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European Journal of Psychotraumatology 2024Nurses in emergency departments are at a high risk of experiencing secondary traumatic stress because of their frequent exposure to trauma patients and high-stress... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Nurses in emergency departments are at a high risk of experiencing secondary traumatic stress because of their frequent exposure to trauma patients and high-stress environments. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the overall prevalence of secondary traumatic stress among emergency nurses and to identify the contributing factors. We conducted a systematic search for cross-sectional studies in databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Wanfang Database, and China National Knowledge Internet up to October 21, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute's appraisal checklists for prevalence and analytical cross-sectional studies were used for quality assessment. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using Cochrane's Q test and the statistic. A random effects model was applied to estimate the pooled prevalence of secondary traumatic stress, and subgroup analyses were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. Descriptive analysis summarized the associated factors. Out of 345 articles retrieved, 14 met the inclusion criteria, with 11 reporting secondary traumatic stress prevalence. The pooled prevalence of secondary traumatic stress among emergency nurses was 65% (95% CI: 58%-73%). Subgroup analyses indicated the highest prevalence in Asia (74%, 95% CI: 72%-77%), followed by North America (59%, 95% CI: 49%-72%) and Europe (53%, 95% CI: 29%-95%). Nine studies identified associated factors, including personal, work-related, and social factors. In the subgroup of divided by recruitment period, emergency department nurses in the COVID-19 outbreak period had a higher prevalence of secondary traumatic stress (70%, 95% CI: 62%-78%). Secondary traumatic stress prevalence is notably high among emergency department nurses, with significant regional variations and period differences. The factors affecting secondary traumatic stress also varied across studies. Future research should focus on improving research designs and sample sizes to pinpoint risk factors and develop prevention strategies. PROSPERO CRD42022301167.
Topics: Humans; Compassion Fatigue; Prevalence; Cross-Sectional Studies; Europe; Asia
PubMed: 38426665
DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2321761 -
Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen... Feb 2024BackgroundVaccination adherence among healthcare workers (HCWs) is fundamental for the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in healthcare. This safeguards... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effectiveness of interventions to increase healthcare workers' adherence to vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis, 1993 to 2022.
BackgroundVaccination adherence among healthcare workers (HCWs) is fundamental for the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in healthcare. This safeguards HCWs' well-being, prevents transmission of infections to vulnerable patients and contributes to public health.AimThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to describe interventions meant to increase HCWs' adherence to vaccination and estimate the effectiveness of these interventions.MethodsWe searched literature in eight databases and performed manual searches in relevant journals and the reference lists of retrieved articles. The study population included any HCW with potential occupational exposure to VPDs. We included experimental and quasi-experimental studies presenting interventions aimed at increasing HCWs' adherence to vaccination against VPDs. The post-intervention vaccination adherence rate was set as the main outcome. We included the effect of interventions in the random-effects and subgroup meta-analyses.ResultsThe systematic review considered 48 studies on influenza and Tdap vaccination from database and manual searches, and 43 were meta-analysed. A statistically significant, positive effect was seen in multi-component interventions in randomised controlled trials (relative risk (RR) = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.13-1.66) and in observational studies (RR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.29-1.58). Vaccination adherence rate was higher in community care facilities (RR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.49-1.68) than in hospitals (RR = 1.24; 95% CI: 0.76-2.05).ConclusionInterventions aimed at increasing HCWs' adherence to vaccination against VPDs are effective, especially multi-component ones. Future research should determine the most effective framework of interventions for each setting, using appropriate study design for their evaluation, and should compare intervention components to understand their contribution to the effectiveness.
Topics: Humans; Vaccine-Preventable Diseases; Vaccination; Health Personnel; Influenza Vaccines; Influenza, Human
PubMed: 38426238
DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.9.2300276 -
Pulmonology Feb 2024Asbestos is still the leading cause of occupational cancer mortality worldwide. Asbestos-related lung cancer (LC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) prognosis is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Asbestos is still the leading cause of occupational cancer mortality worldwide. Asbestos-related lung cancer (LC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) prognosis is still poor especially at advanced stage, so early diagnosis biomarkers are needed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed as potential early diagnostic biomarkers of asbestos-related LC and MPM.
