The Measurement of Food Insecurity in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

The measurement of food insecurity is essential to monitor the prevalence, risk factors, consequences and effects of food insecurity and the interventions and policies implemented to tackle it. Yet, how best to apply it remains an unsettled issue due to the multifaceted and context-dependent nature of food insecurity. We report a scoping review of measures of food insecurity at the individual and household level in high-income countries with the final purpose of facilitating a catalogue of instruments to be used by both researchers and practitioners. The scoping review was conducted following the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. We included all types of documents published between 2000–2020 using instruments that estimate food insecurity at both individual and household level in high-income countries, and with respondents including adolescents, adults, and elderly. We identified a total of 23 measurement strategies being used in 33 peer-reviewed publications and 114 documents from the grey literature. Our results show that most measures focus on the access dimension of food insecurity and that further research is required to develop measures that incorporate aspects of quality of dietary intake and relevant individual, household and social conditions related to food insecurity.

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Rehabilitation following flexor tendon injury to the hand in African countries: a study protocol for a scoping review

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045260 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. e045260

Author(s):

Martin Marume ◽

Susan De Klerk ◽

Lee-Ann Jacobs-Nzuzi Khuabi

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Flexor Tendon ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Tendon Injury ◽

Tendon Injuries ◽

High Income ◽

African Countries ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages

Quality of life is enhanced by engagement in meaningful activities and participation using our hands. In African countries, people rely predominantly on the use of their hands to engage in economic productive activities, including agricultural, fishing, mining and construction, that are largely performed by machines in high-income contexts. Anecdotal evidence suggests a high incidence of flexor tendon injuries that are managed using protocols that were adopted from high-income countries and implemented without considering contextual differences. African therapists use discretion in selecting protocols thereby presenting inconsistency in tendon management. This result in challenges with ascertaining the most effective protocol, factors that influence protocols and the extent of evidence about flexor tendon rehabilitation in Africa. Therefore, this scoping review aims to provide evidence currently available on the rehabilitation of flexor tendons in African countries. This will synthesise the advantages and disadvantages of the current protocols and make proposals that are contextually relevant and cost-effective for rehabilitation of tendon injuries.Methods and analysisThe research will follow the scoping review methodological framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). The search strategy was developed and will be used to retrieve articles from eight databases. Further literature will be searched in the bibliography of the identified eligible articles. Grey literature will be searched in scientifically reliable websites, organisations and other sources. Articles will be reviewed by two independent researchers and opinion will be sought from a third reviewer when disagreement prevails on the inclusion quality of an article. All relevant articles that meet the criteria will be analysed using Weft QDA.Ethics and disseminationThe scoping review paper will be discussed with local therapists. Thereafter, findings will be published in the year 2021 and sent to rehabilitation associations in respective African countries.

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Understanding Food Waste, Food Insecurity, and the Gap between the Two: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10030681 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 681

Author(s):

Nora A. Althumiri ◽

Mada H. Basyouni ◽

Ali F. Duhaim ◽

Norah AlMousa ◽

Mohammed F. AlJuwaysim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Food Waste ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Household Level ◽

Individual Level ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Household Factors ◽

Cooked Food ◽

The Individual

Background: Food waste and food insecurity may co-exist in various balances in developing and developed countries. This study aimed to explore the levels of food waste and food insecurity, the factors associated with them, and their relationships at the household and individual levels in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study was a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted via computer-assisted phone interviews in January 2021. Quota sampling was utilized to generate balanced distributions of participants by gender across all the administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. Data collection included household demographics, food waste and disposal, the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Results: Out of the 2807 potential participants contacted, 2454 (87.4%) completed the interview. The mean age was 31.4 (SD = 11.7; range = 18–99) and 50.1% were female. The weighted prevalence of uncooked food waste in the last four weeks was 63.6% and the cooked food waste was 74.4%. However, the food insecurity weighted prevalence at the individual level (FIES) was 6.8%. In terms of food insecurity at the household level (HFIAS), 13.3% were in the “severely food insecure” category. Moreover, this study found that “moderately food insecure” households were associated with an increased likelihood to waste uncooked food (relative risk (RR) = 1.25), and the “mildly food insecure” (RR = 1.21) and “moderately food insecure” (RR = 1.17) households were associated with an increased likelihood to waste cooked food. However, “food secure” households were associated with a decreased likelihood to waste cooked food (RR = 0.56). Finally, this study identified four household factors associated with food waste and three household factors that were associated with “severe food insecurity.” Conclusions: This first national coverage study to explore food waste and food insecurity at the individual level and household level, identified household factors associated with food waste and food insecurity and identified new associations between food waste and food insecurity in Saudi Arabia. The associations found between food waste and food insecurity are potential areas of intervention to reduce both food waste and food insecurity at the same time, toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets related to food waste and food security.

