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Patient Related Outcome Measures 2019Parkinson's is an incurable, neuro-degenerative condition with multiple symptoms substantially impacting on living conditions and quality of life (QoL) for people with... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Parkinson's is an incurable, neuro-degenerative condition with multiple symptoms substantially impacting on living conditions and quality of life (QoL) for people with Parkinson's (PwP), most whom are older adults, and their families. The study aimed to undertake a literature review of studies conducted in the UK that quantify the direct or indirect impact of Parkinson's on people with the condition, their families, and society in terms of out-of-pocket payments and financial consequences.
METHODS
Literature was searched for Parkinson's-related terms plus condition impact (eg, financial, employment, pension, housing, health care costs, and QoL) in the UK setting. The strategy probed several electronic databases with all retrieved papers screened for relevancy. The instruments used to measure patient-related outcomes were then examined for their relevancy in justifying the results.
RESULTS
The initial search retrieved 2,143 papers of which 79 were shortlisted through title and abstract screening. A full-text reading indicated 38 papers met the inclusion and quality criteria. Summary data extracted from the articles on focus, design, sample size, and questionnaires/instruments used were presented in four themes: (a) QoL and wellbeing of PwP, (b) QoL and wellbeing of caregivers and family members, (c) employment and living conditions, and (d) direct and indirect health care and societal cost.
CONCLUSION
UK results substantiated global evidence regarding the deterioration of QoL of PwP as the condition progressed, utilizing numerous measures to demonstrate change. Many spouses and family accept care responsibilities, affecting their QoL and finances too. The review highlighted increased health care and privately borne costs with condition progression, although UK evidence was limited on societal costs of Parkinson's in terms of loss of employment, reduced work hours, premature retirement of PwP and caregivers that directly affected their household budget.
PubMed: 31695537
DOI: 10.2147/PROM.S160843 -
PloS One 2014Intimate partner violence (IPV) around the time of pregnancy is a widespread global health problem with many negative consequences. Nevertheless, a lot remains unclear... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Intimate partner violence (IPV) around the time of pregnancy is a widespread global health problem with many negative consequences. Nevertheless, a lot remains unclear about which interventions are effective and might be adopted in the perinatal care context.
OBJECTIVE
The objective is to provide a clear overview of the existing evidence on effectiveness of interventions for IPV around the time of pregnancy.
METHODS
Following databases PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched and expanded by hand search. The search was limited to English peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials published from 2000 to 2013. This review includes all types of interventions aiming to reduce IPV around the time of pregnancy as a primary outcome, and as secondary outcomes to enhance physical and/or mental health, quality of life, safety behavior, help seeking behavior, and/or social support.
RESULTS
We found few randomized controlled trials evaluating interventions for IPV around the time of pregnancy. Moreover, the nine studies identified did not produce strong evidence that certain interventions are effective. Nonetheless, home visitation programs and some multifaceted counseling interventions did produce promising results. Five studies reported a statistically significant decrease in physical, sexual and/or psychological partner violence (odds ratios from 0.47 to 0.92). Limited evidence was found for improved mental health, less postnatal depression, improved quality of life, fewer subsequent miscarriages, and less low birth weight/prematurity. None of the studies reported any evidence of a negative or harmful effect of the interventions.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Strong evidence of effective interventions for IPV during the perinatal period is lacking, but some interventions show promising results. Additional large-scale, high-quality research is essential to provide further evidence about the effect of certain interventions and clarify which interventions should be adopted in the perinatal care context.
