scholarly journals Delivering nutrition interventions to women and children in conflict settings: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. e004897
Author(s):  
Shailja Shah ◽  
Zahra Ali Padhani ◽  
Daina Als ◽  
Mariella Munyuzangabo ◽  
Michelle F Gaffey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Nutrition Interventions ◽  
African Region ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Conflict Settings ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Women And Children

BackgroundLow/middle-income countries (LMICs) face triple burden of malnutrition associated with infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases. This review aims to synthesise the available data on the delivery, coverage, and effectiveness of the nutrition programmes for conflict affected women and children living in LMICs.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases and grey literature using terms related to conflict, population, and nutrition. We searched studies on women and children receiving nutrition-specific interventions during or within five years of a conflict in LMICs. We extracted information on population, intervention, and delivery characteristics, as well as delivery barriers and facilitators. Data on intervention coverage and effectiveness were tabulated, but no meta-analysis was conducted.ResultsNinety-one pubblications met our inclusion criteria. Nearly half of the publications (n=43) included population of sub-Saharan Africa (n=31) followed by Middle East and North African region. Most publications (n=58) reported on interventions targeting children under 5 years of age, and pregnant and lactating women (n=27). General food distribution (n=34), micronutrient supplementation (n=27) and nutrition assessment (n=26) were the most frequently reported interventions, with most reporting on intervention delivery to refugee populations in camp settings (n=63) and using community-based approaches. Only eight studies reported on coverage and effectiveness of intervention. Key delivery facilitators included community advocacy and social mobilisation, effective monitoring and the integration of nutrition, and other sectoral interventions and services, and barriers included insufficient resources, nutritional commodity shortages, security concerns, poor reporting, limited cooperation, and difficulty accessing and following-up of beneficiaries.DiscussionDespite the focus on nutrition in conflict settings, our review highlights important information gaps. Moreover, there is very little information on coverage or effectiveness of nutrition interventions; more rigorous evaluation of effectiveness and delivery approaches is needed, including outside of camps and for preventive as well as curative nutrition interventions.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019125221.

scholarly journals Delivering water, sanitation and hygiene interventions to women and children in conflict settings: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. e002064
Author(s):  
Daina Als ◽  
Sarah Meteke ◽  
Marianne Stefopulos ◽  
Michelle F Gaffey ◽  
Mahdis Kamali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Intervention Delivery ◽  
Conflict Settings ◽  
Sanitation And Hygiene ◽  
Women And Children

BackgroundAccess to safe water and sanitation facilities and the adoption of effective hygiene practices are fundamental to reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortality globally. In armed conflict settings, inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure poses major health risks for women and children. This review aimed to synthesise the existing information on WASH interventions being delivered to women and children in conflict settings in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to identify the personnel, sites and platforms being used to deliver such interventions.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search for publications indexed in four databases, and grey literature was searched through the websites of humanitarian agencies and organisations. Eligible publications reported WASH interventions delivered to conflict-affected women or children. We extracted and synthesised information on intervention delivery characteristics, as well as barriers and facilitators.ResultsWe identified 58 eligible publications reporting on the delivery of WASH interventions, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)/United Nations (UN) agency staff were reported to be involved in delivering interventions in 62% of publications, with the most commonly reported delivery site being community spaces (50%). Only one publication reported quantitative data on intervention effectiveness among women or children.DiscussionThis review revealed gaps in the current evidence on WASH intervention delivery in conflict settings. Little information is available on the delivery of water treatment or environmental hygiene interventions, or about the sites and personnel used to deliver WASH interventions. Limited quantitative data on WASH intervention coverage or effectiveness with respect to women or children are important gaps, as multiple factors can affect how WASH services are accessed differently by women and men, and the hygiene needs of adolescent girls and boys differ; these factors must be taken into account when delivering interventions in conflict settings.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019125221

