scholarly journals Smoking Cessation Apps: A Systematic Review of Format, Outcomes, and Features

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11664
Author(s):  
María Barroso-Hurtado ◽  
Daniel Suárez-Castro ◽  
Carmela Martínez-Vispo ◽  
Elisardo Becoña ◽  
Ana López-Durán
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
Great Opportunity ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Prisma Statement ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Mhealth Apps ◽  
Relapse Rates

Smoking cessation interventions are effective, but they are not easily accessible for all treatment-seeking smokers. Mobile health (mHealth) apps have been used in recent years to overcome some of these limitations. Smoking cessation apps can be used in combination with a face-to-face intervention (FFSC-Apps), or alone as general apps (GSC-Apps). The aims of this review were (1) to examine the effects of FFSC-Apps and GSC-Apps on abstinence, tobacco use, and relapse rates; and (2) to describe their features. A systematic review was conducted following the internationally Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Of the total 6016 studies screened, 24 were included, of which nine used GSC-Apps and 15 FFSC-Apps. Eight studies reported significant differences between conditions in smoking cessation outcomes, with three of them being in favor of the use of apps, and two between different point-assessments. Concerning Apps features, most GSC-Apps included self-tracking and setting a quit plan, whereas most of the FFSC-Apps included self-tracking and carbon monoxide (CO) measures. Smartphone apps for smoking cessation could be promising tools. However, more research with an adequate methodological quality is needed to determine its effect. Nevertheless, smartphone apps’ high availability and attractiveness represent a great opportunity to reach large populations.

Smoking Cessation Apps: a Systematic Review of Format, Outcomes, and Features (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Barroso-Hurtado ◽  
Daniel Suárez-Castro ◽  
Carmela Martínez-Vispo ◽  
Elisardo Becoña ◽  
Ana López-Durán
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Great Opportunity ◽  
Small Effect Size ◽  
Relapse Rates

BACKGROUND Behavioural interventions are effective for smoking cessation. However, they are not easily accessible for all treatment-seeking smokers. ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and, specifically, mobile health (mHealth) apps, have been used in recent years to overcome these limitations. Smoking cessation apps can be used combined with a face-to-face intervention (FFSC-Apps) or as general apps (GSC-Apps). OBJECTIVE The aims of this review were (1) to examine the effects of FFSC-Apps and GSC-Apps on abstinence, tobacco use, and relapse rates, and (2) to describe their features. METHODS A systematic review was conducted following the internationally Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, using MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases to identify papers published up to 30th November 2020. RESULTS Of the total 6014 studies screened, 22 were included in this review, of which eight used GSC-Apps and 14 FFSC-Apps. Of the 22 studies, seven were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), four controlled clinical trials (CCTs), and 11 before-and-after studies. Also, 11 of the 22 studies were pilot studies. Regarding study quality, five were rated as strong, 12 as moderate, and five as weak. Regarding smoking cessation outcomes, two GSC-Apps studies obtained significant differences between conditions in abstinence rates (one of them obtained higher rates in the app condition) and two in cigarettes per day (CPD), with higher reduction rates in the app condition. None of the FFSC-Apps studies obtained significant differences in abstinence rates between conditions but two FFSC-Apps studies showed significant differences in abstinence rates at the different point-assessments. None of the included studies provided information about smoking relapse rates. Concerning apps features, the most frequently used in the FFSC-Apps studies were self-tracking and carbon monoxide (CO) measures and, in the GSC-Apps studies, they were self-tracking, setting a quit plan/quit date, motivational content, and smoking self-report. CONCLUSIONS Smartphone apps for smoking cessation are promising tools for quitting smoking. Although research in this area is at an early stage and more studies are needed to establish their efficacy, the high availability and usage of smartphone apps imply a great opportunity to complement traditional smoking cessation interventions and to reach large populations. In terms of public health, even if these interventions had a small effect size, they could have a relevant impact on improving health and reducing economic costs related to tobacco use. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO CRD42020154272; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020154272