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A scoping review of registry captured indicators for evaluating quality of critical care in ICU

Journal of Intensive Care ◽

10.1186/s40560-021-00556-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Issrah Jawad ◽

Sumayyah Rashan ◽

Chathurani Sigera ◽

Jorge Salluh ◽

Arjen M. Dondorp ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Critical Care ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Health Care Quality ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Patient Reported Outcome ◽

Care Quality ◽

Patient Reported

Abstract Background Excess morbidity and mortality following critical illness is increasingly attributed to potentially avoidable complications occurring as a result of complex ICU management (Berenholtz et al., J Crit Care 17:1-2, 2002; De Vos et al., J Crit Care 22:267-74, 2007; Zimmerman J Crit Care 1:12-5, 2002). Routine measurement of quality indicators (QIs) through an Electronic Health Record (EHR) or registries are increasingly used to benchmark care and evaluate improvement interventions. However, existing indicators of quality for intensive care are derived almost exclusively from relatively narrow subsets of ICU patients from high-income healthcare systems. The aim of this scoping review is to systematically review the literature on QIs for evaluating critical care, identify QIs, map their definitions, evidence base, and describe the variances in measurement, and both the reported advantages and challenges of implementation. Method We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane libraries from the earliest available date through to January 2019. To increase the sensitivity of the search, grey literature and reference lists were reviewed. Minimum inclusion criteria were a description of one or more QIs designed to evaluate care for patients in ICU captured through a registry platform or EHR adapted for quality of care surveillance. Results The search identified 4780 citations. Review of abstracts led to retrieval of 276 full-text articles, of which 123 articles were accepted. Fifty-one unique QIs in ICU were classified using the three components of health care quality proposed by the High Quality Health Systems (HQSS) framework. Adverse events including hospital acquired infections (13.7%), hospital processes (54.9%), and outcomes (31.4%) were the most common QIs identified. Patient reported outcome QIs accounted for less than 6%. Barriers to the implementation of QIs were described in 35.7% of articles and divided into operational barriers (51%) and acceptability barriers (49%). Conclusions Despite the complexity and risk associated with ICU care, there are only a small number of operational indicators used. Future selection of QIs would benefit from a stakeholder-driven approach, whereby the values of patients and communities and the priorities for actionable improvement as perceived by healthcare providers are prioritized and include greater focus on measuring discriminable processes of care.

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Scoping review of mental health in prisons through the COVID-19 pandemic

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046547 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e046547

Author(s):

Luke Johnson ◽

Kerry Gutridge ◽

Julie Parkes ◽

Anjana Roy ◽

Emma Plugge

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Impact ◽

Poor Quality ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Prison Staff ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveTo examine the extent, nature and quality of literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of imprisoned people and prison staff.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health, Cochrane, PsycINFO, PsychExtra, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for any paper from 2019 onwards that focused on the mental health impact of COVID-19 on imprisoned people and prison staff. A grey literature search focused on international and government sources and professional bodies representing healthcare, public health and prison staff was also performed. We also performed hand searching of the reference lists of included studies.Eligibility criteria for selection of studiesAll papers, regardless of study design, were included if they examined the mental health of imprisoned people or prison staff specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Imprisoned people could be of any age and from any countries. All languages were included. Two independent reviewers quality assessed appropriate papers.ResultsOf 647 articles found, 83 were eligible for inclusion, the majority (58%) of which were opinion pieces. The articles focused on the challenges to prisoner mental health. Fear of COVID-19, the impact of isolation, discontinuation of prison visits and reduced mental health services were all likely to have an adverse effect on the mental well-being of imprisoned people. The limited research and poor quality of articles included mean that the findings are not conclusive. However, they suggest a significant adverse impact on the mental health and well-being of those who live and work in prisons.ConclusionsIt is key to address the mental health impacts of the pandemic on people who live and work in prisons. These findings are discussed in terms of implications for getting the balance between infection control imperatives and the fundamental human rights of prison populations.

