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Impact evaluation of a cash-plus programme for children with disabilities in the Xiengkhouang Province in Lao PDR: study protocol for a non-randomised controlled trial

Por: Banks · L. M. · Soukkhaphone · B. · Scherer · N. · Siengsounthone · L. · Carew · M. T. · Shakespeare · T. · Chen · S. · Davey · C. · Goyal · D. · Zinke-Allmang · A. · Kuper · H. · Chanthakoumane · K.
Introduction

More than 170 countries have implemented disability-targeted social protection programmes, although few have been rigorously evaluated. Consequently, a non-randomised controlled trial is being conducted of a pilot ‘cash-plus’ programme implemented by UNICEF Laos and the Laos government for children with disabilities in the Xiengkhouang Province in Laos. The intervention combines a regular cash transfer with provision of assistive devices and access for caregivers to a family support programme.

Methods and analysis

The non-randomised controlled trial will involve 350 children with disabilities across 3 districts identified by programme implementers as eligible for the programme (intervention arm). Implementers have also identified approximately 180 children with disabilities in neighbouring districts, who would otherwise meet eligibility criteria but do not live in the project areas (control arm). The trial will assess the impact of the programme on child well-being (primary outcome), as well as household poverty, caregiver quality of life and time use (secondary outcomes). Baseline data are being collected May–October 2023, with endline 24 months later. Analysis will be intention to treat. A complementary process evaluation will explore the implementation, acceptability of the programme, challenges and enablers to its delivery and mechanisms of impact.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received ethical approval from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the National Ethics Committee for Health Research in Laos. Informed consent and assent will be taken by trained data collectors. Data will be collected and stored on a secure, encrypted server and its use will follow a detailed data management plan. Findings will be disseminated in academic journals and in short briefs for policy and programmatic actors, and in online and in-person events.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN80603476.

Analgesia for the treatment of acute pancreatitis: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Por: Subramani · S. S. · Berg · A. C. · Kral · L. A. · Murad · M. H. · Smith · A. · Phillips · A. E. · Yadav · D. · Uc · A. · Imdad · A.
Introduction

Gastrointestinal hospitalisations in the USA cause over US$130 billion in expenditures, and acute pancreatitis is a leading cause of these hospitalisations. Adequate pain control is one of the primary treatment goals for acute pancreatitis. Though opioids are commonly used for analgesia in these patients, there have been concerns about short-term and long-term side effects of using opioids. Recently, non-opioid medications have been studied to treat pain in patients with acute pancreatitis. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aims to assess the comparative efficacy of analgesic medication for non-severe, acute pancreatitis.

Methods and analysis

We will search multiple electronic databases for randomised controlled trials that study pain management in patients with non-severe, acute pancreatitis. The intervention will be any analgesic for acute pancreatitis in the hospital setting. The comparison group will be patients who received a placebo or other active interventions for pain management. The primary outcomes of interest include pain scores and the need for supplementary analgesia. The secondary outcomes will be serious adverse events, local complications, progression to severe pancreatitis, transfer to the intensive care unit, length of hospitalisation, time to start enteral feeds, 30-day all-cause mortality and Quality of Life Scale scores. If sufficient homogeneity exists among included studies, the findings will be pooled using a traditional pairwise and network meta-analysis. The risk of bias in randomised control trials will be evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach will be used to report the certainty of evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review will not involve direct contact with human subjects. The findings of this review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. They will give healthcare providers a better awareness of the optimal analgesic medication for pain treatment in non-severe, acute pancreatitis.

Understanding the impact of a residential housing program for people living with HIV/AIDS: results from a realist evaluation

Por: Ali · A. · Groot · G. · April · M. · MacPhee · M. · Witham · S. · Alimezelli · H. · Carr · T.
Background

In Canada, the Public Health Agency surveillance of new HIV cases has demonstrated annual increasing rates since 2020. The rates of new HIV cases are highest in the province of Saskatchewan.

Objectives

The aim of the project was to conduct a resident-oriented realist evaluation of an innovative supportive housing programme, Sanctum, for people living with HIV/AIDS who also face social care issues, such as homelessness. This project took place in Saskatchewan, a province that is seeking innovative approaches to improve quality of life and HIV/AIDS management for its citizens. Our evaluation addressed how and why participants were successful (or not) within the Sanctum programme.

Design and setting

Sanctum is a housing programme located in an inner-city location within the province of Saskatchewan. A unique component of this evaluation was the inclusion of an individual with lived experience, a resident partner, as a member of the research team.

Participants

11 recent Sanctum graduates, seven men and four women, were recruited for client partner-led in-depth, semistructured interviews.

Interventions

Prior to the evaluation, we developed a realist programme theory with potential causal explanations, known as context-mechanism-outcomes (CMO) configurations. Interview data from the evaluation and ongoing discussions with Sanctum board members and our resident partner were used to test, refine and validate the final programme theory and CMO configurations.

