced within this review. These words of Country and Kin have contributed to the development and conceptualisation of this literature review, and we wish to pay our respects and appreciation.
Topics: Australia; Climate Change; Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; Indigenous Peoples
PubMed: 38288427
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1261247 -
Journal of Sports Sciences Jan 2024The use of performance enhancing substances and methods (known as "doping") in sport is an intractable issue, with current anti-doping strategies predominantly focused... (Review)
Review
The use of performance enhancing substances and methods (known as "doping") in sport is an intractable issue, with current anti-doping strategies predominantly focused on the personal responsibility and strict liability of individual athletes. This is despite an emerging understanding that athletes exist as part of a broader complex sports system that includes governance, policymakers, media, sponsors, clubs, team members, and athlete support staff, to name a few. As such, there is a need to examine the broader systemic factors that influence doping in sport. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and synthesise the factors contributing to doping and doping behaviours, attitudes, and beliefs and the extent to which this knowledge extends beyond the athlete to consider broader sports systems. The review followed PRISMA guidelines with risk of bias and study quality assessed by the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, and identified contributory factors synthesised and mapped onto a systems thinking-based framework. Overall, the included studies were determined to be of high quality. Support personnel, the coach, and the coach-athlete relationship represent key influences on the athletes' decisions to dope. From the evidence presented, doping is an emergent property of sport systems and represents a complex systemic problem that will require whole-of-system interventions. The implications for this and the focus of future research are discussed.
PubMed: 38284139
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2306056 -
Acta Neurochirurgica Jan 2024The pterional or frontosphenotemporal craniotomy has stood the test of time and continues to be a commonly used method of managing a variety of neurosurgical pathology.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The pterional or frontosphenotemporal craniotomy has stood the test of time and continues to be a commonly used method of managing a variety of neurosurgical pathology. Already described in the beginning of the twentieth century and perfected by Yasargil in the 1970s, it has seen many modifications. These modifications have been a normal evolution for most neurosurgeons, tailoring the craniotomy to the patients' specific anatomy and pathology. Nonetheless, an abundance of variations have appeared in the literature.
METHODS
A search strategy was devised according to the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. To identify articles investigating the variations in the pterional approach, the following search terms were applied: (pterional OR minipterional OR supraorbital) AND (approach OR craniotomy OR technique).
RESULTS
In total, 3552 articles were screened with 74 articles being read in full with 47 articles being included for review. Each article was examined according the name of the technique, temporalis dissection technique, craniotomy technique and approach.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review gives an overview of the different techniques and modifications to the pterional craniotomy since it was initially described. We advocate for the use of a more standardised nomenclature that focuses on the target zone to simplify the management approach to supratentorial aneurysms.
Topics: Humans; Aneurysm; Craniotomy; Neurosurgeons; Temporal Muscle
PubMed: 38227061
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-024-05888-4 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2024Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a compression neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist. Surgery is considered when symptoms persist despite the use of non-surgical...
BACKGROUND
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a compression neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist. Surgery is considered when symptoms persist despite the use of non-surgical treatments. It is unclear whether surgery produces a better outcome than non-surgical therapy. This is an update of a Cochrane review published in 2008.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the evidence regarding the benefits and harms of carpal tunnel release compared with non-surgical treatment in the short (< 3 months) and long (> 3 months) term.
SEARCH METHODS
In this update, we included studies from the previous version of this review and searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, Embase, MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP until 18 November 2022. We also checked the reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews for studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials comparing any surgical technique with any non-surgical therapies for CTS.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.
