scholarly journals Public health impacts of drought in high-income countries: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Vos ◽  
Julija Dimnik ◽  
Sondus Hassounah ◽  
Emer OConnell ◽  
Owen Landeg
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
High Income ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
West Nile Fever ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Airborne Dust

Abstract Introduction The health effects of drought are significant and widespread, but primarily indirect. As climate change projections indicate future increases in drought events globally, it is essential that we continue to develop the evidence base on the health consequences of drought to inform future public health policy and practice (i.e. the quantification of impacts now and in the future). Methods A systematic review was preformed using: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Maternity and Infant Care, Global Health, CINAHL and Cochrane. Articles were included in the analysis if they met the following criteria: exposure was specified as drought; outcome was a defined and measured human health outcome; a distinct link had to be made between exposure and outcome; drought was defined as a shortage or deficiency that was climate related; population studied was member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to represent HICs; reported original data; published in English from May 2012 to June 2017. Results 10,383 citations were initially identified; 24 papers met the eligibility criteria. Additionally, seven papers not meeting the criteria were incorporated as supporting text. The majority of studies were from Australia and the USA. Five main categories of health effects were found: (i) water borne disease (ii) vector borne disease (iii) airborne, dust and respiratory related diseases (iv) mental health and wellbeing and (v) other health effects. Conclusion The limited evidence suggests that the mental health impacts of drought in rural and farming populations and outbreaks of West Nile Fever in places that harbour the transmitting vector represent the greatest public health concern for drought prone High-Income Countries (HICs). A range of initiatives were identified, including health services preparedness alongside targeted public health policies. Further studies are needed to address gaps in the evidence including the absence of a standardised definition and/or measure of drought exposure, and methods to measure and assess health impacts related to drought.

scholarly journals Which Non-Pharmaceutical Primary Care Interventions Reduce Inequalities in Common Mental Health Disorders? A Protocol for a Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 12978
Author(s):  
Louise Tanner ◽  
Sarah Sowden ◽  
Madeleine Still ◽  
Katie Thomson ◽  
Clare Bambra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mental Health Disorders ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Psychological Therapies ◽  
Health Disorders

Common mental health disorders (CMDs) represent a major public health concern and are particularly prevalent in people experiencing disadvantage or marginalisation. Primary care is the first point of contact for people with CMDs. Pharmaceutical interventions, such as antidepressants, are commonly used in the treatment of CMDs; however, there is concern that these treatments are over-prescribed and ineffective for treating mental distress related to social conditions. Non-pharmaceutical primary care interventions, such as psychological therapies and “social prescribing”, provide alternatives for CMDs. Little is known, however, about which such interventions reduce social inequalities in CMD-related outcomes, and which may, unintentionally, increase them. The aim of this protocol (PROSPERO registration number CRD42021281166) is to describe how we will undertake a systematic review to assess the effects of non-pharmaceutical primary care interventions on CMD-related outcomes and social inequalities. A systematic review of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods primary studies will be undertaken and reported according to the PRISMA-Equity guidance. The following databases will be searched: Assia, CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycInfo and Scopus. Retrieved records will be screened according to pre-defined eligibility criteria and synthesised using a narrative approach, with meta-analysis if feasible. The findings of this review will guide efforts to commission more equitable mental health services.

scholarly journals Prevalence of loneliness amongst older people in high-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0255088
Author(s):  
Kavita Chawla ◽  
Tafadzwa Patience Kunonga ◽  
Daniel Stow ◽  
Robert Barker ◽  
Dawn Craig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older People ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Later Life ◽  
High Income ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Reported Data

