Instruments to measure fear of COVID-19: a diagnostic systematic review

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has become a source of fear across the world. Measuring the level or significance of fear in different populations may help identify populations and areas in need of public health and education campaigns. We were interested in diagnostic tests developed to assess or diagnose COVID-19-related fear or phobia. Methods We performed a systematic review of studies that examined instruments diagnosing or assessing fear or phobia of COVID-19 (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020197100). We utilized the Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s Live map of covid-19 evidence, a database of pre-screened and pre-categorized studies. The Live map of covid-19 evidence identified references published since 1 December 2019 in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Following biweekly searches, two researchers independently categorized all studies according to topic (seven main topics, 52 subordinate topics), population (41 available groups), study design, and publication type. For this review, we assessed for eligibility all studies that had been categorized to the topic “Experiences and perceptions, consequences; social, political, economic aspects” as of 25 September 2020, in addition to hand-searching included studies’ reference lists. We meta-analyzed correlation coefficients of fear scores to the most common reference tests (self-reports of anxiety, depression, and stress), and reported additional concurrent validity to other reference tests such as specific phobias. We assessed study quality using the QUADAS-2 for the minority of studies that presented diagnostic accuracy statistics. Results We found 18 studies that validated fear instruments. Fifteen validated the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S). We found no studies that proposed a diagnosis of fear of COVID-19 or a threshold of significant/clinical versus non-significant/subclinical fear. Study quality was low, with the most common potential biases related to sampling strategy and un-blinded data analysis. The FSV-19S total score correlated strongly with severe phobia (r = 0.703, 95%CI 0.634–0.761) in one study, and moderately with anxiety in a meta-analysis. Conclusions The accuracy of the FSV-19S needs to be measured further using fear-related reference instruments, and future studies need to provide cut-off scores and normative values. Further evaluation of the remaining three instruments is required.

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Industry funding of patient and health consumer organisations: systematic review with meta-analysis

BMJ ◽

10.1136/bmj.l6925 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. l6925 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Alice Fabbri ◽

Lisa Parker ◽

Cinzia Colombo ◽

Paola Mosconi ◽

Giussy Barbara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Corporate Sponsorship ◽

Study Quality ◽

Industry Funding ◽

Publication Type ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prevalence Estimates ◽

Patient Groups ◽

Corporate Funding

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate pharmaceutical or medical device industry funding of patient groups.DesignSystematic review with meta-analysis.Data sourcesOvid Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception to January 2018; reference lists of eligible studies and experts in the field.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesObservational studies including cross sectional, cohort, case-control, interrupted time series, and before-after studies of patient groups reporting at least one of the following outcomes: prevalence of industry funding; proportion of industry funded patient groups that disclosed information about this funding; and association between industry funding and organisational positions on health and policy issues. Studies were included irrespective of language or publication type.Review methodsReviewers carried out duplicate independent data extraction and assessment of study quality. An amended version of the checklist for prevalence studies developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute was used to assess study quality. A DerSimonian-Laird estimate of single proportions with Freeman-Tukey arcsine transformation was used for meta-analyses of prevalence. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) was used to assess the quality of the evidence for each outcome.Results26 cross sectional studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 15 studies estimated the prevalence of industry funding, which ranged from 20% (12/61) to 83% (86/104). Among patient organisations that received industry funding, 27% (175/642; 95% confidence interval 24% to 31%) disclosed this information on their websites. In submissions to consultations, two studies showed very different disclosure rates (0% and 91%), which appeared to reflect differences in the relevant government agency’s disclosure requirements. Prevalence estimates of organisational policies that govern corporate sponsorship ranged from 2% (2/125) to 64% (175/274). Four studies analysed the relationship between industry funding and organisational positions on a range of highly controversial issues. Industry funded groups generally supported sponsors’ interests.ConclusionIn general, industry funding of patient groups seems to be common, with prevalence estimates ranging from 20% to 83%. Few patient groups have policies that govern corporate sponsorship. Transparency about corporate funding is also inadequate. Among the few studies that examined associations between industry funding and organisational positions, industry funded groups tended to have positions favourable to the sponsor. Patient groups have an important role in advocacy, education, and research, therefore strategies are needed to prevent biases that could favour the interests of sponsors above those of the public.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42017079265.

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A Meta Analytic Review of the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Effectiveness

Restaurant Business ◽

10.26643/rb.v118i9.7972 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 118 (9) ◽

pp. 118-126

Author(s):

Augusty P. A ◽

Jain Mathew

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Emotional Intelligence ◽

Direct Relationship ◽

Effective Leadership ◽

Leadership Effectiveness ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Review Of Literature ◽

Analytic Review ◽

The Relationship

The study evaluates the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Effectiveness through a Systematic Review of Literature. The relationship has been evaluated in two steps. First, a Systematic review of literature was done to provide a theoretical framework to link the dimensions of Emotional Intelligence to the elements of effective leadership. Meta-analysis was then used to consolidate empirical evidence of the relationship. The studies for the meta-analysis were sourced from Pro Quest and EBSCO and the correlation coefficients of the studies were analysed. Only articles that presented the direct relationship between the variables were included in the study. The results of the analysis revealed a strong, statistically significant relationship between emotional intelligence and effective leadership. The findings of the study provide evidence for the proposition that Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Effectiveness are interrelated.

