-
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Jun 2024Young people who transition to adulthood from out-of-home care (OOHC) are more likely to experience a range of poorer outcomes relative to their same-age peers in the... (Review)
Review
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Policies and Interventions that Improve Health, Psychosocial, and Economic Outcomes for Young People Leaving the Out-of-Home Care System.
Young people who transition to adulthood from out-of-home care (OOHC) are more likely to experience a range of poorer outcomes relative to their same-age peers in the community. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of policies or interventions (hereafter "interventions") aimed at improving housing, health, education, economic, and psychosocial outcomes for youth leaving OOHC (hereafter "care leavers"). Eleven databases of published literature were reviewed along with gray literature. Eligible studies used randomized or quasi-experimental designs and assessed interventions that provided support to care leavers prior to, during, or after they left OOHC. Primary outcomes were housing and homelessness, health and well-being, education, economic and employment, criminal and delinquent behavior, and risky behavior, while secondary outcomes were supportive relationships and life skills. Where possible, results were pooled in a meta-analysis. Certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Fourteen studies published in 27 reports were identified that examined independent living programs (ILPs) ( = 5), intensive support services ( = 2), coaching and peer support (C&PSP) ( = 2), transitional housing ( = 1), health information or coaching ( = 2), and extended care ( = 2). All but one study was conducted in the United States. Twenty small meta-analyses were undertaken encompassing ILPs and C&PSP, with two showing results that favored the intervention with certainty. The level of confidence in each meta-analysis was considered very low. A significant risk of bias was identified in each of the included studies. While some interventions showed promise, particularly extended care, the scope and strength of included evidence is insufficient to recommend any included approach.
PubMed: 38828776
DOI: 10.1177/15248380241253041 -
JCPP Advances Jun 2024This systematic review addresses how adolescent-rated parent-child communication (PCC) quality is related to adolescent mental health.
BACKGROUND
This systematic review addresses how adolescent-rated parent-child communication (PCC) quality is related to adolescent mental health.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature search in Medline and APA PsycInfo, including peer-reviewed quantitative studies examining associations between adolescent-rated dyadic PCC quality and general as well as specific measures of adolescent mental health. Qualitative and case studies were excluded, as were studies reporting only parent-rated communication quality or instruments assessing other constructs than dyadic PCC. We screened 5314 articles, of which 37 were included in the review. We assessed study quality with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.
RESULTS
We synthesized the findings in a table and narratively, reporting the main outcomes organized according to mental health constructs. The included studies were mainly cross-sectional. The results showed that adolescent-rated PCC quality is negatively associated with mental health constructs, demonstrating small to large effects across different mental health constructs and populations. The associations were found for general mental health and specific domains, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and addictive internet use/gaming.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings demonstrate that PCC is a relevant variable to consider in assessing adolescent mental health and preventive efforts. Limitations include the exclusive focus on adolescent-reported PCC questionnaires since parent- and observer-rated instruments may lead to different results. Also, PCC is related to other constructs, such as dyadic relationships, that were not included in this review. We conclude that PCC is a relevant variable to consider in mental health research. Our findings suggest that PCC may be considered in mental health practice, both in terms of assessing its quality and potentially by tailoring interventions to enhance PCC. These may represent a mean to promote adolescent mental health.
PubMed: 38827979
DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12205 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024With the rapid increase in the prevalence of DM, studies on the awareness, treatment, and control of this condition are essential. Therefore, this study aimed to review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
With the rapid increase in the prevalence of DM, studies on the awareness, treatment, and control of this condition are essential. Therefore, this study aimed to review the literature and pool the awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes at the global, regional, and national levels.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, several databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Institute of Scientific Information (ISI), Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched using appropriate keywords up to June 2022. Observational studies investigating the awareness, treatment, and control of glucose levels among diabetic individuals were included. Awareness, treatment, and control were defined as the proportion of participants who were aware of their diabetes condition, treated pharmacologically, and achieved adequate glucose control, respectively. Two investigators independently conducted the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Heterogeneity among studies was calculated using Chi-square, and a random-effect meta-analysis was used to pool the rates.
