scholarly journals Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of Large-Scale Nutrition Interventions in Africa: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-52
Author(s):  
Obidimma Ezezika ◽  
Jenny Gong ◽  
Hajara Abdirahman ◽  
Daniel Sellen

AbstractThe effective implementation of large-scale nutrition interventions in Africa is an ongoing challenge. This scoping review identifies and explores the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of large-scale nutrition interventions in the African region. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ERIC, and Web of Science using search terms focused specifically on barriers and facilitators to the implementation of nutrition interventions in Africa. To supplement the database search, reference lists in publications included for full-text review were also examined to identify eligible articles for inclusion. Eligible studies underwent quality assessment, and a directed content analysis approach to data extraction was conducted and aligned to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to facilitate narrative synthesis. The search identified 1452 citations and following removal of duplicates and our inclusion/exclusion criteria, 34 papers were eligible for inclusion. More than half of included studies (n = 19) reflect research conducted in East Africa. Overarching thematic areas spanning the barriers and facilitators that were identified included policy and legislation; leadership management; resources mobilization; and cultural context and adaptability. Key activities that facilitate the development of successful implementation include (1) more supportive policy and legislation to improve government competency, (2) effective leadership, strategic partnership, and coordination across multiple sectors, (3) more effective resource mobilization, and (4) adequate adaptation of the intervention so that it is culturally relevant, tailored to local needs and aligned to research data. The barriers and facilitators identified under the CFIR domains can be used to build knowledge on how to adapt large-scale nutrition interventions to national and local settings.Registration Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/6m8fy).

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Noone ◽  
Nikolett Warner ◽  
Molly Byrne ◽  
Hannah Durand ◽  
Kim L. Lavoie ◽  
...  

Background: The WHO has declared the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic. With no vaccine currently available, using behavioural measures to reduce the spread of the virus within the population is an important tool in mitigating the effects of this pandemic. As such, social distancing measures are being implemented globally and have proven an effective tool in slowing the large-scale spread of the virus. Aim: This scoping review will focus on answering key questions about the state of the evidence on the behavioural determinants of adherence to social distancing measures in research on COVID-19.  Methods: A scoping review will be conducted in accordance with guidelines for best practice. Literature searches will be conducted using online databases and grey literature sources. Databases will include Medline, Web of Science, Embase and PsycInfo, alongside relevant pre-print servers. Grey literature will be searched on Google Scholar. Screening, data extraction and quality appraisal will be conducted independently by two members of the research team, with any discrepancies resolved by consensus discussion and an additional team member if needed. Quality appraisal will be conducted using the Cochrane’s ROBINS-I tool, the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist where appropriate. Results will be analysed by mapping findings onto the Theoretical Domains Framework and visualising characteristics of the included studies using EviAtlas. This scoping review is pre-registered with Open Science Framework. Conclusions The results of this study may facilitate the systematic development of behavioural interventions to increase adherence to social distancing measures.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Chris Noone ◽  
Nikolett Warner ◽  
Molly Byrne ◽  
Hannah Durand ◽  
Kim L. Lavoie ◽  
...  

