scholarly journals Risk factors for COVID-19 infection, disease severity and related deaths in Africa: a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e044618
Author(s):  
Hailay Abrha Gesesew ◽  
Digsu Negese Koye ◽  
Dagnachew Muluye Fetene ◽  
Mulu Woldegiorgis ◽  
Yohannes Kinfu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Low Levels

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive evidence on risk factors for transmission, disease severity and COVID-19 related deaths in Africa.DesignA systematic review has been conducted to synthesise existing evidence on risk factors affecting COVID-19 outcomes across Africa.Data sourcesData were systematically searched from MEDLINE, Scopus, MedRxiv and BioRxiv.Eligibility criteriaStudies for review were included if they were published in English and reported at least one risk factor and/or one health outcome. We included all relevant literature published up until 11 August 2020.Data extraction and synthesisWe performed a systematic narrative synthesis to describe the available studies for each outcome. Data were extracted using a standardised Joanna Briggs Institute data extraction form.ResultsFifteen articles met the inclusion criteria of which four were exclusively on Africa and the remaining 11 papers had a global focus with some data from Africa. Higher rates of infection in Africa are associated with high population density, urbanisation, transport connectivity, high volume of tourism and international trade, and high level of economic and political openness. Limited or poor access to healthcare are also associated with higher COVID-19 infection rates. Older people and individuals with chronic conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis and anaemia experience severe forms COVID-19 leading to hospitalisation and death. Similarly, high burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, high prevalence of tobacco consumption and low levels of expenditure on health and low levels of global health security score contribute to COVID-19 related deaths.ConclusionsDemographic, institutional, ecological, health system and politico-economic factors influenced the spectrum of COVID-19 infection, severity and death. We recommend multidisciplinary and integrated approaches to mitigate the identified factors and strengthen effective prevention strategies.

scholarly journals How people fit in at work: systematic review of the association between person–organisation and person–group fit with staff outcomes in healthcare

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e026266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Herkes ◽  
Kate Churruca ◽  
Louise A Ellis ◽  
Chiara Pomare ◽  
Jeffrey Braithwaite
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
English Language ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Healthcare Settings

ObjectivesPeople interact with their work environment through being, to a greater or lesser extent, compatible with aspects of their setting. This interaction between person and environment is particularly relevant in healthcare settings where compatibility affects not only the healthcare professionals, but also potentially the patient. One way to examine this association is to investigate person–organisation (P-O) fit and person–group (P-G) fit. This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesise knowledge on both P-O fit and P-G fit in healthcare to determine their association with staff outcomes. It was hypothesised that there would be a positive relationship between fit and staff outcomes, such that the experience of compatibility and ‘fitting in’ would be associated with better staff outcomes.DesignA systematic review was conducted based on an extensive search strategy guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses to identify relevant literature.Data sourcesCINAHL Complete, EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Scopus.Eligibility criteriaArticles were included if they were empirical studies, published in peer-reviewed journals in English language, set in a healthcare context and addressed the association that staff outcomes have with P-O and/or P-G fit.Data extraction and synthesisIncluded texts were examined for study characteristics, fit constructs examined and types of staff outcomes assessed. The Quality Assessment Tool was used to assess risk of bias.ResultsTwenty-eight articles were included in the review. Of these, 96.4% (27/28) reported a significant, positive association between perception of fit and staff outcomes in healthcare contexts, such that a sense of compatibility had various positive implications for staff, including job satisfaction and retention.ConclusionAlthough the results, as with all systematic reviews, are prone to bias and definitional ambiguity, they are still informative. Generally, the evidence suggests an association between employees’ perceived compatibility with the workplace or organisation and a variety of staff outcomes in healthcare settings.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Efficacy of Microsurgical Training Methods in Ophthalmology Education: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (02) ◽  
pp. e216-e227
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Nguyen ◽  
Jamie Palmer ◽  
Emilie Ludeman ◽  
Moran R. Levin ◽  
Ramya Swamy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Surgical Skills ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Eligibility Criteria