Background and objective Loneliness is associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality, and is a growing public health concern in later life. This study aimed to produce an evidence-based estimate of the prevalence of loneliness amongst older people (aged 60 years and above). Study design and setting Systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of observational studies from high income countries 2008 to 2020, identified from searches of five electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Proquest Social Sciences Premium Collection). Studies were included if they measured loneliness in an unselected population. Results Thirty-nine studies reported data on 120,000 older people from 29 countries. Thirty-one studies were suitable for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence estimate of loneliness was 28.5% (95%CI: 23.9% - 33.2%). In twenty-nine studies reporting loneliness severity, the pooled prevalence was 25.9% (95%CI: 21.6% - 30.3%) for moderate loneliness and 7.9% (95%CI: 4.8% - 11.6%) for severe loneliness (z = -6.1, p < 0.001). Similar pooled prevalence estimates were observed for people aged 65–75 years (27.6%, 95%CI: 22.6% - 33.0%) and over 75 years (31.3%, 95%CI: 21.0% - 42.7%, z = 0.64, p = 0.52). Lower levels of loneliness were reported in studies from Northern Europe compared to South and Eastern Europe. Conclusions Loneliness is common amongst older adults affecting approximately one in four in high income countries. There is no evidence of an increase in the prevalence of loneliness with age in the older population. The burden of loneliness is an important public health and social problem, despite severe loneliness being uncommon. PROSPERO registration CRD42017060472.

scholarly journals Municipal Solid Waste Management and Adverse Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4331
Author(s):  
Giovanni Vinti ◽  
Valerie Bauza ◽  
Thomas Clasen ◽  
Kate Medlicott ◽  
Terry Tudor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Municipal Solid Waste ◽  
Solid Waste ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Neonatal Outcomes ◽  
Municipal Solid Waste Management ◽  
Open Burning ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Increased Risk

Municipal solid waste (MSW) can pose a threat to public health if it is not safely managed. Despite prior research, uncertainties remain and refurbished evidence is needed along with new approaches. We conducted a systematic review of recently published literature to update and expand the epidemiological evidence on the association between MSW management practices and resident populations’ health risks. Studies published from January 2005 to January 2020 were searched and reviewed following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible MSW treatment or disposal sites were defined as landfills, dumpsites, incinerators, waste open burning, transfer stations, recycling sites, composting plants, and anaerobic digesters. Occupational risks were not assessed. Health effects investigated included mortality, adverse birth and neonatal outcomes, cancer, respiratory conditions, gastroenteritis, vector-borne diseases, mental health conditions, and cardiovascular diseases. Studies reporting on human biomonitoring for exposure were eligible as well. Twenty-nine studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria of our protocol, assessing health effects only associated with proximity to landfills, incinerators, and dumpsites/open burning sites. There was some evidence of an increased risk of adverse birth and neonatal outcomes for residents near each type of MSW site. There was also some evidence of an increased risk of mortality, respiratory diseases, and negative mental health effects associated with residing near landfills. Additionally, there was some evidence of increased risk of mortality associated with residing near incinerators. However, in many cases, the evidence was inadequate to establish a strong relationship between a specific exposure and outcomes, and the studies rarely assessed new generation technologies. Evidence gaps remain, and recommendations for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Global Health Impacts of Dust Storms: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 117863022110183
Author(s):  
Hamidreza Aghababaeian ◽  
Abbas Ostadtaghizadeh ◽  
Ali Ardalan ◽  
Ali Asgary ◽  
Mehry Akbary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Dust Storms ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Emergency Medical Dispatch ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
English Articles

Background: Dust storms and their impacts on health are becoming a major public health issue. The current study examines the health impacts of dust storms around the world to provide an overview of this issue. Method: In this systematic review, 140 relevant and authoritative English articles on the impacts of dust storms on health (up to September 2019) were identified and extracted from 28 968 articles using valid keywords from various databases (PubMed, WOS, EMBASE, and Scopus) and multiple screening steps. Selected papers were then qualitatively examined and evaluated. Evaluation results were summarized using an Extraction Table. Results: The results of the study are divided into two parts: short and long-term impacts of dust storms. Short-term impacts include mortality, visitation, emergency medical dispatch, hospitalization, increased symptoms, and decreased pulmonary function. Long-term impacts include pregnancy, cognitive difficulties, and birth problems. Additionally, this study shows that dust storms have devastating impacts on health, affecting cardiovascular and respiratory health in particular. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that dust storms have significant public health impacts. More attention should be paid to these natural hazards to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate these hazardous events to reduce their negative health impacts. Registration: PROSPERO registration number CRD42018093325

scholarly journals Stress and burnout in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) trainees: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel Owen ◽  
Louise Crouch-Read ◽  
Matthew Smith ◽  
Paul Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Future Research ◽  
List Type ◽  
Dual Roles ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Psychological Therapies ◽  
Current State

