Gender Difference in the Prevalence of Insomnia: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Objective: Insomnia is a major health challenge in the general population, but the results of the gender differences in the epidemiology of insomnia have been mixed. This is a meta-analysis to examine the gender difference in the prevalence of insomnia among the general population.Methods:Two reviewers independently searched relevant publications in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science from their inception to 16 April 2019. Studies that reported the gender-based prevalence of insomnia according to the international diagnostic criteria were included for analyses using the random-effects model.Results:Eventually 13 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of insomnia in the general population was 22.0% [n = 22,980, 95% confidence interval (CI): 17.0–28.0%], and females had a significantly higher prevalence of insomnia compared with males (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.35, 1.85, Z = 5.63, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses showed that greater gender difference was associated with the use of case-control study design and consecutive sampling method. Meta-regression analyses also revealed that higher proportion of females and better study quality were significantly associated with greater gender difference.Conclusions:This meta-analysis found that the prevalence of insomnia in females was significantly higher than males in the included studies. Due to the negative effects of insomnia on health, regular screening, and effective interventions should be implemented in the general population particularly for females.

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A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Mental Illness Symptoms in Spain in the COVID-19 Crisis

10.1101/2021.04.11.21255274 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Richard Z. Chen ◽

Stephen X. Zhang ◽

Wen Xu ◽

Allen Yin ◽

Rebecca Kechen Dong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Illness ◽

General Population ◽

Adult Students ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Total Sample ◽

Future Research ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Prevalence Rates ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Insomnia Symptoms

AbstractObjectiveThis paper systematically reviews and assesses the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia symptoms in the general population, frontline healthcare workers (HCWs), and adult students in Spain during the COVID-19 crisis.Data sourcesArticles in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and medRxiv from March 2020 to February 6, 2021.ResultsThe pooled prevalence of anxiety symptoms in 23 studies comprising a total sample of 85,560 was 20% (95% CI: 15% - 25%, I2 = 99.9%), that of depression symptoms in 23 articles with a total sample comprising of 86,469 individuals was 23% (95% CI: 18% - 28%, I2 = 99.8%), and that of insomnia symptoms in 4 articles with a total sample of 915 were 52% (95% CI: 42-64%, I2 = 88.9%). The overall prevalence of mental illness symptoms in frontline HCWs, general population, and students in Spain are 42%, 19%, and 50%, respectively.DiscussionThe accumulative evidence from the meta-analysis reveals that adults in Spain suffered higher prevalence rates of mental illness symptoms during the COVID-19 crisis with a significantly higher rate relative to other countries such as China. Our synthesis reveals high heterogeneity, varying prevalence rates and a relative lack of studies in frontline and general HCWs in Spain, calling future research and interventions to pay attention to those gaps to help inform evidence-based mental health policymaking and practice in Spain during the continuing COVID-19 crisis. The high prevalence rates call for preventative and prioritization measures of the mental illness symptoms during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Gender Based Violence against Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17030903 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 903 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Muluken Dessalegn Muluneh ◽

Virginia Stulz ◽

Lyn Francis ◽

Kingsley Agho

Keyword(s):

Partner Violence ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Regional Analysis ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Mitigation Measures ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Gender Based

This study aimed to systematically review studies that examined the prevalence of gender based violence (GBV) that included intimate partner violence (IPV) and non-IPV among women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This evidence is an important aspect to work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) target of eliminating all forms of violence in SSA. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Ovid Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were used to source articles with stringent eligibility criteria. Studies on GBV in SSA countries that were published in English from 2008 to 2019 were included. A random effect meta-analysis was used. Fifty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of IPV among women was 44%, the past year-pooled prevalence of IPV was 35.5% and non-IPV pooled prevalence was 14%. The highest prevalence rates of IPV that were reported included emotional (29.40%), physical (25.87%) and sexual (18.75%) violence. The sub-regional analysis found that women residing in Western (30%) and Eastern (25%) African regions experienced higher levels of emotional violence. Integrated mitigation measures to reduce GBV in SSA should focus mainly on IPV in order to achieve the SDG’s that will lead to sustainable changes in women’s health.

