FreshRSS

🔒
❌ Acerca de FreshRSS
Hay nuevos artículos disponibles. Pincha para refrescar la página.
AnteayerTus fuentes RSS

Interventions to improve functionality among paediatric patients with oncological diagnosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Por: Holanda · K. M. · Vivas Costa · J. · Pereira · W. M. G. · Barbosa · A. S. · Martinez-Silveira · M. · Garcia-Hermoso · A. · Guerra · P. H. · Bezerra · I. N. · Barbosa Filho · V.
Introduction

Cancer is the leading cause of death and morbidity among children and adolescents worldwide. Functionality-based interventions are relevant among children and adolescents with an oncological diagnosis, whence studies summarising evidence on this topic are needed. This systematic review will summarise evidence on the effect of interventions to improve functionality indicators among paediatric patients diagnosed with cancer.

Methods and analysis

This protocol will follow Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA)-Protocols reporting guidelines. The systematic review will be conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA 2020. Studies will be searched in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, LILACS and PEDro. Additional searches will include Google Scholar, reference lists of included studies, relevant reviews and trial registries. Studies will be included if they implement a functionality-based intervention. They must evaluate effects among paediatric patients with an oncological diagnosis. Secondary outcomes will include health-related quality of life. There will be no limits to language or year of publication, and articles published in peer-reviewed journals will be accepted. Only randomised controlled trials will be included. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2. Two independent reviewers will select studies, extract data and assess risk of bias. A narrative synthesis and meta-analysis will be conducted if studies are clinically and methodologically homogeneous. Statistical heterogeneity will be assessed using Higgins’ inconsistency test (I²). Meta-analysis may estimate combined effects using random-effects and the inverse variance method. The R statistical software will be used. The certainty of evidence will be evaluated for each outcome using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system.

Ethics and dissemination

This study used data from previously published studies, thus waiving submission to an Ethics Committee. Scientific dissemination strategies will include publication in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and workshops for the public.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42024462833.

Dietary practices among antenatal women in Sri Lanka: prevalence and associated factors

Objective

To assess the prevalence and associated factors of dietary practices among antenatal women in Colombo district, Sri Lanka.

Design

This descriptive cross-sectional study examined dietary practices among antenatal mothers in four Medical Officer of Health areas in Colombo, Sri Lanka. A total of 422 participants were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected via a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire and analysed using SPSS V.26. Dietary diversity, food variety and animal-source food consumption were assessed. Poisson regression identified predictors of dietary practices, adjusting for socio-economic and pregnancy-related factors. The statistical significance was set at p

Results

Of the 380 antenatal mothers (mean age: 30.72±3.96 years), most were married (98.2%) with 73.7% living in urban areas. Regarding dietary practices, 64.7% had high dietary diversity, while 35.3% had low diversity. Of the sample, 52.1% had a high food variety score and 64.7% had a high animal-source food score. More than half (64.7%) had appropriate dietary practices. Fruits, vitamin A-rich vegetables and rice were the most consumed foods. Key factors influencing dietary practices included age, religion, education, employment and geographical location.

Conclusions

This study highlights the prevalence and factors influencing dietary practices among antenatal mothers. Although the predominant mothers had fair dietary diversities, a considerable number were found to have poor dietary practices. Better dietary practices were associated with major educational attainment, formal employment status and selected residential areas, while younger age, low educational qualification and housewife status were associated with poorer nutrition. The findings indicate that there is an urgent need for interventions related to nutrition for specific vulnerable groups so that they can improve their maternal nutrition and produce better pregnancy outcomes through education and support programmes.

Is intensive behavioural change enhanced with dialectical behavioural therapy feasible for weight management in adolescents living with higher body weight? A protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial in three centres in Canada

Por: Cameron · E. E. · Morrison · K. M. · Ho · J. · Roos · L. · Katz · L. · Mushquash · A. · Dart · A. · Wicklow · B. A. · Senechal · M. · Jung · M. E. · Strachan · S. M. · Afifi · T. O. · Archibald · M. · Andrade · B. · Hadjiyannakis · S. · Hamilton · J. · Slaght · J. · Penner · K. · Balshaw
Introduction

For adolescents living with higher body weight, changing lifestyle behaviours can be met with challenges due to psychosocial factors, such as mental health and emotional challenges. Few behavioural interventions have included skill development to manage these mental health and emotional challenges.

