First snap-shot meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of serum antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in humans

Background: COVID-19 is arguably the number-one public health concern worldwide, and efforts are now escalating to control its spread. Objective: In this study, we undertake a meta-analysis to estimate the global and regional anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rates in humans and assess whether seroprevalence associates with geographical, climatic and socio-demographic factors. Data sources: We systematically reviewed PubMed, Scopus, Embase, medRxiv and bioRxiv for peer-reviewed articles or preprints (up to 14 August 2020). Study eligibility criteria: Population-based studies describing prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 serum antibodies in general people. Participants: general people who were tested for prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 serum antibodies. Interventions: There were no interventions. Methods: We used random-effects model to estimate pooled seroprevalence, and then extrapolated these findings to the global population (for 2020). Sub-group and meta-regression analyses explored potential sources of heterogeneity in the data and relationships between seroprevalence and socio-demographic, geographical and climatic factors. Results: In total, 47 serological studies involving 399,265 people from 23 countries met the inclusion criteria. The pooled seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in general people was estimated at 3.38% (95% CI, 3.05%-3.72%; 15,879/399,265). On a regional basis, we determined seroprevalence estimates of 5.27% (3.97-6.57%) in Northern Europe; 4.41% (2.20-6.61%) in Southern Europe; 4.41% (3.03-5.79%) in North America; 3.17% (1.96-4.38%) in Western Europe; 2.02% (1.56-2.49%) in the Eastern Asia; and 1.45% (0.95-1.94%) in South America. Extrapolating to the 2020 world population, we estimated that 263,565,606 individuals had been exposed or infected with SARS-CoV-2 at the first wave of the pandemic. A significantly higher seroprevalence was related to higher income levels and human development indices, higher geographical latitudes and lower mean environmental temperatures. Interpretation This study reinforces that SARS-CoV-2 infection is a very rapidly-spreading communicable disease and calls for routine surveys to constantly monitor temporal changes in seroprevalence around the globe.

Download Full-text

Prevalence of myopic macular degeneration worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis

British Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1136/bjophthalmol-2019-315298 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 104 (12) ◽

pp. 1748-1754

Author(s):

Minjie Zou ◽

Shibin Wang ◽

Aiming Chen ◽

Zhenzhen Liu ◽

Charlotte Aimee Young ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Macular Degeneration ◽

Subgroup Analysis ◽

Axial Length ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Population Based ◽

Urban Life ◽

Health Concern ◽

World Population ◽

Pooled Prevalence

PurposeTo investigate the prevalence of myopic macular degeneration (MMD) in the global population.MethodsAll published literature of population-based studies on MMD prevalence worldwide were searched and only those with clear definitions to diagnose and classify MMD lesions by standardised grading methods were selected. Meta-analysis methods were used to calculate the pooled prevalence of MMD and its 95% CI in a random-effects model. The prevalence of MMD lesions would also be reported, together with the subgroup analysis of age, region and gender. Correlation between MMD prevalence and spherical equivalent levels and axial length were also evaluated.Results12 studies with 58 558 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of MMD in the world population was 2.1% (95% CI: 1.3% to 3.3%). In the subgroup analysis, people with the following characteristics were at higher risk of developing MMD: female, urban life, living in Asia, older age, longer axial length and severer myopia.ConclusionsMMD is a serious public health concern worldwide, particularly in subjects who are women, subjects living in urban areas, subjects living in Asia, and subjects with longer axial lengths and severer myopia. Further studies from other continents/ethnicities are needed for comprehensive estimates of the prevalence of MMD globally.

Download Full-text

The association between depression and later educational attainment in children and adolescents: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031595 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. e031595 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Alice Wickersham ◽

Sophie Epstein ◽

Holly Victoria Rose Sugg ◽

Robert Stewart ◽

Tamsin Ford ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Educational Attainment ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Field Studies ◽

Health Concern ◽

Published Data ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽

Date Estimate

IntroductionDepression represents a major public health concern for children and adolescents, and is thought to negatively impact subsequent educational attainment. However, the extent to which depression and educational attainment are directly associated, and whether other factors play a role, is uncertain. Therefore, we aim to systematically review the literature to provide an up-to-date estimate on the strength of this association, and to summarise potential mediators and moderators on the pathway between the two.Methods and analysisTo identify relevant studies, we will systematically search Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Education Resources Information Centre and British Education Index, manually search reference lists and contact experts in the field. Studies will be included if they investigate and report on the association between major depression diagnosis or depressive symptoms in children and adolescents aged 4–18 years (exposure) and later educational attainment (outcome). Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts and full texts according to eligibility criteria, perform data extraction and assess study quality according to a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. If sufficiently homogeneous studies are identified, summary effect estimates will be pooled in meta-analysis, with further tests for study heterogeneity, publication bias and the effects of moderators using meta-regression.Ethics and disseminationBecause this review will make use of already published data, ethical approval will not be sought. The review will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, presented at practitioner-facing conferences, and a lay summary will be written for non-scientific audiences such as parents, young people and teachers. The work will inform upcoming investigations on the association between child and adolescent mental health and educational attainment.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019123068