Results

CMO configurations at the micro (individual), meso (interpersonal) and macro (community) levels complement the over-arching programme theory. Key findings were the importance of Sanctum’s harm reduction philosophy, accompanied by a non-judgmental and patient-oriented approach. Participants were supported to reduce risky behaviour, improve self-care management and develop healthier relationships within a ‘safe’ home-like setting. Underlying mechanisms that contributed to participants’ success in the programme included: intrinsic motivation, self-worth, belongingness, empowerment and self-efficacy. Evidence-informed recommendations are offered to support Sanctum-like programme development for individuals with holistic health needs related to HIV/AIDS diagnoses and lack of access to necessary social determinants of health.

Conclusions

Stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and living circumstances, such as homelessness, were successfully addressed using harm reduction principles and judgement-free approaches within a family-like environment.

Assessing the impact of obesity interventions in the early years: a systematic review of UK-based studies

Por: Michalopoulou · S. · Sifaki · M. · Packer · J. · Lanigan · J. · Stansfield · C. · Viner · R. M. · Russell · S.
Objectives

Childhood obesity rates in the UK are high. The early years of childhood are critical for establishing healthy behaviours and offer interventional opportunities. We aimed to identify studies evaluating the impact of UK-based obesity interventions in early childhood.

Design

Systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Data sources

Nine databases were searched in March 2023. Eligibility criteria: We included UK-based obesity intervention studies delivered to children aged 6 months to 5 years that had diet and/or physical activity components and reported anthropometric outcomes. The primary outcome of interest was z-score Body Mass Index (zBMI) change (within and between subjects). Studies evaluating the effects of breastfeeding interventions were not included as obesity prevention interventions, given that best-practice formula feeding is also likely to encourage healthy growth. The publication date for studies was limited to the previous 12 years (2011–23), as earlier reviews found few evaluations of interventions in the UK.

Data extraction and synthesis

The reviewers worked independently using standardised approach to search, screen and code the included studies. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane tools (ROB 2 or ROBINS-I).

Results

Six trials (five studies) were identified, including two randomised controlled trials (RCT), one cluster randomised trial (CRT), two feasibility CRTs and one impact assessment. The total number of participants was 566. Three trials focused on disadvantaged families and two included high-risk children categorised as having overweight or obesity. Compared with baseline, five interventions reported reductions in zBMI, three of which were statistically significant (p

Conclusion

UK evidence was limited but some interventions showed promising results in promoting healthy growth. As part of a programme of policies, interventions in the early years may have an important role in reducing the risk of childhood obesity.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021290676

Cost-effectiveness of a complex continuum of care intervention targeting women and children: protocol for an economic evaluation of the Bukhali trial in South Africa

Por: Palmer · T. · Leiva Granados · R. · Draper · C. · Norris · S. A. · Batura · N.
Introduction

As nearly two-thirds of women presenting at their first antenatal visit are either overweight or obese in urban South Africa, the preconception period is an opportunity to optimise health and offset transgenerational risk of both obesity and non-communicable diseases. This protocol describes the planned economic evaluation of an individually randomised controlled trial of a complex continuum of care intervention targeting women and children in Soweto, South Africa (Bukhali trial).

Methods and analysis

The economic evaluation of the Bukhali trial will be conducted as a within-trial analysis from both provider and societal perspectives. Incremental costs and health outcomes of the continuum of care intervention will be compared with standard care. The economic impact on implementing agencies (programme costs), healthcare providers, participants and their households will be estimated. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) will be calculated in terms of cost per case of child adiposity at age years averted. Additionally, ICERs will also be reported in terms of cost per quality-adjusted life year gained. If Bukhali demonstrates effectiveness, we will employ a decision analytical model to examine the cost-effectiveness of the intervention over a child’s lifetime. A Markov model will be used to estimate long-term health benefits, healthcare costs and cost-effectiveness. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses will be conducted to explore uncertainty and ensure robust results. An analysis will be conducted to assess the equity impact of the intervention, by comparing intervention impact within quintiles of socioeconomic status.

Ethics and dissemination

The Bukhali trial economic evaluation has ethical approval from the Human Ethics Research Committee of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (M240162). The results of the economic evaluation will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at a relevant international conference.

Trial registration number

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR201903750173871; https://pactr.samrc.ac.za).

Hungarian general practice paediatricians antibiotic prescribing behaviour for suspected respiratory tract infections: a qualitative study

Por: Babarczy · B. · Hajdu · A. · Benko · R. · Matuz · M. · Papp · R. · Antoniou · P. · Kandelaki · K. · Lo Fo Wong · D. · Warsi · S. K.
Objectives

Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is a major cause of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim of this study was to explore paediatric general practitioners’ (GP Peds) antibiotic prescription practice in suspected respiratory tract infections (RTIs), using the capability–opportunity–motivation–behaviour framework.

Design

The design is a qualitative study based on individual, semistructured telephone or virtual interviews.

