scholarly journals Short-term, medium-term and long-term effects of early parenting interventions in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. e004067
Author(s):  
Joshua Jeong ◽  
Helen O Pitchik ◽  
Günther Fink

IntroductionParenting interventions during early childhood are known to improve various child development outcomes immediately following programme implementation. However, less is known about whether these initial benefits are sustained over time.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature review of parenting interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that were delivered during the first 3 years of life and had completed a follow-up evaluation of the intervention cohort at least 1 year after the primary postintervention endpoint. We summarized intervention effects over time by child-level and parent-level outcomes as well as by timing of follow-up rounds in the short-term (1–3 years after programme completion), medium-term (4–9 years), and long-term (10+ years). We also conducted exploratory meta-analyses to compare effects on children’s cognitive and behavioral development by these subgroups of follow-up rounds.ResultsWe identified 24 articles reporting on seven randomised controlled trials of parenting interventions delivered during early childhood that had at least one follow-up study in seven LMICs. The majority of follow-up studies were in the short-term. Three trials conducted a medium-term follow-up evaluation, and only two trials conducted a long-term follow-up evaluation. Although trials consistently supported wide-ranging benefits on early child development outcomes immediately after programme completion, results revealed a general fading of effects on children’s outcomes over time. Short-term effects were mixed, and medium-term and long-term effects were largely inconclusive. The exploratory meta-analysis on cognitive development found that pooled effects were significant at postintervention and in the short-term (albeit smaller in magnitude), but the effects were not significant in the medium-term and long-term. For behavioural development, the effects were consistently null over time.ConclusionsThere have been few longer-term follow-up studies of early parenting interventions in LMICs. Greater investments in longitudinal intervention cohorts are needed in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of parenting interventions over the life course and to improve the design of future interventions so they can have greater potential for achieving and sustaining programme benefits over time.

Field Methods ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-57
Author(s):  
Mufaro Kanyangarara ◽  
Laetitia Douillot ◽  
Gilles Pison ◽  
Cheikh Tidiane Ndiaye ◽  
Valerie Delaunay ◽  
...  

Migration of participants in demographic and epidemiological studies results in missing data. One approach to reduce resulting losses in statistical power and potential biases is to follow up migrants at their new residence. We describe the follow-up of migrants who were eligible for participation in a trial of a new questionnaire to measure adult mortality in Niakhar, Senegal. We conducted a short inquiry in the migrant’s last known household to obtain contact information and then attempted to contact and interview 661 migrants who resided in Dakar, Mbour, and rural areas close to Niakhar. About two-thirds of migrants were successfully enrolled in the study. Having a contact phone number and knowing the name of the head of compound at destination increased the likelihood of successful enrollment. Following up migrants in demographic studies is feasible in low- and middle-income countries, including long-term migrants who have not been contacted for extended periods of time.


Author(s):  
Linda Mason ◽  
Elizabeth Nyothach ◽  
Anna Maria Van Eijk ◽  
David Obor ◽  
Kelly T. Alexander ◽  
...  

Background: Girls in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) lack access to hygienic and affordable menstrual products. We explore Kenyan schoolgirls’ use and views of the cup compared to girls provided with disposable sanitary pads for a feasibility study.Methods: Schoolgirls aged 14-16 years, received a menstrual cup in 10 schools or 16 pads/month in another10 schools. All were trained by nurses on puberty, hand washing, and product use. They self-completed a net book survey at baseline and twice a term during a year follow-up. We examined their reported ease of insertion and removal, also comfort, soreness, and pain with product use. An aggregate ‘acceptability’ score was compiled for each product and girls’ socio-demographic and menstrual characteristics were compared.Results: 195 participants received cups and 255 pads. Mean age was 14.6 years, menarchial age was 13.6 years, with an average 3.8 days menses per month. Cup use was 39% in month 1, rising to 80% by month 12 (linear trend p<0.001). Pad use rose from 85% to 92% (linear trend p=0.15). Measures of cup acceptability demonstrated girls had initial problems using the cup but reported difficulties with insertion, removal and comfort reduced over time. Girls using pads reported fewer acceptability issues. At baseline, approximately a quarter of girls in the pad arm reported inserting pads intravaginally although this was significantly lower among girls with prior experience of pad use (aRR 0.62; 0.45-0.87).Conclusions: While a smaller proportion of girls provided with cups used them in the first months compared to girls given pads, reported use was similar by study-end, and early acceptability issues reduced over time. Girls in LMIC may successfully and comfortably use cups, but require instruction, support and some persistence.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 33-33
Author(s):  
Clarissa Giebel ◽  
Bwire Ivan ◽  
Maria Isabel Zuluaga ◽  
Suresh Kumar ◽  
Mark Gabbay ◽  
...  