Download Full-text

Celiac Disease Screening in Southern and East Asia

Digestive Diseases ◽

10.1159/000369537 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

pp. 167-174 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Govind K. Makharia

Keyword(s):

Celiac Disease ◽

Western Europe ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Free Food ◽

Absolute Number ◽

Population Based ◽

Medical Community ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Global Epidemiology ◽

Uncommon Disease

Until 1970s, celiac disease (CD) was considered to be an uncommon disease except in Western Europe. The global epidemiology of CD continues to evolve with improvement in the diagnostic tests, simplification of the diagnostic criteria and increase in awareness about the disease. The Asian region is currently at the crossroads of the frontier of knowledge and awareness of CD. In many Asian nations, CD is still considered to be either nonexistent or very rare. A notable exception is India, where CD has been well recognized, especially in the northern part, and 2 population-based studies have revealed a prevalence of 0.3-1.04%. Initial reports from Malaysia, China, Japan and Singapore suggest the existence of CD in these countries. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of the predisposing factors predicts a high probability of occurrence of CD in fair numbers in China. There are no formal reports on CD from Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan and many other nations in this region. With the impending CD epidemic in Asia, there are many challenges. Some of the efforts which are required include determination of prevalence of CD across the region, spreading of awareness among physicians and patients, training of dieticians for proper counseling and supervision of patients, creation of gluten-free food infrastructure in the food supply and creation of patient advocacy organizations. Although the absolute number of patients with CD at present is not very large, this number is expected to increase over the next few years/decades. It is thus appropriate that the medical community across Asia define the extent of the problem and get prepared to handle the impending CD epidemic.

Download Full-text

Are normoglycaemic individuals at risk of depression? The depression-dysglycaemic phenotype from a European population-based cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.2.19240/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Cuschieri ◽

Julian Mamo

Keyword(s):

Communicable Disease ◽

Population Level ◽

Female Gender ◽

Educational Status ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Concern ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of

Abstract Background Depression is an ever more common chronic non communicable disease and its control constitutes a growing public health concern given its links with a number of co-morbidities, including diabetes mellitus. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression at a population level across groups of different glycaemic status, whilst establishing its socioeconomic phenotypic characteristics.Methods A nationally representative cross-sectional study was conducted in Malta between 2014 and 2016. Participants were categorized into different sub-populations according to their glycaemic status. Depression prevalence rates and socio-economic characteristics for each sub-population were established. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify links with depression.Results Depression was prevalent in 17.15% (CI 95%: 16.01 – 18.36) with a female predominance. The normoglycaemic sub-population had the highest depression rates. However, persons with known diabetes had a higher probability of having a history of depression (OR:2.36 CI 95%:1.12 – 4.96), as well as with being of the female gender, having lower educational status, having a history of smoking tobacco and having established cardiovascular disease.Conclusions Depression was highly prevalent among the normoglycaemic population especially as age progress. Physicians in primary care should implement a depression screening tool as part of their routine health check-ups, with special attention to those with cardiovascular co-morbidities and any signs of psycho-socio-economic burden.

Download Full-text

Population-based Study of Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma in the South Region of Portugal: Epidemiological and Clinical Characterization (2016-2017)

10.21203/rs.3.rs-723918/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Filipa Alves da Costa ◽

Catarina Bernardo ◽

Fábio Cardoso Borges ◽

Adriana Ramos ◽

Ana Costa Miranda

Keyword(s):