AIM
To evaluate the role of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of asbestos-related LC and MPM by performing a literature systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE via Ovid, PUBMED and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched up to April 2023 to identify relevant articles. A grey literature search was also conducted using the Google Scholar platform. MeSH and free text terms for 'asbestos', 'occupational exposure', 'lung cancer', 'mesothelioma' and 'miRNAs' were used to search the literature. Our systematic review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database. Study quality was assessed via the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
From the search, 331 articles were retrieved, and, after applying our selection criteria, and exclusion of one study for poor quality, 27 studies were included in the review. Most of the studies were hospital-based case-control, conducted in Europe, and evaluated MPM among men only. MiRNAs expression was measured mainly in plasma or serum. MiR-126, miR-132-3p, and miR-103a-3p were the most promising diagnostic biomarkers for MPM, and we estimated a pooled area under the curve (AUC) of 85 %, 73 %, and 50 %, respectively. In relation to MPM prognosis, miR-197‑3p resulted associated with increased survival time. MiR-126, alone and combined with miR-222, was confirmed associated also to LC diagnosis, together with miR-1254 and miR-574-5p; no miRNA was found associated to LC prognosis.
CONCLUSION
Based on our systematic literature review there is suggestive evidence that the expression of specific miRNAs in the blood serum or plasma are associated with asbestos-related LC and MPM diagnosis and prognosis. Further large longitudinal studies are urgently needed to validate these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms given the potential important implications for patients' survival.
PubMed: 38402124
DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2024.02.002 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2024Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are global health challenges leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. While existing guidelines emphasize... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are global health challenges leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. While existing guidelines emphasize evidence-based treatments, the potential therapeutic role of thermal water (TW) inhalation remains under-investigated.
METHODS
This systematic review followed PRISMA-P guidelines and sought to evaluate the impact of TW in asthma and COPD. A thorough literature search, performed up to May 2023, encompassed in vitro, in vivo, randomized controlled trial (RCT), non-RCT, and observational studies.
RESULTS
The review included 12 studies reporting different findings. In vitro studies suggested TW could enhance antioxidant capacity and cell proliferation. In a murine model of non-atopic asthma, TW inhalation reduced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. RCTs in COPD patients indicated mixed effects, including improved quality of life, reduced airway oxidant stress, and enhanced exercise tolerance. Asthma patients exposed to water aerosols exhibited improved lung function and reduced airway inflammation. Non-RCTs showed improved lung function and antioxidant activity after TW therapy. Additionally, observational studies reported enhanced lung function and reduced airway inflammation.
CONCLUSION
The current evidence suggests potential benefits of TW therapy in asthma and COPD. However, limited high-quality RCTs and concerns regarding occupational TW exposure necessitate further investigation. While TW therapy offers a non-invasive treatment, its therapeutic potential still needs definitive demonstration. Future research should therefore prioritize well-designed RCTs to thoroughly establish the efficacy and safety of TW as a potential therapeutic intervention for asthma and COPD.
PubMed: 38398384
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041071 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2024Lung cancer is a leading cause of death with nearly 1.8 million deaths estimated worldwide in 2020. Although benzene is classified as a human carcinogen (Group 1) on the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Lung cancer is a leading cause of death with nearly 1.8 million deaths estimated worldwide in 2020. Although benzene is classified as a human carcinogen (Group 1) on the basis of its association with acute myeloid/non-lymphocytic leukaemia, there is still limited evidence that it may influence lung cancer risk. This study examined the potential link between benzene exposure and risk of lung cancer using a systematic review of epidemiological studies and meta-analysis. We searched through PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases up to 10 February 2023 to identify all articles on the association between benzene exposure and lung cancer (incidence or prevalence) and/or mortality. We extracted the risk estimates of the highest and the lowest reported categories of benzene exposure and conducted a meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity and publication bias were analysed using an I test and funnel plots asymmetry, respectively. Twenty-one studies were included in the final analysis, with a total of 10,750 lung cancer cases and 2899 lung cancer deaths. Overall, risk estimates of lung cancer prevalence and mortality in association with benzene exposure were 1.20 ( = 14; 95% CI 1.05-1.37) and 1.15 ( = 13; 95% CI 1.02-1.30), respectively. In all cases, heterogeneity was quite large, while no significant publication bias was observed. When only studies that adjusted for smoking habit were selected, the risk for lung cancer increased by up to 34% ( = 9; 95% CI 1.10-1.64). Our data, which show a strong association between benzene exposure and lung cancer risk, may have important public health implications. However, further studies are needed to identify the lung cancer risk associated with benzene exposure considering different smoking conditions.