Methods and analysis

The feasibility of a dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)–enhanced lifestyle intervention will be evaluated through a pilot randomised controlled trial. We will recruit 90 adolescents aged 14–17 years with a body mass index Z-score >1.4 and mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms to participate with a caregiver in the trial. Adolescents will be randomised 2:2:1 to one of the three study arms: (A) behavioural lifestyle intervention with DBT skills training, (B) behavioural lifestyle intervention alone (ie, without DBT skills training) or (C) control. The interventions will include two sessions weekly for 16 weeks that include (1) one modified DBT skills training with two facilitators, supervised by a clinical psychologist, combined with one behavioural lifestyle session delivered by a dietitian and/or a kinesiologist and (2) two behavioural lifestyle sessions alone. DBT skills training will consist of teaching mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and walking the middle path modules. Behavioural sessions will be guided by evidence-based practices for goal setting, dietary counselling, improving sleep, reducing screen time and structured physical activity. The main outcomes are enrolment rates, adherence to the intervention and retention rates for follow-up measurements. The secondary outcome will be changes in the quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory) and daily physical activity levels between baseline and immediately post-intervention. Adolescents will participate in a focus group incorporating photo elicitation to explore satisfaction, acceptability and perceived benefits of the study arms.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethical approval from the University of Manitoba’s Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (HS24295-H2020:427), Hamilton Health Sciences & McMaster University (HiREB 18159) and The Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB), University of Calgary (REB24-1084). Results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and be relevant to researchers and clinicians involved in paediatrics and paediatric weight management.

Trial registration number

NCT05338944.

Development of prison-based parent-child joint intervention for incarcerated fathers: protocol for mixed-methods study

Por: Yiu · W. Y. · Fung · Y. L. · Tsang · S. K. M. · Chan · C. H. Y. · Wong · P. W. C.
Introduction

Paternal incarceration represents a significant stressor that disrupts family cohesion, undermines paternal identity and adversely affects children’s psychosocial well-being. While family-focused programmes show promise in improving outcomes for incarcerated parents and their children, culturally attuned prison-based parenting interventions remain underdeveloped and scarce, particularly in Asian contexts. To address this gap, a local parenting intervention grounded in the Double ABCX model of family resilience, the ‘Be My Hero’ programme, was designed for incarcerated fathers in Hong Kong, China.

Methods and analysis

A concurrent mixed-methods design will be used to evaluate the intervention. A convenience sample of 20–30 incarcerated fathers of children aged 3–11 will be recruited from three correctional facilities. Quantitative measures assessing paternal competence, father–child attachment, communication and resilience will be collected preintervention and postintervention. Qualitative data will be triangulated through semistructured interviews with participants, their children and social workers, supplemented by session logs documenting perceived shifts in paternal identity and programme feasibility. The intervention is expected to mitigate disruptions in paternal identity and strengthen father–child bonds. This may, in turn, reduce intergenerational disadvantage and improve overall family well-being.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethical approval from The University of Hong Kong. Informed consent and assent will be obtained from the participants, their children and current guardians. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals or conferences to inform correctional rehabilitation practices, encouraging the integration of family-focused and resilience-based approaches. Stakeholders, including practitioners and policymakers, may adopt similar interventions to promote healthier re-entry outcomes and reduce intergenerational disadvantage.

Feasibility of a mobile health intervention to motivate adolescent fitness and high-intensity exercise adherence (Motivating Adolescent Fitness (MOTAFIT)): protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Por: Koep · J. L. · Sansum · K. M. · Low · J. · Smith · K. J. · Cocks · M. · McManus · A. M.
Introduction

Most adolescents fail to achieve recommended levels of vigorous-intensity physical activity, despite the established benefits for cardiorespiratory fitness and vascular health. Supervised interventions can be effective, but are resource-intensive and lack scalability. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies may provide a cost-effective and accessible approach to support structured, individualised training for adolescents. The Motivating Adolescent Fitness (MOTAFIT) trial will assess the feasibility and acceptability of an mHealth-supported exercise intervention for adolescents to inform the design of a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Methods and analysis

MOTAFIT is a three-arm feasibility RCT targeting 120 adolescents aged 13–16 years from the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. Participants will be randomised (1:1:1) to: (1) MOTAFIT, (2) active control or (3) control group. The 12-week intervention targets ≥40 min/week of vigorous-intensity exercise (≥80% HRmax), co-designed with an exercise specialist and supported by mHealth technology. Primary outcomes for feasibility, including recruitment, retention, adherence, fidelity and acceptability, will be assessed as part of a process evaluation. Secondary measures (cardiorespiratory fitness, vascular health and blood pressure) will provide preliminary estimates to guide future sample size calculations.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received approval from the University of British Columbia Clinical Research Ethics Board (H22-03183) and the University of Victoria Human Research Ethics Board. Parental consent and adolescent assent will be obtained prior to participation. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, conferences and community engagement.