scholarly journals Effectiveness of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Oberndorfer ◽  
I Grabovac ◽  
S Haider ◽  
T E Dorner
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Reports of the effectiveness of e-cigarettes (ECs) for smoking cessation vary across different studies making implementation recommendations hard to attain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation. Methods PubMed, PsycInfo and Embase databases were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing nicotine ECs with non-nicotine ECs or with established smoking cessation interventions (nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and or counselling) published between 01/01/2014 and 01/05/2019. Data from eligible studies were extracted and used for random-effects meta-analyses. Results Our literature review yielded 13190 publications with 10 studies being identified as eligible for systematic review, covering 8362 participants, and 8 for meta-analyses (n = 30 - 6006). Using the last follow-up of eligible studies, the proportion of smokers achieving abstinence was 1.67 [95CI:0.99 - 2.81] times higher in nicotine EC users compared to non-nicotine EC users. The proportion of abstinent smokers was 1.69 [95CI:1.25 - 2.27] times higher in EC users compared to participants receiving NRT. EC users showed a 2.70 [95CI:1.15 - 6.30] times higher proportion of abstinent smokers in comparison to participants solely receiving counselling. Conclusions Our analysis showed modest effects of nicotine-ECs compared to non-nicotine ECs. When compared to NRT or counselling, results suggest that nicotine EC may be more effective for smoking cessation. As ECs also help maintaining routinized behaviour and social aspects of smoking, we hypothesise that this may explain their advantage as a tool for smoking cessation. However, given the small number of included studies, different populations, heterogeneous designs, and the overall moderate to low quality of evidence, it is not possible to offer clear recommendations. More comparable data is needed to strengthen confidence in the quality of evidence. Key messages The number of previous studies assessing the effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation is limited. Further, comparability of these studies is restricted, weakening the quality of evidence. Although current evidence on the effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation is inconclusive, our meta-analyses suggest that ECs could be a promising alternative tool in attempts to achieve abstinence.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Diabetes and Hypertension among Hajj Pilgrims: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1155
Author(s):  
Saber Yezli ◽  
Abdulaziz Mushi ◽  
Yasir Almuzaini ◽  
Bander Balkhi ◽  
Yara Yassin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Great Opportunity ◽  
Health Services Delivery ◽  
Services Delivery ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Improve Health

The Hajj mass gathering is attended by over two million Muslims each year, many of whom are elderly and have underlying health conditions. Data on the number of pilgrims with health conditions would assist public health planning and improve health services delivery at the event. We carried out a systematic review of literature based on structured search in the MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS and CINAHL databases, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to estimate the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among Hajj pilgrims. Twenty-six studies conducted between 1993 and 2018 with a total of 285,467 participants were included in the review. The weighted pooled prevalence rates of hypertension and diabetes among Hajj pilgrims in all included studies were 12.2% (95% CI: 12.0–12.3) and 5.0% (95% CI: 4.9–5.1), respectively. The reported prevalence of other underlying health conditions such as chronic respiratory, kidney or liver disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer and immune deficiency were generally low. Potentially a large number of pilgrims each Hajj have diabetes and/or hypertension and other underlying health conditions. Hajj could be a great opportunity to reduce the burden of these diseases within the over 180 countries participating in the event by identifying undiagnosed cases and optimizing patients’ knowledge and management of their conditions. Prospero registration number: CRD42020171082.

scholarly journals Machine Learning Algorithms in Cardiology Domain: A Systematic Review (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgy Kopanitsa ◽  
Aleksei Dudchenko ◽  
Matthias Ganzinger
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Learning Algorithms ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Prisma Statement ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Conference Papers ◽  
Huge Variety

BACKGROUND It has been shown in previous decades, that Machine Learning (ML) has a huge variety of possible implementations in medicine and can be very helpful. Neretheless, cardiovascular diseases causes about third of of all global death. Does ML work in cardiology domain and what is current progress in that regard? OBJECTIVE The review aims at (1) identifying studies where machine-learning algorithms were applied in the cardiology domain; (2) providing an overview based on identified literature of the state of the art of the ML algorithm applying in cardiology. METHODS For organizing this review, we have employed PRISMA statement. PRISMA is a set of items for reporting in systematic reviews and meta-analyses, focused on the reporting of reviews evaluating randomized trials, but can also be used as a basis for reporting systematic review. For the review, we have adopted PRISMA statement and have identified the following items: review questions, information sources, search strategy, selection criteria. RESULTS In total 27 scientific articles or conference papers written in English and reporting about implementation of an ML-method or algorithm in cardiology domain were included in this review. We have examined four aspects: aims of ML-systems, methods, datasets and evaluation metrics. CONCLUSIONS We suppose, this systematic review will be helpful for researchers developing machine-learning system for a medical domain and in particular for cardiology.