Survival Rate ◽

Malignant Melanoma ◽

Incidence Rate ◽

Population Based ◽

Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma ◽

World Population ◽

Health Campaigns ◽

The South ◽

Portuguese Population ◽

Eligibility Criteria

Abstract An historical population-based cohort study was conducted aiming to estimate the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma in the South Region of Portugal between Jan 2016 and June 2017; to clinically characterize the diagnosed individuals; to describe instituted treatment; and to estimate survival outcomes. Data were extracted from a cancer registry (ROR-Sul) covering 4 800 000 inhabitants (46% of the Portuguese population) and included a total of 789 individuals meeting eligibility criteria. The cumulative incidence rate (18 months) of melanoma was 13.36/100,000 inhabitants and the Age-Standardized Incidence Rate per 100,000 World population was 8.43/100,000 inhabitants. The most common histological subtypes identified were superficial extension, followed by malignant melanoma and nodular melanoma. Most cases were diagnosed in stage I (50.39%), equally distributed by sex and with a median age of 65 years. During the study period, 174 recurrence events were recorded (23.45%) and recurrence-free survival rate was significantly lower in more advanced stages. Patients had a two-fold risk of recurrence/death when in presence of ulcerated tumors [adjusted hazard ratio (adj HR) = 2.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40–3.70]. Overall survival rate at 3-years was 80.54% (77.58–83.15) and survival was considerably higher for individuals diagnosed at earlier stages. The epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of malignant melanoma patients studied are consistent with international literature. Treatment instituted by Portuguese clinicians is aligned with evidence-based guidelines published. The increase in the incidence rate observed suggests additional public health campaigns are needed to modify behaviours of the Portuguese population and thus reduce their risk.

Download Full-text

Prevalence Of Vitamin B Complex Deficiencies In Women In Reproductive Age, Pregnant Or Lactating Woman In Brazil: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Protocol

10.21203/rs.3.rs-340975/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Michel Carlos Mocellin ◽

Cintia Chaves Curioni ◽

Alessandra da Silva Pereira ◽

Simone Augusta Ribas ◽

Michelle Teixeira Teixeira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Population Based ◽

B Vitamins ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Vitamin B ◽

Prevalence Rates ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Complex B vitamin deficiency are involved with several outcomes in fertility and pregnancy. In Brazil, the national prevalence rates of these micronutrients deficiencies in women at reproductive age was not known. Therefore, this study aims to systematically identify, select, evaluate, analyze and report the prevalence rates of complex B vitamins deficiencies in women at reproductive age in Brazil, and identify variables that may modify the outcome rates.Methods: A systematic review will be conducted guided by the following question: “What is the prevalence of vitamin B complex deficiencies in women at reproductive age in Brazil?”. The studies will be identified and selected from a literature search using electronic databases, consultation to researchers/specialists, as well as reference lists of eligible studies and reviews on the topic. Major eligibility criteria include observational cross-sectional and cohort studies performed in women with 10-49 years old from Brazil; pregnant and lactating mothers; and which that investigated the deficiency of complex B vitamins by laboratorial test. Two reviewers independently will perform the screening and selection of studies, to subsequently perform data extraction and risk assessment of bias. For data report, a narrative approach will be used to summarize the characteristics of the included studies and the individual prevalence found for each micronutrient tested, and if the studies are sufficiently homogeneous, a quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis) will be performed.Discussion: Identify the national and regional prevalence rates of complex B vitamins deficiencies allow the policy makers discuss, plan and implement public policy to prevent and/or reduces the rates, if they are larger, or at least highlight discussions about a program of screening the vitamins deficiencies in this specific population for to know the epidemiologic scenario among the years, serving as an indirect indicator of the socioeconomic and dietary patterns of this population. Also, specifically for folates, this study allows to compare the prevalence rates of deficiency of this vitamin before and after the mandatory fortification of wheat and corn flours implemented since 2004. Nevertheless, the evidence gathered may highlight the need for population-based studies to investigate the deficiency of these vitamins.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020188474

Download Full-text

Association between the dispositional optimism and depression in young people: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica ◽

10.1186/s41155-021-00202-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Fabio Alexis Rincón Uribe ◽

Silvia Botelho de Oliveira ◽

Amauri Gouveia Junior ◽

Janari da Silva Pedroso

Keyword(s):

Young People ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Dispositional Optimism ◽

Population Based ◽

Young Population ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Pubmed Central ◽

Effect Measure ◽

Potential Factors

AbstractThe objective of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of publications that reported the association between dispositional optimism and depression during youth, analyzing if the strength of this relationship varied according to potential factors. Systematic searches were carried out in APA PsycNet, Virtual Health Library, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed Central, and Scopus to collect English, Portuguese, or Spanish studies from 2009 onwards. Two reviewers selected the eligible articles, assessed the quality of each study, and extracted the data. For the synthesis of the results, a meta-analytic approach was used. We identified 4077 publications in the initial searches and 22 in the supplementary searches, from which 31 studies remained for analysis once the eligibility criteria were applied. The results showed a statistically significant negative association between dispositional optimism and depression in the young population, age being a factor that modifies the effect measure between these variables. This meta-analysis provides a consistent and robust synthesis on the interaction effect between dispositional optimism and depression in the young population. Based on these findings, early clinical admissions may effectively improve optimistic tendencies in young people, which could help them prevent depressive symptoms or episodes.