RESULTS
A total of 233 studies published between 1985 and 2022 met the inclusion criteria. The included studies had a combined population of 12,537,968. The pooled awareness of DM was 60% (95%CI: 56-63) and ranged from 41% (25-57) in low-income countries to 68% (64-72) in high-income countries, with no significant trend observed over the assessed periods at the global level. The pooled treatment of DM globally was 45% (42-48) and varied from 37% (31-43) in lower-middle-income countries to 53% (47-59) in high-income countries, showing variation over the examined time period. Before 2000, the proportion of adequate DM control was 16% (12-20), which significantly improved and reached 22% (19-25) after 2010. The pooled awareness, treatment, and control of DM were higher in females, high-income countries, and urban areas compared to males, upper and lower-middle-income countries, and rural areas, respectively. The older adults population had higher awareness and treatment rates than the adult population, but their DM control did not differ significantly.
CONCLUSION
Despite the high level of awareness and treatment among the diabetic population, treatment success (control) is considerably low, particularly in low-income countries and rural areas. It is crucial to improve awareness, treatment, and control by strengthening the primary care system in all countries.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Global Health; Male; Female
PubMed: 38827607
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1305304 -
F1000Research 2024The crisis in research culture is well documented, covering issues such as a tendency for quantity over quality, unhealthy competitive environments, and assessment based... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The crisis in research culture is well documented, covering issues such as a tendency for quantity over quality, unhealthy competitive environments, and assessment based on publications, journal prestige and funding. In response, research institutions need to assess their own practices to promote and advocate for change in the current research ecosystem. The purpose of the scoping review was to explore '
AIMS
To examine the peer-reviewed and grey literature to explore the interplay between research culture, open research, career paths, recognition and rewards, and equality, diversity, and inclusion, as part of a larger programme of activity for a research institution.
METHODS
A scoping review was undertaken. Six databases were searched along with grey literature. Eligible literature had relevance to academic research institutions, addressed research culture, and were published between January 2017 to May 2022. Evidence was mapped and themed to specific categories. The search strategy, screening and analysis took place between April-May 2022.
RESULTS
1666 titles and abstracts, and 924 full text articles were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 253 articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. A purposive sampling of relevant websites was drawn from to complement the review, resulting in 102 records included in the review. Key areas for consideration were identified across the four themes of job security, wellbeing and equality of opportunity, teamwork and interdisciplinary, and research quality and accountability.
CONCLUSIONS
There are opportunities for research institutions to improve their own practice, however institutional solutions cannot act in isolation. Research institutions and research funders need to work together to build a more sustainable and inclusive research culture that is diverse in nature and supports individuals' well-being, career progression and performance.
Topics: Humans; Research; Organizational Culture
PubMed: 38826614
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.147599.1 -
PloS One 2024Peer education interventions are widely used in secondary schools with an aim to improve students' health literacy and/or health behaviours. Although peer education is a...
INTRODUCTION
Peer education interventions are widely used in secondary schools with an aim to improve students' health literacy and/or health behaviours. Although peer education is a popular intervention technique with some evidence of effectiveness, we know relatively little about the key components that lead to health improvements among young people, or components that may be less helpful. This review aims to identify the main mechanisms involved in school-based peer education health interventions for 11-18-year-olds.
METHODS
Five electronic databases were searched for eligible studies during October 2020, an updated search was then conducted in January 2023 to incorporate any new studies published between November 2020 and January 2023. To be included in the review, studies must have evaluated a school-based peer education intervention designed to address aspects of the health of students aged 11-18 years old and contain data relevant to mechanisms of effect of these interventions. No restrictions were placed on publication date, or country but only manuscripts available in English language were included.
RESULTS
Forty papers were identified for inclusion with a total of 116 references to intervention mechanisms which were subsequently grouped thematically into 10 key mechanisms. The four most common mechanisms discussed were: 1) Peerness; similar, relatable and credible 2) A balance between autonomy and support, 3) School values and broader change in school culture; and 4) Informal, innovative and personalised delivery methods. Mechanisms were identified in quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods intervention evaluations.
DISCUSSION
This study highlights a number of key mechanisms that can be used to inform development of future school-based peer education health interventions to maximise effectiveness. Future studies should aim to create theories of change or logic models, and then test the key mechanisms, rather than relying on untested theoretical assumptions. Future work should also examine whether particular mechanisms may lead to harm, and also whether certain mechanisms are more or less important to address different health issues, or whether a set of generic mechanisms always need to be activated for success.
