scholarly journals Theory of change for the delivery of talking therapies by lay workers to survivors of humanitarian crises in low-income and middle-income countries: protocol of a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e018193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Kathryn Ryan ◽  
Andreas Bauer ◽  
Judith K Bass ◽  
Julian Eaton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Theory Of Change ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Humanitarian Crises

IntroductionThere is a severe shortage of specialist mental healthcare providers in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) affected by humanitarian crises. In these settings, talking therapies may be delivered by non-specialists, including lay workers with no tertiary education or formal certification in mental health. This systematic review will synthesise the literature on the implementation and effectiveness of talking therapies delivered by lay workers in LMICs affected by humanitarian crises, in order to develop a Theory of Change (ToC).Methods and analysisQualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies assessing the implementation or effectiveness of lay-delivered talking therapies for common mental disorders provided to adult survivors of humanitarian crises in LMICs will be eligible for inclusion. Studies set in high-income countries will be excluded. No restrictions will be applied to language or year of publication. Unpublished studies will be excluded. Seven electronic databases will be searched: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycEXTRA, Global Health, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov. Contents pages of three peer-reviewed journals will be hand-searched. Sources of grey literature will include resource directories of two online mental health networks (MHPSS.net and MHInnovation.net) and expert consultation. Forward and backward citation searches of included studies will be performed. Two reviewers will independently screen studies for inclusion, extract data and assess study quality. A narrative synthesis will be conducted, following established guidelines. A ToC map will be amended iteratively to take into account the review results and guide the synthesis.Ethics and disseminationFindings will be presented in a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated through a coordinated communications strategy targeting knowledge generators, enablers and users.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017058287.

scholarly journals Lay-delivered talk therapies for adults affected by humanitarian crises in low- and middle-income countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace K. Ryan ◽  
Andreas Bauer ◽  
Tarik Endale ◽  
Onaiza Qureshi ◽  
Asmae Doukani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Humanitarian Crises ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background Published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 2015, the mental health Gap Action Programme Humanitarian Intervention Guide (mhGAP-HIG) recommends brief versions of structured psychological interventions for people experiencing symptoms of common mental disorders (CMDs). mhGAP-HIG acknowledges a growing body of evidence suggesting these interventions can be delivered by lay workers to people affected by humanitarian crises in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, there has not yet been a systematic review and synthesis of this evidence. This paper reports the results of a systematic review of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies assessing the implementation and/or effectiveness of talk therapies for CMDs when provided by lay workers in LMICs to adults who have survived or are currently living in humanitarian situations. Methods Seven electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycEXTRA, Global Health, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We also hand-searched the contents pages of three academic journals, reference lists of 30 systematic reviews, and online resource directories of two mental health networks. A preliminary list of included studies was circulated to topical experts for review, and all included studies were backward and forward searched. All titles, abstracts, and full-texts were independently double-screened. Quality appraisal and data extraction were carried out by a single reviewer and checked by a second reviewer, using standardised tools. Any disagreements were discussed and referred to a third reviewer as needed. Results We identified 23 unique studies and carried out a narrative synthesis of patient and implementation outcome data. Every evaluation of the effectiveness of lay-delivered talk therapies for adults affected by humanitarian crises in LMICs showed some treatment effect for at least one CMD, and often multiple CMDs. Implementation research generally found these interventions to be acceptable, appropriate and feasible to implement, with good fidelity to manualised therapies. Conclusion Although results are promising, particularly for individually-delivered talk therapies based on cognitive behavioural therapy techniques, there is a high degree of heterogeneity in this literature. We make several recommendations on how to improve the quality and generalisability of research on this topic, to facilitate further evidence synthesis. Trial registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017058287.

scholarly journals Improving outcomes for neonates with gastroschisis in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. e000392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi J Wright ◽  
Monica Langer ◽  
Irena CF Norman ◽  
Melika Akhbari ◽  
Q Eileen Wafford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Surgical Care ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Review Literature ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries

IntroductionThere is a significant disparity in outcomes for neonates with gastroschisis in high-income countries (HICs) compared with low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Many LMICs report mortality rates between 75% and 100% compared with <4% in HICs.AimTo undertake a systematic review identifying postnatal interventions associated with improved outcomes for gastroschisis in LMICs.Methods and analysisThree search strings will be combined: (1) neonates; (2) gastroschisis and other gastrointestinal congenital anomalies requiring similar surgical care; (3) LMICs. Databases to be searched include MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis Global, and the Cochrane Library. Grey literature will be identified through Open-Grey, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry and ISRCTN registry (Springer Nature). Additional studies will be sought from reference lists of included studies. Study screening, selection, data extraction and assessment of methodological quality will be undertaken by two reviewers independently and team consensus sought on discrepancies. The primary outcome of interest is mortality. Secondary outcomes include complications, requirement for ventilation, parenteral nutrition duration and length of hospital stay. Tertiary outcomes include service delivery and implementation outcomes. The methodology of the studies will be appraised. Descriptive statistics and outcomes will be summarised and discussed.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required since no new data are being collected. Dissemination will be via open access publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal and distribution among global health, global surgery and children’s surgical collaborations and international conferences.ConclusionThis study will systematically review literature focused on postnatal interventions to improve outcomes from gastroschisis in LMICs. Findings can be used to help inform quality improvement projects in low-resource settings for patients with gastroschisis. In the first instance, results will be used to inform a Wellcome Trust-funded multicentre clinical interventional study aimed at improving outcomes for gastroschisis across sub-Saharan Africa.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018095349.

scholarly journals Efficacy of zinc as adjunctive pneumonia treatment in children aged 2 to 60 months in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Brown ◽  
Antti Juhani Kukka ◽  
Andreas Mårtensson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Treatment Failure ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severe Pneumonia ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries

BackgroundDespite advances in vaccination and case management, pneumonia remains the single largest contributor to early child mortality worldwide. Zinc has immune-enhancing properties, but its role in adjunctive treatment of pneumonia in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) is controversial and research still active.MethodsSystematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of zinc and placebo in pneumonia in children aged 2 to 60 months in LMICs. Databases included MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, LILACS, SciELO, the WHO portal, Scopus, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov. Inclusion criteria included accepted signs of pneumonia and clear measure of outcome. Risk of bias was independently assessed by two authors. ORs with 95% CI were used for calculating the pooled estimate of dichotomous outcomes including treatment failure and mortality. Time to recovery was expressed as HRs. Sensitivity analyses considering risk of bias and subgroup analyses for pneumonia severity were performed.ResultsWe identified 11 trials published between 2004 and 2019 fulfilling the a priori defined criteria, 7 from South Asia and 3 from Africa and 1 from South America. Proportional treatment failure was comparable in both zinc and placebo groups when analysed for all patients (OR 0.95 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.14)) and only for those with severe pneumonia (OR 0.93 (95% CI 0.75 to 1.14)). No difference was seen in mortality between zinc and placebo groups (OR 0.64 (95% CI 0.31 to 1.31)). Time to recovery from severe pneumonia did not differ between the treatment and control groups for patients with severe pneumonia (HR 1.01 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.14)). Removal of four studies with high risk of bias made no difference to the conclusions.ConclusionThere is no evidence that adjunctive zinc treatment improves recovery from pneumonia in children in LMICs.Trial registration numberCRD42019141602.

scholarly journals Evidence Based Dentistry among Dentists in Low and Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-136
Author(s):  
Irene Kida Minja ◽  
Edda Tandi Lwoga
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Hand Search ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Evidence Based Dentistry ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Purpose of this systematic review was to bring together studies of evidence-based practice among dentists in low- and middle-income countries, where its use has been reported to be limited. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO. Methodology: We searched the evidence (in English only) from medical databases including PubMed, EBSCO, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, HINARI summon, and SCOPUS and Web of Science via Research4Life, grey literature, hand search from relevant articles, and augmented results on Google scholar.Published reports were retrieved from relevant websites and organizations. Studies included those that looked at key factors that facilitate or hinder Evidence Based Dentistry (EBD), as well as outcomes in terms of: knowledge, attitudes and skills of EB practice among dentists; and the methodology used and their relevance in future EBD strategies.Main focus was on dentists, as practitioners and faculty members. Studies on students and non-dental personnel were excluded.Findings:A total of 4568 records were retrieved and five potentially relevant articles were selected after title/abstract screening. Two articles were excluded after full text screening, and therefore Three papers were included in this review. The studies report limited knowledge,unsatisfactory attitude towards EBD and lowpractice of EBD and use of scientific evidence databases. None of the studies reported implementation of EBD nor evaluation thereof. The main barriers that constrained application of EBD ranged from lack of interest to infrastructural limitations. Originality: The current review showed that there is a need to strategised implementation of EBD in this region.

