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Behavior Therapy Jul 2024Recent publications within Contextual Behavioral Science provided a rationale for the expansion of intervention efficacy research using methods that capture idiographic...
Recent publications within Contextual Behavioral Science provided a rationale for the expansion of intervention efficacy research using methods that capture idiographic factors and processes. We conducted a systematic review of the use and quality of single-case experimental designs (SCED) within the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) literature in adult clinical populations. The systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and the databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PsycArticles and OpenGrey were searched for peer-reviewed articles. Further studies were sought through review of reference lists of all full text studies. Studies were assessed against What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) single-case design standards. Twenty-six studies met eligibility criteria and were conducted within research teams all implementing multiple-baseline designs. Twenty-four studies did not meet WWC standards with most failing to ensure a degree of concurrence across participants. The extent of randomisation methods was also captured. The review highlights the sparsity of SCEDs within ACT literature in clinical populations and current methodological practices. Limitations of the review and implications for future research are discussed.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Research Design; Single-Case Studies as Topic
PubMed: 38937055
DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2024.01.008 -
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Jun 2024This systematic review aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of physical activity programs for residents with dementia in aged care homes. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of physical activity programs for residents with dementia in aged care homes.
METHODS
A search was conducted using the databases Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, and ProQuest, and captured articles were assessed for inclusion in the review. Included studies were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data extraction was performed for study characteristics, identified barriers and facilitators to physical activity implementation, and synthesised narratively.
RESULTS
Following full-text screening, 13 articles were included in the review. Reporting quality was high in the majority of studies (69 %). Overall, barriers to implementation of physical activity programs were linked to factors related to the resident or the aged care facility, rather than inherently with the physical activity itself. The most identified barriers were understaffing (62 %), resident fatigue or lack of motivation (46 %), distrust of staff (31 %), and fear of injury (31 %). The most identified facilitators were having a structured physical activity protocol (46 %), opportunities for social interaction (38 %), instructor-led sessions (38 %) and offering an individually tailored program (31 %).
CONCLUSIONS
Addressing barriers of understaffing and resident fatigue whilst simultaneously offering structured, personalised group physical activity programs led by instructors may help optimise implementation. Future research should focus on developing tailored implementation plans, evaluating their effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, and identifying best practices to support the delivery of physical activity interventions in residential aged care settings.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022372308.
PubMed: 38936317
DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105535 -
Medical Mycology Jun 2024This systematic review evaluates the current global impact of invasive infections caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii (principally pneumonia: PJP), and was carried out to...
Features and global impact of invasive fungal infections caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii: A systematic review to inform the World Health Organization fungal priority pathogens list.
This systematic review evaluates the current global impact of invasive infections caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii (principally pneumonia: PJP), and was carried out to inform the World Health Organization Fungal Priority Pathogens List. PubMed and Web of Science were used to find studies reporting mortality, inpatient care, complications/sequelae, antifungal susceptibility/resistance, preventability, annual incidence, global distribution, and emergence in the past 10 years, published from January 2011 to February 2021. Reported mortality is highly variable, depending on the patient population: In studies of persons with HIV, mortality was reported at 5%-30%, while in studies of persons without HIV, mortality ranged from 4% to 76%. Risk factors for disease principally include immunosuppression from HIV, but other types of immunosuppression are increasingly recognised, including solid organ and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, autoimmune and inflammatory disease, and chemotherapy for cancer. Although prophylaxis is available and generally effective, burdensome side effects may lead to discontinuation. After a period of decline associated with improvement in access to HIV treatment, new risk groups of immunosuppressed patients with PJP are increasingly identified, including solid organ transplant patients.
Topics: Humans; Pneumocystis carinii; Invasive Fungal Infections; World Health Organization; Immunocompromised Host; Risk Factors; Global Health; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Antifungal Agents; Incidence
PubMed: 38935910
DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae038 -
Medical Mycology Jun 2024The World Health Organization, in response to the growing burden of fungal disease, established a process to develop a fungal priority pathogens list. This systematic...