Topics: Counseling; Female; Humans; Perinatal Care; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Quality of Life; Sexual Partners; Spouse Abuse
PubMed: 24482679
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085084 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jul 2021Most studies have been concerned with the experiences and needs of women with breast cancer and spouses/partners separately. In this review, the relationship dynamics... (Review)
Review
Most studies have been concerned with the experiences and needs of women with breast cancer and spouses/partners separately. In this review, the relationship dynamics that characterize the couple's experience of breast cancer treatment were investigated. Findings will inform both researchers and professionals in the area of oncology. A systematic literature search was performed in CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science. A checklist for qualitative and observational studies was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. Seventeen studies were included, and the synthesis of the literature revealed five domains that characterized the dyadic process: dyadic coping strategies, psychosocial support, communication, the couple's sexual life and spirituality. The included studies provide the basis for knowledge and awareness about the experience of couples with cancer, the specific dimensions enacted during the breast cancer treatment path and the type of responses that are associated with a positive couple's adjustment to the disease.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Breast Neoplasms; Communication; Female; Humans; Sexual Behavior; Spouses
PubMed: 34299738
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147288 -
BMC Medicine Jan 2014Diabetes history in biologically-related individuals increases diabetes risk. We assessed diabetes concordance in spouses (that is, biologically unrelated family... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Diabetes history in biologically-related individuals increases diabetes risk. We assessed diabetes concordance in spouses (that is, biologically unrelated family members) to gauge the importance of socioenvironmental factors.
METHODS
We selected cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies examining spousal association for diabetes and/or prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance), indexed in Medline, Embase or Scopus (1 January 1997 to 28 February 2013). Effect estimates (that is, odds ratios, incidence rate ratios, and so on) with body mass index (BMI) adjustment were pooled separately from those without BMI adjustment (random effects models) to distinguish BMI-dependent and independent concordance.
RESULTS
Searches yielded 2,705 articles; six were retained (n = 75,498 couples) for systematic review and five for meta-analysis. Concordance was lowest in a study that relied on women's reports of diabetes in themselves and their spouses (effect estimate 1.1, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.30) and highest in a study with systematic assessment of glucose tolerance (2.11, 95% CI 1.74 to 5.10). The random-effects pooled estimate adjusted for age and other covariates but not BMI was 1.26 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.45). The estimate with BMI adjustment was lower (1.18, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.40). Two studies assessing between-spouse associations of diabetes/prediabetes determined by glucose testing reported high concordance (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.37 without BMI adjustment; 2.32, 95% CI 1.87 to 3.98 with BMI adjustment). Two studies did not distinguish type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However given that around 95% of adults is type 2, this is unlikely to have influenced the results.
CONCLUSIONS
Our pooled estimate suggests that a spousal history of diabetes is associated with a 26% diabetes risk increase. Recognizing shared risk between spouses may improve diabetes detection and motivate couples to increase collaborative efforts to optimize eating and physical activity habits.
Topics: Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Glucose Intolerance; Humans; Life Style; Male; Risk Factors; Spouses
PubMed: 24460622
DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-12-12 -
Maternal & Child Nutrition Jan 2023In the extended UNICEF framework of early childhood nutrition, parents' stress is associated with parental feeding style. However, no comprehensive review has examined... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
In the extended UNICEF framework of early childhood nutrition, parents' stress is associated with parental feeding style. However, no comprehensive review has examined the association between parents' stress and feeding styles and practices. The objective of our review was to synthesise the current literature examining the association between parents' stress and their feeding practices and/or styles, among parents of children ≤ 5 years old. We searched; MEDLINE, EMBASE, PSYCHINFO and CINAHL from 2019 to 2021. Two investigators independently extracted relevant data and assessed the study quality and the certainty of evidence. Data were pooled using generic inverse variance with fixed effects (<5 comparisons) or random effects (≥5 comparisons) and expressed as correlation coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Between study heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and quantified with I . We identified 6 longitudinal and 11 cross-sectional studies, of which 4 studies provided sufficient data to be pooled. A very small correlation between general stress and restrictive feeding practices was observed (r = 0.06 [95% CI: 0.01-0.12]; no substantial heterogeneity (I = 0.00%, P < 0.85, very low certainty). No correlation between general stress and feeding pressure was identified (r = 0.06 [95% CI: -0.02 to 0.15]). Results showed that both general and parenting stress were associated with suboptimal breastfeeding practices and unresponsive feeding styles. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a low-to-moderate quality of literature for the inclusion of parents' stress in the extended UNICEF care model of child nutrition. Future research needs to explore this relationship longitudinally and in ethnic diverse populations to inform tailored interventions that promote responsive feeding practices.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feeding Behavior; Parenting; Parents; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36284502
DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13448 -
Indian Journal of Palliative Care 2021Psychosocial adjustments are alterations needed by a person after a life-altering event. The present review explored the psychosocial adjustments after advanced... (Review)
Review
Psychosocial adjustments are alterations needed by a person after a life-altering event. The present review explored the psychosocial adjustments after advanced laryngeal cancer treatment. Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed and Scopus were searched. Two hundred and three hits, after the three-stage screening, 13 articles were included. Mixed methods appraisal tool was used to perform the quality appraisal. The findings from 1109 laryngeal cancer survivors and 154 spouses of total laryngectomy patients helped to identify the barriers and coping mechanism toward psychosocial adjustments. The barriers included reactions of spouse or family members, effect of voice, communication and speech intelligibility and work and family relationships. The coping was enhanced with a better awareness, motivation and support system. These findings would help in improving the training programs and enhance the pre- and post-treatment counselling based on the priorities and demands of the patient.