Topics: Humans; Benzene; Lung Neoplasms; Occupational Exposure; Risk; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute
PubMed: 38397694
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020205 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging mosquito-borne neurotropic virus, belonging to the family and the genus. The effective control of WNV requires a targeted... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging mosquito-borne neurotropic virus, belonging to the family and the genus. The effective control of WNV requires a targeted preventive strategy that also needs the identification of the higher-risk populations. Hence, this study focused on a systematic literature review of WNV-acquired infection in work-related settings and the assessment of the exposure risks among different occupational categories.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted to identify studies until September 2023 in multiple databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS and Web of Science, according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. Risk of bias of collected papers was assessed by the ROB tool of the National Toxicology Program's Office of Health Assessment and Translation handbook.
RESULTS
A total of 21 studies were included in the systematic review, out of which seventeen were observational studies and four were case reports. Workers identified as at higher risk for WNV infection were military workers, veterinarians, agricultural workers, farmers, and laboratory workers with contact with infected fluids or aerosols.
CONCLUSIONS
The identification of higher-risk workers could facilitate active surveillance by occupational physicians, which could improve our understanding of the epidemiology of WNV and, in addition, could help tailor appropriate preventive recommendations, reducing the overall burden of disease in high-risk areas.
PubMed: 38392895
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020157 -
BMJ Open Feb 2024Occupational moral injury and post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED) describe the psychological distress caused by exposure to injustice at work. This meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Occupational moral injury and post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED) describe the psychological distress caused by exposure to injustice at work. This meta-analysis aims to determine the prevalence of occupational moral injury and PTED and establish whether prevalence estimates differ depending on occupation.
DESIGN
A systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Google Scholar, PubMed, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Sage Journals Online were searched in June 2020 and updated in November 2022.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Observational studies that measured prevalence or average scores of moral injury, or PTED in any occupational group and any geographical location.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two independent reviewers screened and coded eligible studies. Study design, participant demographics, sampling method, location, measurement tool and prevalence or average scores were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment Checklist for Prevalence Studies tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using random effects models. Results that could not be combined were summarised qualitatively in a narrative synthesis using the Guidance for Systematic Reviews.
RESULTS
In total, 88 studies across armed forces and veterans, healthcare, first responders, educators, journalists, child protection service employees, the unemployed, public-sector employees and mixed occupations were included. Studies included in each separate meta-analysis based on the measure used ranged from 2 to 30. The pooled prevalence of clinically relevant moral injury in healthcare professionals was 45%, and exposure to any potentially morally injurious event (PMIE) across occupations was 67%. Exposure to transgressions by others and betrayal was significantly lower in the armed forces than civilian occupations. Pooled prevalence of PTED across occupations was 26%.
CONCLUSION
Exposure to PMIEs, moral injury symptoms and PTED are prevalent at work and exposure to transgressions by others and betrayal are more likely in civilian occupations than the armed forces.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020191766.
Topics: Child; Humans; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Occupational Diseases; Prevalence; Occupational Exposure; Cost of Illness; World Health Organization; Occupational Injuries
PubMed: 38382965
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071776 -
Psychology Research and Behavior... 2024To assess personal and work-related factors influencing the stress levels of nurses during prehospital care. Specifically, to identify associations between the level of... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess personal and work-related factors influencing the stress levels of nurses during prehospital care. Specifically, to identify associations between the level of perceived stress, the degree of professional experience, and the level of knowledge. Secondly, to examine the relationship between stress levels and violence in the work environment. And third, to investigate the main protective factors against work-related stress during prehospital care.
METHODS
Systematic review in PubMed, WOS, Enfispo, Cochrane, and LILACS databases following the PRISMA methodology (last search 08/Aug/2023). Following the PECO framework, studies on occupational stress factors in ambulance emergency nurses were investigated. Studies in English or Spanish, from 2013 to 2023, and only research articles were admitted, thus excluding reviews, dissertations, and grey literature. Possible bias and level evidence were assessed using critical appraisal tools and GRADE. This protocol was registered in PROSPERO with code CRD42023446080.