The World Health Organization, in response to the growing burden of fungal disease, established a process to develop a fungal priority pathogens list. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and impact of eumycetoma. PubMed and Web of Science were searched to identify studies published between 1 January 2011 and 19 February 2021. Studies reporting on mortality, inpatient care, complications and sequelae, antifungal susceptibility, risk factors, preventability, annual incidence, global distribution, and emergence during the study time frames were selected. Overall, 14 studies were eligible for inclusion. Morbidity was frequent with moderate to severe impairment of quality of life in 60.3%, amputation in up to 38.5%, and recurrent or long-term disease in 31.8%-73.5% of patients. Potential risk factors included male gender (56.6%-79.6%), younger age (11-30 years; 64%), and farming occupation (62.1%-69.7%). Mycetoma was predominantly reported in Sudan, particularly in central Sudan (37%-76.6% of cases). An annual incidence of 0.1/100 000 persons and 0.32/100 000 persons/decade was reported in the Philippines and Uganda, respectively. In Uganda, a decline in incidence from 3.37 to 0.32/100 000 persons between two consecutive 10-year periods (2000-2009 and 2010-2019) was detected. A community-based, multi-pronged prevention programme was associated with a reduction in amputation rates from 62.8% to 11.9%. With the pre-specified criteria, no studies of antifungal drug susceptibility, mortality, and hospital lengths of stay were identified. Future research should include larger cohort studies, greater drug susceptibility testing, and global surveillance to develop evidence-based treatment guidelines and to determine more accurately the incidence and trends over time.
Topics: Humans; Mycetoma; Incidence; Antifungal Agents; World Health Organization; Risk Factors; Male; Female; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38935904
DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae044 -
PloS One 2024The elderly is commonly susceptible to depression, the symptoms for which may overlap with natural aging or other illnesses, and therefore miss being captured by routine...
BACKGROUND
The elderly is commonly susceptible to depression, the symptoms for which may overlap with natural aging or other illnesses, and therefore miss being captured by routine screening questionnaires. Passive sensing data have been promoted as a tool for depressive symptoms detection though there is still limited evidence on its usage in the elderly. Therefore, this study aims to review current knowledge on the use of passive sensing data via smartphones and smartwatches in depressive symptom screening for the elderly.
METHOD
The search of literature was performed in PubMed, IEEE Xplore digital library, and PsycINFO. Literature investigating the use of passive sensing data to screen, monitor, and/or predict depressive symptoms in the elderly (aged 60 and above) via smartphones and/or wrist-worn wearables was included for initial screening. Studies in English from international journals published between January 2012 to September 2022 were included. The reviewed studies were further analyzed by a narrative analysis.
RESULTS
The majority of 21 included studies were conducted in Western countries with a few in Asia and Australia. Most studies adopted a cohort study design (n = 12), followed by cross-sectional design (n = 7) and a case-control design (n = 2). The most popular passive sensing data was related to sleep and physical activity using an actigraphy. Sleep characteristics, such as prolonged wakefulness after sleep onset, along with lower levels of physical activity, exhibited a significant association with depression. However, cohort studies expressed concerns regarding data quality stemming from incomplete follow-up and potential confounding effects.
CONCLUSION
Passive sensing data, such as sleep, and physical activity parameters should be promoted for depressive symptoms detection. However, the validity, reliability, feasibility, and privacy concerns still need further exploration.
Topics: Humans; Smartphone; Depression; Aged; Mass Screening; Wearable Electronic Devices; Sleep; Middle Aged; Exercise; Female
PubMed: 38935797
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304845 -
PloS One 2024The present systematic review aims to identify, synthesize, and evaluate evidence of effects from interventions targeting youth not in education, employment, or training...
The present systematic review aims to identify, synthesize, and evaluate evidence of effects from interventions targeting youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET). We searched relevant multidisciplinary databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized re-engagement trials. Primary outcomes were participation in education and employment, and training status. Secondary outcomes included changes in financial status, quality of life and well-being, social functioning, and physical, psychological, and behavioral outcomes. The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA guidelines were applied. Eligible studies were screened, included, and extracted for data. Nine trials were included (eight RCTs and one quasi-experimental study), in which samples ranged from 96 to 7346 participants. Results on primary outcomes showed that five studies found an effect of interventions on employment outcomes, while three studies indicated an effect on education or training. Results on secondary outcomes included effects on mental health, subjective health complaints, drug use, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Studies with other main outcomes than re-engagement showed an effect of interventions on pass rates for the driving test, independent housing, and increased job-seeking activities. Limitations and future directions are discussed, including the lack of rigorous studies, theoretical underpinnings, and standardized measures for re-engagement outcomes. Systematic review registration: registered in PROSPERO, CRD42023463837.
Topics: Humans; Employment; Adolescent; Return to Work; Schools; Quality of Life; Young Adult; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38935788
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306285 -
PloS One 2024At some point in their career, many healthcare workers will experience psychological distress associated with being unable to take morally or ethically correct action,...