scholarly journals Do improved biomass cookstove interventions improve indoor air quality and blood pressure? A systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitya Kumar ◽  
Eunice Phillip ◽  
Helen Cooper ◽  
Megan Davis ◽  
Jessica Langevin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Fine Particulate Matter ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackgroundHousehold air pollution (HAP) kills 4 million annually, with access to clean cooking being a challenge for 37% of the world’s population. Whilst there have been advancements in improved biomass cookstove (ICS) technologies, reviews on the impact of these ICS on HAP are now more than three years old.ObjectivesThis review and meta-analysis examines the most recent evidence on the impact of ICS on HAP and blood pressure (BP).MethodsA literature search was conducted using scientific literature databases and grey literature. Studies were included if they were published between January 2012 and June 2020, reported impact of ICS interventions in non-pregnant adults in low/middle-income countries, and reported post-intervention results along with baseline of traditional cookstoves. Outcomes included 24- or 48-hour averages of kitchen area fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), mean systolic BP (SBP) and mean diastolic BP (DBP). Meta-analyses estimated weighted mean differences between baseline and post-intervention values for all outcome measures.ResultsNine studies were included; eight contributed estimates for HAP and three for BP. Interventions lead to significant reductions in PM2.5 (−0.28 mg/m3, 95% CI: -0.46, -0.10), CO (−6.59ppm, 95%CI: - 10.73, -2.46) and SBP (−2.82mmHg, 95% CI: -5.53, -0.11); and a non-significant reduction in DBP (−0.80 mmHg, 95%CI: -2.33, 0.73), when compared to baseline of traditional cookstoves. Except for DBP, greatest reductions in all outcomes came from standard combustion ICS with a chimney, compared to ICS without a chimney and advanced combustion ICS. WHO air quality targets were met by post-intervention values for CO but not for PM2.5.ConclusionOur review suggests that ICS with a chimney results in the greatest reductions in HAP and BP. Further research on qualitative impact of such ICS on end-users is required to understand feasibility of adoption at scale.

scholarly journals Delivering mental health and psychosocial support interventions to women and children in conflict settings: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. e002014
Author(s):  
Mahdis Kamali ◽  
Mariella Munyuzangabo ◽  
Fahad J Siddiqui ◽  
Michelle F Gaffey ◽  
Sarah Meteke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Intervention Coverage ◽  
Conflict Settings ◽  
Women And Children

BackgroundOver 240 million children live in countries affected by conflict or fragility, and such settings are known to be linked to increased psychological distress and risk of mental disorders. While guidelines are in place, high-quality evidence to inform mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions in conflict settings is lacking. This systematic review aimed to synthesise existing information on the delivery, coverage and effectiveness of MHPSS for conflict-affected women and children in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).MethodsWe searched Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Psychological Information Database (PsycINFO)databases for indexed literature published from January 1990 to March 2018. Grey literature was searched on the websites of 10 major humanitarian organisations. Eligible publications reported on an MHPSS intervention delivered to conflict-affected women or children in LMICs. We extracted and synthesised information on intervention delivery characteristics, including delivery site and personnel involved, as well as delivery barriers and facilitators, and we tabulated reported intervention coverage and effectiveness data.ResultsThe search yielded 37 854 unique records, of which 157 were included in the review. Most publications were situated in Sub-Saharan Africa (n=65) and Middle East and North Africa (n=36), and many reported on observational research studies (n=57) or were non-research reports (n=53). Almost half described MHPSS interventions targeted at children and adolescents (n=68). Psychosocial support was the most frequently reported intervention delivered, followed by training interventions and screening for referral or treatment. Only 19 publications reported on MHPSS intervention coverage or effectiveness.DiscussionDespite the growing literature, more efforts are needed to further establish and better document MHPSS intervention research and practice in conflict settings. Multisectoral collaboration and better use of existing social support networks are encouraged to increase reach and sustainability of MHPSS interventions.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019125221.

scholarly journals Economic costs of infertility care for patients in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e042951
Author(s):  
Purity Njagi ◽  
Wim Groot ◽  
Jelena Arsenijevic ◽  
Silke Dyer ◽  
Gitau Mburu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Infertility Treatment ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries

IntroductionInfertility, a condition of the reproductive system, affects millions of individuals and couples worldwide. Despite infertility treatment’s existence, it is largely unavailable and inaccessible in low/middle-income countries (LMICs) due to the prohibitive costs compounded by an absence of financing. Previous systematic reviews have shown that there is scanty information in LMICs on out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for infertility treatment. This protocol outlines the methodological approach and analytical process to appraise the extent of economic burden due to payments for infertility care services in LMICs.Method and analysisUsing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach, we will primarily search for articles indexed in PubMed, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EconLit and PsycINFO databases. Grey literature from relevant organisations’ virtual libraries shall also be searched. Backward and forward searches on the articles selected will also be done. Quantitative studies on infertility treatment costs from LMICs across the world regions within the last 20 years will be considered. The primary outcome of interest shall include OOP payments, catastrophic health expenditure and direct costs for infertility services. Conversely, informal payments and indirect costs related to infertility treatments shall be considered as secondary outcomes. Integrated quality Criteria for Review Of Multiple Study designs will be used to assess the quality of the studies included in the review. Meta-analysis shall be considered if sufficient studies identified are homogenous in characteristics. Also, the review shall analyse the average cost of infertility treatment against the respective countries’ economic indicators like gross domestic product per capita if data permit.Ethics and disseminationResearch and ethics approval will not be required given this will be a review of published articles on the subject. The findings shall be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation to the WHO and its partners.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020199312.

scholarly journals Commonly Applied Behavior Change Techniques Used in Complementary Feeding Programs in Low and Middle Income Countries: A Scoping Review (OR13-01-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Webb Girard ◽  
Emma Waugh ◽  
Sarah Sawyer ◽  
Lenette Golding ◽  
Usha Ramakrishnan
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Behavior Change Techniques ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries

Abstract Objectives Suboptimal complementary feeding (CF) practices stunt child growth. Promotion of optimal CF can improve practices but little is known about how these interventions change behavior, limiting scalability. We conducted a systematic review of the literature for CF interventions in low/middle income countries and mapped behavior change techniques (BCT) using a previously validated method and taxonomy. Methods We searched peer-reviewed and grey literature for interventions published in English, since 2000. Interventions were eligible for inclusion if they aimed to shift CF behaviors among children 6–24 months using social and/or individual behavior change strategies. Reviewers abstracted 64 interventions meeting inclusion criteria. We applied a validated taxonomy mapping approach to identify and code BCTs. For interventions with plausibility or probability evaluation designs, we estimated effectiveness ratios for each BCT (n = 30). Results 22 interventions occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, 23 in South-East Asia, 8 in the Americas, 10 in the Western Pacific and two in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Interventions applied a total of 28 unique BCTs (out of a possible 96). The median number of BCTs used was 6; the maximum 13 and the minimum two. All interventions applied instruction on how to perform the CF behavior of interest. Other commonly applied BCTs were 1) use of a credible source (n = 46); 2) demonstration of the behavior (n = 35); and 3) information about health consequences (n = 30). Forty-three interventions used strategies to shift the physical or social environment. Four BCTs had effectiveness ratios >0.8: provision of/enabling social support; providing information about the consequences of the behavior; demonstration of the behavior; and adding objects to the environment (ie. food, supplements, agricultural inputs). Conclusions Limited reporting of intervention details hindered our ability to identify and map BCTs. For those with sufficient detail, we noted limited application of theory based behavior change techniques; interventions relied predominantly on the provision of instruction. Research that develops, tests and scales theory-based behavior change techniques for CF interventions would hasten our ability to accelerate social and behavior change for child nutrition. Funding Sources The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Cornell University.

scholarly journals Erythropoietin monotherapy for neuroprotection after neonatal encephalopathy in low-to-middle income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phoebe Ivain ◽  
Paolo Montaldo ◽  
Aamir Khan ◽  
Ramyia Elagovan ◽  
Constance Burgod ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Neonatal Encephalopathy ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Pooled Data ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Near Term

Abstract Objective We examined whether erythropoietin monotherapy improves neurodevelopmental outcomes in near-term and term infants with neonatal encephalopathy (NE) in low-middle income countries (LMICs). Methods We searched Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify studies that used erythropoietin (1500–12,500 units/kg/dose) or a derivative to treat NE. Results Five studies, with a total of 348 infants in LMICs, were retrieved. However, only three of the five studies met the primary outcome of death or neuro-disability at 18 months of age or later. Erythropoietin reduced the risk of death (during the neonatal period and at follow-up) or neuro-disability at 18 months or later (p < 0.05). Death or neuro-disability occurred in 27.6% of the erythropoietin group and 49.7% of the comparison group (risk ratio 0.56 (95% CI: 0.42–0.75)). Conclusion The pooled data suggest that erythropoietin monotherapy may improve outcomes after NE in LMICs where therapeutic hypothermia is not available.