Abstract For more than a decade, Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) has been training a new workforce of psychological therapists. Despite evidence of stress and burnout both in trainee mental health professionals, and qualified IAPT clinicians, little is known about these topics in IAPT trainees. Consequently, this systematic review sought to establish the current state of the literature regarding stress and burnout in IAPT trainees. Electronic databases were searched to identify all published and available unpublished work relating to the topic. On the basis of pre-established eligibility criteria, eight studies (including six unpublished doctoral theses) were identified and assessed for quality. This review identifies that research into the experience of IAPT trainees is under-developed. Existing evidence tentatively suggests that IAPT trainees may experience levels of stress and burnout that are higher than their qualified peers and among the higher end of healthcare professionals more generally. The experience of fulfilling dual roles as mental health professionals and university students concurrently appears to be a significant source of stress for IAPT trainees. More research regarding the levels and sources of stress and burnout in IAPT trainees is urgently needed to confirm and extend these findings. Recommendations for future research in the area are given. Key learning aims (1) To establish the current state of the literature regarding stress and burnout in IAPT trainees. (2) To raise practitioner, service and education-provider awareness regarding the levels and perceived sources of stress and burnout in IAPT trainees. (3) To make recommendations regarding future research on the topic.

scholarly journals Review: Mental health impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on children and youth – a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasina Samji ◽  
Judy Wu ◽  
Amilya Ladak ◽  
Caralyn Vossen ◽  
Evelyn Stewart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Health Impacts

scholarly journals Prevalence of health misinformation in social media: a systematic review (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Suarez-Lledo ◽  
Javier Alvarez-Galvez
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Medical Treatments ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Social Media Platforms

BACKGROUND The propagation of health misinformation through social media has become a major public health concern over the last two decades. Although today there is broad agreement among researchers, health professionals, and policy makers on the need to control and combat health misinformation, the magnitude of this problem is still unknown. Consequently, before adopting the necessary measures for the adequate control of health misinformation in social media, it is fundamental to discover both the most prevalent health topics and the social media platforms from which these topics are initially framed and subsequently disseminated. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to identify the main health misinformation topics and their prevalence on different social media platforms, focusing on methodological quality and the diverse solutions that are being implemented to address this public health concern. METHODS This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus and the Web of Science for articles published in English before March 2019 with a particular focus on studying health misinformation in social media. We defined health misinformation as a health-related claim based on anecdotal evidence, false, or misleading due to the lack of existing scientific knowledge. The criteria for inclusion were: 1) articles that focused on health misinformation in social media, including those in which the authors discussed the consequences or purposes of health misinformation; and 2) studies that described empirical findings regarding the measurement of health misinformation in these platforms. RESULTS A total of 69 studies were identified as eligible, covering a wide range of health topics and social media platforms. The topics were articulated around six principal categories: vaccines (32%), drugs or smoking (22%), non-communicable disease (19%), pandemics (10%), eating disorders (9%), and medical treatments (7%). Studies were mainly based on five methodological approaches: Social Network Analysis (28%), Evaluating Content (26%), Evaluating Quality (24%), Content/Text analysis (16%) and Sentiment Analysis (6%). Health misinformation proved to be the most more prevalent in studies related to smoking products and drugs such as opioids or marijuana. Posts with misinformation reached 87% in some studies focused in smoking products. Health misinformation about vaccines was also very common (43%), but studies reported different levels of misinformation depending on the different vaccines, with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine being the most affected. Secondly, health misinformation related to diets or pro eating disorders (pro-ED) arguments were moderate in comparison to the aforementioned topics (36%). Studies focused on diseases (i.e. non-communicable diseases and pandemics) also reported moderate misinformation rates (40%), especially in the case of cancer. Finally, the lowest levels of health misinformation were related to medical treatments (30%). CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of health misinformation was most common on Twitter and on issues related to smoking products and drugs. However, misinformation is also high on major public health issues such as vaccines and diseases. Our study offers a comprehensive characterization of the dominant health misinformation topics and a comprehensive description of their prevalence in different social media platforms, which can guide future studies and help in the development of evidence-based digital policy actions plans. CLINICALTRIAL