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Pooled estimate of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of Health Population and Nutrition ◽

10.1186/s41043-021-00253-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Angeline Jeyakumar ◽

Vidhya Shinde ◽

Reshma Ravindran

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Vitamin D Deficiency ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Health Concern ◽

Study Quality ◽

Care Services ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Women In India

Abstract Background Vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women is a public health concern globally. In India, individual studies report high prevalence. However, lack of national data masks the true burden. This work determined the pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in India through a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis. Methods Three different search engines yielded 15 eligible articles. Study quality was assessed by 10 different criteria and summary of study quality was categorized as per Cochrane standards. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among healthy pregnant women and heterogeneity among selected studies. A sample of n = 4088 was used to study the pooled prevalence among pregnant women. Results The random effects combined estimate was 32.35% (95% CI, (12.58–117.48). High heterogeneity (tau2 = 0.39, I2 = 100%) and high risk of bias was observed among the selected studies. The test for overall effect was observed to be z = 2.54(P = 0.01). Conclusion Pooled estimate > 30% emphasizes the need for screening through antenatal care services and initiate preventive measures to address the deficiency.

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Stepped care treatment delivery for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291714000701 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 45 (2) ◽

pp. 231-246 ◽

Cited By ~ 98

Author(s):

A. van Straten ◽

J. Hill ◽

D. A. Richards ◽

P. Cuijpers

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Subsequent Treatment ◽

Stepped Care ◽

Study Quality ◽

Duration Of Treatment ◽

Treatment Delivery ◽

Treatment Organization ◽

Care Models ◽

Meta Analyses

BackgroundIn stepped care models patients typically start with a low-intensity evidence-based treatment. Progress is monitored systematically and those patients who do not respond adequately step up to a subsequent treatment of higher intensity. Despite the fact that many guidelines have endorsed this stepped care principle it is not clear if stepped care really delivers similar or better patient outcomes against lower costs compared with other systems. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized trials on stepped care for depression.MethodWe carried out a comprehensive literature search. Selection of studies, evaluation of study quality and extraction of data were performed independently by two authors.ResultsA total of 14 studies were included and 10 were used in the meta-analyses (4580 patients). All studies used screening to identify possible patients and care as usual as a comparator. Study quality was relatively high. Stepped care had a moderate effect on depression (pooled 6-month between-group effect size Cohen'sdwas 0.34; 95% confidence interval 0.20–0.48). The stepped care interventions varied greatly in number and duration of treatment steps, treatments offered, professionals involved, and criteria to step up.ConclusionsThere is currently only limited evidence to suggest that stepped care should be the dominant model of treatment organization. Evidence on (cost-) effectiveness compared with high-intensity psychological therapy alone, as well as with matched care, is required.

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The Effects of Mind-Body Exercise on Cognitive Performance in Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph15122791 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (12) ◽

pp. 2791 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Yanjie Zhang ◽

Chunxiao Li ◽

Liye Zou ◽

Xiaolei Liu ◽

Wook Song

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Study Quality ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Effective Strategies ◽

Control Intervention ◽

Global Cognition ◽

Evidence Database

Background: As the situation of cognitive aging is getting worse, preventing or treating cognitive decline through effective strategies is highly important. This systematic review aims to investigate whether mind-body exercise is an effective approach for treating cognition decline. Methods: Searches for the potential studies were performed on the eight electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, PsycArtilces, CNKI, and Wanfang). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of mind-body exercise on cognitive performance in older adults were included. Data were extracted and effect sizes were pooled with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using random-effects models. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale was employed to examine the study quality. Results: Nineteen RCTs including 2539 elders (67.3% female) with fair to good study quality were identified. Mind-body exercise, relative to control intervention, showed significant benefits on cognitive performance, global cognition (Hedges’g = 0.23), executive functions (Hedges’g = 0.25 to 0.65), learning and memory (Hedges’g = 0.37 to 0.49), and language (Hedges’g = 0.35). In addition, no significant adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Mind-body exercise may be a safe and effective intervention for enhancing cognitive function among people aged 60 years or older. Further research evidence is still needed to make a more conclusive statement.