Background:The pandemic has put a huge strain on people’s mental health, with varying restrictions affecting people’s lives. Little is known how the pandemic affects older adults’ mental health, particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where restrictions are affecting people’s access to basic necessities. Thus, the aim of this 3-country study was to understand the long- term impacts of the pandemic on the mental well-being of older adults with and without dementia in LMICs.Methods:We are collecting 30 baseline and 15 follow-up interviews with older adults (aged 60+), people with dementia, and family carers in Colombia, India, and Uganda, as well as a baseline and follow-up focus group with health and social are professionals in each country. Interviews are conducted remotely over the phone due to pandemic restrictions, with data collection taking place between March and July 2021. Transcripts are translated into English before being analysed using thematic analysis.Results:To date, we have completed close to 90 baseline interviews and 3 focus groups with health and social care professionals. Analysis is ongoing, but findings are capturing the detrimental second wave in India and follow-up interviews will capture the longitudinal impacts on mental health.Conclusions:Whilst vaccines are starting to be rolled out in LMICs, albeit at different rates, the virus will likely take much longer to be somewhat managed in LMICs. This leaves more room for people’s physical as well as mental health to be impacted by the restrictions, and with often limited mental health service coverage, it is all the more important o understand the impact of the pandemic on older people’s mental health.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. e001475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrianna Murphy ◽  
Catherine McGowan ◽  
Martin McKee ◽  
Marc Suhrcke ◽  
Kara Hanson

BackgroundExperiencing illness in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) can incur very high out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for healthcare and, while the existing literature typically focuses on levels of expenditure, it rarely examines what happens when households do not have the necessary money. Some will adopt one or more ‘coping strategies’, such as borrowing money, perhaps at exorbitant interest rates, or selling assets, some necessary for their future income, with detrimental long-term effects. This is particularly relevant for chronic illnesses that require consistent, long-term OOP payments. We systematically review the literature on strategies for financing OOP costs of chronic illnesses in LMICs, their correlates and their impacts on households.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EconLit, EMBASE, Global Health and Scopus on 22 October 2018 for literature published on or after 1 January 2000. We included qualitative or quantitative studies describing at least one coping strategy for chronic illness OOP payments in a LMIC context. Our narrative review follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines.ResultsForty-seven papers were included. Studies identified coping strategies for chronic illness costs that are not traditionally addressed in financial risk protection research (eg, taking children out of school, sending them to work, reducing expenditure on food or education, quitting work to give care). Twenty studies reported socioeconomic or other correlates of coping strategies, with poorer households and those with more advanced disease more vulnerable to detrimental strategies. Only six studies (three cross-sectional and three qualitative) included evidence of impacts of coping strategies on households, including increased labour to repay debts and discontinuing treatment.ConclusionsMonitoring of financial risk protection provides an incomplete picture if it fails to capture the effect of coping strategies. This will require qualitative and longitudinal research to understand the long-term effects, especially those associated with chronic illness in LMICs.


1991 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 96 ◽  
Author(s):  
GJ Mutze

Warren ripping and poisoning were used to control rabbits on the flood-out plain of a major creek system on Manunda Station, a sheep-grazing property near Yunta in semi-arid South Australia. Rabbit numbers were initially reduced by >99 per cent, as indicated by the number of active entrances remaining in rabbit warrens. After nearly 10 years without follow-up control work, ripped warrens had only two per cent of the pre-control number of active entrances. Poisoning effectively reduced rabbit numbers in the short-term, but had no long-term effect on the number of active entrances, either in ripped or unripped warrens. Perennial shrubs regenerated on and around ripped warrens. Warren ripping on this part of Manunda is a cost-effective management option.


