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Journal of Medical Internet Research Sep 2020Caring for people with dementia is perceived as one of the most stressful and difficult forms of caring. Family caregivers always experience high levels of psychological... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Caring for people with dementia is perceived as one of the most stressful and difficult forms of caring. Family caregivers always experience high levels of psychological burden and physical strain, so effective and practical support is essential. Internet-based supportive interventions can provide convenient and efficient support and education to potentially reduce the physical and psychological burden associated with providing care.
OBJECTIVE
This review aimed to (1) assess the efficacy of internet-based supportive interventions in ameliorating health outcomes for family caregivers of people with dementia, and (2) evaluate the potential effects of internet-based supportive intervention access by caregivers on their care recipients.
METHODS
An electronic literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO databases was conducted up to January 2020. Two reviewers (ML and YZ) worked independently to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria and independently extracted data. The quality of the included RCTs was evaluated using the approach recommended by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs were applied to calculate the pooled effect sizes.
RESULTS
In total, 17 RCTs met the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic review. The meta-analysis showed that internet-based supportive interventions significantly ameliorated depressive symptoms (SMD=-0.21; 95% CI -0.31 to -0.10; P<.001), perceived stress (SMD=-0.40; 95% CI -0.55 to -0.24; P<.001), anxiety (SMD=-0.33; 95% CI -0.51 to -0.16; P<.001), and self-efficacy (SMD=0.19; 95% CI 0.05-0.33; P=.007) in dementia caregivers. No significant improvements were found in caregiver burden, coping competence, caregiver reactions to behavioral symptoms, or quality of life. Six studies assessed the unintended effects of internet-based supportive intervention access by caregivers on their care recipients. The results showed that internet-based supportive interventions had potential benefits on the quality of life and neuropsychiatric symptoms in care recipients.
CONCLUSIONS
Internet-based supportive interventions are generally effective at ameliorating depressive symptoms, perceived stress, anxiety, and self-efficacy in dementia caregivers and have potential benefits on care recipients. Future studies are encouraged to adopt personalized internet-based supportive interventions to improve the health of family caregivers and their care recipients.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42020162434; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=162434.
Topics: Caregivers; Dementia; Humans; Internet-Based Intervention; Quality of Life
PubMed: 32902388
DOI: 10.2196/19468 -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International Aug 2019Approximately 10% of the general population and around one third of adult patients in clinical populations suffer from functional somatic symptoms. These take many...
BACKGROUND
Approximately 10% of the general population and around one third of adult patients in clinical populations suffer from functional somatic symptoms. These take many forms, are often chronic, impair everyday functioning as well as quality of life, and are cost intensive.
METHODS
The guideline group (32 medical and psychological professional societies, two patients' associations) carried out a systematic survey of the literature and ana- lyzed 3795 original articles and 3345 reviews. The aim was to formulate empirically based recommendations that were practical and user friendly.
RESULTS
Because of the variation in course and symptom severity, three stages of treatment are distinguished. In early contacts, the focus is on basic investigations, reassurance, and advice. For persistent burdensome symptoms, an extended, simultaneous and equitable diagnostic work-up of physical and psychosocial factors is recommended, together with a focus on information and self-help. In the pres- ence of severe and disabling symptoms, multimodal treatment includes further elements such as (body) psychotherapeutic and social medicine measures. Whatever the medical specialty, level of care, or clinical picture, an empathetic professional attitude, reflective communication, information, a cautious, restrained approach to diagnosis, good interdisciplinary cooperation, and above all active interventions for self-efficacy are usually more effective than passive, organ- focused treatments.
CONCLUSION
The cornerstones of diagnosis and treatment are biopsychosocial ex- planatory models, communication, self-efficacy, and interdisciplinary mangagement. This enables safe and efficient patient care from the initial presentation onwards, even in cases where the symptoms cannot yet be traced back to specific causes.
Topics: Humans; Medically Unexplained Symptoms
PubMed: 31554544
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2019.0553 -
Diabetes & Metabolism Nov 2020Diabetes is a chronic disease associated with a variety of complications, and nudging may be a potential solution to improve diabetes control. Since nudging is a new...