Trial registration number

NCT06409793.

Prevalence and determinants of unintended pregnancy among female sex workers (FSW) in Jashore, Bangladesh

by Md. Masud Reza, Hasibul Hasan Shanto, Samira Dishti Irfan, A. K. M. Masud Rana, Mohammad Niaz Morshed Khan, Golam Sarwar, Mohammad Sha Al Imran, Mahbubur Rahman, Md. Safiullah Sarker, Muntasir Alam, Md. Abu Hena Chowdhury, Mustafizur Rahman, Sharful Islam Khan

Background

Unintended pregnancy among female sex workers (FSW) is a pressing reproductive health concern attributable to risky sexual behaviors, healthcare inequities and poor negotiation powers with male sex partners. However, evidence is scarce on the prevalence and determinants of unintended pregnancies among FSW, which is crucial for enhancing reproductive healthcare. This analysis aims to measure the prevalence of lifetime unintended pregnancies and their associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 327 FSW in Jashore (a border belt district of Bangladesh) from September 2022 to March 2023. Participants were recruited through take-all sampling. Data were collected on the lifetime history of unintended pregnancies and other relevant variables through face-to-face interviews. Chi-square statistic was used to compare the characteristics of FSW reporting unintended pregnancies. To assess the net association of factors associated with unintended pregnancy, multiple logistic regression was applied.

Result

The lifetime prevalence of unintended pregnancies was reported at 75.8% (95%CI: 71.0–80.1). Among those who reported unintended pregnancies, 37.1% (95%CI: 30.8–43.8) had no education, 39.9% (95%CI: 32.8–47.5) were 25–34 years old, 49.6% (95%CI: 39.3–59.9) were currently married and 62.9% (95%CI: 49.7–74.4) earned ≤10,000 BDT per month compared to those who did not report lifetime unintended pregnancies. The likelihood of unintended pregnancies was significantly higher among those who reported having sex with non-transactional male sex partners (AOR: 2.4, 95%CI: 1.1–5.3, p = 0.036) than those who never had sex with any non-transactional male sex partner. The likelihood was also higher among those who reported rape in their lifetime (AOR: 2.0, 95%CI: 1.0–3.8, p = 0.037) and who self-reported mental health problems (AOR: 2.1, 95%CI: 1.0–4.2, p = 0.045) within the past year, compared to their counterparts.

Conclusion

This study highlights the considerable prevalence and associated determinants of unintended pregnancies among FSW in Jashore. These determinants need to be considered to strengthen reproductive healthcare interventions and policies for FSW. Reproductive health of FSW cannot be improved unless these factors are addressed in the ongoing interventions.

Prevalence, factors and association with academic performance of anaemia in Kandahar schoolchildren: a cross-sectional analytical study

Por: Rahimi · B. A. · Lali · W. M. · Saeed · K. M. I. · Ahmadzai · S. A. H. · Akbari · K. · Mukhlis · A. H. · Azimi · M.
Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of anaemia and its association with the academic performance of schoolchildren in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Design

This was a cross-sectional analytical study.

Setting and participants

This was a school-based study conducted among 1866 schoolchildren aged 6–14 years in Kandahar city from September to December 2023. Haemoglobin concentration was measured using a portable HemoCue Hb 301 analyser, while the WHO age-adjusted cut-off for haemoglobin was used to classify anaemia. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistics, the ² test and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

In this study, the mean age of the children was 9.1 years, 61.1% (1138/1866) were boys, 83.6% (1560/1866) had illiterate mothers, and 81.3% (1517/1866) belonged to poor families. Prevalence of anaemia among schoolchildren was 64.1% (1196/1866), while 20.8% (388/1866), 41.7% (778/1866), and 1.6% (30/1866) were suffering from mild, moderate and severe anaemia, respectively. Main associated factors of anaemia were being male (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.7, p=0.003), unemployed father (AOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.2, p=0.020), poor family (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.8 to 2.9, p

Conclusions

Prevalence of anaemia was very high and is a severe public health problem in schoolchildren of Kandahar. Based on the known consequences of anaemia on academic performance, the education and health authorities of Afghanistan should take serious steps to alleviate this problem. Periodic iron supplementation and deworming, as well as daily iron-rich mid-day meal programmes, should be started for both boys and girls in schools.