Topics: Humans; Health Literacy; Adolescent; Peer Group; Health Behavior; Child; Schools; Health Education; Students; School Health Services
PubMed: 38820530
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302431 -
PloS One 2024Despite improvements, the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B remains high in Asia. These sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be transmitted from...
A systematic review of barriers and facilitators to antenatal screening for HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B in Asia: Perspectives of pregnant women, their relatives and health care providers.
BACKGROUND
Despite improvements, the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B remains high in Asia. These sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be transmitted from infected mothers to their children. Antenatal screening and treatment are effective interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), but coverage of antenatal screening remains low. Understanding factors influencing antenatal screening is essential to increase its uptake and design effective interventions. This systematic literature review aims to investigate barriers and facilitators to antenatal screening for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B in Asia.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review by searching Ovid (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO), Scopus, Global Index Medicus and Web of Science for published articles between January 2000 and June 2023, and screening abstracts and full articles. Eligible studies include peer-reviewed journal articles of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method studies that explored factors influencing the use of antenatal screening for HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B in Asia. We extracted key information including study characteristics, sample, aim, identified barriers and facilitators to screening. We conducted a narrative synthesis to summarise the findings and presented barriers and facilitators following Andersen's conceptual model.
RESULTS
The literature search revealed 23 articles suitable for inclusion, 19 used quantitative methods, 3 qualitative and one mixed method. We found only three studies on syphilis screening and one on hepatitis B. The analysis demonstrates that antenatal screening for HIV in Asia is influenced by many barriers and facilitators including (1) predisposing characteristics of pregnant women (age, education level, knowledge) (2) enabling factors (wealth, place of residence, husband support, health facilities characteristics, health workers support and training) (3) need factors of pregnant women (risk perception, perceived benefits of screening).
CONCLUSION
Knowledge of identified barriers to antenatal screening may support implementation of appropriate interventions to prevent MTCT and help countries achieve Sustainable Development Goals' targets for HIV and STIs.
Topics: Humans; Female; Hepatitis B; Pregnancy; Syphilis; HIV Infections; Prenatal Diagnosis; Asia; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Health Personnel; Pregnant Women; Mass Screening; Family
PubMed: 38820339
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300581 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Children with autism spectrum disorder may show delays in vocabulary development. Technology-based interventions could facilitate the teaching of different vocabulary...
INTRODUCTION
Children with autism spectrum disorder may show delays in vocabulary development. Technology-based interventions could facilitate the teaching of different vocabulary skills; however, it is still not clear whether technology represents an added value.
METHODS
The current review preregistered in PROSPERO evaluates the efficacy of technology-based interventions in vocabulary learning for children with autism spectrum disorder. We selected articles published in the period 2006-2022 from five databases.
RESULTS
The results identified two group studies, one within subject design, nine single-case studies and one randomized controlled design in participants aged 0-16 years who had used technological devices to learn vocabulary. Overall, five of the 13 studies showed positive results of using technology-assisted intervention, six described mixed results, one described negative result, and one described no differences in technology-assisted intervention. The studies are divided into the categories of efficacy of technology and comparison between technology and non-technology.
DISCUSSION
In summary, technology, such as tablets and computers, might be useful tools to improve vocabulary skills in certain children with ASD. However, the various degrees of impact found in the studies we reviewed indicate that personalized assessments, acknowledgment of previous experiences, and awareness of the context of usage are essential. The contrast with nontechnological approaches highlights the necessity for more detailed studies to pinpoint the precise conditions under which technology-based interventions can offer the most advantages.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
[https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [CRD42021238758].
PubMed: 38817831
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1370965 -
BMC Emergency Medicine May 2024Given the frequency of disasters worldwide, there is growing demand for efficient and effective emergency responses. One challenge is to design suitable retrospective...
OBJECTIVE
Given the frequency of disasters worldwide, there is growing demand for efficient and effective emergency responses. One challenge is to design suitable retrospective charts to enable knowledge to be gained from disasters. This study provides comprehensive understanding of published retrospective chart review templates for designing and updating retrospective research.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and text analysis of peer-reviewed articles and grey literature on retrospective chart review templates for reporting, analysing, and evaluating emergency responses. The search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science and pre-identified government and non-government organizational and professional association websites to find papers published before July 1, 2022. Items and categories were grouped and organised using visual text analysis. The study is registered in PROSPERO (374,928).