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The prevalence and profile of autism in individuals born preterm: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽

10.1186/s11689-021-09382-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Catherine Laverty ◽

Andrew Surtees ◽

Rory O’Sullivan ◽

Daniel Sutherland ◽

Christopher Jones ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Assessment Method ◽

Screening Tools ◽

Autism Diagnosis ◽

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽

Search Terms ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Prevalence Estimates ◽

Health Domains

Abstract Introduction Preterm birth (<37 weeks) adversely affects development in behavioural, cognitive and mental health domains. Heightened rates of autism are identified in preterm populations, indicating that prematurity may confer an increased likelihood of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The present meta-analysis aims to synthesise existing literature and calculate pooled prevalence estimates for rates of autism characteristics in preterm populations. Methods Search terms were generated from inspection of relevant high-impact papers and a recent meta-analysis. Five databases were searched from database creation until December 2020 with PRISMA guidelines followed throughout. Results 10,900 papers were retrieved, with 52 papers included in the final analyses, further classified by assessment method (screening tools N=30, diagnostic assessment N=29). Pooled prevalence estimates for autism in preterm samples was 20% when using screening tools and 6% when using diagnostic assessments. The odds of an autism diagnosis were 3.3 times higher in individuals born preterm than in the general population. Conclusions The pooled prevalence estimate of autism characteristics in individuals born preterm is considerably higher than in the general population. Findings highlight the clinical need to provide further monitoring and support for individuals born preterm.

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Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Children and Adolescents in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2021/6661457 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-24

Author(s):

Zebenay Workneh Bitew ◽

Ayinalem Alemu ◽

Zelalem Tenaw ◽

Animut Alebel ◽

Teshager Worku ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

General Population ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

High Income ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Obese Population

Introduction. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an assemblage of interconnected cardiovascular risk factors that are prevalent among children and adolescents in high-income countries (HICs). Despite the presence of several studies on the issue, the study findings are incongruent due to the absence of a gold standard diagnostic method of MetS in children. Thus, the findings of the original studies are inconclusive for policy makers and other stakeholders. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at giving conclusive evidence about MetS among children and adolescents in HICs. Methods. We conducted searches using electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), EMBASE (Elsevier), and Medline (EBSCOhost)) and other sources (Google Scholar and Google) up to September 2020. Observational studies reporting the prevalence of MetS were eligible in this study. The pooled estimates were computed in fixed and random effect models using six diagnostic methods (IDF, ATP III, de Ferranti et al., WHO, Weiss et al., and Cruz and Goran). Publication bias was verified using funnel plots and Egger’s regression tests. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were performed in case of higher heterogeneities among the included studies. Result. In this study, 77 studies with a total population of 125,445 children and adolescents were used in the final analysis. Metabolic syndrome among the overweight and obese population was computed from 28 studies with the pooled prevalence of 25.25%, 24.47%, 39.41%, 29.52%, and 33.36% in IDF, ATP III, de Ferranti et al., WHO, and Weiss et al. criteria, respectively. Likewise, 49 studies were eligible to compute the pooled prevalence of MetS in the general population of children and adolescents. Hence, MetS was found in 3.70% (IDF), 5.40% (ATP III), 14.78% (de Ferranti et al.), 3.90% (WHO), and, 4.66% (Cruz and Goran) of study participants. Regarding the components of MetS, abdominal obesity in the overweight and obese population, and low HDL-C in the general population were the most common components. Besides, the prevalence of Mets among males was higher than females. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that MetS among children and adolescents is undoubtedly high in HICs. The prevalence of MetS is higher among males than females. Community-based social and behavioral change communications need to be designed to promote healthy eating behaviors and physical activities. Prospective cohort studies could also help to explore all possible risk factors of MetS and to design specific interventions accordingly.

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Self-Medication with Antibiotics among University Students in LMIC: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.11359 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (08) ◽

pp. 678-689 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Rixiang Xu ◽

Tingyu Mu ◽

Guan Wang ◽

Jing Shi ◽

Xin Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

University Students ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Self Medication ◽

Middle Income ◽

Inappropriate Use ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Effective Interventions ◽

Pooled Prevalence

Introduction: Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is common among university students in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, there has been no meta-analysis and systematic review in the population. Methodology: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for the period from January 2000 to July 2018. Only observational studies that had SMA among university students from LMICs were included. A random-effects model was applied to calculate the pooled effect size with 95% confidence interval (CI) due to the expected heterogeneity (I2 over 50%). Results: The pooled prevalence of SMA of overall included studies was 46.0% (95% CI: 40.3% to 51.8%). Africa had the highest pooled prevalence of SMA among university students (55.30%), whereas South America had the lowest prevalence (38.3%). Among individual LMICs, the prevalence of SMA among university students varied from as low as 11.1% in Brazil to 90.7% in Congo. Conclusions: The practice of SMA is a widespread phenomenon among university students in LMICs and is frequently associated with inappropriate use. Effective interventions such as medication education and stricter governmental regulation concerning antibiotic use and sale are required to be established in order to deal with SMA properly.