BACKGROUND
Diabetes is a chronic disease associated with a variety of complications, and nudging may be a potential solution to improve diabetes control. Since nudging is a new concept, no review of literature on nudging diabetic patients into improving their health behaviour has been done. Therefore, we aim to collate a list of nudge intervention and determine the context in which nudging is successful.
METHODS
We adopted a two-arm search strategy comprising the search of literature databases and snowballing using relevant search terms. We summarized patient characteristics, the nudge intervention, according to nudging strategies, delivery mode and their outcomes. The conditions present in effective nudge interventions were assessed and reported.
RESULTS
We retrieved 11,494 studies from our searches and included 33. An additional five studies were added through snowballing. Studies included utilized framing (n=5), reminders (n=10), gamification (n=2), social modelling (n=5) and social influence (n=16). Studies on reminders and gamification were more likely to have a statistically significant outcome. The targeted health behaviours identified were medication adherence, physical activity, diet, blood glucose monitoring, foot care, self-efficacy, HbA1c and quality of life. Of these, studies with adherence to medication, foot care practice and quality of life as targeted health behaviours were more likely to show a statistically significant outcome.
CONCLUSION
Nudging has shown potential in changing health behaviour of patients with diabetes in specific context. We identified two possible factors (delivery mode and patient characteristics) that may affect the effectiveness of nudge intervention.
Topics: Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; Choice Behavior; Delivery of Health Care; Diabetes Mellitus; Diet; Economics, Behavioral; Exercise; Games, Recreational; Health Behavior; Humans; Medication Adherence; Peer Influence; Quality of Life; Reminder Systems; Self Care; Self Efficacy
PubMed: 32387700
DOI: 10.1016/j.diabet.2020.04.002 -
PloS One 2021Globally, and in the United States (U.S.) specifically, rates of reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been steadily increasing and are especially high... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Globally, and in the United States (U.S.) specifically, rates of reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been steadily increasing and are especially high among youth aged 13-25 years. Using condoms correctly and consistently is an effective STI prevention measure for sexually active youth, yet public health endeavors tend to focus only on condom use consistency. Directly measuring condom application is challenging and expensive. Alternative tools evaluate this behaviour, but little evidence exists on the appropriateness of these instruments in measuring application skills. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the association between condom application skills and self-efficacy. We conducted a search of several databases as well as unpublished works. Studies were included if they were in English, examined youth aged 13-25 years, and were available between 1992 and 2019. The authors screened 630 titles and abstracts for initial inclusion criteria. A full-text review of 30 studies was conducted. The authors included 19 studies in the systematic review and 5 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Both a fixed- and random-effects model (Q = .2321, I2 = 0%) yielded a medium-sized statistically non-significant association (r = 0.217) between skills and self-efficacy. Despite the small sample size, findings suggest that skills and self-efficacy may not be as interchangeable as previously assumed when assessing condom application. Implications for future research are discussed.
Topics: Adolescent; Condoms; Humans; Safe Sex; Self Efficacy; Sexual Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases
PubMed: 33831080
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249753 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2020Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is prevalent and strongly associated with mental health problems. Women experiencing IPV attend health services frequently... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is prevalent and strongly associated with mental health problems. Women experiencing IPV attend health services frequently for mental health problems. The World Health Organization recommends that women who have experienced IPV and have a mental health diagnosis should receive evidence-based mental health treatments. However, it is not known if psychological therapies work for women in the context of IPV and whether they cause harm.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness of psychological therapies for women who experience IPV on the primary outcomes of depression, self-efficacy and an indicator of harm (dropouts) at six- to 12-months' follow-up, and on secondary outcomes of other mental health symptoms, anxiety, quality of life, re-exposure to IPV, safety planning and behaviours, use of healthcare and IPV services, and social support.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Controlled Trials Register (CCMDCTR), CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and three other databases, to the end of October 2019. We also searched international trials registries to identify unpublished or ongoing trials and handsearched selected journals, reference lists of included trials and grey literature.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, cluster-RCTs and cross-over trials of psychological therapies with women aged 16 years and older who self-reported recent or lifetime experience of IPV. We included trials if women also experienced co-existing mental health diagnoses or substance abuse issues, or both. Psychological therapies included a wide range of interventions that targeted cognition, motivation and behaviour compared with usual care, no treatment, delayed or minimal interventions. We classified psychological therapies according to Cochrane Common Mental Disorders's psychological therapies list.