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Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices of Community Pharmacists Towards Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Systematic Scoping Review

Antibiotics ◽

10.3390/antibiotics8040263 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 263 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sajal K. Saha ◽

Chris Barton ◽

Shukla Promite ◽

Danielle Mazza

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Patient Care ◽

Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Community Pharmacists ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Methodological Framework ◽

Medical Databases ◽

Further Development

The scope of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) surveys on community pharmacists (CPs) is uncertain. This study examines the breadth and quality of AMS survey tools measuring the stewardship knowledge, perceptions and practices (KPP) of CPs and analyse survey outcomes. Following PRISMA-ScR checklist and Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework seven medical databases were searched. Two reviewers independently screened the literatures, assessed quality of surveys and KPP outcomes were analysed and described. Ten surveys were identified that assessed CPs’ AMS perceptions (n = 7) and practices (n = 8) but none that assessed AMS knowledge. Three survey tools had been formally validated. Most CPs perceived that AMS improved patient care (median 86.0%, IQR, 83.3–93.5%, n = 6), and reduced inappropriate antibiotic use (84.0%, IQR, 83–85%, n = 2). CPs collaborated with prescribers for infection control (54.7%, IQR 34.8–63.2%, n = 4) and for uncertain antibiotic treatment (77.0%, IQR 55.2–77.8%, n = 5). CPs educated patients (53.0%, IQR, 43.2–67.4%, n = 5) and screened guideline-compliance of antimicrobial prescriptions (47.5%, IQR, 25.2–58.3%, n = 3). Guidelines, training, interactions with prescribers, and reimbursement models were major barriers to CP-led AMS implementation. A limited number of validated survey tools are available to assess AMS perceptions and practices of CPs. AMS survey tools require further development to assess stewardship knowledge, stewardship targets, and implementation by CPs.

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An assessment of scoping review reporting within paramedicine: A scoping review

Australasian Journal of Paramedicine ◽

10.33151/ajp.17.834 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

Author(s):

Brett Williams ◽

Bronwyn Beovich

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Literature Search ◽

Methodological Approach ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Specific Information ◽

Emergency Medical Service Personnel ◽

Scoping Reviews ◽

Scoping Studies ◽

Full Text Screening

Aim This study aimed to examine the quality of published paramedic scoping reviews against pre-existing frameworks to assess the extent to which they fulfil the requirements of this methodological approach. Subsequently, recommendations will be presented regarding improvements for future paramedic scoping reviews. Methods A scoping review was conducted guided by the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. A literature search was performed in six electronic databases as well as the grey literature to identify previous scoping reviews that focussed on paramedic or emergency medical service personnel. Relevant data were extracted from included articles and presented in narrative and tabular formats. Results The literature search initially identified 475 articles, of which 20 remained after title/abstract and full-text screening. There was a general increase in the number of studies published over time, the majority of articles (80%) had conducted their scoping review utilising published frameworks, and 75% of first authors were paramedics. Although many areas of these reports comply with published guidelines, there was an overall lack of consistency in the specific information included, the level of detail of that information, and the location of information within the reports. Conclusion All paramedic scoping studies should be reported with the use of a published framework to enable standardisation in the reporting, thus facilitating understanding, reproducibility, and utility. The PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews provides a checklist and thorough explanations of each step in the reporting process and is recommended for use with all future paramedic scoping reviews.

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Reproductive Health and Family Planning Services in Africa: Looking beyond Individual and Household Factors

Family Planning and Reproductive Health ◽

10.5772/intechopen.92138 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Alhaji A. Aliyu ◽

Tukur Dahiru

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Health ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Relative Role ◽

Utilization Of Services ◽

Community Influence ◽

Manual Search ◽

Government Documents ◽

Individual Household ◽

Development Goals ◽

The Individual

Worldwide, there have been remarkable gains in the provision and utilization of reproductive health and FP services. However, in Africa, despite increasing availability, utilization of these services is less than 50%, even though there are wide variations among and within the countries across the continent. Articles from peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, Internet articles, grey literature (official government documents, technical reports, etc.) and Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) reports were used as resource materials. Manual search of reference list of selected articles was done for further relevant materials. We also used for comparative analysis, the online StatCompiler tool (https://www.statcompiler.com/en/) to extract data. Reproductive health and contraceptives have a lot of benefits to the individual, family and community. However, despite near universal knowledge and availability of reproductive health and FP services in Africa, utilization of these services is less than optimal. Several factors operating at individual, household and within the community influence utilization of services. These factors are the cause of poor maternal health and care that might hinder population health and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Interventions to promote and sustain utilization of services should target these factors at different levels depending upon relative role/s of these factors.