Agreement testing of AMSTAR-PF, a tool for quality appraisal of systematic reviews of prognostic factor studies

Por: Henry · M. L. · OConnell · N. E. · Riley · R. D. · Moons · K. G. M. · Shea · B. J. · Hooft · L. · Wallwork · S. B. · Damen · J. A. A. G. · Skoetz · N. · Appiah · R. P. · Berryman · C. · Crouch · S. M. · Ferencz · G. A. · Grant · A. R. · Henry · K. M. · Herman · A. M. · Karran · E. L. · K
Objectives

To test the agreement and usability of a novel quality appraisal tool: A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews of Prognostic Factor studies (AMSTAR-PF).

Design

Observational study.

Participants

14 appraisers of varied experience levels and backgrounds, including undergraduate, master’s and PhD students, postgraduate researchers, research fellows and clinicians.

Study procedure

Eight systematic reviews were rated by all reviewers using AMSTAR-PF.

Outcome measures

Planned measures included intrapair and inter-pair agreement using Cohen’s and Fleiss’ kappa, time of use and time to reach consensus. Interrater agreement was an added measure, and Gwet’s agreement coefficient was calculated and presented due to its greater stability across agreement levels. The percentage of intrapair agreements identical or one category apart was also presented.

Results

Interrater agreement averaged 0.59 (range 0.21–0.90), inter-pair agreement 0.61 (range 0.24–0.91) and intrapair agreement 0.75 (range 0.45–0.95) across the domains, with agreement for the overall rating 0.46 (95% CI 0.30 to 0.62) for interrater agreement, 0.46 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.74) for inter-pair agreement and 0.68 (range of averages 0.22–1.00) for intrapair agreement. The majority (60.7%) of intrapair ratings were identical, with 94.6% of final ratings either identical or only one category different for the overall appraisal. The time taken to appraise a study with AMSTAR-PF improved with use and averaged around 34 min after the first two appraisals.

Conclusions

Despite some variance in agreement for different domains and between different appraisers, the testing results suggest that AMSTAR-PF has clear utility for appraising the quality of systematic reviews of prognostic factor studies.

Impact of vitamin D non-reimbursement policy on therapy discontinuation in the general and rheumatic population in the Netherlands: a cross-sectional study

Por: Singh · A. · Huiskes · V. J. B. · van den Bemt · B. J. F. · van Ameijden · H. · Nurmohamed · M. T. · Spijkers · K. M. · Vervloet · M. · Brabers · A. E. M.
Objective

To assess the impact of the non-reimbursement policy on vitamin D therapy discontinuation in patients from the general and rheumatic populations.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Research institute specialised in health research and two outpatient pharmacies in the Netherlands.

Participants

Patients from the general and rheumatic population with an active prescription for vitamin D supplementation therapy were included.

Data collection and analysis

Data were collected between April and May 2023 through self-reported questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed using STATA V. 17. P value

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who discontinued vitamin D supplementation therapy following the implementation of the non-reimbursement policy. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported reasons for therapy discontinuation and the association between patient-related characteristics and the risk of therapy discontinuation. In addition, the proportion of patients who switched to an alternative supplement and whether this switch had been made in consultation with a healthcare provider was examined.

Results

Of the 4800 patients, 302 (6.4%) patients discontinued their vitamin D therapy. The three most frequently reported reasons for therapy discontinuation were the inability to afford supplements without reimbursement, not willing to pay for supplements without reimbursement and being unaware of the alternative vitamin D supplements to switch to. Younger age, financial constraints and limited health literacy were significantly associated with vitamin D therapy discontinuation (p

Conclusion

The implementation of the non-reimbursement policy resulted in a small proportion of patients discontinuing their vitamin D therapy. Elevated discontinuation rates were associated with specific patient-related characteristics including patients aged

Protocol for the development of the WHO gestational weight gain charts

Por: Rangel Bousquet Carrilho · T. · Oladapo · O. T. · Hutcheon · J. A. · Gatica-Dominguez · G. · Rasmussen · K. M. · Flores-Urrutia · M. C. · Kumapley · R. · Tuncalp · O. · Bahya-Batinda · D. · Fayed · A. A. · Bogaerts · A. · Papageorghiou · A. T. · Munoz-Manrique · C. · Farias · D. R
Introduction

Gestational weight gain (GWG) is an important indicator of maternal nutrition to be monitored during pregnancy. However, there is no evidence-based tool that can be used to monitor it across all geographic locations and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) categories. The WHO is undertaking a project to develop GWG charts by pre-pregnancy BMI category, and to identify GWG ranges associated with the lowest risks of adverse maternal and infant outcomes. This protocol describes all the steps that will be used to accomplish the development of these GWG charts.