PubMed: 34898937
DOI: 10.25259/IJPC_135_21 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Mar 2022Accumulating research suggests that stressful life events, especially those that threaten close intimate bonds, are associated with an increased risk of dementia.... (Review)
Review
Spousal caregiving, widowhood, and cognition: A systematic review and a biopsychosocial framework for understanding the relationship between interpersonal losses and dementia risk in older adulthood.
Accumulating research suggests that stressful life events, especially those that threaten close intimate bonds, are associated with an increased risk of dementia. Grieving the loss of a spouse, whether in the form of caregiving or after the death, ranks among 'life's most significant stressors', evoking intense psychological and physiological distress. Despite numerous studies reporting elevated dementia risk or poorer cognition among spousal caregivers and widow(er)s compared to controls, no review has summarized findings across cognitive outcomes (i.e., dementia incidence, cognitive impairment rates, cognitive performance) or proposed a theoretical model for understanding the links between partner loss and abnormal cognitive decline. The current systematic review summarizes findings across 64 empirical studies. Overall, both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies revealed an adverse association between partner loss and cognitive outcomes. In turn, we propose a biopsychosocial model of cognitive decline that explains how caregiving and bereavement may position some to develop cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. More longitudinal studies that focus on the biopsychosocial context of caregivers and widow(er)s are needed.
Topics: Aged; Caregivers; Cognition; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dementia; Female; Humans; Widowhood
PubMed: 34971701
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.010 -
Journal For Immunotherapy of Cancer Aug 2017The standard of care for most patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is immunotherapy with intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), which...
The standard of care for most patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is immunotherapy with intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), which activates the immune system to recognize and destroy malignant cells and has demonstrated durable clinical benefit. Urologic best-practice guidelines and consensus reports have been developed and strengthened based on data on the timing, dose, and duration of therapy from randomized clinical trials, as well as by critical evaluation of criteria for progression. However, these reports have not penetrated the community, and many patients do not receive appropriate therapy. Additionally, several immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently been approved for treatment of metastatic disease. The approval of immune checkpoint blockade for patients with platinum-resistant or -ineligible metastatic bladder cancer has led to considerations of expanded use for both advanced and, potentially, localized disease. To address these issues and others surrounding the appropriate use of immunotherapy for the treatment of bladder cancer, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) convened a Task Force of experts, including physicians, patient advocates, and nurses, to address issues related to patient selection, toxicity management, clinical endpoints, as well as the combination and sequencing of therapies. Following the standard approach established by the Society for other cancers, a systematic literature review and analysis of data, combined with consensus voting was used to generate guidelines. Here, we provide a consensus statement for the use of immunotherapy in patients with bladder cancer, with plans to update these recommendations as the field progresses.
