Patient education for preventing recurrence of venous leg ulcers: a systematic review

Objective: To investigate the impact of patient education interventions on preventing the recurrence of venous leg ulcers (VLU). Method: A systematic review was undertaken using the following databases: Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; The Cochrane Library); Ovid; Ovid (In-process and Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL. Trial registries and reference lists of relevant publications for published and ongoing trials were also searched. There were no language or publication date restrictions. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs of patient educational interventions for preventing VLU recurrence were included. Review authors working independently assessed trials for their appropriateness for inclusion and for their risk of bias, using pre-determined inclusion and quality criteria. Results: A total of four studies met the inclusion criteria (274 participants). Each trial explored different interventions as follows: the Lively legs programme; education delivered via a video compared with education delivered via a pamphlet; the Leg Ulcer Prevention Programme and the Lindsay Leg Club. Only one study reported the primary outcome of incidence of VLU recurrence. All studies reported at least one of the secondary outcomes: patient behaviours, patient knowledge and patient quality of life (QoL). It is uncertain whether patient education programmes make any difference to VLU recurrence at 18 months (risk ratio [RR]: 0.82; 95% confidence interval: [CI] 0.59 to 1.14) or to patient behaviours (walked at least 10 minutes/five days a week RR: 1.48; 95%CI: 0.99 to 2.21; walked at least 30 minutes/five days a week: RR 1.14; 95%CI: 0.66 to 1.98; performed leg exercises: RR: 1.47; 95%CI: 1.04 to 2.09); to knowledge scores (MD (mean difference) 5.12, 95% CI –1.54 to 11.78); or to QoL (MD: 0.85, 95% CI –0.13 to 1.83), as the certainty of evidence has been assessed as very low. It is also uncertain whether different types of education delivery make any difference to knowledge scores (MD: 12.40; 95%CI: –5.68 to 30.48). Overall, GRADE assessments of the evidence resulted predominantly in judgments of very low certainty. The studies were at high risk of bias and outcome measures were imprecise due to wide CIs and small sample sizes. Conclusion: It is uncertain whether education makes any difference to the prevention of VLU recurrence. Therefore, further well-designed trials, addressing important clinical, QoL and economic outcomes are justified, based on the incidence of the problem and the high costs associated with VLU management.

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Reconstruction versus no reconstruction of iliac crest defects following harvest for spinal fusion: a systematic review

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2012.3.spine11979 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. 565-572 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Anthony M. T. Chau ◽

Lileane L. Xu ◽

Rhys van der Rijt ◽

Johnny H. Y. Wong ◽

Cristian Gragnaniello ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Postoperative Pain ◽

Spinal Fusion ◽

Functional Disability ◽

Iliac Crest ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Reconstructive Procedures

Object Autologous bone from the iliac crest is commonly used for spinal fusion. However, its use is associated with significant donor site morbidity, especially pain. Reconstructive procedures of the iatrogenic defect have been investigated as a technique to alleviate these symptoms. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of reconstruction versus no reconstruction following iliac crest harvest in adults undergoing spine surgery. Methods The authors searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 4); MEDLINE (1948–Oct 2011); EMBASE (1947–Oct 2011); and the reference lists of articles. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or nonrandomized controlled trials (NRCTs) were included in the study. Two independent reviewers selected the studies, extracted data using a standardized collection form, and assessed for risk of bias. Results Three RCTs (96 patients) and 2 NRCTs (82 patients) were included. These had a moderate to high risk of bias. The results suggest that iliac crest reconstruction may be useful in reducing postoperative pain, minimizing functional disability, and improving cosmesis. No pattern of other clinical, radiological, or resource outcomes was identified. Conclusions Although the available evidence is suboptimal, this systematic review supports the notion that iliac crest reconstruction following harvest for spinal fusion may reduce postoperative pain, minimize functional disability, and improve cosmesis.

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The effectiveness of manual therapy applied to craniomandibular structures in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders: protocol for a systematic review

Systematic Reviews ◽

10.1186/s13643-021-01623-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Giacomo Asquini ◽

Alison Rushton ◽

Laurent Pitance ◽

Nicola Heneghan ◽

Deborah Falla

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Manual Therapy ◽

Temporomandibular Disorder ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register