Methods and analysis

This project will involve the analysis of individual participant data (researcher-collected or administrative). To identify eligible datasets with GWG data, a literature review will be conducted and a global call for data will be launched by the WHO. Eligible individual datasets obtained from multiple sources will be harmonised into a pooled database. The database will undergo steps of cleaning, data quality assessment and application of individual-level inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity of maternal weight and GWG will be assessed to verify the possibility of combining datasets from multiple sources and regions into a single database. Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape will be applied for the construction of the centile curves. Diagnostic measures, internal and external validation procedures will also be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

This project will include an analysis of existing study de-identified data. To be included in the pooled database, each included study should have received ethics approvals from relevant committees. Manuscripts will be submitted to open-access journals and a WHO document will be published, including the GWG charts and cut-offs for application in antenatal care.

What is the psychological and cognitive impact of returning Alzheimer disease dementia research results to healthy research participants? a delayed-start randomised clinical trial protocol for the WeSHARE study (Washington University study of having Alzhe

Por: Hartz · S. M. · Goswami · S. · Oliver · A. · Evans · A. · Jackson · S. · Linnenbringer · E. · Moulder · K. M. · Morris · J. C. · Mozersky · J.
Introduction

Returning research results that indicate risk of Alzheimer disease (AD) dementia—a disease for which no meaningful treatments or cure exist—to cognitively normal participants is controversial. AD is thought to begin many years before clinical signs and symptoms begin. During this time, individuals are cognitively normal but have biomarkers that indicate pathophysiological changes in the brain. With this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of returning research results on cognitively normal participants recruited from a longitudinal observational cohort on ageing at the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Centre (Knight ADRC) at Washington University in St. Louis.

Methods and analysis

Our study uses a 2-year, delayed-start randomised clinical trial design. Participants are randomised to receive their research results either 2 weeks or 1 year after informed consent. This study was approved to recruit up to 450 participants with existing genetic and biomarker testing results from the Knight ADRC. During the study period, 260 individuals were eligible and approached for entry into the study. The primary cognitive outcomes are 1-year change in subjective cognitive score on the clinical dementia rating sum of box scores and the objective cognitive score on cognitive composite score. The primary psychosocial outcome is change in geriatric depression scale score 1 year after return of research results. The study was powered to answer primary outcomes with 140 participants (70 per study arm).

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) Institutional Review Board and the Human Research Protection Office. Results from these trials are shared through conferences and publications.

Trial registration number

NCT04699786.

Understanding the role of knowledge and attitudes of community pharmacy staff in non-prescribed antibiotic dispensing practices in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Por: Sultana Samapti · M. M. · Hossain · K. M. · Riha · F. A. · Showkat · N. B. · Begum · T. · Rahman · M. A. · Rasul · M. G.
Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical public health issue in Bangladesh, exacerbated by the widespread practice of non-prescribed antibiotic dispensing. This study seeks to assess their knowledge and attitudes, particularly how these factors influence non-prescribed antibiotic dispensing practices in Bangladesh.

Methods

A total of 287 pharmacy staff across four regions of Bangladesh were included in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding non-prescribed antibiotic dispensing.

Results

The study found that 92.4% of respondents dispensed antibiotics without prescriptions. The practice was significantly more prevalent among those with poor knowledge (99.28% in below-average vs 86.09% in above-average knowledge groups, p

Conclusion

These findings highlight knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic dispensing play a vital role where weak regulation, education and economic incentives further worsen the situation. Urgent interventions, including improved pharmacist training, prescription monitoring and public awareness campaigns, are essential to reduce non-prescribed antibiotic dispensing and align practices with Bangladesh’s National Action Plan on AMR.

Simulation-based training intervention using artificial intelligence to improve clinical bronchoscopy performance: a pre-postintervention study

Por: Cold · K. M. · Arshad · A. · Kildegaard · C. · Laursen · C. B. · Konge · L. · Nielsen · A. B.
Objectives

Does a simulation-based training intervention with an artificial intelligence (AI) navigation system improve their clinical bronchoscopy performance? And can the AIs outcome measures be used to evaluate clinical performance?

Design

Pre–postintervention study.

Setting

Odense University Hospital of Southern Denmark, pulmonary endoscopy suite.

Participants

Nine bronchoscopists (4 experienced, >500 bronchoscopies and 5 intermediates, 10–500 bronchoscopies).

Primary outcome measures

Diagnostic completeness (DC), structured progress (SP), procedure time (PT) and procedure efficiency (DC/PT).

Results

The primary outcome measures showed no statistically significant difference between the pre- and postintervention bronchoscopies DC: 53% versus 59%, p=0.16, SP: 29% versus 32%, p=0.35 and PT: 219 s versus 181 s, p=0.22. The experienced outperformed the intermediates regarding DC: 73% versus 43%, p

Conclusions

DC, SP and PT showed no statistically significant difference after a simulation-based training intervention. DC, SP and procedure efficiency differentiated between experienced and intermediate bronchoscopists and can be used to evaluate clinical bronchoscopy performance.