OBJECTIVE
At some point in their career, many healthcare workers will experience psychological distress associated with being unable to take morally or ethically correct action, as it aligns with their own values; a phenomenon known as moral distress. Similarly, there are increasing reports of healthcare workers experiencing long-term mental and psychological pain, alongside internal dissonance, known as moral injury. This review examined the triggers and factors associated with moral distress and injury in Health and Social Care Workers (HSCW) employed across a range of clinical settings with the aim of understanding how to mitigate the effects of moral distress and identify potential preventative interventions.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted and reported according to recommendations from Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Searches were conducted and updated regularly until January 2024 on 2 main databases (CENTRAL, PubMed) and three specialist databases (Scopus, CINAHL, PsycArticles), alongside hand searches of study registration databases and other systematic reviews reference lists. Eligible studies included a HSCW sample, explored moral distress/injury as a main aim, and were written in English or Italian. Verbatim quotes were extracted, and article quality was assessed via the CASP toolkit. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns and arrange codes into themes. Specific factors like culture and diversity were explored, and the effects of exceptional circumstances like the pandemic.
RESULTS
Fifty-one reports of 49 studies were included in the review. Causes and triggers were categorised under three domains: individual, social, and organisational. At the individual level, patients' care options, professionals' beliefs, locus of control, task planning, and the ability to make decisions based on experience, were indicated as elements that can cause or trigger moral distress. In addition, and relevant to the CoVID-19 pandemic, was use/access to personal protection resources. The social or relational factors were linked to the responsibility for advocating for and communication with patients and families, and professionals own support network. At organisational levels, hierarchy, regulations, support, workload, culture, and resources (staff and equipment) were identified as elements that can affect professionals' moral comfort. Patients' care, morals/beliefs/standards, advocacy role and culture of context were the most referenced elements. Data on cultural differences and diversity were not sufficient to make assumptions. Lack of resources and rapid policy changes have emerged as key triggers related to the pandemic. This suggests that those responsible for policy decisions should be mindful of the potential impact on staff of sudden and top-down change.
CONCLUSION
This review indicates that causes and triggers of moral injury are multifactorial and largely influenced by the context and constraints within which professionals work. Moral distress is linked to the duty and responsibility of care, and professionals' disposition to prioritise the wellbeing of patients. If the organisational values and regulations are in contrast with individuals' beliefs, repercussions on professionals' wellbeing and retention are to be expected. Organisational strategies to mitigate against moral distress, or the longer-term sequalae of moral injury, should address the individual, social, and organisational elements identified in this review.
Topics: Humans; Health Personnel; Morals; Social Workers; Qualitative Research; COVID-19; Psychological Distress; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 38935754
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303013 -
PloS One 2024Effective breastfeeding is crucial for maternal and child health, particularly in low-resource settings like Ethiopia. It encompasses a range of skills and strategies,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Effective breastfeeding is crucial for maternal and child health, particularly in low-resource settings like Ethiopia. It encompasses a range of skills and strategies, including proper latch, positioning, and frequency of feeding. These techniques not only ensure sufficient milk transfer but also foster bonding between mother and child, enhancing the breastfeeding experience. To effectively prioritize maternal and child health, it is crucial to comprehensively understand the prevalence and factors influencing effective breastfeeding nationwide. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a pooled prevalence of effective breastfeeding techniques and associated factors among lactating mothers in Ethiopia.
METHODS
The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist, focusing on studies conducted in Ethiopia. We identified eight relevant studies through Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Analysis was conducted using STATA version 11, and systematic data extraction employed a checklist to extract relevant data. I2 tests and the Cochrane Q test statistic were used to evaluate heterogeneity. To explore potential publication bias, Egger's weighted regression, Begg's test, and a funnel plot were utilized.
RESULTS
We identified a total of 955 research articles. Eight studies meeting the eligibility criteria were incorporated into this meta-analysis and systematic review. The pooled prevalence of effective breastfeeding techniques was 41.99% [95% CI 32.16-51.81]. According to the results of the current meta-analysis, effective breastfeeding techniques were significantly associated with antenatal care follow-up [OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.10-2.78], maternal educational status [OR = 2.70, 95% CI 1.55-4.71], breastfeeding technique counseling [OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.41-2.90], the absence of breast problems [OR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.49-3.43], breastfeeding experience [OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.14-3.46], and immediate skin-to-skin contact [OR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.56-3.44].
CONCLUSION
Our findings highlight the vital role of various factors in shaping effective breastfeeding.