MAIN RESULTS
The 14 included studies randomised 1231 participants (1293 wrists). Eighty-four per cent of participants were women. The mean age ranged from 32 to 53 years, and the mean duration of symptoms from 31 weeks to 3.5 years. Trial sizes varied from 22 to 176 participants. The studies compared surgery with: splinting, corticosteroid injection, splinting and corticosteroid injection, platelet-rich plasma injection, manual therapy, multimodal non-operative treatment, unspecified medical treatment and hand support, and surgery and corticosteroid injection with corticosteroid injection alone. Since surgery is generally used for its long-term effects, this abstract presents only long-term results for surgery versus splinting and surgery versus corticosteroid injection. 1) Surgery compared to splinting in the long term (> 3 months) Surgery probably results in a higher rate of clinical improvement (risk ratio (RR) 2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04 to 4.24; 3 studies, 210 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Surgery probably does not provide clinically important benefit in symptoms or hand function compared with splinting (moderate-certainty evidence). The mean Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) Symptom Severity Scale (scale 1 to 5; higher is worse; minimal clinically important difference (MCID) = 1) was 1.54 with splint and 0.26 points better with surgery (95% CI 0.52 better to 0.01 worse; 2 studies, 195 participants). The mean BCTQ Functional Status Scale (scale 1 to 5; higher is worse; MCID 0.7) was 1.75 with splint and 0.36 points better with surgery (95% CI 0.62 better to 0.09 better; 2 studies, 195 participants). None of the studies reported pain. Surgery may not provide better health-related quality of life compared with splinting (low-certainty evidence). The mean EQ-5D index (scale 0 to 1; higher is better; MCID 0.074) was 0.81 with splinting and 0.04 points better with surgery (95% CI 0.0 to 0.08 better; 1 study, 167 participants). We are uncertain about the risk of adverse effects (very low-certainty evidence). Adverse effects were reported amongst 60 of 98 participants (61%) in the surgery group and 46 of 112 participants (41%) in the splinting group (RR 2.11, 95% CI 0.37 to 12.12; 2 studies, 210 participants). Surgery probably reduces the risk of further surgery; 41 of 93 participants (44%) were referred to surgery in the splinting group and 0 of 83 participants (0%) repeated surgery in the surgery group (RR 0.03, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.21; 2 studies, 176 participants). This corresponds to a number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) of 2 (95% CI 1 to 9). 2) Surgery compared to corticosteroid injection in the long term (> 3 months) We are uncertain if clinical improvement or symptom relief differs between surgery and corticosteroid injection (very low-certainty evidence). The RR for clinical improvement was 1.23 (95% CI 0.73 to 2.06; 3 studies, 187 participants). For symptoms, the standardised mean difference (SMD) was -0.60 (95% CI -1.88 to 0.69; 2 studies, 118 participants). This translates to 0.4 points better (95% CI from 1.3 better to 0.5 worse) on the BCTQ Symptom Severity Scale. Hand function or pain probably do not differ between surgery and corticosteroid injection (moderate-certainty evidence). For function, the SMD was -0.12 (95% CI -0.80 to 0.56; 2 studies, 191 participants) translating to 0.10 points better (95% CI 0.66 better to 0.46 worse) on the BCTQ Functional Status Scale with surgery. Pain (0 to 100 scale) was 8 points with corticosteroid injection and 6 points better (95% CI 10.45 better to 1.55 better; 1 study, 123 participants) with surgery. We found no data to estimate the difference in health-related quality of life (very low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain about the risk of adverse effects and further surgery (very low-certainty evidence). Adverse effects were reported amongst 3 of 45 participants (7%) in the surgery group and 2 of 45 participants (4%) in the corticosteroid injection group (RR 1.49, 95% CI 0.25 to 8.70; 2 studies, 90 participants). In one study, 12 of 83 participants (15%) needed surgery in the corticosteroid group, and 7 of 80 participants (9%) needed repeated surgery in the surgery group (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.46; 1 study, 163 participants).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Currently, the efficacy of surgery in people with CTS is unclear. It is also unclear if the results can be applied to people who are not satisfied after trying various non-surgical options. Future studies should preferably blind participants from treatment allocation and randomise people who are dissatisfied after being treated non-surgically. The decision for a patient to opt for surgery should balance the small benefits and potential risks of surgery. Patients with severe symptoms, a high preference for clinical improvement and reluctance to adhere to non-surgical options, and who do not consider potential surgical risks and morbidity a burden, may choose surgery. On the other hand, those who have tolerable symptoms, who have not tried non-surgical options and who want to avoid surgery-related morbidity can start with non-surgical options and have surgery only if necessary. We are uncertain if the risk of adverse effects differs between surgery and non-surgical treatments. The severity of adverse effects may also be different.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Occupational Therapy; Pain; Quality of Life; Adult; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38189479
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001552.pub3