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Metabolic syndrome among children and adolescents in low and middle income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome ◽

10.1186/s13098-020-00601-8 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zebenay Workneh Bitew ◽

Ayinalem Alemu ◽

Ermias Getaneh Ayele ◽

Zelalem Tenaw ◽

Anmut Alebel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

General Population ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Obese Population ◽

Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors, which is rising in the low and middle income countries (LMICs). There are various studies with inconsistent findings that are inconclusive for policy makers and program planners. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence of MetS and its components in LMICs. Methods Electronic searches were conducted in international databases including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE (Elsevier), Scopus, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Science direct (Elsevier), Food Science and Technology Abstracts (FSTA), Global Health and Medline, and other sources (World Cat, Google Scholar, and Google). The pooled estimates were computed in the random effect model. The pooled prevalence was computed using the three diagnostic methods (IDF, ATP III and de Ferranti). Publication bias was verified using funnel plot and Egger’s regression test. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were performed to identify the possible sources of heterogeneity among the included studies. Result In this study, 142,142 children and adolescents from 76 eligible articles were included to compute the pooled prevalence of MetS and its components in LMCIs. MeTs among overweight and obese population was computed from 20 articles with the pooled prevalence of 24.09%, 36.5%, and 56.32% in IDF, ATP III and de Ferranti criteria, respectively. Similarly, a total of 56 articles were eligible to compute the pooled prevalence of MetS in the general population of children and adolescents. Hence, Mets was found in 3.98% (IDF), 6.71% (ATP III) and 8.91% (de Ferranti) of study subjects. Regarding the components of MetS, abdominal obesity was the major component in overweight and obese population and low HDL-C was the most common component in the general population. This study also revealed that males were highly affected by MetS than females. Conclusion This study illustrates that MetS among children and adolescents is an emerging public health challenge in LMICs, where the prevalence of obesity is on the move. Preventive strategies such as community and school based intervention need to be designed. Promoting physical activities and healthy eating behaviors could avert this problem.

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The prevalence of cardiovascular disease in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of institutional and community-based studies

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12872-020-01828-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Dessie Abebaw Angaw ◽

Rahma Ali ◽

Afework Tadele ◽

Shegaye Shumet

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

General Population ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Group Analysis ◽

Premature Death ◽

Design Quality ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mesh Terms ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background Worldwide cardiovascular disease is the major cause of disability and premature death. This is due to the ascending trend of consuming an unhealthy diet and obesity which increases the risk of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thus this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of the cardiovascular disease in Ethiopia. Methods Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar search engines were accessed using medical subject heading (MeSH) terms for studies based in Ethiopia, from 2000 to 2018. However, studies done among a specific group of the population were excluded from the study. Data were extracted by one reviewer and then checked independently by a second reviewer. Studies were qualitatively synthesis in terms of design, quality, study population, outcomes, and result. Sub-group analysis and sensitivity tests were conducted to identify potential influences on the prevalence estimates. Quantitative results were pooled in a statistical meta-analysis using STATA version 14 software. Result Nine eligible cross-sectional studies were included in the analysis. The prevalence ranges from 1 to 20%. The pooled prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was 5% (95% CI: 3–8%). The prevalence was higher in the population who visits hospitals, 8% (95% CI: 4–12%) compared to the general population, 2% (95% CI: 1–5%). There was no significant difference in the overall prevalence of CVD between males and females. Conclusion The prevalence of cardiovascular disease was high. A higher prevalence of CVD was found among patients who visited health institutions than the general population and no observed significant sex difference in the prevalence

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Burden of chronic kidney disease in the general population and high-risk groups in South Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0258494 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (10) ◽

pp. e0258494

Author(s):

Nipun Shrestha ◽

Sanju Gautam ◽

Shiva Raj Mishra ◽

Salim S. Virani ◽

Raja Ram Dhungana

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

High Risk ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

General Population ◽

South Asia ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

High Risk Population ◽

Pooled Prevalence

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an emerging public health issue globally. The prevalence estimates on CKD in South Asia are however limited. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of CKD among the general and high-risk population in South Asia. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-level prevalence studies in South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). Three databases namely PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched for published reports of kidney disease in South Asia up to 28 October 2020. A random-effect model for computing the pooled prevalence was used. Results Of the 8749 identified studies, a total of 24 studies were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of CKD among the general population was 14% (95% CI 11–18%), and 15% (95% CI 11–20%) among adult males and 13% (95% CI 10–17%) in adult females. The prevalence of CKD was 27% (95% CI 20–35%) in adults with hypertension, 31% (95% CI 22–41%) in adults with diabetes and 14% (95% CI 10–19%) in adults who were overweight/obese. We found substantial heterogeneity across the included studies in the pooled estimates for CKD prevalence in both general and high-risk populations. The prevalence of CKD of unknown origin in the endemic population was 8% (95% CI 3–16%). Conclusion Our study reaffirms the previous reports that CKD represents a serious public health challenge in South Asia, with the disease prevalent among 1 in 7 adults in South Asian countries.