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Correlation between disability measure and Black Hole (T1 hypointense lesion) lesion load in brain magnetic resonance imaging of patients with multiple sclerosis: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-194103/v5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Amir Valizadeh ◽

Elham Barati ◽

Mohammad Ali Sahraian ◽

Mohammad Reza Fattahi ◽

Mana Moassefi

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Citation Index ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Lesion Load

Abstract Rationale: As the role of neurodegeneration in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) has become more prominent, the formation and evolution of chronic or persistent T1-hypointense lesions (Black Holes) have been used as markers of axonal loss and neuronal destruction to measure disease activity. However, findings regarding this subject are controversial. In this study we aim to clarify the level of importance of T1 hypointense lesions for estimating the prognosis of patients.Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between T1 hypointensities (Black holes) lesion load (lesion mean volume) on brain MRI with disability level of patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) or Secondary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS).Data sources: We will search MEDLINE (through PubMed), Embase, CENTRAL, Science Citation Index – Expanded (Web of Science), and Conference Proceedings Citation Index – Science (Web of Science). We won’t consider any timeframe, language, or geographical restrictions.Methods: Standard systematic review protocol methodology is employed. Eligibility criteria is reported in line with PICOTS system. Population is limited to adult patients diagnosed with RRMS or SPMS, based on the McDonald criteria. Index (prognostic factor) of interest will be T1 hypointense (black hole) lesion mean volume (lesion load) on brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). There will be no comparators. Outcome of interest will be the disability measure using Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). For the timing domain, we will include studies only if the outcome was measured at the same time MRI was performed (or with a very close time interval between). Inpatient and outpatient settings will both be included. All included studies will be assessed for the risk of bias using a tailored version of the Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Extracted correlation coefficients will be converted to the Fisher’s z scale and a meta-analysis will be performed on the results. We will then convert back the results to correlation coefficients again for the sake of presentation. For the purpose of assessing heterogeneity we will use prediction intervals. If feasible, we will also try to perform subgroup and sensitivity analyses. We will also evaluate the publication bias using Funnel plots and assess the confidence in cumulative evidence using an adapted version of the GRADE for prognostic factor research.

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Rapid On-Site Evaluation of Fine-Needle Aspiration by Non-Cytopathologists: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies for Adequacy Assessment

Acta Cytologica ◽

10.1159/000489550 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 62 (4) ◽

pp. 244-252 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Lauren Pearson ◽

Rachel E. Factor ◽

Sandra K. White ◽

Brandon S. Walker ◽

Lester J. Layfield ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Diagnostic Accuracy ◽

Fine Needle Aspiration ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Needle Aspiration ◽

Study Quality ◽

Fine Needle ◽

Wide Variability ◽

Site Evaluation ◽

Adequacy Assessment

Objective: Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) has been shown to improve adequacy rates and reduce needle passes. ROSE is often performed by cytopathologists who have limited availability and may be costlier than alternatives. Several recent studies examined the use of alternative evaluators (AEs) for ROSE. A summary of this information could help inform guidelines regarding the use of AEs. The objective was to assess the accuracy of AEs compared to cytopathologists in assessing the adequacy of specimens during ROSE. Study Design: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reporting and study quality were assessed using the STARD guidelines and QUADAS-2. All steps were performed independently by two evaluators. Summary estimates were obtained using the hierarchal method in Stata v14. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Higgins’ I2 statistic. Results: The systematic review identified 13 studies that were included in the meta-analysis. Summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity for AEs were 97% (95% CI: 92–99%) and 83% (95% CI: 68–92%). There was wide variation in accuracy statistics between studies (I2 = 0.99). Conclusions: AEs sometimes have accuracy that is close to cytopathologists. However, there is wide variability between studies, so it is not possible to provide a broad guideline regarding the use of AEs.

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Abstract P229: Benefits of Tai Chi Exercise Among Adults With Chronic Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.141.suppl_1.p229 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ruth E Taylor-Piliae ◽