scholarly journals Investigating the use of ultrasonography for the antenatal diagnosis of structural congenital anomalies in low-income and middle-income countries: systematic review protocol

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e000538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Michele Goley ◽  
Sidonie Sakula-Barry ◽  
Ann Kelly ◽  
Naomi Wright
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Congenital Anomalies ◽  
Antenatal Diagnosis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Antenatal Ultrasound ◽  
Middle Income Countries

IntroductionCongenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children under 5 years globally. The greatest burden is faced by those in developing countries, where over 95% of deaths occur. Many of these deaths may have been preventable through antenatal diagnosis and early intervention. This study aims to conduct a systematic review that investigates the use of antenatal ultrasound to diagnose congenital anomalies and improve the health outcomes of infants in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).Methods and analysisA systematic literature review will be conducted using three search strings: (1) structural congenital anomalies, (2) LMICs and (3) antenatal diagnosis. Four electronic databases will be searched: MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Title, abstract and full-text screening will be undertaken in duplicate by two reviewers independently using Covidence. Consensus will be sought from the wider authorship for discrepancies. Data extraction will be undertaken by the principal investigator. The primary analysis will focus on the availability and effectiveness of antenatal ultrasound for structural congenital anomalies. Secondary outcomes will include neonatal morbidity and mortality, termination rates and referral rates for further antenatal care. Descriptive statistics and a narrative synthesis will be included in the final report. The methodological quality of the included studies will be evaluated using the Cochrane-approved Risk of Bias for Non-Randomised Studies of Intervention and Risk of Bias in Randomised Trials V.2.0 tools.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for conducting the systematic review as there will be no direct collection of data from individuals. The results will be submitted for publication in a scientific journal and presented internationally.ConclusionThis is the first study, to our knowledge, to systematically review current literature on the use of antenatal ultrasound for the detection of congenital anomalies in LMICs. This is vital to define current practice, highlight global disparities and evaluate effects on health outcomes for infants in low-resource settings.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019105620.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of interventions for improving timely diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e042788
Author(s):  
Chukwudi Arnest Nnaji ◽  
Paul Kuodi ◽  
Fiona M Walter ◽  
Jennifer Moodley
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Cervical Cancers ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Timely Diagnosis ◽  
Evidence Summary ◽  
Low And Middle Income

IntroductionBreast and cervical cancers pose a major public health burden globally, with disproportionately high incidence, morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The majority of women diagnosed with cancer in LMICs present with late-stage disease, the treatment of which is often costlier and less effective. While interventions to improve the timely diagnosis of these cancers are increasingly being implemented in LMICs, there is uncertainty about their role and effectiveness. The aim of this review is to systematically synthesise available evidence on the nature and effectiveness of interventions for improving timely diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers in LMICs.Methods and analysisA comprehensive search of published and relevant grey literature will be conducted. The following electronic databases will be searched: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). Evidence will be synthesised in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Two reviewers will independently screen the search outputs, select studies using predefined inclusion criteria and assess each included study for risk of bias. If sufficient data are available and studies are comparable in terms of interventions and outcomes, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Where studies are not comparable and a meta-analysis is not appropriate, a narrative synthesis of findings will be reported.Ethics and disseminationAs this will be a systematic review of publicly available data, with no primary data collection, it will not require ethical approval. Findings will be disseminated widely through a peer-reviewed publication and forums such as conferences, workshops and community engagement sessions. This review will provide a user-friendly evidence summary for informing further efforts at developing and implementing interventions for addressing delays in breast and cervical cancer diagnosis in LMICs.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020177232.

scholarly journals Evidence on Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the Challenges Faced in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Qualitative Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Farah ◽  
Wim Groot ◽  
Milena Pavlova
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Pulmonary Rehabilitation ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries

Abstract Background In low-income countries (LIC) and low-middle-income countries (LMIC), the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has increased due to the lack of prevention and the presence of barriers to enter rehabilitation programs. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the evidence on pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in LIC and LMIC. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted. Four electronic databases were searched for qualitative and quantitative studies that documented the presence of PR in LIC and LMIC. We report our findings following the Prisma guidelines. In addition, grey literature was also searched. Articles not in English, presenting a point of view and/or not treating an adult population (< 18 years old) were excluded from the review. Data were extracted by one reviewer and synthesized in the form of tables. Tables present individual characteristics of the PR reported within countries, including country of origin, study design, population attending, intervention (kind of program setting), frequency and duration of a program established (if available), with health outcomes. The PICO framework was used for every country with reported PR to assess population, intervention, comparison and outcomes found. This systematic review is registered on Prospero: CRD42020141655. Results In total, 47 publications were included in the review. In LIC, PR for HIV-infected patients was most frequently reported, while in LMIC, PR for COPD patients was most frequent. Duration and frequency of treatments reported were also different in LIC and LMIC. Health outcomes on cardiopulmonary function were established in all publications. Results found that the implementation of PR in LMIC is ongoing. The most important barriers to access are the lack of funds and know-how among professional healthcare givers. Conclusion Findings suggest that the literature on PR is scarce in LIC and LMIC. Structured or non-structured rehabilitation programs for patients suffering from COPD, HIV and Tuberculosis, are infrequently available. Strategic policy initiatives to diminish barriers and challenges are needed to implement more PR programs in LIC and LMIC.

scholarly journals Exploring experiences of infertility amongst women and men in low-income and middle-income countries: protocol for a qualitative systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e050528
Author(s):  
Pooja Sripad ◽  
Sapna Desai ◽  
Ricardo Regules ◽  
Suchandrima Chakraborty ◽  
Helen Habib ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Qualitative Evidence

IntroductionInfertility is increasingly recognised as a global public health issue for women and men that merits further investigation to support policy and programming. While research in high-income settings has examined the consequences of infertility and access to services, there has been limited synthesis of how individuals experience infertility in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). This protocol describes a systematic review that will synthesise qualitative evidence on experiences of infertility among women and men in LMICs.Methods and analysisThe review will follow the Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research (ENTREQ) guidelines for reporting on qualitative evidence syntheses. The study team will search for published literature in PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus and PsycINFO databases and review available grey literature. Using Covidence software, two independent reviewers will conduct title and abstract screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by full-text reviews and extraction by a larger team. Quality will be appraised using an adapted version of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme guidelines. We will conduct thematic synthesis to characterise individual experiences and related factors at the individual, interpersonal, community and health system levels. We will develop a conceptual framework to describe evidence on experiences of infertility in LMICs and to help inform interventions across settings.Ethics and disseminationThis protocol has been internally approved as exempt by the Institutional Review Board of the Population Council, as it does not involve contact with human subjects or personally identifying data. Results of the review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will be used to inform future infertility research and programming in LMICs.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021227742.

scholarly journals Interventions to improve water supply and quality, sanitation and handwashing facilities in healthcare facilities, and their effect on healthcare-associated infections in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and supplementary scoping review

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. e001632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Watson ◽  
Lauren D'Mello-Guyett ◽  
Erin Flynn ◽  
Jane Falconer ◽  
Joanna Esteves-Mills ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionHealthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are the most frequent adverse event compromising patient safety globally. Patients in healthcare facilities (HCFs) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) are most at risk. Although water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions are likely important for the prevention of HCAIs, there have been no systematic reviews to date.MethodsAs per our prepublished protocol, we systematically searched academic databases, trial registers, WHO databases, grey literature resources and conference abstracts to identify studies assessing the impact of HCF WASH services and practices on HCAIs in LMICs. In parallel, we undertook a supplementary scoping review including less rigorous study designs to develop a conceptual framework for how WASH can impact HCAIs and to identify key literature gaps.ResultsOnly three studies were included in the systematic review. All assessed hygiene interventions and included: a cluster-randomised controlled trial, a cohort study, and a matched case-control study. All reported a reduction in HCAIs, but all were considered at medium-high risk of bias. The additional 27 before-after studies included in our scoping review all focused on hygiene interventions, none assessed improvements to water quantity, quality or sanitation facilities. 26 of the studies reported a reduction in at least one HCAI. Our scoping review identified multiple mechanisms by which WASH can influence HCAI and highlighted a number of important research gaps.ConclusionsAlthough there is a dearth of evidence for the effect of WASH in HCFs, the studies of hygiene interventions were consistently protective against HCAIs in LMICs. Additional and higher quality research is urgently needed to fill this gap to understand how WASH services in HCFs can support broader efforts to reduce HCAIs in LMICs.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017080943.

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