Abstract Objective The objective of our paper is to review all of the relevant literature in ophthalmology microsurgical education and identify which teaching methodologies were most effective. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was conducted. Electronic databases, including Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and EMBASE, were searched with preset terms. The search was through December 11, 2019. Eligibility criteria included studies with sufficient data for analyzing associations between surgical teaching techniques and success rates in surgical skills and the organization of the intervention as a microsurgical skills course, curriculum, or program. The articles were independently reviewed by two authors. Each included study was evaluated for quality using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing bias. Data Extraction and Synthesis Data extraction was performed by two reviewers and disagreements were checked by a third reviewer. A random-effects analysis was used to pool the outcomes of studies. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcomes included time for completion of surgical task, level of preparedness, competency score, and number of surgeries with complications. Results A total of 439 studies were reviewed and 13 studies (n = 8,790 surgical cases; n = 115 trainees) were included in the meta-analysis. Excluded articles studied cataract simulation training as the primary intervention or were not related to ophthalmology. All pooled results demonstrated a positive association with surgical outcomes; however, video-based education (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 2.49 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.36–4.63]; four effects [four studies]; n = 69; I 2 = 90%) and stepwise teaching method (odds ratio [OR = 3.84 [95% CI: 2.66–5.55]; six effects [six studies]; n = 6,968; I 2 = 39%) interventions were the most favorable. Conclusion and Relevance The following five interventions evaluated in this paper were found to be effective methods of improving performance outcomes in ophthalmic microsurgery: (1) didactic lectures, (2) video-based education, (3) surgical wet-laboratory, (4) stepwise method, and (5) direct supervision and feedback. Our meta-analysis concludes that video-based education and stepwise teaching interventions are the most effective methods for a microsurgical ophthalmology training curriculum. Combining the strengths of the interventions analyzed in this study should be considered when implementing and adjusting ophthalmic surgical skills curriculums.

scholarly journals A systematic review of the factors associated with the course of borderline personality disorder symptoms in adolescence

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Skabeikyte ◽  
Rasa Barkauskiene
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Borderline Personality Disorder ◽  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Borderline Personality ◽  
Developmental Pathways ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Abstract Background Research on personality pathology in adolescence has accelerated during the last decade. Among all of the personality disorders, there is strong support for the validity of borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosis in adolescence with comparable stability as seen in adulthood. Researchers have put much effort in the analysis of the developmental pathways and etiology of the disorder and currently are relocating their attention to the identification of the possible risk factors associated with the course of BPD symptoms during adolescence. The risk profile provided in previous systematic reviews did not address the possible development and course of BPD features across time. Having this in mind, the purpose of this systematic review is to identify the factors that are associated with the course of BPD symptoms during adolescence. Methods Electronic databases were systematically searched for prospective longitudinal studies with at least two assessments of BPD as an outcome of the examined risk factors. A total number of 14 articles from the period of almost 40 years were identified as fitting the eligibility criteria. Conclusions Factors associated with the course of BPD symptoms include childhood temperament, comorbid psychopathology, and current interpersonal experiences. The current review adds up to the knowledge base about factors that are associated with the persistence or worsening of BPD symptoms in adolescence, describing the factors congruent to different developmental periods.

scholarly journals Contrast extravasation and outcome of endovascular therapy in acute ischaemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e044917
Author(s):  
Tao Xu ◽  
You Wang ◽  
Jinxian Yuan ◽  
Yangmei Chen ◽  
Haiyan Luo
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Endovascular Therapy ◽  
Acute Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Poor Functional Outcome ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Contrast Extravasation

ObjectiveContrast extravasation (CE) after endovascular therapy (EVT) is commonly present in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients. Substantial uncertainties remain about the relationship between CE and the outcomes of EVT in patients with AIS. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate this association.DesignA systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies were performed.Data sourceWe systematically searched the Medline and Embase databases for relevant clinical studies. The last literature search in databases was performed in June 2020.Eligibility criteria for study selectionWe included studies exploring the associations between CE and the outcomes of EVT in patients with AIS undergoing EVT.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers extracted relevant information and data from each article independently. We pooled ORs with CIs using a random-effects meta-analysis to calculate the associations between CE and outcomes of EVT. The magnitude of heterogeneity between estimates was quantified with the I2 statistic with 95% CIs.ResultsFifteen observational studies that enrolled 1897 patients were included. Patients with CE had higher risks of poor functional outcome at discharge (2.38, 95% CI 1.45 to 3.89 p=0.001; n=545) and poor functional outcome at 90 days (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.20 to 3.90; n=1194). We found no association between CE and in-hospital mortality (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.30; n=376) or 90-day mortality (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.81 to 2.36; n=697) after EVT. Moreover, CE was associated with higher risks of post-EVT intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) (OR 6.68, 95% CI 3.51 to 12.70; n=1721) and symptomatic ICH (OR 3.26, 95% CI 1.97 to 5.40; n=1092).ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that in patients with AIS undergoing EVT, CE is associated with higher risks of unfavourable functional outcomes and ICH. Thus, we should pay more attention to CE in patients with AIS undergoing EVT.