scholarly journals Assessing trauma care systems in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and evidence synthesis mapping the Three Delays framework to injury health system assessments

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. e004324
Author(s):  
John Whitaker ◽  
Nollaig O'Donohoe ◽  
Max Denning ◽  
Dan Poenaru ◽  
Elena Guadagno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health System ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Trauma Systems ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Three Delays

BackgroundThe large burden of injuries falls disproportionately on low/middle-income countries (LMICs). Health system interventions improve outcomes in high-income countries. Assessing LMIC trauma systems supports their improvement. Evaluating systems using a Three Delays framework, considering barriers to seeking (Delay 1), reaching (Delay 2) and receiving care (Delay 3), has aided maternal health gains. Rapid assessments allow timely appraisal within resource and logistically constrained settings. We systematically reviewed existing literature on the assessment of LMIC trauma systems, applying the Three Delays framework and rapid assessment principles.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and narrative synthesis of articles assessing LMIC trauma systems. We searched seven databases and grey literature for studies and reports published until October 2018. Inclusion criteria were an injury care focus and assessment of at least one defined system aspect. We mapped each study to the Three Delays framework and judged its suitability for rapid assessment.ResultsOf 14 677 articles identified, 111 studies and 8 documents were included. Sub-Saharan Africa was the most commonly included region (44.1%). Delay 3, either alone or in combination, was most commonly assessed (79.3%) followed by Delay 2 (46.8%) and Delay 1 (10.8%). Facility assessment was the most common method of assessment (36.0%). Only 2.7% of studies assessed all Three Delays. We judged 62.6% of study methodologies potentially suitable for rapid assessment.ConclusionsWhole health system injury research is needed as facility capacity assessments dominate. Future studies should consider novel or combined methods to study Delays 1 and 2, alongside care processes and outcomes.

Global epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of standardized population-based seroprevalence studies, Jan 2020-Oct 2021

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Bergeri ◽  
Mairead Whelan ◽  
Harriet Ware ◽  
Lorenzo Subissi ◽  
Anthony Nardone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Global Epidemiology ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Demographic Subgroups ◽  
Over Time

Background COVID-19 case data underestimates infection and immunity, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We meta-analyzed standardized SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies to estimate global seroprevalence. Objectives/Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, preprints, and grey literature for SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies aligned with the WHO UNITY protocol published between 2020-01-01 and 2021-10-29. Eligible studies were extracted and critically appraised in duplicate. We meta-analyzed seroprevalence by country and month, pooling to estimate regional and global seroprevalence over time; compared seroprevalence from infection to confirmed cases to estimate under-ascertainment; meta-analyzed differences in seroprevalence between demographic subgroups; and identified national factors associated with seroprevalence using meta-regression. PROSPERO: CRD42020183634. Results We identified 396 full texts reporting 736 distinct seroprevalence studies (41% LMIC), including 355 low/moderate risk of bias studies with national/sub-national scope in further analysis. By April 2021, global SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 26.1%, 95% CI [24.6-27.6%]. Seroprevalence rose steeply in the first half of 2021 due to infection in some regions (e.g., 18.2% to 45.9% in Africa) and vaccination and infection in others (e.g., 11.3% to 57.4% in the Americas high-income countries), but remained low in others (e.g., 0.3% to 1.6% in the Western Pacific). In 2021 Q1, median seroprevalence to case ratios were 1.9:1 in HICs and 61.9:1 in LMICs. Children 0-9 years and adults 60+ were at lower risk of seropositivity than adults 20-29. In a multivariate model using data pre-vaccination, more stringent public health and social measures were associated with lower seroprevalence. Conclusions Global seroprevalence has risen considerably over time and with regional variation, however much of the global population remains susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. True infections far exceed reported COVID-19 cases. Standardized seroprevalence studies are essential to inform COVID-19 control measures, particularly in resource-limited regions.

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