Background: The WHO has declared the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic. With no vaccine currently available, using behavioural measures to reduce the spread of the virus within the population is an important tool in mitigating the effects of this pandemic. As such, social distancing measures are being implemented globally and have proven an effective tool in slowing the large-scale spread of the virus. Aim: This scoping review will focus on answering key questions about the state of the evidence on the behavioural determinants of adherence to social distancing measures in research on COVID-19.  Methods: A scoping review will be conducted in accordance with guidelines for best practice. Literature searches will be conducted using online databases and grey literature sources. Databases will include Medline, Web of Science, Embase and PsycInfo, alongside relevant pre-print servers. Grey literature will be searched on Google Scholar. Screening, data extraction and quality appraisal will be conducted by members of the research team, with any discrepancies resolved by consensus discussion. Quality appraisal will be conducted using the Cochrane’s ROBINS-I tool, the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist where appropriate. Results will be analysed by mapping findings onto the Theoretical Domains Framework and visualising characteristics of the included studies using EviAtlas. This scoping review is pre-registered with Open Science Framework. Conclusions The results of this study may facilitate the systematic development of behavioural interventions to increase adherence to social distancing measures.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
William Gardner ◽  
Stuart G. Nicholls ◽  
Graham J. Reid ◽  
Brian Hutton ◽  
Candyce Hamel ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Mental health (MH) problems are among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality for children and youth. Problems of lack of equity in child and youth MH services (CYMHS)—including, but not limited to, problems in inaccessibility and quality of services—are widespread. Characterizing the nature of equity in CYMHS is an ongoing challenge because the field lacks a consistent approach to conceptualizing equity. We will conduct a scoping review of how equity in MH services for children and youth has been defined, operationalized, and measured. Our objectives are to discover: (1) What conceptual definitions of equity are used by observational studies of CYMHS?; (2) What service characteristics of CYMHS care do indices of equity cover?; (3) What population dimensions have been used to operationalize equity?; (4) What statistical constructs have been used in indices that measure CYMHS equity?; and (5) What were the numerical values of those indices? Methods The following databases will be searched: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, CINAHL, EconLit, and Sociological Abstracts. Searches will be conducted from the date of inception to the end of the last full calendar year (December 2019). Studies will be included if they include an evaluation of a mental health service for children or youth (defined as those under 19 years of age) and which quantify variation in some aspect of child or youth mental health services (e.g., accessibility, volume, duration, or quality) as a function of socio-demographic and/or geographic variables. Study selection will occur over two stages. Stage one will select articles based on title and abstract using the liberal-accelerated method. Stage two will review the full texts of selected titles. Two reviewers will work independently on full-text reviewing, with each study screened twice using pre-specified eligibility criteria. One reviewer will chart study characteristics and indices to be verified by a second reviewer. Reviewers will resolve full-text screening and data extraction disagreements through discussion. Synthesis of the collected data will focus on compiling and mapping the types and characteristics of the indices used to evaluate MH services equity. Discussion The planned, systematic scoping review will survey the literature regarding how equity in MH services for children and youth has been operationalized and help inform future studies of equity in CYMHS. Systematic review registration Open Science Foundation ID SYSR-D-19-00371, https://osf.io/58srv/.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imaan A Roomaney ◽  
Salma Kabbashi ◽  
Manogari Chetty

BACKGROUND Enamel renal syndrome (ERS) (OMIM 204690) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta, failed tooth eruption, intrapulpal calcifications, gingival enlargement, and nephrocalcinosis. The rarity of the condition and the variability of the phenotype has led to ERS not being fully characterized. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to account for the range and current state of knowledge on ERS and synthesize these findings into a comprehensive summary, focusing on the pathophysiology, genotype-phenotype correlations, and patient management from a dental perspective. METHODS The authors will conduct a systematic search of PubMed (MEDLINE), BioMed Central, EbscoHost Web, Web of Science, and WorldCat. We will include all studies with human participants with a confirmed diagnosis of ERS. Articles will be screened in two stages (ie, initially by title and abstract screening and then full-text screening by two independent reviewers). Data extraction will be conducted using a customized electronic data extraction form. We will provide a narrative synthesis of the findings from the included studies. We will structure the results according to themes. RESULTS This protocol is registered with the Open Science Framework. The electronic search was conducted in July 2020 and updated in April 2021. The research findings will be published in an open access journal. CONCLUSIONS Dentists should be able to identify patients with clinical features of ERS so that they receive appropriate referrals for renal evaluation, genetic counseling, and oral rehabilitation to increase the patient’s quality of life. A scoping review is the most appropriate method to conduct this comprehensive exploration of the current evidence, which may be sparse due to the rarity of the condition. It will also enable us to identify gaps in the research. CLINICALTRIAL Open Science Framework; https://osf.io/cghsa INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/29702


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brad W. R. Roberts ◽  
Abdulrahman Al Bochi ◽  
Mark Weiler ◽  
Yashoda Sharma ◽  
Cesar Marquez-Chin ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Whether due to aging, disability, injury, or other circumstances, an increasing number of Canadians experience functional limitations that reduce their ability to participate in activities of daily life. While the built environment has become increasingly accessible, existing Canadian evacuation guidelines lack comprehensive strategies for evacuating individuals with functional limitations from buildings during emergencies. To inform guideline revisions, a map of existing solutions for evacuating such individuals is required. Therefore, this scoping review aims to provide an account of solutions that have been reported to safely evacuate individuals with functional limitations from the built environment. Methods We will conduct a scoping review using the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework. To identify potentially relevant studies, comprehensive searches (from January 2002 onwards) of the CINAHL, Ei Compendex, Inspec, Embase, MEDLINE, KCI, RSCI, SciELO CI, Web of Science Collection, and Scopus databases will be performed. Using a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers will independently (1) classify identified studies as relevant, irrelevant, or maybe relevant by evaluating their titles and abstracts and (2) classify the relevant and maybe relevant studies as included or excluded by evaluating their full-text. From each included study, data on publication information, study purpose, methodological details, evacuation information, and outcomes will be extracted using a set of data extraction items. We will present a numerical summary of the key characteristics of the included studies. For each evacuation activity, reported evacuation solutions will be summarized, and citations provided for functional limitations that are targeted by a given evacuation solution. To inform Canadian evacuation guideline revisions, we will tabulate evacuation activities common to different types of buildings and emergencies. Discussion To our knowledge, this will be the first scoping review to identify the state and use of solutions for evacuating individuals with functional limitations from the built environment. Identifying solutions that enable all individuals to safely evacuate from different types of buildings will allow us to inform recommendations for the revision of evacuation guidelines in Canada and other jurisdictions. The findings of this scoping review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, presented at relevant conferences, and made publicly available on the internet. Systematic review registration Open Science Framework: osf.io/jefgy