Establishing the Effectiveness of Interventions Provided to First Responders to Prevent and/or Treat Mental Health Effects of Response to a Disaster: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
W. Tyler Winders ◽  
Nirma D. Bustamante ◽  
Stephanie Chow Garbern ◽  
Corey Bills ◽  
Amin Coker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
First Responders ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Mental Health Effects

ABSTRACT Objectives: This review systematically explores the current available evidence on the effectiveness of interventions provided to first responders to prevent and/or treat the mental health effects of responding to a disaster. Methods: A systematic review of Medline, Scopus, PsycINFO, and gray literature was conducted. Studies describing the effectiveness of interventions provided to first responders to prevent and/or treat the mental health effects of responding to a disaster were included. Quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria, and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. Results: Manuscripts totaling 3869 met the initial search criteria; 25 studies met the criteria for in-depth analysis, including 22 quantitative and 3 qualitative studies; 6 were performed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); 18 studies evaluated a psychological intervention; of these, 13 found positive impact, 4 found no impact, and 1 demonstrated worsened symptoms after the intervention. Pre-event trainings decreased psychiatric symptoms in each of the 3 studies evaluating its effectiveness. Conclusions: This review demonstrates that there are likely effective interventions to both prevent and treat psychiatric symptoms in first responders in high-, medium-, and low-income countries.

scholarly journals Exercise time cues (zeitgebers) for human circadian systems can foster health and improve performance: a systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Lewis ◽  
Horst W Korf ◽  
Liz Kuffer ◽  
J Valérie Groß ◽  
Thomas C Erren
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Preventative Strategy ◽  
Effects On Children ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Right

BackgroundCircadian system time cues (zeitgebers) acting synergistically at the right times can foster chronobiological homeostasis and ultimately health. Modern 24/7 societies are challenging chronobiological homeostasis and public health. Exercise has been discussed as a potential zeitgeber for the human circadian system. Thus, if timed correctly, exercise may help in maintenance of chronobiological homeostasis and foster public health amidst increasingly challenging 24/7 lifestyles.ObjectiveTo test, using a systematic review of the literature, the following hypothesis: exercise is a zeitgeber for the human circadian system.Data sourcesThe PubMed database was systematically searched on 19 October 2017 for relevant scientific studies and reports concerning chronobiology and exercise. Eligibility criteria were defined to include articles considering exercise as a potential zeitgeber for human circadian rhythmicity or chronobiological effects of exercise on health and/or physical performance. Cognitive effects and effects on children were excluded from the synthesis.ResultsOur systematic literature search and synthesis is compatible with the validity of the hypothesis. We report that potential exercise-zeitgeber properties may be used to improve health and performance.ConclusionsInformed timing of exercise, specific to the circadian rhythm phase and zeitgeber exposure of the individual, must be advocated in performance and disease contexts as an adjunct therapeutic or preventative strategy and physical enhancer.

scholarly journals Use of Prescribed Psychotropics during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Pregnancy, Neonatal, and Childhood Outcomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Creeley ◽  
Denton
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Clinical Research ◽  
Prenatal Exposure ◽  
Psychotropic Drugs ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽  
Mother And Child

This paper reviews the findings from preclinical animal and human clinical research investigating maternal/fetal, neonatal, and child neurodevelopmental outcomes following prenatal exposure to psychotropic drugs. Evidence for the risks associated with prenatal exposure was examined, including teratogenicity, neurodevelopmental effects, neonatal toxicity, and long-term neurobehavioral consequences (i.e., behavioral teratogenicity). We conducted a comprehensive review of the recent results and conclusions of original research and reviews, respectively, which have investigated the short- and long-term impact of drugs commonly prescribed to pregnant women for psychological disorders, including mood, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Because mental illness in the mother is not a benign event, and may itself pose significant risks to both mother and child, simply discontinuing or avoiding medication use during pregnancy may not be possible. Therefore, prenatal exposure to psychotropic drugs is a major public health concern. Decisions regarding drug choice, dose, and duration should be made carefully, by balancing severity, chronicity, and co-morbidity of the mental illness, disorder, or condition against the potential risk for adverse outcomes due to drug exposure. Globally, maternal mental health problems are considered as a major public health challenge, which requires a stronger focus on mental health services that will benefit both mother and child. More preclinical and clinical research is needed in order to make well-informed decisions, understanding the risks associated with the use of psychotropic medications during pregnancy.

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