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A hidden pandemic? An umbrella review of global evidence on mental health in the time of COVID-19

10.31234/osf.io/bzpvw ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Marlee Bower ◽

Scarlett Smout ◽

Amarina Donohoe-Bales ◽

Lily Teesson ◽

Eleisha Lauria ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

General Population ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Meta Review ◽

Meta Analyses

Introduction: Vast available international evidence has investigated the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review aims to synthesise evidence, identifying populations and characteristics associated with poor mental health.Methods: A meta-review of pooled prevalence of anxiety and depression, with subgroup analyses for the general population, healthcare workers (HCW) and COVID-19 patients; and a meta-synthesis of systematic reviews to collate evidence on associated factors and further mental disorders. Databases searched included Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE dated to May 2021. Eligibility criteria included systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses, published post-November 2019, reporting data in English on mental health outcomes during the pandemic.Results: Eighty-one systematic reviews were included, 51 of which incorporated meta-analysis. Meta-review overall anxiety prevalence was 29% (95%CI: 27–31%, I2: 99.83%), with subgroup prevalence as 35% (95%CI: 23–47%, I2: 97.4%) in COVID-19 patients, 29% in HCW (95%CI: 25– 32, I2: 99.8%) and 28% in the general population (95%CI: 25–31%, I2: 99.9%). Meta-review overall depression prevalence was 28% (95%CI: 26–30%, I2: 99.7), with subgroup prevalence as 30% (95%CI: 7–60%, I2: 99.8%) in COVID-19 patients, 28% (95%CI: 25–31%, I2: 99.7%) in HCW and 27% (95%CI: 25–30, I2: 99.8%) in the general population. Meta-synthesis found many experienced psychological distress and PTSD/PTSS during COVID-19, but pooled prevalence ranged substantially. Fear of, proximity to, or confirmed COVID-19 infection; undergoing quarantine; and COVID-19-related news exposure were associated with adverse mental health outcomes. Amongst other factors, people who are younger, female, LGBTIQ, pregnant, parents or experiencing low social support, financial issues or socio-economic disadvantage, tended to have poorer mental health during the pandemic period.Conclusions: Despite high volumes of reviews, the diversity of findings and dearth of longitudinal studies within reviews means clear links between COVID-19 and mental health are not available, although existing evidence indicates probable associations.

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Burnout among Nurses Working in Ethiopia

Behavioural Neurology ◽

10.1155/2020/8814557 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Abrha Hailay ◽

Woldu Aberhe ◽

Guesh Mebrahtom ◽

Kidane Zereabruk ◽

Guesh Gebreayezgi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

English Language ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Personal Accomplishment ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Human Aspects ◽

Effective Interventions ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Inconsistency Index ◽

Health And Illness

Background. Burnout is a condition of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who work with people in some capacity. Nursing is a stressful profession that deals with human aspects of health and illness and can ultimately lead to job dissatisfaction and burnout. Although burnout among nurses has been addressed in previous research, the heterogeneous nature of the result findings highlights the need for a detailed meta-analysis in Ethiopia. Thus, this review is aimed at identifying the prevalence of burnout among nurses in Ethiopia. Methods. A search strategy was implemented using electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Africa-Wide Information, and African Index Medicus) which were systematically searched online to retrieve related articles using keywords. Studies which were included in this review were written in the English language because writing articles in other languages in Ethiopia is uncommon. The combination of key terms including “burnout”, “nurse” and “Ethiopia”, “systematic review” and protocols was used. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis checklist guideline was followed stepwise. All published articles starting from inception to February 2020 were included, and we did not find unpublished studies. Heterogeneity across the included studies was evaluated by the inconsistency index. All statistical analysis was done using R and RStudio software for Windows, and a random-effects model was applied to estimate the overall prevalence of burnout among nurses in Ethiopia. It is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020188092). Results. The database searched produced 1060 papers. After adjustment for duplicates and inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven articles with 1654 total nurses were found suitable for the review. Except for one cohort study, all studies were cross-sectional. The overall pooled prevalence of burnout among Ethiopian nurses was estimated to be 39% (95% CI: 27%-50%). Conclusions. Burnout affects two out of five nurses in Ethiopia. Therefore, effective interventions and strategies are required to reduce burnout among nurses.

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