scholarly journals Informing the public health response to COVID-19: a systematic review of risk factors for disease, severity, and mortality

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Flook ◽  
C. Jackson ◽  
E. Vasileiou ◽  
C. R. Simpson ◽  
M. D. Muckian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Multivariable Analyses

Abstract Background Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has challenged public health agencies globally. In order to effectively target government responses, it is critical to identify the individuals most at risk of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), developing severe clinical signs, and mortality. We undertook a systematic review of the literature to present the current status of scientific knowledge in these areas and describe the need for unified global approaches, moving forwards, as well as lessons learnt for future pandemics. Methods Medline, Embase and Global Health were searched to the end of April 2020, as well as the Web of Science. Search terms were specific to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19. Comparative studies of risk factors from any setting, population group and in any language were included. Titles, abstracts and full texts were screened by two reviewers and extracted in duplicate into a standardised form. Data were extracted on risk factors for COVID-19 disease, severe disease, or death and were narratively and descriptively synthesised. Results One thousand two hundred and thirty-eight papers were identified post-deduplication. Thirty-three met our inclusion criteria, of which 26 were from China. Six assessed the risk of contracting the disease, 20 the risk of having severe disease and ten the risk of dying. Age, gender and co-morbidities were commonly assessed as risk factors. The weight of evidence showed increasing age to be associated with severe disease and mortality, and general comorbidities with mortality. Only seven studies presented multivariable analyses and power was generally limited. A wide range of definitions were used for disease severity. Conclusions The volume of literature generated in the short time since the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 has been considerable. Many studies have sought to document the risk factors for COVID-19 disease, disease severity and mortality; age was the only risk factor based on robust studies and with a consistent body of evidence. Mechanistic studies are required to understand why age is such an important risk factor. At the start of pandemics, large, standardised, studies that use multivariable analyses are urgently needed so that the populations most at risk can be rapidly protected. Registration This review was registered on PROSPERO as CRD42020177714.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy and Dental Plaque: A Systematic Review of the Literature

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. C. Santin ◽  
D. S. B. Oliveira ◽  
R. Galo ◽  
M. C. Borsatto ◽  
S. A. M. Corona
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Photodynamic Therapy ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Dental Biofilm ◽  
Quality Assessments

Background. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDTa) on cariogenic dental biofilm.Types of Studies Reviewed. Studiesin vivo,in vitro, andin situwere included. Articles that did not address PDTa, those that did not involve cariogenic biofilm, those that used microorganisms in the plankton phase, and reviews were excluded. Data extraction and quality assessments were performed independently by two raters using a scale.Results. Two hundred forty articles were retrieved; only seventeen of them met the eligibility criteria and were analyzed in the present review. Considerable variability was found regarding the methodologies and application protocols for antimicrobial PDTa. Two articles reported unfavorable results.Practical Implications. The present systematic review does not allow drawing any concrete conclusions regarding the efficacy of antimicrobial PDTa, although this method seems to be a promising option.

scholarly journals Systematic review of the factors affecting cat and dog owner compliance with pharmaceutical treatment recommendations

2018 ◽  
Vol 184 (5) ◽  
pp. 154-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Jennifer Wareham ◽  
Marnie Louise Brennan ◽  
Rachel S Dean
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Treatment Recommendations ◽  
Social Risk ◽  
Dosing Regimen ◽  
Pharmaceutical Treatment ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Factors Affecting

The aim of this systematic review is to describe and assess the quality of the existing evidence base concerning factors that influence the compliance of cat and dog owners to pharmaceutical and specifically polypharmacy treatment recommendations. PubMed, CAB Abstracts and Google were searched to identify relevant literature and search results were filtered according to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Standardised data extraction and critical appraisal were carried out on each included study, and a Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine level of evidence grading was applied. Of the 8589 studies, eight studies were included in the review. Majority (five of eight) of the included studies were examining compliance with short-term antimicrobial therapies and none examined polypharmacy. Multiple definitions of compliance, methods of measurement and different factors potentially affecting compliance were used. Factors reported to have affected compliance in at least one study were dosing regimen, discussion of dosing regimen in light of owners’ circumstances, consultation time, disease, month of consultation/treatment, physical risk, social risk and method of administration. The evidence available regarding factors affecting client compliance with pharmaceutical treatment recommendations in cats and dogs is scarce and of poor quality.