scholarly journals A systematic review on improving the biocompatibility of titanium implants using nanoparticles

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Nthabiseng Nhlapo ◽  
Thywill Cephas Dzogbewu ◽  
Olga de Smidt
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Close Correlation ◽  
Titanium Implants ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Current Systematic Review ◽  
Prisma Statement ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Bio Compatibility

An ideal biomaterial should be biointegratable with minimum adverse immune response. Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely used biomaterials for manufacturing clinical implants because of their innate biocompatibility. However, the bioinert property of Ti may hinder tissue–implant integration and its bio compatibility nature allows for attachment of bacterial cells on implant surfaces. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been proposed as a possible intervention to overcome these biological shortcomings of Ti-based implants. The aim of the current systematic review was to identify literature that demonstrates enhanced biocompatibility of Ti-based implants by incorporating NPs. Electronic searches were conducted through the PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and EBSCOhost databases. Studies published in English were extracted, without restrictions on the year of publication, using the following keywords: ‘biocompatibility’, ‘nanoparticles’, ‘titanium’ and ‘implant’. The guidelines stipulated in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement were followed. A total of 630 articles were identified in the initial search and upon reviewing, 21 articles were selected according to the eligibility criteria. The selected literature showed robust evidence to support the hypothesis that the inclusion of NPs improves biocompatibility of Ti implants. The studies further indicated a close correlation between biocompatibility and antibacterial properties, of which NPs have been proven to characteristically achieve both.

Medical visit time and predictors in health facilities: a mega systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 373-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sakineh Hajebrahimi ◽  
Ali Janati ◽  
Morteza Arab-Zozani ◽  
Mobin Sokhanvar ◽  
Elaheh Haghgoshayie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Visit Time ◽  
Medical Visit ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Meta Analyses

Purpose Visit time is a crucial aspect of patient–physician interaction; its inadequacy can negatively impact the efficiency of treatment and diagnosis. In addition, visit time is a fundamental demand of patients, and it is one of the rights of every patient. The purpose of this paper is to determine factors influencing the consultation length of physicians and to compare consultation length in different countries. Design/methodology/approach MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Cochrane, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched. In addition, references of references were checked, and publication lists of individual scholars in the field were examined. We used data sources up to June 2018, without language restriction. We used a random-effects model for the meta-analyses. Meta-analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version (CMA) 3.0. Findings Of 16,911 identified studies, 189 studies were assessed of which 125 cases (67 percent) have been conducted in the USA. A total of 189 studies, 164 (86.77 percent) involved face-to face-consultations. The effects of three variables, physician gender, patient gender, and type of consultation were analyzed. According to moderate and strong evidence studies, no significant difference was found in the consultation lengths of female and male doctors (Q=42.72, df=8, I2=81.27, p=0.891) and patients’ gender (Q=55.98, df=11, I2=80.35, p=0.314). In addition, no significant difference was found in the telemedicine or face-to-face visits (Q=41.25, df=5, I2=87.88, p=0.170). Originality/value In this systematic review and meta-analysis, all of physicians’ visits in 34 countries were surveyed. The evidence suggests that specified variables do not influence the length of consultations. Good relationship is essential to a safe and high-quality consultation and referral process. A high-quality consultation can improve decisions and quality of visits, treatment effectiveness, efficiency of service, quality of care, patient safety and physician and patient satisfaction.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Electronic Cigarettes in Smoking Cessation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Grabovac ◽  
Moritz Oberndorfer ◽  
Jismy Fischer ◽  
Winfried Wiesinger ◽  
Sandra Haider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Random Effects ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Introduction Reports of the effectiveness of e-cigarettes (ECs) for smoking cessation vary across different studies making implementation recommendations hard to attain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the current evidence regarding effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation. Methods PubMed, PsycInfo, and Embase databases were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing nicotine ECs with non-nicotine ECs or with established smoking cessation interventions (nicotine replacement therapy [NRT] and or counseling) published between 1 January 2014 and 27 June 2020. Data from eligible studies were extracted and used for random-effects meta-analyses (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019141414). Results The search yielded 13 950 publications with 12 studies being identified as eligible for systematic review (N = 8362) and 9 studies for random-effects meta-analyses (range: 30–6006 participants). The proportion of smokers achieving abstinence was 1.71 (95 CI: 1.02–2.84) times higher in nicotine EC users compared with non-nicotine EC users. The proportion of abstinent smokers was 1.69 (95 CI: 1.25–2.27) times higher in EC users compared with participants receiving NRT. EC users showed a 2.04 (95 CI: 0.90–4.64) times higher proportion of abstinent smokers in comparison with participants solely receiving counseling. Conclusions Our results suggest that nicotine ECs may be more effective in smoking cessation when compared with placebo ECs or NRT. When compared with counseling alone, nicotine ECs are more effective short term, but its effectiveness appears to diminish with later follow-ups. Given the small number of studies, heterogeneous design, and the overall moderate to low quality of evidence, it is not possible to offer clear recommendations. Implications The results of this study do not allow for a conclusive argument. However, pooling current evidence points toward a potential for ECs as a smoking cessation tool. Though, given the overall quality of evidence, future studies should aim for more clarity in terms of interventions and larger study populations.

