scholarly journals Effect of Nature Walks on Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 4015
Author(s):  
Yasuhiro Kotera ◽  
Melinda Lyons ◽  
Katia Correa Vione ◽  
Briony Norton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
State Anxiety ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Newcastle Ottawa Scale

The benefits of nature for our health have been an increasing research focus in recent years. In the context of a global increase in mental health diagnoses, the potential health benefits of nature have attracted attention. One practical nature treatment is to walk in nature. However, evidence for this practice on mental health has not been comprehensively appraised to date. This systematic review synthesized the effects of nature walks for depression and anxiety, and evaluated the methodological rigor of studies. Academic databases including ProQuest, PsycINFO, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were utilized to identify eligible articles, which were examined using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Of 385 articles initially retrieved, 12 studies met all the eligibility criteria (nine pre-post within-subject studies, two quasi-experimental studies, and one experimental between-subjects study). These studies demonstrated that nature walks were effective for state anxiety but not generalized anxiety and the effects for depression were inconsistent. Findings indicate that nature walks may be effective for mental health, especially for reducing state anxiety. However, the quality of the included studies varied, and sample sizes were small, suggesting a need for more rigorous and large-scale research.

scholarly journals Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy as Support for Mental Health Concerns in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber Jenkins ◽  
Lauren Kearney ◽  
George Kendall ◽  
Lee Kannis-Dymand
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Mental Health Concerns ◽  
Critical Appraisal Skills ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background Perinatal mental illness is prevalent and can be associated with poorer health outcomes for mother and fetus if untreated. Mindfulness is a contemporary approach to managing mental health concerns; however, little is known about the effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Interventions during pregnancy, especially within the context of peer support. Methods A systematic review was undertaken. Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies were included. All articles were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist. Results Of the 2053 records initially identified, 21 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies demonstrated modest improvements in perinatal mental illness, particularly when interventions were adapted to meet the unique needs of women in the prenatal period. Comparison was difficult, due to high heterogeneity and methodological limitations. No studies explored peer support as a therapeutic mechanism and maternal-fetal bonding was not a measured in any studies. Conclusion Mindfulness-based group interventions designed to meet the needs of perinatal women require further research, with larger sample sizes, more rigorous methodology and greater demographic diversity required. Additionally, value could be afforded in exploration of how group support affects any change mechanisms within the participants and include maternal fetal bonding as a measured outcome.

scholarly journals The effect of pre-anaesthetic assessment clinic: a systematic review of randomised and non-randomised prospective controlled studies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eirunn Kristoffersen ◽  
Anne Opsal ◽  
Tor Tveit ◽  
Rigmor Berg ◽  
Mariann Fossum
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Anaesthetic Assessment

ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of pre-anaesthetic assessment clinics (PACs) implemented to improve quality and patient safety in perioperative care. Design: Systematic review. Data sources: The electronic databases CINAHL Plus with Full Text (EBSCOhost), Medline, and Embase (OvidSP) were systematically searched from 1st April, 1996 to 4th February, 2021. Eligibility criteria: The main inclusion criterion was that the study, using empirical quantitative methods, addressed the effectiveness of PACs. Data extraction and synthesis: Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened in duplicate by two authors. Risk of bias assessment, using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for quasi-experimental studies, and data extraction were performed by one author and checked by the other author. Results were synthesised narratively owing to the heterogeneity of the included studies. Results: Seven prospective controlled studies were conducted. Most studies had a high risk of bias. Three studies reported a significant reduction in the length of the hospital stay, and two studies reported a significant reduction in cancellation of surgery for medical reasons when patients were seen in the PAC. In addition, the included studies presented mixed results regarding anxiety in patients. Conclusion: This systematic review demonstrated a reduction in the length of hospital stay and cancellation of surgery when the patients had been assessed in the PAC. There is a need for high-quality prospective studies to gain a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of PACs. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019137724

scholarly journals Effect of Forest Therapy on Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12685
Author(s):  
Poung-Sik Yeon ◽  
Jin-Young Jeon ◽  
Myeong-Seo Jung ◽  
Gyeong-Min Min ◽  
Ga-Yeon Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Information Service ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Research Information ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Using Data