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors extracted data and undertook 'Risk of Bias' assessment. Treatment effects were compared between experimental and comparator interventions at short-term (up to six months post-baseline), medium-term (six to under 12 months, primary outcome time point), and long-term follow-up (12 months and above). We used standardised mean difference (SMD) for continuous and odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes, and used random-effects meta-analysis, due to high heterogeneity across trials.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 33 psychological trials involving 5517 women randomly assigned to experimental (2798 women, 51%) and comparator interventions (2719 women, 49%). Psychological therapies included 11 integrative therapies, nine humanistic therapies, six cognitive behavioural therapy, four third-wave cognitive behavioural therapies and three other psychologically-orientated interventions. There were no trials classified as psychodynamic therapies. Most trials were from high-income countries (19 in USA, three in Iran, two each in Australia and Greece, and one trial each in China, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Spain and UK), among women recruited from healthcare, community, shelter or refuge settings, or a combination of any or all of these. Psychological therapies were mostly delivered face-to-face (28 trials), but varied by length of treatment (two to 50 sessions) and staff delivering therapies (social workers, nurses, psychologists, community health workers, family doctors, researchers). The average sample size was 82 women (14 to 479), aged 37 years on average, and 66% were unemployed. Half of the women were married or living with a partner and just over half of the participants had experienced IPV in the last 12 months (17 trials), 6% in the past two years (two trials) and 42% during their lifetime (14 trials). Whilst 20 trials (61%) described reliable low-risk random-sampling strategies, only 12 trials (36%) described reliable procedures to conceal the allocation of participant status. While 19 trials measured women's depression, only four trials measured depression as a continuous outcome at medium-term follow-up. These showed a probable beneficial effect of psychological therapies in reducing depression (SMD -0.24, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.01; four trials, 600 women; moderate-certainty evidence). However, for self-efficacy, there may be no evidence of a difference between groups (SMD -0.12, 95% CI -0.33 to 0.09; one trial with medium-term follow-up data, 346 women; low-certainty evidence). Further, there may be no difference between the number of women who dropped out from the experimental or comparator intervention groups, an indicator of no harm (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.44; five trials with medium-term follow-up data, 840 women; low-certainty evidence). Although no trials reported adverse events from psychological therapies or participation in the trial, only one trial measured harm outcomes using a validated scale. For secondary outcomes, trials measured anxiety only at short-term follow-up, showing that psychological therapies may reduce anxiety symptoms (SMD -0.96, 95% CI -1.29 to -0.63; four trials, 158 women; low-certainty evidence). However, within medium-term follow-up, low-certainty evidence revealed that there may be no evidence between groups for the outcomes safety planning (SMD 0.04, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.25; one trial, 337 women), post-traumatic stress disorder (SMD -0.24, 95% CI -0.54 to 0.06; four trials, 484 women) or re-exposure to any form of IPV (SMD 0.03, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.2; two trials, 547 women).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is evidence that for women who experience IPV, psychological therapies probably reduce depression and may reduce anxiety. However, we are uncertain whether psychological therapies improve other outcomes (self-efficacy, post-traumatic stress disorder, re-exposure to IPV, safety planning) and there are limited data on harm. Thus, while psychological therapies probably improve emotional health, it is unclear if women's ongoing needs for safety, support and holistic healing from complex trauma are addressed by this approach. There is a need for more interventions focused on trauma approaches and more rigorous trials (with consistent outcomes at similar follow-up time points), as we were unable to synthesise much of the research.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anxiety; Depression; Female; Humans; Intimate Partner Violence; Middle Aged; Patient Dropouts; Psychotherapy; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Safety; Self Efficacy; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Young Adult
PubMed: 32608505
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013017.pub2 -
The Gerontologist Aug 2021General self-efficacy (GSE) encourages health-promoting behaviors in older adults. It is unsurprising then that older adults receiving health care services are reported... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
General self-efficacy (GSE) encourages health-promoting behaviors in older adults. It is unsurprising then that older adults receiving health care services are reported to have a greater risk of low GSE than older adults who are not. Despite this, there is currently limited evidence investigating whether the effect differs based on the environment in which care is received. This review aims to determine whether the GSE of older adults is affected by the receipt of health care services and whether GSE varies based on the setting in which care is received.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
In accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration number CRD42018092191), a systematic search was undertaken across 7 databases. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and mean General Self-Efficacy Scale scores, with 95% confidence intervals (CI), were pooled for meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 40 studies were identified, they consisted of 33 population cohorts that were included in the meta-analysis. Older adults receiving health care services were found to be at greater risk of having lower GSE than those who do not (SMD = -0.62; 95% CI: -0.96 to -0.27, p < .0001). Following identification of sources of heterogeneity, older adults receiving acute inpatient care were more likely to have lower GSE than those receiving care in other health care settings.
DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS
Older adults receiving inpatient care have a greater risk of lower GSE, and consequently, poorer health-promoting behaviors. Further research is recommended that focuses on the GSE of older adults and health outcomes following discharge from inpatient care.
Topics: Aged; Hospitalization; Humans; Patient Discharge; Self Efficacy
PubMed: 32373938
DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaa036 -
Aging & Mental Health 2014This review aims to explore the role of self-efficacy (SE) in the health-related quality of life (QoL) of family carers of people with dementia. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This review aims to explore the role of self-efficacy (SE) in the health-related quality of life (QoL) of family carers of people with dementia.
METHODS
A systematic review of literature identified a range of qualitative and quantitative studies. Search terms related to caring, SE, and dementia. Narrative synthesis was adopted to synthesise the findings.
RESULTS
Twenty-two studies met the full inclusion criteria, these included 17 quantitative, four qualitative, and one mixed-method study. A model describing the role of task/domain-specific SE beliefs in family carer health-related QoL was constructed. This model was informed by review findings and discussed in the context of existing conceptual models of carer adaptation and empirical research. Review findings offer support for the application of the SE theory to caring and for the two-factor view of carer appraisals and well-being. Findings do not support the independence of the negative and positive pathways. The review was valuable in highlighting methodological challenges confronting this area of research, particularly the conceptualisation and measurement issues surrounding both SE and health-related QoL.
CONCLUSIONS
The model might have theoretical implications in guiding future research and advancing theoretical models of caring. It might also have clinical implications in facilitating the development of carer support services aimed at improving SE. The review highlights the need for future research, particularly longitudinal research, and further exploration of domain/task-specific SE beliefs, the influence of carer characteristics, and other mediating/moderating variables.
Topics: Caregivers; Dementia; Humans; Models, Psychological; Quality of Life; Self Efficacy
PubMed: 24943873
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2014.915921 -
Nursing Open Oct 2023The aim of this systematic review is to identify, describe and synthesize evidence from experimental studies conducted to measure and conceptualize self-efficacy within... (Review)
Review
AIM
The aim of this systematic review is to identify, describe and synthesize evidence from experimental studies conducted to measure and conceptualize self-efficacy within the context of nursing education and the transition of nursing students to practice as a registered practitioners.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
METHODS
Papers were screened by four independent reviewers, and data were extracted using a standardized data extraction tool. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidance and checklists were used to guide this review.
RESULTS
The review included 47 studies, using a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design (n = 39) and randomized control trials (n = 8). Various teaching and learning interventions were used to enhance self-efficacy; however, there is no definitive conclusion to be drawn regarding the most effective educational interventions. Various instruments were used in the studies to measure self-efficacy. 10 of these were related to general self-efficacy, while 37 instruments measured self-efficacy in the context of specific skills.