Abstract Background The term temporomandibular disorder (TMD) includes disorders of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), masticatory muscles and adjacent tissues. Several studies have examined the effectiveness of manual therapy (MT) for TMDs by evaluating changes in pain and maximum mouth opening (MMO). Nevertheless, the effectiveness of MT exclusively applied to the craniomandibular structures (craniomandibular manual therapy (CMMT)) on pain and TMJ range of motion remains unclear. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CMMT on pain and TMJ range of motion in people with TMDs. Methods This protocol is reported in line with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P). Databases including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ZETOC, Web of Science, SCOPUS, PEDro, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Best Evidence, EBM reviews–Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Index to Chiropractic Literature ChiroAccess and Google Scholar will be searched from inception as well as key journals and grey literature. Randomised controlled trials involving adults with TMD that compare the effect of any type of CMMT (e.g. mobilisation) on pain and range of motion with a placebo intervention, controlled care intervention or other types of treatment will be included. Two reviewers will independently screen articles for inclusion, extract data, assess risk of bias (revised Cochrane risk of bias tool) for included studies and evaluate overall quality of evidence (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). A meta-analysis will be conducted if possible. If not, a narrative synthesis will be conducted reporting the effectiveness of CMMT according to disorder type (TMJ disorders, masticatory muscle disorders and mixed disorders). Discussion In this review, the effectiveness of MT applied to craniomandibular structures for the treatment of TMD will be evaluated. Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. We expect our findings will facilitate treatment planning for manual therapists managing patients with TMD and provide future clinical research implications. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42019160213

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Vital Pulp Therapy in Permanent Mature Posterior Teeth with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Systematic Review of Treatment Outcomes

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina57060573 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (6) ◽

pp. 573

Author(s):

João Miguel Santos ◽

Joana F. Pereira ◽

Andréa Marques ◽

Diana B. Sequeira ◽

Shimon Friedman

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Root Canal ◽

Small Sample ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Root Canal Treatment ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Posterior Teeth ◽

Pulp Therapy ◽

Vital Pulp Therapy ◽

Irreversible Pulpitis

Background and Objectives: Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in permanent mature teeth is a common indication for nonsurgical root canal treatment (NSRCT), but contemporary studies have reported on vital pulp therapy (VPT) applied in such teeth as a less invasive treatment. This systematic review assessed the outcomes of VPT, including partial and full pulpotomy performed with hydraulic calcium silicate cements (HCSCs) in permanent mature posterior teeth diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Materials and Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were followed. The search strategy included PubMed®, EMBASE, Cochrane library and grey literature electronic databases. The quality assessment of the identified studies followed the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias, ROBINS-I and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale tools. Results: The search of primary databases identified 142 articles, of which 9 randomized controlled trials and 3 prospective cohort studies were selected for review. The risk-of-bias was assessed as ‘high’ or ‘serious’, ‘fair’, and ‘low’ for three, seven and two articles, respectively. One to five years after VPT using HCSCs, the success rates mostly ranged from 78 to 90%. Based on two articles, the outcomes of the VPT and NSRCT were comparable at one and five years. Despite the necessity for the intra-operative pulp assessment in VPT procedures, the majority of the studies did not fully report on this step or on the time needed to achieve hemostasis. Small sample sizes, of under 23 teeth, were reported in three studies. Conclusions: The reviewed 12 articles reported favorable outcomes of the VPT performed with HCSCs in permanent mature posterior teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, with radiographic success in the range of 81 to 90%. Two articles suggested comparable outcomes of the VPT and root canal treatment. Universal case selection and outcome criteria needs to be established for VPT when considered as an alternative to NSRCT. This evidence supports the need for further research comparing longer-term outcomes of both of the treatment modalities.

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Adjuvant Transarterial Chemoembolization Following Curative-Intent Hepatectomy Versus Hepatectomy Alone for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13122984 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 2984

Author(s):

Stepan M. Esagian ◽

Christos D. Kakos ◽

Emmanouil Giorgakis ◽

Lyle Burdine ◽

J. Camilo Barreto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Transarterial Chemoembolization ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Curative Intent ◽

Randomized Controlled

The role of adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing hepatectomy is currently unclear. We performed a systematic review of the literature using the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Random-effects meta-analysis was carried out to compare the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients with resectable HCC undergoing hepatectomy followed by adjuvant TACE vs. hepatectomy alone in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Meta-regression analyses were performed to explore the effect of hepatitis B viral status, microvascular invasion, type of resection (anatomic vs. parenchymal-sparing), and tumor size on the outcomes. Ten eligible RCTs, reporting on 1216 patients in total, were identified. The combination of hepatectomy and adjuvant TACE was associated with superior OS (hazard ratio (HR): 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52 to 0.85; p < 0.001) and RFS (HR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.88; p < 0.001) compared to hepatectomy alone. There were significant concerns regarding the risk of bias in most of the included studies. Overall, adjuvant TACE may be associated with an oncologic benefit in select HCC patients. However, the applicability of these findings may be limited to Eastern Asian populations, due to the geographically restricted sample. High-quality multinational RCTs, as well as predictive tools to optimize patient selection, are necessary before adjuvant TACE can be routinely implemented into standard practice. PROSPERO Registration ID: CRD42021245758.