Prevalence and determinants of underweight and overweight/obesity among Ghanaian children: a cross-sectional study using DHS data in Ghana

Por: Dam · K. M. · Alhassan · P. D. A. · Addai · J. · Apanga · S. · Adjei-Mensah · E. · Sienso · B. A. · Boakye · G. · Bawa · A. W. · Tamal · C. · Seneadza · N. A. H. · Abdul-Mumin · A. · Nuertey · B. D.
Background

There is a global rise in the burden of childhood obesity, increasing the risk of early onset adult obesity. Most developing countries face the double burden of malnutrition; overnutrition as overweight/obesity and undernutrition.

Objectives

To determine the current burden and determinants of childhood thinness, overweight and obesity using national survey data.

Design

Data from a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2022 were used.

Setting

Data from the seventh Demographic Health Survey conducted in Ghana were used.

Participants

The participants included 4417 children ≤59 months.

Method

The seventh Ghana Demographic Health Survey in 2022 employed a two-stage stratified cluster sampling design, selecting 618 clusters to create a nationally representative sample. Weight and height were measured using the SECA 874U scale and Shorrboard, respectively. Children’s heights were measured recumbent (24 months). Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between thinness and obesity, as well as the independent factors.

Outcome variable

The outcome variable was obesity, determined by a WHZ of >+2SD.

Results

The weighted prevalence of overweight/obesity and thinness in children under 5 years is 9.9% and 5.2%, respectively. Children who were overweight or obese had a mean age of 23.11 months, those who were thin or severely thin had a lower mean age of 21.02 months, and those with normal nutritional status were relatively older, with a mean age of 28.41 months. The Upper West, Northeast and Northern regions had the lowest densities of obesity. In the multivariate logistic regression model, children residing in Ashanti, Oti, Northern, North East and Upper East regions had significantly reduced odds of being obese compared with those in the Ahafo region. The average haemoglobin for those overweight/obese was 10.8 g/dL, and 10.7 g/dL for those who were normal and marginally reduced, 10.5 g/dL for those who were thin.

Conclusion

Regional disparities, maternal nutritional status, socioeconomic conditions and unsafe water sources were significant determinants of child nutrition outcomes. These findings call for targeted, multipronged interventions that integrate maternal-child nutrition, safe water, sanitation and regional context.

Cervical high-risk human papillomavirus infection and its associated risk factors: a community-based cross-sectional study in hard-to-reach areas in Bangladesh

Por: Nazrul · N. · Rahman · A. · de Fouw · M. · Campbell · C. · Koot · J. · Kulsum · M. U. · Ahmed · M. S. · Haider · S. S. · Hossain · M. A. · Islam · K. M. · Nessa · A. · Amrin · M. · Stekelenburg · J. · Beltman · J. J.
Objectives

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cervical high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) in a community-based setting and its risk factors association in women living in hard-to-reach areas in Bangladesh.

Design

A cross-sectional study

Setting

The study was carried out in six subdistricts, located in hard-to-reach and climate-impacted regions of Bangladesh.

Participants

A total of 8000 married women aged 30–60 years were invited for screening. Women who were unable to give consent, were pregnant or had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix, previous screening less than 5 years, or treatment of the cervix or had symptoms of potential cervical cancer were excluded.

Interventions

A community-based hrHPV self-collected screening for cervical cancer was conducted from June 2022 to July 2023.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of cervical hrHPV and risk factor association.

Results

11 127 women were eligible for screening; 7850 women submitted hrHPV self-swabs, 7828 valid HPV test results were reported and 164 women (2.1%) tested hrHPV positive. Women living in the North were 2.1 times more likely to be hrHPV positive compared with women living in the South (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.1, 95% CI: 1.5 to 3.8, p=0.023) and widowed women were 3.0 times more likely to be hrHPV positive than married women (AOR=3.0, 95% CI: 1.7 to 5.3, p=0.001). Another risk factor associated with testing hrHPV positive was the use of hormonal contraceptives for 5 years and above (AOR=7.0, 95% CI: 2.0 to 24.4, p=0.002).

Conclusion

The study identified a low overall prevalence of hrHPV infection (2.1%) among women in hard-to-reach areas in Bangladesh, with some regional variations. Higher prevalence was observed in widowed compared with married women and among women reporting more than 5 years of hormonal contraceptive use. This study shows no evidence of particularly high-risk groups in hard-to-reach areas in Bangladesh. The findings support the feasibility of implementing a nationwide hr-HPV-based self-sampling strategy as a viable approach to reach WHO targets for reducing the burden of cervical cancer. Recommendation for policymakers to support future research to identify hrHPV prevalence among women in comparable groups in other geographically remote areas in Bangladesh.