F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 1265
Author(s):  
Siti Fatimah Abdul Razak ◽  
Sumendra Yogarayan ◽  
Afizan Azman ◽  
Mohd Fikri Azli Abdullah ◽  
Anang Hudaya Muhamad Amin ◽  
...  

Background: V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) is a booming research field with a diverse set of services and applications. Most researchers rely on vehicular simulation tools to model traffic and road conditions and evaluate the performance of network protocols. We conducted a scoping review to consider simulators that have been reported in the literature based on successful implementation of V2V systems, tutorials, documentation, examples, and/or discussion groups. Methods: Simulators that have limited information were not included. The selected simulators are described individually and compared based on their requirements and features, i.e., origin, traffic model, scalability, and traffic features. This scoping review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The review considered only research published in English (in journals and conference papers) completed after 2015. Further, three reviewers initiated the data extraction phase to retrieve information from the published papers. Results: Most simulators can simulate system behaviour by modelling the events according to pre-defined scenarios. However, the main challenge faced is integrating the three components to simulate a road environment in either microscopic, macroscopic or mesoscopic models. These components include mobility generators, VANET simulators and network simulators. These simulators require the integration and synchronisation of the transportation domain and the communication domain. Simulation modelling can be run using a different types of simulators that are cost-effective and scalable for evaluating the performance of V2V systems in urban environments. In addition, we also considered the ability of the vehicular simulation tools to support wireless sensors. Conclusions: The outcome of this study may reduce the time required for other researchers to work on other applications involving V2V systems and as a reference for the study and development of new traffic simulators.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Maria König ◽  
Christiane Attig ◽  
Thomas Franke ◽  
Britta Renner

BACKGROUND Nutrition apps are a prototypical mobile health (mHealth) technology supporting healthy eating behavior that are seen as promising tools for health promotion by policy makers. Although nutrition apps are increasingly popular, wide-spread adoption is yet to be achieved. Hence, profound knowledge regarding factors motivating and hindering (long-term) nutrition app use is crucial for developing design guidelines aiming at supporting uptake and prolonged use of nutrition apps. OBJECTIVE In this scoping review, we synthesized the literature on barriers to and facilitators for nutrition app use across disciplines including empirical qualitative and quantitative studies with current users, ex-users, and/or non-users of nutrition apps. METHODS A systematic literature search including six databases as well as backward and forward citation search was conducted. Search strategy, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the planned data extraction process were preregistered. All empirical qualitative and quantitative studies published in German or English were eligible for inclusion if they examined adults or adolescents (aged 13 to 18) who were either current users, ex-users and/ or non-users of nutrition apps. Based on qualitative content analysis, extracted individual barriers and facilitators were grouped into categories. RESULTS Twenty-eight publications were identified as eligible. A framework with a three-level hierarchy was designed which grouped 326 individual barriers and facilitators into 21 sub-categories, twelve categories, and four clusters that focus on either the individual user (goals, goal attainment, goal abandonment, personal living conditions, lack of knowledge or skill, lack or loss of motivation, habit), different aspects of the app and the smartphone (features, usability of the app or food database, technical issues, data security, accuracy/trustworthiness, costs), positive and negative outcomes of nutrition app use, or interactions between the user and their social environment. CONCLUSIONS The resulting conceptual framework underlines a pronounced diversity of reasons for (not) using nutrition apps indicating that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach for uptake and prolonged use of nutrition aps. Hence, tailoring nutrition apps to needs of specific user groups seems promising for increasing engagement.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Karrer ◽  
Julian Hirt ◽  
Adelheid Zeller ◽  
Susi Saxer