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Efficacy of hydrofibre dressing following total joint arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Hip International ◽

10.1177/11207000211012669 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 112070002110126

Author(s):

Raman Mundi ◽

Harman Chaudhry ◽

Seper Ekhtiari ◽

Prabjit Ajrawat ◽

Daniel M Tushinski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Total Joint Arthroplasty ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Joint Infection ◽

The United States ◽

Joint Arthroplasty ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Observable Effect ◽

The Impact

Introduction: In the United States, over 1,000,000 total joint arthroplasty (TJA) surgeries are performed annually and has been forecasted that this number will exceed 4,000,000 by the year 2030. Many different types of dressing exist for use in TJA surgery, and it is unclear if any of the newer, hydrofibre dressings are superior to traditional dressings at reducing rates of infections or improving wound healing. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of hydrofiber dressings on reducing complications. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using the online databases MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing hydrofibre dressings to a standard dressing were included. Summary measures are reported as odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Our primary outcome was prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Secondary outcomes included blisters, dressing changes and wound irritation. Results: 5 RCTs were included. Hydrofibre dressing had no observable effect on PJI or wound irritation (OR 0.53; 95% CI, 0.14–1.98; p = 0.35). Hydrofibre dressings reduced the rate of blisters (OR 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14–0.90; p = 0.03) and number of dressing changes (MD -1.89; 95% CI, -2.68 to -1.11). Conclusions: In conclusion, evidence suggests hydrofibre dressings have no observable effect on PJI and wound irritation. Evidence for reduction in blisters and number of dressings is modest given wide CIs and biased trial methodologies. Use of hydrofibre dressings should be considered inconclusive for mitigating major complications in light of current best evidence.

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Comparison of effects of different dietary interventions on cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease: protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042997 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. e042997

Author(s):

Lili Chen ◽

Xinhua Xu ◽

Huizhen Cao ◽

Hong Li

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Evaluation Framework ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Dietary Interventions ◽

Meta Analyses

IntroductionAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease and is characterised by cognitive impairment. Non-pharmacological treatments such as diet therapy have been widely investigated in studies on AD. Given the synergistic effects of nutrients present in foods, considering overall dietary composition rather than focusing on a single nutrient may be more useful for evaluating the relationship between diet and AD cognition. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of different dietary interventions (eg, ketogenic and Mediterranean diets) on cognitive function in patients with AD in a systematic review and pairwise and network meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials or clinical trials.Methods and analysisTwo reviewers will independently conduct searches of PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Data will be extracted from selected studies and risk of bias will be assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and evidence quality will be assessed according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. The primary outcome of interest is cognitive function in patients with AD; secondary outcomes include biochemical biomarkers of AD and oxidative stress and/or inﬂammatory biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid or plasma. For each outcome, random-effects pairwise and network meta-analyses will be carried out to determine the pooled relative effect of each intervention relative to every other intervention.Ethics and disseminationAs this study is based solely on published literature, no ethics approval is required. The research will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

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Effectiveness of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices in canine retraction and anchorage preservation during the two-step technique: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Oral Health ◽

10.1186/s12903-020-01271-8 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Haonan Tian ◽

Congman Xie ◽

Min Lin ◽

Hongmei Yang ◽

Aishu Ren

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Canine Retraction ◽

Temporary Anchorage Devices ◽

The Mean ◽

Mean Differences ◽

Implant Anchorage

Abstract Background Temporary anchorage devices have been used for decades in orthodontic practice for many applications. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices in canine retraction during the two-step technique. Methods A search was systematically performed for articles published prior to June 30, 2019 in five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Scopus). The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for controlled clinical trials (CCTs). The Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used for the quality assessment. Data concerning the mean difference in mesial molar movement and extent of canine retraction were extracted for statistical analysis. The mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were analyzed for continuous data. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model for comparable outcomes was carried out. Results Three RCTs and five CCTs were finally included. Meta-analysis showed a significant increase not only in anchorage preservation in the implant anchorage group in both the maxilla (1.56 mm, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.98, P < 0.00001) and the mandible (1.62 mm, 95% CI: 1.24 to 2.01, P < 0.00001) but also in canine retraction in the implant anchorage group in both the maxilla (0.43 mm, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.69, P = 0.001) and the mandible (0.26 mm, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.49, P = 0.03). Conclusions There is very low-quality evidence showing that implant anchorage is more efficient than conventional anchorage during canine retraction. Additional high-quality studies are needed.