How to Write a Systematic Review of the Literature

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debajyoti Pati ◽  
Lesa N. Lorusso
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Cochrane Collaboration ◽  
Quality Level ◽  
Methodological Rigor ◽  
Prisma Statement ◽  
Level Of Understanding ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Cochrane Collaboration

This article provides a step-by-step approach to conducting and reporting systematic literature reviews (SLRs) in the domain of healthcare design and discusses some of the key quality issues associated with SLRs. SLR, as the name implies, is a systematic way of collecting, critically evaluating, integrating, and presenting findings from across multiple research studies on a research question or topic of interest. SLR provides a way to assess the quality level and magnitude of existing evidence on a question or topic of interest. It offers a broader and more accurate level of understanding than a traditional literature review. A systematic review adheres to standardized methodologies/guidelines in systematic searching, filtering, reviewing, critiquing, interpreting, synthesizing, and reporting of findings from multiple publications on a topic/domain of interest. The Cochrane Collaboration is the most well-known and widely respected global organization producing SLRs within the healthcare field and a standard to follow for any researcher seeking to write a transparent and methodologically sound SLR. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), like the Cochrane Collaboration, was created by an international network of health-based collaborators and provides the framework for SLR to ensure methodological rigor and quality. The PRISMA statement is an evidence-based guide consisting of a checklist and flowchart intended to be used as tools for authors seeking to write SLR and meta-analyses.

Self-Help and Internet-Guided Interventions in Depression and Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (S3) ◽  
pp. 34-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edith van‘t Hof ◽  
Pim Cuijpers ◽  
Dan J. Stein
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Cochrane Database ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Guided Therapy

AbstractThere is a growing database of research on self-help and Internet-guided interventions in the treatment of common mental disorders, and a number of meta-analyses have now been published. This article provides a systematic review of meta-analyses on the efficacy of self-help interventions, including Internet-guided therapy, for depression and anxiety disorders. Searches were conducted in PubMed, PsychINFO, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database for statistical meta-analyses of randomized, controlled trials of self-help or Internet-guided interventions for depression or anxiety disorders published in English. Reference lists were also used to find additional studies. Effect sizes were tabulated; 13 meta-analyses reported medium to large effect sizes for self-help interventions. Studies included in the meta-analyses differed in samples, type of self-help (eg, computer-aided, Internet-guided), control conditions, and study design. The meta-analyses indicate that self-help methods are effective in a range of different disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders. Most meta-analyses found relatively large effect sizes for self-help treatments, independent of the type of self-help, and comparable to effect sizes for face-to-face treatments. However, further research is needed to optimize the use of self-help methods.

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