Download Full-text

Which Non-Pharmaceutical Primary Care Interventions Reduce Inequalities in Common Mental Health Disorders? A Protocol for a Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Studies

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182412978 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (24) ◽

pp. 12978

Author(s):

Louise Tanner ◽

Sarah Sowden ◽

Madeleine Still ◽

Katie Thomson ◽

Clare Bambra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Primary Care ◽

Social Inequalities ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mental Health Disorders ◽

Health Concern ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Psychological Therapies ◽

Health Disorders

Common mental health disorders (CMDs) represent a major public health concern and are particularly prevalent in people experiencing disadvantage or marginalisation. Primary care is the first point of contact for people with CMDs. Pharmaceutical interventions, such as antidepressants, are commonly used in the treatment of CMDs; however, there is concern that these treatments are over-prescribed and ineffective for treating mental distress related to social conditions. Non-pharmaceutical primary care interventions, such as psychological therapies and “social prescribing”, provide alternatives for CMDs. Little is known, however, about which such interventions reduce social inequalities in CMD-related outcomes, and which may, unintentionally, increase them. The aim of this protocol (PROSPERO registration number CRD42021281166) is to describe how we will undertake a systematic review to assess the effects of non-pharmaceutical primary care interventions on CMD-related outcomes and social inequalities. A systematic review of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods primary studies will be undertaken and reported according to the PRISMA-Equity guidance. The following databases will be searched: Assia, CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycInfo and Scopus. Retrieved records will be screened according to pre-defined eligibility criteria and synthesised using a narrative approach, with meta-analysis if feasible. The findings of this review will guide efforts to commission more equitable mental health services.

Download Full-text

Personal and Social Consequences of Psychotropic Substance Use: A Population-Based Internet Survey

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina58010065 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 58 (1) ◽

pp. 65

Author(s):

María Luisa Ballestar-Tarín ◽

Vanessa Ibáñez-del-Valle ◽

Omar Cauli ◽

Rut Navarro-Martínez

Keyword(s):

Drug Abuse ◽

Online Survey ◽

Age Groups ◽

Population Based ◽

Social Consequences ◽

Internet Survey ◽

Health Concern ◽

Personal Consequences ◽

Socio Demographic Factors ◽

New Variables

Background and objectives: Drug abuse has become a major worldwide health concern among all age groups. The present study analyses substance misuse and its social and personal consequences using a population-based internet survey in Spain. Materials and Methods: Screening for drug abuse (of alcohol, marijuana/hashish and psychostimulants) and its related risks and problems was performed using the Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble (CRAFFT) score. Socio-demographic factors, depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms as well as health habits were also evaluated. We used Linear regression methods to compare each variable’s individual contribution so as to determine which one best explains the results. Results: In this population-based study, 1224 people completed and returned the online survey. Of all participants, 57% reported consuming at least one substance based on the CRAFFT scale. While increasing age reduces the probability of personal and social consequences of consumption, people who smoke receive up to three times more (OR = 3.370) recommendations from family and friends to reduce their consumption. As for the type of substance, the consumption of marijuana increases the risk of forgetting (OR = 2.33) and the consumption of other psychostimulant substances almost triples the risk of consuming alone (OR = 2.965). Combining substances can increase the rate of driving a vehicle after consumption by 3.4 times. Conclusions: Although age, smoking and the type of substances used increase the risk of suffering from social and personal consequences of the use or abuse of substances, future studies are needed to determine the influence of new variables as a potential tool for treating and minimizing the adverse consequences of drug abuse.

Download Full-text

New Paradigm of COVID-19 with Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Brief Review

European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences ◽

10.24018/ejmed.2020.2.6.621 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (6) ◽

Author(s):

. Selvina

Keyword(s):

Infectious Diseases ◽

Communicable Disease ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Health Concern ◽

Single Infection ◽

Clinical Aspects ◽

World Population ◽

New Paradigm ◽

Comprehensive Overview ◽

Double Burden

The global threat of respiratory infectious diseases is constantly evolving among the world population. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a novel member of the respiratory virus causing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an emerging disease characterized with pneumonia-like symptoms. Since it has been established as a worldwide pandemic, the cases of coronavirus infection are still growing and remain a global health concern. Meanwhile, tuberculosis also remains a great contributor to chronic respiratory communicable disease with cases still developing relentlessly. In a person manifested with chronic tuberculosis, co-infection of COVID-19 may occur and causes more severe clinical manifestations than tuberculosis single infection. On the other hand, it is also possible for people who have COVID-19 to be infected with new tuberculosis infection, especially if the individual lives in a developing country that tends to be tuberculosis endemic. Therefore, these two respiratory infections have become a worldwide double burden. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the new paradigm regarding these two worldwide emerging infectious diseases to provide a good understanding of their clinical aspects and to achieve the best possible future outcomes.

Download Full-text