Trial registration number

NCT05234112.

Maximizing Ageing Using Volunteer Engagement (MAUVE): one health systems journey to spread a volunteer-based intervention for acutely ill older adults - a prospective observational study

Por: Kokorelias · K. M. · Foster · N. · Gali · A. · Ellis · B. · Melady · D. · Sinha · S. K.
Objectives

Older inpatients face a higher risk of delirium, falls and functional decline during hospital stays. Volunteer programmes have been shown to improve patient outcomes in single settings, but little is known about their implementation and spread across multiple care environments. This study describes the implementation and system-wide spread of Maximizing Ageing Using Volunteer Engagement (MAUVE)—a volunteer-based programme supporting older patients’ cognitive, physical and social well-being—and evaluates its impact on healthcare staff satisfaction.

Design

A prospective observational service evaluation.

Setting

Emergency department, seven acute in-patient care units and two transitional care units within a Canadian hospital system from January to December 2019.

Participants

Older patients receiving care, volunteers delivering interventions and front-line nursing staff.

Interventions

Trained volunteers delivered up to six types of interventions targeting patients’ cognitive stimulation, physical activity, social engagement, functional support, orientation and companionship.

Outcome measures

Staff satisfaction with the MAUVE programme was measured using a structured survey administered 6 months after programme implementation. Data on patients and volunteers—including the number and type of interventions delivered, volunteer hours and patient reach—were also collected to assess feasibility and programme uptake.

Results

Over 12 months, 94 volunteers delivered 31 593 interventions to 3568 unique patients across three care settings. Front-line staff reported high satisfaction with the MAUVE programme, noting that volunteers enhanced patient care and enabled more direct patient interaction by staff.

Conclusions

The MAUVE programme is the first known volunteer-led patient engagement programme to be successfully implemented across acute, emergency and transitional care settings. This service evaluation demonstrates that structured volunteer engagement can support older patients’ well-being while enhancing staff satisfaction and enabling front-line care providers to deliver more direct care.

Impact assessment of neonatal care interventions on regional neonatal care capacity: a simulation study based on clinical data in the Netherlands

Por: Wagenaar · J. H. L. · Dietz · A. · Huang · Y. · Reiss · I. K. M. · Been · J. V. · Spaan · J. · Kornelisse · R. F. · Taal · H. R. · Hinrichs-Krapels · S.
Objective

To analyse the impact of selected neonatal care interventions on regional care capacity.

Design

Discrete event simulation modelling based on clinical data.

Setting

Neonatal care in the southwest of the Netherlands, consisting of one tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), four hospitals with high-care neonatal (HCN) wards and six with medium-care neonatal (MCN) wards.

Participants

44 461 neonates admitted to at least one hospital within the specified region or admitted outside of the region but with a residential address inside the region between 2016 and 2021.

Interventions

The impact of three interventions was simulated: (1) home-based phototherapy for hyperbilirubinaemia, (2) oral antibiotic switch for culture-negative early onset infection and (3) changing tertiary-level NICU admission guidelines.

Main outcome measure

Regional neonatal capacity defined as: (1) occupancy per ward level, (2) required operational beds per ward level to provide care to all inside region patients at maximum 85% occupancy, (3) proportion rejected, defined as outside region transfers due to no capacity to provide local care and (4) the weekly rejections in relation to occupancy to provide a combined analysis.

Results

In the current situation, with many operational beds closed due to nurse shortages, occupancy was extremely high at the NICU and HCNs (respectively 91.7% (95% CI 91.4 to 92.0) and 98.1% (95% CI 98.0 to 98.2)). The number of required beds exceeded available beds, resulting in >20% rejections for both NICU and HCN patients. Although the three interventions individually demonstrated effect on capacity, clinical impact was marginal. In combination, NICU occupancy was reduced below the 85% government recommendation at the cost of an increased burden for HCNs, highlighting the need for redistribution to MCNs.

Conclusion

Our model confirmed the severity of current neonatal capacity strain and demonstrated the potential impact of three interventions on regional capacity. The model showed to be a low-cost and easy-to-use method for regional capacity impact assessment and could provide the basis for making informed decisions for other interventions and future scenarios, supporting data-driven neonatal capacity planning and policy development.