2012 ◽  
Vol 147 (5) ◽  
pp. 817-825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhe Peng ◽  
Xiu-Qi Chen ◽  
Shu-Sheng Gong

Objective This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment for chronic tinnitus. Data Sources Relevant electronic databases and a reference list of articles published up to January 2012 were searched. Randomized controlled clinical trials of all types of rTMS treatment for patients with chronic tinnitus were included. Review Methods A literature search was conducted with structured criteria to select studies evaluated for systematic review. Results Five trials (160 participants) were included in this review. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment showed benefits in the short term, but the long-term effects are questionable. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the visual analog scale (VAS) were the major assessment methods used. After active TMS stimulation, the reduction in the THI total score and VAS was significant compared with baseline at the first time point assessed and in the short term (2 weeks and 4 weeks). The longest follow-up time was 26 weeks after treatment, and the shortest follow-up time was 2 weeks. No severe side effects were reported from the use of rTMS. Differences in age, hearing level, duration of tinnitus of the included patients, and the condition of sham treatment may influence the effect. Conclusion Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation could be a new therapeutic tool for the treatment of chronic tinnitus, and thus far we have not been able to demonstrate any substantial risk from rTMS treatment. However, the long-term effects of rTMS treatment for tinnitus are not clear and will require further study.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 192
Author(s):  
Heather Coates

Objective – To determine the effects over time of a 3-credit semester-long undergraduate information literacy course on student perception and use of the library web portal. Design – Mixed methods, including a longitudinal survey and in-person interviews. Setting – Information literacy course at a comprehensive public research institution in the northeastern United States of America. Subjects – Undergraduates at all levels enrolled in a 3-credit general elective information literacy course titled “The Internet and Information Access.” Methods – A longitudinal survey was conducted by administering a questionnaire to students at three different points in time: prior to instruction, near the end of the course (after receiving instruction on the library portal), and three months after the course ended, during the academic year 2011-2012. The survey was created by borrowing questions from several existing instruments. It was tested and refined through pre-pilot and pilot studies conducted in the 2010-2011 academic year, for which results are reported. Participation was voluntary, though students were incentivized to participate through extra credit for completing the pre- and post-instruction questionnaire, and a monetary reward for completing the follow-up questionnaire. Interviews were conducted with a subset of 14 participants at a fourth point in time. Main Results – 239 of the 376 (63.6%) students enrolled in the course completed the pre- and post-instruction questionnaire. Fewer than half of those participants (111 or 30% of students enrolled) completed the follow-up questionnaire. Participants were primarily sophomores and juniors (32% each), with approximately one-quarter (26%) freshman, and only 10% seniors. Student majors were concentrated in the social sciences (62%), with fewer students from science and technology (13%), business (13%), and the humanities (9%). The 14 participants interviewed were drawn from both high- and low-use students. Overall, the course had a positive effect on students’ perception of usefulness (PU) and ease of use (PEOU), as well as usage of the library portal. This included significant positive changes in perceived ease of use and information quality in the short-term (from pre-instruction to post-instruction). The results were mixed for perceived usefulness and system quality. Though there was mixed long-term impact on usage, the course does not appear to have had a long-term effect on PU and PEOU. The interview participants were asked questions to explore why and how they used the library portal, and revealed that both high- and low-use students used the library portal for similar reasons: to find information for research papers or projects, to search the library catalogue for books, and in response to a mandate or encouragement from instructors. Conclusion – The study supports the theory that an information literacy course could change student perception and use of the library portal in the short-term. Replicating this design in other settings could provide a systematic approach for assessing whether information literacy courses address learning outcomes over time. A longitudinal approach could be useful for comparing proficiency and information behaviors of those who take information literacy courses with those who do not.