Abstract Background The implementation of evidence-based interventions for people with dementia is complex and challenging. However, successful implementation might be a key element to ensure evidence-based practice and high quality of care. There is a need to improve implementation processes in dementia care by better understanding the arising challenges. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify recent knowledge concerning barriers and facilitators to implementing nurse-led interventions in dementia care. Methods We performed a scoping review using the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley. Studies explicitly reporting on the implementation process and factors influencing the implementation of a nurse-led intervention in dementia care in all settings were included. We searched eight databases from January 2015 until January 2019. Two authors independently selected the studies. For data analysis, we used an inductive approach to build domains and categories. Results We included 26 studies in the review and identified barriers as well as facilitators in five domains: policy (e.g. financing issues, health insurance), organisation (e.g. organisational culture and vision, resources, management support), intervention/implementation (e.g. complexity of the intervention, perceived value of the intervention), staff (e.g. knowledge, experience and skills, attitude towards the intervention), and person with dementia/family (e.g. nature and stage of dementia, response of persons with dementia and their families). Conclusions Besides general influencing factors for implementing nursing interventions, we identified dementia-specific factors reaching beyond already known barriers and facilitators. A pre-existing person-centred culture of care as well as consistent team cultures and attitudes have a facilitating effect on implementation processes. Furthermore, there is a need for interventions that are highly flexible and sensitive to patients’ condition, needs and behaviour.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imaan Amina Roomaney ◽  
Salma Kabbashi ◽  
Manogari Chetty

Abstract Background: Enamel Renal Syndrome (ERS) (OMIM # 204690) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), failed tooth eruption, intra-pulpal calcifications, gingival enlargement and nephrocalcinosis. The rarity of the condition and the variability of the phenotype has led to ERS not being fully characterized. This scoping review aims to account for the range and current state of knowledge on ERS and synthesize these findings into a comprehensive summary, focusing on the pathophysiology, genotype-phenotype correlations and patient management from a dental perspective.Methods: The authors will conduct a systematic search of PubMed (MEDLINE), BioMed Central, EbscoHost Web, Web of Science and WorldCat. We will include all studies with human participants with a confirmed diagnosis of ERS. Articles will be screened in two stages i.e. initially by title and abstract screening and then full-text screening by two independent reviewers. Data extraction will be conducted using a customised electronic data extraction form. We will provide a narrative synthesis of the findings from the included studies. We will structure the results according to themes.Discussion: Dentists should be able to identify patients with clinical features of ERS so that they receive appropriate referrals for renal evaluation, genetic counselling and oral rehabilitation to increase the patient’s quality of life. A scoping review is the most appropriate method to conduct this comprehensive exploration of the current evidence which may be sparse due to the rarity of the condition. It will also enable us to identify gaps in the research.Registration: This study is registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF) (https://osf.io/cghsa).


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salima S. Mithani ◽  
A. Brianne Bota ◽  
David T. Zhu ◽  
Kumanan Wilson

Abstract Background: Globally, measures such as lockdown, quarantining, and physical distancing have been implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19. As the vaccines are now available and reintegration into the society is beginning, measures such as vaccine certificates are being implemented around the world. Objective: The objective of the scoping review is to identify the initial digital solutions available globally for COVID-19 vaccine certificates and evaluate them on the basis of purpose and use case, technological architecture, and ethical and legal implications. Methods: We conducted a Google search on November 18 and 19, 2020 as well as a search of Embase on November 26, 2020, Ovid MEDLINE and preprint servers (MedRXIV, BioRXIV). The search terms used were “coronavirus”, “COVID-19”, “SARS COV2”, “immunization passport”, “immunization certificate”, “vaccine certificate”, “vaccination certificate” and “digital”. Articles were included for review if they included any discussion of a digital solution for vaccine certificates and English language. Data was extracted using an electronic data extraction form and included date, location, type of article, source, companies identified, technology used, type of evidence provided, digital architecture, security and privacy measures, and use cases. The articles were categorized based on the following six pre-identified themes: 1) legal, 2) technology, 3) ethics, 4) travel, 5) policy, and 6) science. Results: A total of 70 articles were included in the final analysis. Technology emerged as the most dominant theme, appearing in 58.5% (n=41) articles followed by ethics (n=22, 31%), travel (n=21, 30%), legal concerns (n=10, 14%), public policy (n=9, 13%), and scientific concerns (n=1, 1.5%. Our review identified 8 global solutions that are working towards COVID-19 vaccine certificate, all optimizing blockchain technology. COVID-19 vaccine certificates are being considered in 13 countries and are in place in 3 countries. All the solutions we identified are using blockchain technology.Conclusion: Several countries have implemented or are considering COVID-19 vaccine certificates. Many issues concerning the themes we identified remain to be addressed to facilitate successful implementation.


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