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Quality of patient, family, caregiver and public engagement in decision-making in healthcare systems: a scoping review protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032788 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. e032788

Author(s):

Clayon Hamilton ◽

M Elizabeth Snow ◽

Nancy Clark ◽

Shannon Gibson ◽

Maryam Dehnadi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Family Caregiver ◽

Research Question ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Healthcare Systems ◽

Evaluation Framework ◽

Bibliographic Databases ◽

Scientific Article

IntroductionTo advance person- and family-centred healthcare, government initiatives have supported the engagement of patients and family caregivers in decision-making in healthcare systems. There is, however, no consensus on how to define success for such initiatives. This scoping review aims to identify the key elements for defining the quality of patient and family caregiver engagement in decision-making across the engagement domains (individual, community/organisation, system) of British Columbia’s healthcare system. We will use those elements to develop a conceptual evaluation framework.Methods and analysisThis scoping review follows Arskey and O’Malley’s methodology. (1) The research question was identified through team discussions. (2) Articles for data source will be identified using a librarian-informed search strategy for seven bibliographic databases as well as grey literature sources. (3) Selected articles will be relevant to the evaluation of patient and family caregiver engagement in healthcare systems. (4) Two researchers will independently extract data into predefined and emerging categories. (5) The researchers will reconcile and organise the identified elements. The research team’s collective perspective will then refine the elements, and select, interpret and summarise the results. (6) Persons from key stakeholder groups will be consulted to refine the emergent conceptual framework.Ethics and disseminationWe will seek ethics approval for the stakeholder consultation. This study follows an integrated knowledge translation approach. The results will inform evaluation of the Patients as Partners Initiative of the British Columbia Ministry of Health, and will be disseminated as a scientific article, a research brief, and presentations at conferences and stakeholder meetings.

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Psychosocial and quality of life impact of scars in the surgical, traumatic and burn populations: a scoping review protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021289 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. e021289

Author(s):

Natalia Ziolkowski ◽

Simon C Kitto ◽

Dahn Jeong ◽

Jennifer Zuccaro ◽

Thomasin Adams-Webber ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Research Question ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Psychosocial Health ◽

Emotional Disturbances ◽

Study Selection ◽

Life Impact ◽

Methodological Considerations

IntroductionDespite the fact that millions of scars affect individuals annually, little is known about their psychosocial impact and overall quality of life (QOL) on individuals. Scars from multiple aetiologies may cause psychiatric and emotional disturbances, can limit physical functioning and increase costs to the healthcare system. The purpose of this protocol is to describe the methodological considerations that will guide the completion of a scoping review that will summarise the extent, range and nature of psychosocial health outcomes and QOL of scars of all aetiologies.Methods and analysisA modified Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework will be completed, namely having ongoing consultation between experts from the beginning of the process, then (1) identifying the research question/s, (2) identifying the relevant studies from electronic databases and grey literature, with (3) study selection and (4) charting of data by two independent coders, and (5) collating, summarising and reporting data. Experts will include a health information specialist (TAW), scar expert (JSF), scoping review consultant (SCK), as well as at least two independent coders (NZ, AM).Ethics and disseminationEthics approval will not be sought for this scoping review. We plan to disseminate this research through publications, presentations and meetings with relevant stakeholders.

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COVID-19 prevalence and infection control measures at homeless shelters and hostels in high-income countries: a scoping review

10.25071/10315/38850 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Justine Levesque ◽

Jordan Babando ◽

Nathaniel Loranger ◽

Shantel Johnson

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Disease Outbreaks ◽

High Income ◽

Control Measures ◽

Homeless Shelters ◽

Future Research ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Service Workers

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted homeless populations and service workers, especially within homeless shelter/hostel settings. To date, there have been few evidence syntheses examining outbreaks of COVID-19 among both homeless shelters residents and service workers, nor has there been a critically engaged summary of relevant infection control and prevention (IPAC) measures. This scoping review offers a timely and much-needed synthesis of COVID-19 prevalence within homeless shelters and a review of current and pertinent IPAC measures. Methods: We conducted a scoping review in June 2021 that synthesized academic and grey literature published from March 2020 to July 2021 pertaining to 1) the prevalence of COVID-19 among both residents and staff in homeless shelters and hostels in high-income countries, and 2) COVID-19 IPAC strategies applied in these settings. Two reviewers independently screened the results of the literature search of several databases that included MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and the WHO’s COVID-19 Global Health Portal. All the extracted data was mapped, categorized, and thematically discussed. Results: Thematic analysis of included literature revealed five key themes: 1) the demographics of COVID-19 in homeless shelters, 2) asymptomatic spread, 3) pre-existing vulnerability of the homeless and shelters, 4) the limited application of IPAC, and 5) IPAC effectiveness. Conclusion: This review offers a useful glimpse into the landscape of COVID-19 outbreaks in homeless shelters/hostels and the major contributing factors to these events. The scoping review revealed that there is no clear indication of generally accepted IPAC standards for homeless populations and shelter care workers. This review also illustrated a great need for future research to establish IPAC best practices as well as additional resources for shelter systems to protect residents and staff at homeless shelters/hostels in high-income countries. Finally, the findings from this review reaffirm that homelessness prevention is a key to limiting disease outbreaks, and the associated negative health outcomes in shelter populations.

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