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the effects of forest therapy on depression and anxiety using data obtained from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies. We searched SCOPUS, PubMed, MEDLINE(EBSCO), Web of science, Embase, Korean Studies Information Service System, Research Information Sharing Service, and DBpia to identify relevant studies published from January 1990 to December 2020 and identified 20 relevant studies for the synthesis. The methodological quality of eligible primary studies was assessed by ROB 2.0 and ROBINS-I. Most primary studies were conducted in the Republic of Korea except for one study in Poland. Overall, forest therapy significantly improved depression (Hedges’s g = 1.133; 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.491 to −0.775) and anxiety (Hedges’s g = 1.715; 95% CI: −2.519 to −0.912). The quality assessment resulted in five RCTs that raised potential concerns in three and high risk in two. Fifteen quasi-experimental studies raised high for nine quasi-experimental studies and moderate for six studies. In conclusion, forest therapy is preventive management and non-pharmacologic treatment to improve depression and anxiety. However, the included studies lacked methodological rigor and required more comprehensive geographic application. Future research needs to determine optimal forest characteristics and systematic activities that can maximize the improvement of depression and anxiety.

scholarly journals Between Level Up and Game Over: A Systematic Literature Review of Gamification in Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Manzano-León ◽  
Pablo Camacho-Lazarraga ◽  
Miguel A. Guerrero ◽  
Laura Guerrero-Puerta ◽  
José M. Aguilar-Parra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Current Lines ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Game Elements ◽  
The Impact

Educational gamification consists of the use of game elements and game design techniques in the educational context. The objective of this study is to examine the existing evidence on the impact of educational gamification on student motivation and academic performance in the last five years in order to analyze its distribution over time, educational level, variables, and most used game elements, and know the advantages of its implementation in the classroom. For this, a systematic review is proposed through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology in three multidisciplinary databases, through an exhaustive search with inclusion and exclusion criteria on quantitative experimental studies that explore gamification in educational centers, which provide information about the most current lines of research. Fourteen studies were included in this review. These used experimental or quasi-experimental designs. Most of them report gamification as a valid learning strategy. The results support the conclusion that educational gamification has a potential impact on the academic performance, commitment, and motivation of students. Therefore, this study implies the need to expand research on the needs and challenges of students when learning with gamified techniques.

scholarly journals Running and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 1447-1457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate A. Timmins ◽  
Richard D. Leech ◽  
Mark E. Batt ◽  
Kimberley L. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Full Text ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Knee Joint Surgery ◽  
Newcastle Ottawa Scale

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition characterized by pain, impaired function, and reduced quality of life. A number of risk factors for knee OA have been identified, such as obesity, occupation, and injury. The association between knee OA and physical activity or particular sports such as running is less clear. Previous reviews, and the evidence that informs them, present contradictory or inconclusive findings. Purpose: This systematic review aimed to determine the association between running and the development of knee OA. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Four electronic databases were searched, along with citations in eligible articles and reviews and the contents of recent journal issues. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts using prespecified eligibility criteria. Full-text articles were also independently assessed for eligibility. Eligible studies were those in which running or running-related sports (eg, triathlon or orienteering) were assessed as a risk factor for the onset or progression of knee OA in adults. Relevant outcomes included (1) diagnosis of knee OA, (2) radiographic markers of knee OA, (3) knee joint surgery for OA, (4) knee pain, and (5) knee-associated disability. Risk of bias was judged by use of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed with case-control studies investigating arthroplasty. Results: After de-duplication, the search returned 1322 records. Of these, 153 full-text articles were assessed; 25 were eligible, describing 15 studies: 11 cohort (6 retrospective) and 4 case-control studies. Findings of studies with a diagnostic OA outcome were mixed. Some radiographic differences were observed in runners, but only at baseline within some subgroups. Meta-analysis suggested a protective effect of running against surgery due to OA: pooled odds ratio 0.46 (95% CI, 0.30-0.71). The I2 was 0% (95% CI, 0%-73%). Evidence relating to symptomatic outcomes was sparse and inconclusive. Conclusion: With this evidence, it is not possible to determine the role of running in knee OA. Moderate- to low-quality evidence suggests no association with OA diagnosis, a positive association with OA diagnosis, and a negative association with knee OA surgery. Conflicting results may reflect methodological heterogeneity. More evidence from well-designed, prospective studies is needed to clarify the contradictions.

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.