RESULTS
Fourteen articles were selected, and n=855 prehospital nurses were identified. One study was a clinical trial, and the others were observational and qualitative. The level of evidence was very low (n=7), low (n=6), and moderate (n=1); any study was excluded due to methodological bias. Five categories of stressors were extracted: the management of the health service (ie, workload organisation, and resources), patient care (mainly paediatric care), interpersonal stressors (relationship with peers), environmental factors (exposure to injuries), and personal factors (training, experience, and coping strategies). Violence at work is frequent for prehospital nurses, implying both verbal and physical aggressions. Support from peers was associated with positive results against stress.
CONCLUSION
Managing workload and improving resources in the work environment are essential to reduce fatigue and allow emotional processes to be addressed. Providing workers with coping skills also imposes on them the responsibility to cope with stress. Collective awareness is the main element in reducing the incidence of stress.
PubMed: 38374938
DOI: 10.2147/PRBM.S455224 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023Child labor can significantly impact the health, welfare, and development of children engaged in labor. The spread of child labor around the globe is predicted to...
Child labor can significantly impact the health, welfare, and development of children engaged in labor. The spread of child labor around the globe is predicted to accelerate as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, a scoping review was conducted to (a) synthesize emerging themes and results from recent research on child labor during the COVID-19 pandemic, (b) identify factors that increase the risk of children falling into child labor and (c) provide recommendations that can inform the development of policies and programs to ensure that previous efforts to combat child labor are not lost. Six electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, Global health, and Web of Science) were searched on January 21, 2022. The database searches, along with the grey literature search, identified 5,244 studies, of which 45 articles were included in the final review. Several of those articles (8 of 45 articles) reviewed concluded that the pandemic could increase child labor worldwide including the worst forms of child labor. The reviewed studies identified primary risk factors for child labor during the COVID-19 pandemic including economic challenges, temporary school closure and a greater demand for child labor, mortality among parents, and limited social protection. This scoping review identified the need for more field research on child labor following the COVID-19 pandemic to detect emerging patterns of child labor and to develop effective intervention measures. There is also a need for further empirical research on the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender differences in occupational exposure and health outcomes among working children and marginalized groups such as migrants, refugees, and minority groups. Based on the conclusions drawn from this review, it is evident that addressing child labor in the wake of the pandemic necessitates a multi-sectoral response by the government, businesses, civil society, and funding/donor agencies. This response should address various areas such as education, social and child protection, and legislation to support vulnerable children and their families in order to combat child labor subsequent to the pandemic.
Topics: Child; Humans; COVID-19; Child Labor; Pandemics; Commerce; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 38361576
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1240988 -
PloS One 2024Pesticide poisoning is the main cause of adverse effects and mortality worldwide. Protective measures can reduce the intensity of the effects of pesticides on the health...
OBJECTIVE
Pesticide poisoning is the main cause of adverse effects and mortality worldwide. Protective measures can reduce the intensity of the effects of pesticides on the health of farmers. Numerous cross-sectional studies have been conducted on the determinants of performing protective measures to reduce exposure to pesticides, but there is no systematic study that comprehensively examines the impact of these factors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify existing studies on the determinants of effective protective measures to reduce exposure to pesticides among farmers.
METHODS
In this systematic review, studies were obtained from PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases using a search strategy that covered articles from the first years of database design to April 20, 2023. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were based on the PICOs criteria. The study included cross-sectional studies that measured the implementation of protective measures using objective or valid subjective tools. The data were extracted and analyzed based on several criteria and ecological levels. The Ecological Model of Health Behavior was used to classify the determinants that affect the performance of protective behaviors. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has developed a quality assessment tool for studies.
RESULTS
A total of 39 studies were ultimately selected for inclusion in this analysis. Many of these studies were conducted in developing countries. The most important factors that have an impact on protective measures include a variety of socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, level of education, income, farming experience, experience of using pesticides), individual level (knowledge, attitude, risk perception, intention), interpersonal level (subjective norms), organizational level (education), and public policy level (government attention, health costs, governmental extension services). The quality of most studies was fair.
CONCLUSIONS
Research indicates that several factors influence the use of personal protective equipment and safe behaviors when handling pesticides. These include farmers' education level, knowledge, and attitudes towards safety measures. Environmental factors such as access to information, extension services, training programs, and media coverage can also help minimize exposure to pesticides.
Topics: Humans; Pesticides; Farmers; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Occupational Exposure; Agriculture
PubMed: 38359033
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298450