Early and late biomarkers as predictors of severe dengue: a comprehensive umbrella review protocol

Por: Gunasekera · K. M. · Seneviwickrama · M. · Ranasinghe · S. · Gamage · K. · Gonapaladeniya · M.
Introduction

Predicting the progression to severe dengue remains a critical yet challenging aspect of patient management. This umbrella review aims to identify biomarkers associated with the development of severe dengue. The primary objective is to determine which biomarkers can predict progression to severe disease in dengue-infected patients. Secondary objectives include identifying (a) early biomarkers (detected on days 1–3 of illness), (b) late biomarkers (detected after day 3), (c) biomarkers requiring further investigation and (d) differences in predictive biomarkers between patients aged

Method and analysis

The review questions were formulated based on the Population, Concept and Context (PCC) framework. This review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for umbrella reviews and be reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Systematic Reviews guidelines. The protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251058284). MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, JBI Evidence Synthesis and DARE databases will be searched from 1/1/1990 to 1/6/2025. The findings are expected to support early risk stratification and guide future biomarker research in dengue infection. The systematic reviews included in this umbrella review may define severe dengue according to either the WHO 1997 or 2009 guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required since the work involves published documents. The review findings will be communicated to relevant stakeholders through conference presentations and publication in an open-access journal.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO 2025 CRD420251058284. Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251058284.

Evaluation protocol using propensity score matching to assess the impact of Arizonas Health Start Programme on maternal morbidity, chronic disease and mental health outcomes among Medicaid-enrolled mothers

Por: Wightman · P. · Nation · K. M. · Sabo · S. · Asantewaa · S. · Spevak · K. · Celaya · M.
Introduction

In Arizona, chronic diseases, mental health conditions, haemorrhage and infections remain significant causes of severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Community health worker (CHW) interventions address social determinants of health and enhance healthcare access, which is particularly important for improving maternal health among high-risk Medicaid beneficiaries.

Methods and analysis

The Arizona Health Start Programme (HSP), a home-visiting intervention, uses CHWs to improve maternal and child health outcomes through health education, referral support and advocacy services for at-risk pregnant and postpartum women with children up to age 2 years. Over 80% of HSP participants are insured by Medicaid. The goal of this evaluation is to determine if, among Arizona Medicaid beneficiaries, participation in HSP improves (1) the risk of experiencing SMM, (2) the care management of pregnant women diagnosed with chronic conditions (eg, diabetes, hypertension) and (3) the care management of pregnant women diagnosed with depression, compared with pregnant women who did not participate in HSP. To test our hypothesis, we employ a quasi-experimental design using retrospective data and propensity score matching to establish comparison groups using Arizona Medicaid claims and enrolment records spanning the study period (2008–2019).

Ethics and dissemination

No primary data will be collected. This work is supported through an inter-agency contract from Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS); approved by the ADHS Human Subjects Review Board, Project #17–00010, determined as non-human subjects research. Evaluation of the proposed outcomes will be completed by June 2027, and findings will be disseminated to HSP directors, managers and CHWs, as well as through academic journals and conferences.

Testing psychosocial work adversities as a necessary condition for work-related emotional exhaustion in young workers: a cross-sectional necessary condition analysis on a national general working population-based survey

Por: Schelvis · R. M. C. · van Veen · M. · Tamminga · S. J. · Oude Hengel · K. M. · Nieuwenhuijsen · K. · Boot · C. R. L. · Dul · J.
Objectives

Being exposed to adverse psychosocial working conditions contributes to poor mental health in young workers. This study explores whether psychosocial work adversities are a necessary condition for work-related emotional exhaustion in young workers.

Design

Data from the ‘Netherlands Working Condition Survey 2021’ was used. By applying a novel method called Necessary Condition Analysis, we tested two psychosocial work adversities as necessary conditions for high work-related emotional exhaustion in young workers: (1) a composite score of high job demands and low job resources and (2) a composite score of high job demands. Additionally, we tested whether the threshold for job demands as a necessary condition for high work-related emotional exhaustion differed for young workers with low versus high resources.

Setting

Secondary data analysis on a national working population-based survey.

Participants

The sample included 5791 young workers in the Netherlands (aged

Primary outcome measure

Work-related emotional exhaustion.

Results

A high level of the composite on job demands and job resources is necessary for a high level of work-related emotional exhaustion in young workers (effect size=0.11, p

Conclusions

Both psychosocial work adversities were necessary conditions for high work-related emotional exhaustion in young workers. The necessity threshold for job demands was higher for young workers with high job resources, compared with the group with low resources. This indicates that removing psychosocial work adversities and ensuring the presence of job resources might contribute to the prevention of high work-related emotional exhaustion in young workers.

❌