2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (05) ◽  
pp. 399-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Sajik ◽  
M. Farrell ◽  
N. Fitzpatrick

SummaryObjective: To describe the surgical technique for pantarsal arthrodesis (PTA) in cats according to the principles of percutaneous plate arthrodesis with application of a pre-contoured dorsal plate, without external coaptation and to report the long-term clinical outcome.Materials and methods: Retrospective review was performed of all cats treated by percutaneous plate application using a new pre-contoured dorsal plate for PTA between 2008 and 2011. Inclusion criteria were clinical and radiographic records plus clinical follow-up to at least six weeks. Data recorded included signalment, indication for surgery, postoperative care, and complications encountered. Radiographs were assessed for arthrodesis progression and complications. Outcome was assessed using an owner questionnaire.Results: Eleven cats were treated for tarsal injuries and met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 86 ± 45 months, weight 4.50 ± 0.92 kg. The only major short-term complication encountered was wound dehiscence requiring sedation and re-suturing. In the medium-term (23.3 months ± 11.6 months) eight out of nine cats returned to normal activity and one cat showed intermittent lameness. Long-term (34.3 months ±17.5 months) radiographic evaluation was performed in seven out of nine cats; six manifested complete arthrodesis and one sustained plate breakage. Based on owner questionnaire, all nine cats returned to normal activity in the long-term, even the case with plate breakage.Conclusion: Based on our results, PTA using a custom pre-contoured dorsal plate is a suitable salvage surgery for treatment of severe tarsal injuries in cats.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 829.2-830
Author(s):  
A. Najm ◽  
A. Alunno ◽  
C. Weill ◽  
J. Gwinnutt ◽  
F. Berenbaum

Background:Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a frequent degenerative disease representing an important health and economic burden. Symptomatic medical treatments available include intra-articular (IA) injections of corticosteroids (GC) but their efficacy is debated. In addition, safety signals regarding cartilage damage with IA GC have been highlighted in a few studies.Objectives:To perform a meta-analysis of studies assessing IA GC efficacy and safety in knee OA.Methods:A systematic literature review and a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of GC IA injections versus other interventions (IA Hyaluronic Acid, IA placebo, IA NSAID, oral NSAID or physiotherapy) in knee OA was performed. The effect of the interventions on pain and function were extracted from the single studies and pooled and are presented as short term (<6weeks), medium term (6-24 weeks) and long term (>24 weeks) follow-up period. Standardized mean differences (SMD) are reported.Results:Of 520 studies screened, 23 were included in the SLR and 14 subsequently included in the MA. While IA GC showed a superior effect compared to control on both pain (SMD -0.61 (95% CI -1,25, 0.03)) and function (SMD -1.02 (95% CI -2.14, 0.10)) in short term follow-up; long term follow-up analysis favored controls (IA HA, IA NSAID, physiotherapy) for both pain (SMD 0.68 (95% CI -0.11, 1.47)) and function (SMD 0.88 (95% CI -0.36, 2.12) outcomes (Figure 1). No difference was found between interventions in the medium term. Safety data were reported in 18/23 studies (n= 1936/2314 patients); and side effects were reported as follows: arthralgia (69 IA GC patients, 146 IA HA patients, and 20 saline patients); site injection pain (7 in the IA GC group, 2 in the IA saline group, 14 in the IA HA group); 16 post injection knee swelling without signs of septic arthritis in the IA GC group and 24 in the IA HA group. In one study assessing cartilage effects of GCs, the rate of cartilage loss was greater in the GC group with a reduction of cartilage thickness at 2 year compared to placebo group. No difference was observed in the progression of cartilage denudation or bone marrow lesion. On the contrary, another study showed no effect of injections on the cartilage structure.Conclusion:We demonstrate in this work that IA GC injections reduce pain and improve function in the early phase (≤6 weeks) of treatment. In the long term (≥24 weeks), other intervention such as IA HA injections or physiotherapy seem to be more efficient, but this effect was largely driven by single studies with large effect sizes and the comparators were heterogeneous.Figure 1.Knee pain outcome at short term (≤6weeks) (A), medium term (>6 & <24 weeks) (B), and long term (≥24 weeks) (C) follow up.Disclosure of Interests:None declared.


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