RESULTS
Four index groups, 12 guidelines, and 14 report formats (or data collection templates) from 21 peer-reviewed articles and 9 grey literature papers were eligible. Retrospective tools were generally designed based on group consensus. One guideline and one report format were designed for the entire health system, 23 studies focused on emergency systems, while the others focused on hospitals. Five papers focused specific incident types, including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, mass burning, and mass paediatric casualties. Ten papers stated the location where the tools were used. The text analysis included 123 categories and 1210 specific items; large heterogeneity was observed.
CONCLUSION
Existing retrospective chart review templates for emergency response are heterogeneous, varying in type, hierarchy, and theoretical basis. The design of comprehensive, standard, and practicable retrospective charts requires an emergency response paradigm, baseline for outcomes, robust information acquisition, and among-region cooperation.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Disaster Planning; Disasters
PubMed: 38816816
DOI: 10.1186/s12873-024-01012-y -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... May 2024To identify and synthesise interactive digital tools used to support the empowerment of people with cancer and the outcomes of these tools. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To identify and synthesise interactive digital tools used to support the empowerment of people with cancer and the outcomes of these tools.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane, Eric, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases in May 2023. Inclusion criteria were patient empowerment as an outcome supported by interactive digital tools expressed in study goal, methods or results, peer-reviewed studies published since 2010 in cancer care. Narrative synthesis was applied, and the quality of the studies was assessed following Joanna Briggs Institute checklists.
RESULTS
Out of 1571 records screened, 39 studies published in 2011-2022 with RCT (17), single-arm trial (15), quasi-experimental (1), and qualitative designs (6) were included. A total of 30 interactive digital tools were identified to support empowerment (4) and related aspects, such as self-management (2), coping (4), patient activation (9), and self-efficacy (19). Significant positive effects were found on empowerment (1), self-management (1), coping (1), patient activation (2), and self-efficacy (10). Patient experiences were positive. Interactivity occurred with the tool itself (22), peers (7), or nurses (7), physicians (2), psychologists, (2) or social workers (1).
CONCLUSION
Interactive digital tools have been developed extensively in recent years, varying in terms of content and methodology, favouring feasibility and pilot designs. In all of the tools, people with cancer are either active or recipients of information. The research evidence indicates positive outcomes for patient empowerment through interactive digital tools. Thus, even though promising, there still is need for further testing of the tools.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Empowerment; Self Efficacy; Adaptation, Psychological; Patient Participation; Self-Management
PubMed: 38816629
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08545-9 -
Journal of Vascular and Interventional... May 2024To analyze the effectiveness of image-guided energy ablation techniques with and without concurrent therapies in providing palliative pain relief in patients with bone... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To analyze the effectiveness of image-guided energy ablation techniques with and without concurrent therapies in providing palliative pain relief in patients with bone metastases.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
OVID Embase, OVID Medline, and Pubmed were searched from inception to April 14th, 2023 using search terms relating to bone lesions and MeSH terms regarding ablation therapy. English peer-reviewed primary articles were included that reported pain scores following image-guided energy-based ablation of bone metastases. Exclusion criteria included 1) non-palliative treatment, 2) pain scores associated with specific treatment modalities not reported, and 3) non-metastatic bone lesions. Mean percentage reduction in pain score was calculated.
RESULTS
1396 studies were screened and 54 were included. All but one study demonstrated decreased pain scores at final follow-up. Mean reduction in pain scores at final follow-up were 49% for radiofrequency ablation (RFA), 58% for radiofrequency ablation and adjunct (RFA-A), 54% for cryoablation (CA), 72% for cryoablation and adjunct (CA-A), 48% for microwave ablation (MWA), 81% for microwave ablation and adjunct (MWA-A), and 64% for high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Post-procedural adverse event rates were 4.9% for RFA, 34.8% for RFA-A, 9.6% for CA, 12.0% for CA-A, 48.9% for MWA, 33.5% for MWA-A and 17.0% for HIFU.
CONCLUSION
Image-guided energy ablation demonstrated consistently strong reduction in pain across all modalities, with variable post-procedural adverse event rates. Due to heterogeneity of included studies, quantitative analysis was not appropriate. Future primary research should focus on creating consistent prospective studies with established statistical power, explicit documentation and comparison to other techniques.
PubMed: 38815751
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2024.05.011