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The impact of online group counselling programs on substance use, mental health, and physical health among adults: A systematic review protocol

10.21203/rs.3.rs-37015/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Cheryl L Currie ◽

Richard Larouche ◽

M. L. Voss ◽

Erin K. Higa ◽

Rae Spiwak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Substance Use ◽

Physical Health ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Group Counselling ◽

The Impact ◽

Online Group

Abstract Background: COVID-19 has resulted in an increased demand for online mental health services globally. There is emerging evidence for the efficacy for group online interventions that support population-based mental health, but a systematic review is lacking. The primary objective of this rapid systematic review is to summarize the evidence for online group counselling programs for adults. A second objective is to assess, within studies selected for our primary objective, the impact of online group counselling programs that encourage PA on outcomes compared to those that do not.Methods and Design: Randomized controlled trials that assess the impact of online group counselling programs on substance use, mental health, or physical health among community dwelling adults will be searched in MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINHAL, and the Central Register of Controlled Trials. The review will be structured using PRISMA guidelines. Studies will be synthesized using the Cochrane Handbook and Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) reporting guideline. Quality will be evaluated using GRADE. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool; with higher quality studies prioritized when drawing conclusions. The role of sex and gender will be considered as well as possible gender biases at all stages of the review.Discussion: This review will examine the effectiveness of online counselling programs that can be delivered to populations in a group format, and thus in a potentially cost-effective way. Findings will inform the decisions of governments, communities, and health care organizations responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Systematic review registration: The protocol has been registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42020187551).

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Intensity of Task-Specific Training for Functional Ability Post-stroke: Protocol for a Systematic Review

10.21203/rs.3.rs-21780/v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rabiu Ibrahim ◽

Isa Usman Lawal ◽

Conran Joseph

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Literature Search ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Specific Training ◽

Medical Subject Headings ◽

Mesh Terms ◽

Pubmed Search ◽

Evidence Database

Abstract Background This study aimed to describe and present detailed protocol of a systematic review aimed at determining available research evidence regarding the intensity, and frequency of task-specific training ( TST ) that can best result in improved motor function and mobility outcomes in both upper and lower extremities in acute, sub-acute and chronic stroke survivors. Methods Literature search strategies were developed using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and text key words related to stroke rehabilitation and the use of TST to search for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (PubMed search engine), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Google Scholar were searched for eligible articles published from inception to date. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, selected appropriate abstract/studies and extracted relevant data as yielded by the search based on the study inclusion criteria. Assessment of the study risk of bias and quality of included studies were appraised using the Cochrane’s tool for assessing risk of bias or other appropriate tools. Discussion This paper presented the description of the systematic review methods, and it is expected to guide researchers in conducting systematic review in similar fields of research. Sources of literature search terms and reviewers have been determined. Systematic review registration The study protocol has been registered with PROSPERO (130991)

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Relationship between hormonal contraceptives and sleep among women of reproductive age: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045819 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. e045819

Author(s):

Jinhui Ma ◽

Megan Cheng ◽

Lehana Thabane ◽

Caihong Ma ◽

Ning Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Research Question ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Hormonal Contraceptives ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Women Of Reproductive Age

IntroductionThe aetiology of sleep disruptions is unknown, but hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause have been shown to potentially affect how well a woman sleeps. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether hormonal contraceptives are associated with a decreased quality of sleep and increased sleep duration in women of reproductive age.MethodsThis review will analyse data from randomised controlled trials or non-randomised comparative studies investigating the association between hormonal contraceptives and sleep outcomes among women of reproductive age. Reviews addressing the same research question with similar eligibility criteria will be included. A literature search will be performed using the MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from inception to 7 March 2021. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias for Randomised Trials V.2.0 and The Risk of Bias for Non-randomised Studies of Interventions tool will be used to assess risk of bias for each outcome in eligible studies. Two reviewers will independently assess eligibility of studies and risk of bias and extract the data. All extracted data will be presented in tables and narrative form. For sleep measures investigated by two or more studies with low heterogeneity, we will conduct random-effects meta-analysis to estimate the magnitude of the overall effect of hormonal contraceptives. If studies included in this systematic review form a connected network, a network meta-analysis will be conducted to estimate the comparative effect of different contraceptives. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach will be used to summarise the quality of evidence. Our protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols 2015 guidelines.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required as data were sourced from previously reported studies. The findings of this review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020199958.

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