scholarly journals Effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines for induction of labour: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e022499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Collins Zamawe ◽  
Carina King ◽  
Hannah Maria Jennings ◽  
Chrispin Mandiwa ◽  
Edward Fottrell
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Induction Of Labour ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Significant Difference

ObjectiveThe use of herbal medicines for induction of labour (IOL) is common globally and yet its effects are not well understood. We assessed the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for IOL.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of published literature.Data sourcesWe searched in MEDLINE, AMED and CINAHL in April 2017, updated in June 2018.Eligibility criteriaWe considered experimental and non-experimental studies that compared relevant pregnancy outcomes between users and non-user of herbal medicines for IOL.Data extraction and synthesisData were extracted by two reviewers using a standardised form. A random-effects model was used to synthesise effects sizes and heterogeneity was explored through I2statistic. The risk of bias was assessed using ‘John Hopkins Nursing School Critical Appraisal Tool’ and ‘Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool’.ResultsA total of 1421 papers were identified through the searches, but only 10 were retained after eligibility and risk of bias assessments. The users of herbal medicine for IOL were significantly more likely to give birth within 24 hours than non-users (Risk Ratio (RR) 4.48; 95% CI 1.75 to 11.44). No significant difference in the incidence of caesarean section (RR 1.19; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.86), assisted vaginal delivery (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.14), haemorrhage (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.60), meconium-stained liquor (RR 1.20; 95% CI 0.65 to 2.23) and admission to nursery (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.49 to 2.38) was found between users and non-users of herbal medicines for IOL.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that herbal medicines for IOL are effective, but there is inconclusive evidence of safety due to lack of good quality data. Thus, the use of herbal medicines for IOL should be avoided until safety issues are clarified. More studies are recommended to establish the safety of herbal medicines.

scholarly journals Parental Factors Affecting the Incidence of Infantile Colic: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-114
Author(s):  
Mahbobeh Firooz ◽  
◽  
Fereshteh Eidy ◽  
Zohreh Abbasi ◽  
Seyed Javad Hosseini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Infantile Colic ◽  
Parental Factors ◽  
Factors Affecting

Context: Infantile Colic (IC) is an essential problem in infancy that is influenced by factors related to infants and parents. The parental factors associated with colic have not been comprehensively assessed. Objectives: The present systematic review was conducted to investigate the parental factors affecting the incidence of IC. Data Sources: Databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Google scholar, as well as Scientific Information Database (SID), and Magiran (Iranian websites) were searched to identify all eligible papers concerning parental factors affecting infantile CI. The registration number of this study was CRD42020163518 in the PROSPERO database. Study Selection: A total of 423 relevant articles published up to the end of December 2019 were assessed. The selected articles were screened based on duplicated, eligibility criteria, and quality appraisal. The main inclusion criteria were observational studies and articles in Persian and English languages. Data Extraction: The Mesh keywords and Boolean operators included (“risk factors” OR “causality”) AND (“parents” OR “fathers” OR “mothers”) AND (“infant”) AND (“colic”). Consequently, 18 papers were thoroughly studied and the related data were extracted. Two researchers independently performed the data extraction and quality assessment based on the STROBE checklist from the observational studies. The information of selected studies was recorded in a table, i.e. consisted of authors’ names, purpose, design, population, and main results. Results: Final articles consisted of 10 prospective, 6 cross-sectional, and 2 case-control studies. Eventually, the effective factors were placed in 6 categories, as follows: psychological factors, physical factors, taking medications, perinatal factors, family’s socioeconomic status, and maternal diet. The most important characteristics predisposing to IC were parental depression, anxiety, smoking, maternal history of migraine, young age, primiparity, low family support, high socioeconomic status, high-risk pregnancies, and delivery, taking antibiotics, as well as the consumption of celery, onions, and bananas. Conclusions: Various parental factors affect the incidence of colic. Identifying these risk factors and accurate planning can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of IC.

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