Brooke A Finley

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Exercise Capacity ◽

Tai Chi ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Quality Score ◽

Study Quality ◽

Tai Chi Exercise

Background: Regular exercise is beneficial for adults with chronic heart failure (CHF). Tai Chi is popular among older adults and may offer additional exercise options for those with CHF. Objectives: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the benefits of Tai Chi exercise among adults with CHF. Methods: An electronic literature search of ten databases (AMED, CINAHL, Embase, OpenGrey, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) was conducted from January 1, 2004 to August 1, 2019. Clinical trials that examined Tai Chi exercise, were published in English or German languages, among participants with CHF were included. Study quality was assessed independently by two reviewers, using the modified Downs and Black Quality Index checklist (low quality = score ≤14, moderate quality = score 15-23, high quality = score ≥ 24). Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0 software (Biostat, Inc.) was used to calculate the effect sizes (i.e., Hedges’ g) and the 95% confidence intervals using random effects models. Results: A total of six studies met the inclusion criteria (five RCTs and one quasi-experimental study with a comparison group), enrolling 229 participants (mean age=68 years old, 28% women, mean ejection fraction=37%). The Yang style of Tai Chi was most commonly practiced in these studies (n=5, 83%), with usual care the most common control condition. Study quality was moderate (mean score=23). At least three studies reported outcomes for exercise capacity, quality of life (QOL), depression, and b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), allowing for meta-analysis. Compared to controls, Tai Chi participants had significantly better exercise capacity (Hedge’s g=0.353; p=0.026, I 2 =32.72%), improved QOL (Hedge’s g=0.617; p=0.000, I 2 =0%), with less depression (Hedge’s g=0.627; p=0.000, I 2 =0%), and decreased BNP expression (Hedge’s g=0.333; p=0.016, I 2 =0%). Conclusion: Among adults with CHF, Tai Chi was effective in improving exercise capacity and quality of life, with less depression and BNP levels observed, when compared to controls. Tai Chi is popular and safe form of exercise among older adults, yet few studies have been conducted during the past 15 years examining the benefits of Tai Chi among adults with CHF. Tai Chi can be easily integrated into existing cardiac rehabilitation programs. Further research is needed with more rigorous study designs and larger samples, before widespread recommendations can be made.

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SURG-16. SUPRATOTAL VERSUS GROSS TOTAL RESECTION OF GLIOBLASTOMA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noz175.1017 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽

pp. vi243-vi243

Author(s):

Christina Jackson ◽

John Choi ◽

Carrie Price ◽

Chetan Bettegowda ◽

Michael Lim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Study Quality ◽

Total Resection ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Definition Of ◽

Supratotal Resection ◽

The Cochrane Library

Abstract INTRODUCTION Due to the infiltrative nature of glioblastoma(GBM) outside of the contrast enhancing region in the peritumoral zone, there is increasing movement to perform supratotal resections (SpTR) by extending the edge of resection beyond the contrast enhancing portion of the tumor. However, there is currently no consensus on the potential survival benefit of SpTR in GBM as compared to gross total resection (GTR). METHODS Therefore, we performed a systematic review using PRISMA guidelines and performed a comprehensive literature search on Pubmed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov, from inception to August 16, 2018, to identify articles comparing overall survival (OS) after SpTR versus GTR. Furthermore, we assessed study quality using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines. RESULTS We identified 8902 unique citations, of which 11 articles and 2 abstracts met study inclusion criteria. 925 patients underwent SpTR out of a total of 2137 patients. 9 of the 13 studies demonstrated improved survival with SpTR compared to GTR (median improvement in OS of 10.5 months), with no significant difference in post-operative complication rate. Conversely, one abstract found worsened outcomes with SpTR compared to GTR (median decrease in OS of 4 months). However, overall study quality was poor, with 12 of the 13 studies of level IV evidence and one study of level IIIb evidence. We were unable to perform a meta-analysis due to significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity amongst the studies (e.g. differences in adjuvant therapy and lack of standardization of definition of supratotal resection). CONCLUSIONS Our systematic review indicates that SpTR may be associated with improved OS compared to GTR for GBM. However, this is limited by poor study quality and significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity amongst the studies. There is need for prospective clinical trials to further establish standardized guidelines for SpTR in GBM.

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The effect of rapamycin treatment on cerebral ischemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal model studies

International Journal of Stroke ◽

10.1177/1747493018816503 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 137-145 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Daniel J Beard ◽

Gina Hadley ◽

Neal Thurley ◽

David W Howells ◽

Brad A Sutherland ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cerebral Ischemia ◽

Infarct Volume ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽

Point Estimate ◽

Study Quality ◽

Mtor Inhibition ◽

Rapamycin Treatment

Background Amplifying endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms is a promising avenue for stroke therapy. One target is mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine kinase regulating cell proliferation, cell survival, protein synthesis, and autophagy. Animal studies investigating the effect of rapamycin on mTOR inhibition following cerebral ischemia have shown conflicting results. Aim To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of rapamycin in reducing infarct volume in animal models of ischemic stroke. Summary of review Our search identified 328 publications. Seventeen publications met inclusion criteria (52 comparisons: 30 reported infarct size and 22 reported neurobehavioral score). Study quality was modest (median 4 of 9) with no evidence of publication bias. The point estimate for the effect of rapamycin was a 21.6% (95% CI, 7.6%–35.7% p < 0.01) improvement in infarct volume and 30.5% (95% CI 17.2%–43.8%, p < 0.0001) improvement in neuroscores. Effect sizes were greatest in studies using lower doses of rapamycin. Conclusion Low-dose rapamycin treatment may be an effective therapeutic option for stroke. Modest study quality means there is a potential risk of bias. We recommend further high-quality preclinical studies on rapamycin in stroke before progressing to clinical trials.

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