Topics: Humans; Self Efficacy; Education, Nursing; Learning; Students, Nursing
PubMed: 37421389
DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1931 -
Revista Medica de Chile Nov 2019Background Affordable interventions to improve metabolic control of Type 2-Diabetes Mellitus are increasingly necessary. Aim To review systematically the existing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Background Affordable interventions to improve metabolic control of Type 2-Diabetes Mellitus are increasingly necessary. Aim To review systematically the existing literature on the effects of psychological interventions on Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus compensation. Material and Methods We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of psychological interventions implemented for Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. Research included the following electronic databases: PubMed, Bireme, Web of Science, SciELO, Embase, EBSCOhost, SCOPUS, Psychology Database. Results Most studies showed a decrease in the level of glycated hemoglobin after interventions, which applied different initiatives complementary to standard medical treatment. Mainly, these interventions encompassed training for self-monitoring and control of diabetes based on cognitive behavioral psychology, counseling, self-assessment and physical-spiritual work based on transpersonal psychology. Conclusions Psychological tools could be an adjunct to the standard medical treatment for patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus, reducing glycated hemoglobin levels and improving self-regulation, disease awareness and adherence from the self-efficacy perception perspective.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Psychotherapy
PubMed: 32186603
DOI: 10.4067/S0034-98872019001101423 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2018Bronchiectasis is a long term respiratory condition with an increasing rate of diagnosis. It is associated with persistent symptoms, repeated infective exacerbations,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Bronchiectasis is a long term respiratory condition with an increasing rate of diagnosis. It is associated with persistent symptoms, repeated infective exacerbations, and reduced quality of life, imposing a burden on individuals and healthcare systems. The main aims of therapeutic management are to reduce exacerbations and improve quality of life. Self-management interventions are potentially important for empowering people with bronchiectasis to manage their condition more effectively and to seek care in a timely manner. Self-management interventions are beneficial in the management of other airways diseases such as asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and have been identified as a research priority for bronchiectasis.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy, cost-effectiveness and adverse effects of self-management interventions for adults and children with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Airways Specialised Register of trials, clinical trials registers, reference lists of included studies and review articles, and relevant manufacturers' websites up to 13 December 2017.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomised controlled trials of any duration that included adults or children with a diagnosis of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis assessing self-management interventions delivered in any form. Self-management interventions included at least two of the following elements: patient education, airway clearance techniques, adherence to medication, exercise (including pulmonary rehabilitation) and action plans.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened searches, extracted study characteristics and outcome data and assessed risk of bias for each included study. Primary outcomes were, health-related quality of life, exacerbation frequency and serious adverse events. Secondary outcomes were the number of participants admitted to hospital on at least one occasion, lung function, symptoms, self-efficacy and economic costs. We used a random effects model for analyses and standard Cochrane methods throughout.
MAIN RESULTS
Two studies with a total of 84 participants were included: a 12-month RCT of early rehabilitation in adults of mean age 72 years conducted in two centres in England (UK) and a six-month proof-of-concept RCT of an expert patient programme (EPP) in adults of mean age 60 years in a single regional respiratory centre in Northern Ireland (UK). The EPP was delivered in group format once a week for eight weeks using standardised EPP materials plus disease-specific education including airway clearance techniques, dealing with symptoms, exacerbations, health promotion and available support. We did not find any studies that included children. Data aggregation was not possible and findings are reported narratively in the review.For the primary outcomes, both studies reported health-related quality of life, as measured by the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), but there was no clear evidence of benefit. In one study, the mean SGRQ total scores were not significantly different at 6 weeks', 3 months' and 12 months' follow-up (12 months mean difference (MD) -10.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) -45.15 to 24.61). In the second study there were no significant differences in SGRQ. Total scores were not significantly different between groups (six months, MD 3.20, 95% CI -6.64 to 13.04). We judged the evidence for this outcome as low or very low. Neither of the included studies reported data on exacerbations requiring antibiotics. For serious adverse events, one study reported more deaths in the intervention group compared to the control group, (intervention: 4 of 8, control: 2 of 12), though interpretation is limited by the low event rate and the small number of participants in each group.For our secondary outcomes, there was no evidence of benefit in terms of frequency of hospital admissions or FEV1 L, based on very low-quality evidence. One study reported self-efficacy using the Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy scale, which comprises 10 components. All scales showed significant benefit from the intervention but effects were only sustained to study endpoint on the Managing Depression scale. Further details are reported in the main review. Based on overall study quality, we judged this evidence as low quality. Neither study reported data on respiratory symptoms, economic costs or adverse events.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to determine whether self-management interventions benefit people with bronchiectasis. In the absence of high-quality evidence it is advisable that practitioners adhere to current international guidelines that advocate self-management for people with bronchiectasis.Future studies should aim to clearly define and justify the specific nature of self-management, measure clinically important outcomes and include children as well as adults.
Topics: Aged; Bronchiectasis; Disease Progression; Forced Expiratory Volume; Hospitalization; Humans; Middle Aged; Patient Education as Topic; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Self Efficacy; Self-Management
PubMed: 29411860
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012528.pub2