Topics: BCG Vaccine; Carcinoma; Humans; Immunotherapy; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Societies, Medical; Standard of Care; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms
PubMed: 28807024
DOI: 10.1186/s40425-017-0271-0 -
Maturitas Oct 2015Unpaid, informal carers play a vital role in supporting people with long-term conditions. Being a carer can be challenging and carers may need support but they... (Review)
Review
Unpaid, informal carers play a vital role in supporting people with long-term conditions. Being a carer can be challenging and carers may need support but they frequently fail to access it. Compared to research investigating the experiences of female carers, research with male carers is underdeveloped. The available evidence suggests male and female carers have many experiences in common but some research suggests that compared to females, male carers are even less likely to access services. The aim of this systematic review was therefore to synthesise research investigating adult male carers' experiences of accessing formal and informal support focussing on the barriers and facilitators. Nine health and social care electronic databases were searched (e.g. PubMed, PsychINFO, CINAHL Plus, Social Policy and Practice, Scopus). Seven studies (five qualitative and two quantitative) fitting the inclusion criteria were identified. All came from North America and most focussed on older carers caring for people with dementia. All seven studies described barriers to accessing support and three highlighted facilitators. Male carers felt committed to their role, seeing it as their responsibility but were often ambivalent about seeking help. Insufficient service information was frequently emphasised. Participants highlighted positive past experiences and professional or voluntary sector support in providing information and helping access services. Research into male carers' experiences in accessing support remains underdeveloped. Research that distinguishes between, for example, the experiences of spouses and sons and with direct comparisons between male and female carers is needed. Whether gender specific services would benefit male carers remains undetermined.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Caregivers; Dementia; Female; Humans; Male; Social Support; Women's Health
PubMed: 26271710
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.07.013 -
Lancet (London, England) Sep 2013Homicide is an important cause of premature mortality globally, but evidence for the magnitude of homicides by intimate partners is scarce and hampered by the large... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
BACKGROUND
Homicide is an important cause of premature mortality globally, but evidence for the magnitude of homicides by intimate partners is scarce and hampered by the large amount of missing information about the victim-offender relationship. The objective of the study was to estimate global and regional prevalence of intimate partner homicide.
METHODS
A systematic search of five databases (Medline, Global Health, Embase, Social Policy, and Web of Science) yielded 2167 abstracts, and resulted in the inclusion of 118 full-text articles with 1122 estimates of the prevalence of intimate partner homicide after double-blind screening. All studies were included that reported the number or proportion of women or men who were murdered by an intimate partner in a country, province, or town, using an inclusive definition of an intimate partner. Additionally, a survey of official sources of 169 countries provided a further 53 estimates. We selected one estimate per country-year using a quality assessment decision algorithm. The median prevalence of intimate partner homicide was calculated by country and region overall, and for women and men separately.
FINDINGS
Data were obtained for 66 countries. Overall 13·5% (IQR 9·2-18·2) of homicides were committed by an intimate partner, and this proportion was six times higher for female homicides than for male homicides (38·6%, 30·8-45·3, vs 6·3%, 3·1-6·3). Median percentages for all (male and female) and female intimate partner homicide were highest in high-income countries (all, 14·9%, 9·2-18·2; female homicide, 41·2%, 30·8-44·5) and in southeast Asia (18·8%, 11·3-18·8; 58·8%, 58·8-58·8). Adjustments to account for unknown victim-offender relationships generally increased the prevalence, suggesting that results presented are conservative.
INTERPRETATION
At least one in seven homicides globally and more than a third of female homicides are perpetrated by an intimate partner. Such violence commonly represents the culmination of a long history of abuse. Strategies to reduce homicide risk include increased investment in intimate partner violence prevention, risk assessments at different points of care, support for women experiencing intimate partner violence, and control of gun ownership for people with a history of violence. Improvements in country-level data collection and monitoring systems are also essential, because data availability and quality varied strongly across regions.
FUNDING
WHO, Sigrid Rausing Trust, and the UK Economic and Social Research Council.
Topics: Cause of Death; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Cross-Sectional Studies; Data Collection; Female; Homicide; Humans; Male; Risk; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Spouse Abuse
PubMed: 23791474
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61030-2