Pediatric Integrated Care Models: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Burkhart ◽  
Kenneth Asogwa ◽  
Nida Muzaffar ◽  
Mary Gabriel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Collaborative Care ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Care Models ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Behavioral Health Treatment ◽  
Integrated Care Models

Psychiatric disorders are becoming more frequently diagnosed within the pediatric primary care setting. Despite increased diagnosis within primary care, only a minority of patients receive further psychiatric or specialty care. The integrated/collaborative care treatment model was designed to improve access within primary care. The purpose of this review is to identify randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies that have investigated whether increased access improves treatment engagement, satisfaction, and improved mental health outcomes. Six studies met inclusion criteria. Studies reviewed indicated increased access to behavioral health treatment through use of the integrated/collaborative care model and improved mental health outcomes. Recommendations for screening and treatment are provided. Limitations of the reviewed studies include lack of generalizability to urban populations, minority youth, and youth younger than 4 years of age. Practice recommendations to address these limitations are identified.

scholarly journals Impact of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes on perceptions and use: an updated systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e031598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Meernik ◽  
Hannah M Baker ◽  
Sarah D Kowitt ◽  
Leah M Ranney ◽  
Adam O Goldstein
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Product Appeal ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesGiven the exponential increase in the use of e-cigarettes among younger age groups and in the growth in research on e-cigarette flavours, we conducted a systematic review examining the impact of non-menthol flavoured e-cigarettes on e-cigarette perceptions and use among youth and adults.DesignPubMed, Embase, PyscINFO and CINAHL were systematically searched for studies published and indexed through March 2018.Eligibility criteriaQuantitative observational and experimental studies that assessed the effect of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes on perceptions and use behaviours were included. Specific outcome measures assessed are appeal, reasons for use, risk perceptions, susceptibility, intention to try, initiation, preference, current use, quit intentions and cessation.Data extraction and synthesisThree authors independently extracted data related to the impact of flavours in tobacco products. Data from a previous review were then combined with those from the updated review for final analysis. Results were then grouped and analysed by outcome measure.ResultsThe review included 51 articles for synthesis, including 17 published up to 2016 and an additional 34 published between 2016 and 2018. Results indicate that non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes decrease harm perceptions (five studies) and increase willingness to try and initiation of e-cigarettes (six studies). Among adults, e-cigarette flavours increase product appeal (seven studies) and are a primary reason many adults use the product (five studies). The role of flavoured e-cigarettes on smoking cessation remains unclear (six studies).ConclusionThis review provides summary data on the role of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarette perceptions and use. Consistent evidence shows that flavours attract both youth and adults to use e-cigarettes. Given the clear findings that such flavours increase product appeal, willingness to try and initiation among youth, banning non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes may reduce youth e-cigarette use. Longitudinal research is needed to examine any role flavours may play in quit behaviours among adults.

scholarly journals Effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines for induction of labour: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e022499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Collins Zamawe ◽  
Carina King ◽  
Hannah Maria Jennings ◽  
Chrispin Mandiwa ◽  
Edward Fottrell
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Induction Of Labour ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Significant Difference

ObjectiveThe use of herbal medicines for induction of labour (IOL) is common globally and yet its effects are not well understood. We assessed the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for IOL.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of published literature.Data sourcesWe searched in MEDLINE, AMED and CINAHL in April 2017, updated in June 2018.Eligibility criteriaWe considered experimental and non-experimental studies that compared relevant pregnancy outcomes between users and non-user of herbal medicines for IOL.Data extraction and synthesisData were extracted by two reviewers using a standardised form. A random-effects model was used to synthesise effects sizes and heterogeneity was explored through I2statistic. The risk of bias was assessed using ‘John Hopkins Nursing School Critical Appraisal Tool’ and ‘Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool’.ResultsA total of 1421 papers were identified through the searches, but only 10 were retained after eligibility and risk of bias assessments. The users of herbal medicine for IOL were significantly more likely to give birth within 24 hours than non-users (Risk Ratio (RR) 4.48; 95% CI 1.75 to 11.44). No significant difference in the incidence of caesarean section (RR 1.19; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.86), assisted vaginal delivery (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.14), haemorrhage (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.60), meconium-stained liquor (RR 1.20; 95% CI 0.65 to 2.23) and admission to nursery (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.49 to 2.38) was found between users and non-users of herbal medicines for IOL.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that herbal medicines for IOL are effective, but there is inconclusive evidence of safety due to lack of good quality data. Thus, the use of herbal medicines for IOL should be avoided until safety issues are clarified. More studies are recommended to establish the safety of herbal medicines.

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