IMPLICATIONS
To improve practices and health outcomes, we recommend targeted interventions, such as strengthening antenatal care, implementing maternal education, and providing comprehensive breastfeeding counseling. Proactively addressing breast problems and prioritizing immediate skin-to-skin contact is crucial for successful breastfeeding.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Humans; Ethiopia; Female; Lactation; Mothers
PubMed: 38935684
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306167 -
JMIR Mental Health Jun 2024Text-based digital media platforms have revolutionized communication and information sharing, providing valuable access to knowledge and understanding in the fields of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Text-based digital media platforms have revolutionized communication and information sharing, providing valuable access to knowledge and understanding in the fields of mental health and suicide prevention.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aimed to determine how machine learning and data analysis can be applied to text-based digital media data to understand mental health and aid suicide prevention.
METHODS
A systematic review of research papers from the following major electronic databases was conducted: Web of Science, MEDLINE, Embase (via MEDLINE), and PsycINFO (via MEDLINE). The database search was supplemented by a hand search using Google Scholar.
RESULTS
Overall, 19 studies were included, with five major themes as to how data analysis and machine learning techniques could be applied: (1) as predictors of personal mental health, (2) to understand how personal mental health and suicidal behavior are communicated, (3) to detect mental disorders and suicidal risk, (4) to identify help seeking for mental health difficulties, and (5) to determine the efficacy of interventions to support mental well-being.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show that data analysis and machine learning can be used to gain valuable insights, such as the following: web-based conversations relating to depression vary among different ethnic groups, teenagers engage in a web-based conversation about suicide more often than adults, and people seeking support in web-based mental health communities feel better after receiving online support. Digital tools and mental health apps are being used successfully to manage mental health, particularly through the COVID-19 epidemic, during which analysis has revealed that there was increased anxiety and depression, and web-based communities played a part in reducing isolation during the pandemic. Predictive analytics were also shown to have potential, and virtual reality shows promising results in the delivery of preventive or curative care. Future research efforts could center on optimizing algorithms to enhance the potential of text-based digital media analysis in mental health and suicide prevention. In addressing depression, a crucial step involves identifying the factors that contribute to happiness and using machine learning to forecast these sources of happiness. This could extend to understanding how various activities result in improved happiness across different socioeconomic groups. Using insights gathered from such data analysis and machine learning, there is an opportunity to craft digital interventions, such as chatbots, designed to provide support and address mental health challenges and suicide prevention.
Topics: Humans; Machine Learning; Suicide Prevention; Mental Health; Social Media; Data Analysis
PubMed: 38935419
DOI: 10.2196/55747 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Cryostimulation involves using water environments and low temperatures as intervention mediums, with main methods including CWI (cold water immersion), CWT (contrast...
A evidence-based approach to selecting post-exercise cryostimulation techniques for improving exercise performance and fatigue recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
RATIONALE
Cryostimulation involves using water environments and low temperatures as intervention mediums, with main methods including CWI (cold water immersion), CWT (contrast water therapy), and WBC (whole-body cryostimulation). Previous systematic reviews focused on the effect of cryostimulation on muscle fatigue and sports performance. However, studies on the selection of different cryostimulation methods and their intervention effects present inconsistent results.
INTRODUCTION
To systematically review and methodologically appraise the quality and effectiveness of existing intervention studies that the effects of various cryostimulation methods, including CWI, CWT, and WBC, on exercise performance and fatigue recovery.
METHODS
Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted searches in PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases to gather randomized controlled trials or self-controlled trials involving CWI/CWT/WBC and their effects on exercise performance or fatigue recovery. The search period ranged from November 2013 to November 2, 2023. Literature screening was performed using EndNote X9.1, and the quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software.
RESULTS
This study included a total of 18 articles, included a total of 499 healthy participants, comprising 479 males and 20 females. Among them, participants underwent cryostimulation, including 102 using CWT, using CWI, and 58 using WBC. Compared to the control group, cryostimulation can significantly alleviate muscle pain intensity (SMD -0.45, 95% CL -0.82 to 0.09, P = 0.01). Specifically, CWI significantly reduced muscle pain intensity (SMD = -0.45, 95% CI: 0.820.09, P = 0.01), WBC significantly decreased C-reactive protein levels (SMD = -1.36, 95% CI: 2.350.36, P = 0.008). While, CWT showed no significant differences from the control group in exercise performance and fatigue recovery indicators (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Cryostimulation can significantly reduce muscle pain intensity and perceived fatigue. Specifically, CWI significantly alleviates muscle pain intensity, WBC significantly lowers markers of inflammation caused by fatigue after exercise, in contrast, CWT does not significantly improve exercise performance and fatigue recovery. After exercise, compared with rest, using cryostimulation may have more noticeable benefits for muscle fatigue and muscle pain, with recommendations prioritizing WBC and CWI particularly for addressing inflammation and muscle pain. However, all cryostimulation may have no significant influence on exercise performance.
PubMed: 38933969
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32196