Setting

Paediatric general practice in Hungary. We applied stratified maximum variation sampling to cover the categories of age, sex and geographical location of participants.

Participants

We interviewed 22 GP Peds. Nine were male and 13 were female: 2 of them were less than 40 years old, 14 were between 40 and 60 years, and 6 were above 60 years. 10 worked in low-antibiotic prescription areas, 5 in areas with medium levels of antibiotic prescription, 3 in high-antibiotic prescription areas, and 4 in and around the capital city.

Results

Study participants had varying antibiotic prescription preferences. Personal experience and physical examination play a central role in GP Peds’ diagnostic and treatment practice. Participants emphasised the need to treat children in their entirety, taking their personal medical record, social background and sometimes parents’ preferences into account, besides the acute clinical manifestation of RTI. Most respondents were confident they apply the most effective therapy even if, in some cases, this meant prescribing medicines with a higher chance of contributing to the development of AMR. Some participants felt antibiotic prescription frequency has decreased in recent years.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a more prudent attitude toward antibiotic prescribing may have become more common but also highlight relevant gaps in both physicians’ and public knowledge of antibiotics and AMR. To reinforce awareness and close remaining gaps, Hungary should adopt its national AMR National Action Plan and further increase its efforts towards active professional communication and feedback for primary care physicians.

Study protocol for two randomised controlled trials evaluating the effects of Cerclage in the reduction of extreme preterm birth and perinatal mortality in twin pregnancies with a short cervix or dilatation: the TWIN Cerclage studies

Por: van Gils · L. · de Boer · M. A. · Bosmans · J. · Duijnhoven · R. · Schoenmakers · S. · Derks · J. B. · Prins · J. R. · Al-Nasiry · S. · Lutke Holzik · M. · Lopriore · E. · van Drongelen · J. · Knol · M. H. · van Laar · J. O. E. H. · Jacquemyn · Y. · van Holsbeke · C. · Dehaene · I. · L
Introduction

Twin pregnancies have a high risk of extreme preterm birth (PTB) at less than 28 weeks of gestation, which is associated with increased risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Currently there is a lack of effective treatments for women with a twin pregnancy and a short cervix or cervical dilatation. A possible effective surgical method to reduce extreme PTB in twin pregnancies with an asymptomatic short cervix or dilatation at midpregnancy is the placement of a vaginal cerclage.

Methods and analysis

We designed two multicentre randomised trials involving eight hospitals in the Netherlands (sites in other countries may be added at a later date). Women older than 16 years with a twin pregnancy at

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committees in the Netherlands on 3/30/2023. Participants will be required to sign an informed consent form. The results will be presented at conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal. Participants will be informed about the results.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05968794.

SurLym trial: study protocol for a multicentre pragmatic randomised controlled trial on the added value of reconstructive lymphatic surgery to decongestive lymphatic therapy for the treatment of lymphoedema

Por: Devoogdt · N. · De Vrieze · T. · Heroes · A.-K. · Bechter-Hugl · B. · Fieuws · S. · Godderis · L. · Segers · K. · Maleux · G. · Deltombe · T. · Frippiat · J. · Servaes · M. · Berners · A. · Fosseprez · P. · Krug · B. · Kayser · F. · Falticeanu · A. · Randon · C. · Monten · C. · Van Landuyt
Introduction

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition caused by lymphatic insufficiency. It leads to swelling of the limb/midline region and an increased risk of infection. Lymphoedema is often associated with mental and physical problems limiting quality of life. The first choice of treatment is a conservative treatment, consisting of exercises, skin care, lymph drainage and compression. Reconstructive lymphatic surgery is also often performed, that is, lymphovenous anastomoses, lymph node transfer or a combination. However, robust evidence on the effectiveness of reconstructive lymphatic surgery is missing. Therefore, the objective of this trial is to investigate the added value of reconstructive lymphatic surgery to the conservative treatment in patients with lymphoedema.

Methods and analysis

A multicentre randomised controlled and pragmatic trial was started in March 2022 in three Belgian university hospitals. 90 patients with arm lymphoedema and 90 patients with leg lymphoedema will be included. All patients are randomised between conservative treatment alone (control group) or conservative treatment with reconstructive lymphatic surgery (intervention group). Assessments are performed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months. The primary outcome is lymphoedema-specific quality of life at 18 months. Key secondary outcomes are limb volume and duration of wearing the compression garment at 18 months. The approach of reconstructive lymphatic surgery is based on presurgical investigations including clinical examination, lymphofluoroscopy, lymphoscintigraphy, lymph MRI or CT angiography (if needed). All patients receive conservative treatment during 36 months, which is applied by the patient’s own physical therapist and by the patient self. From months 7 to 12, the hours a day of wearing the compression garment are gradually decreased.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the ethical committees of University Hospitals Leuven, Ghent University Hospital and CHU UCL Namur. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals and presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT05064176

Standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation versus chest compressions only after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: An · S. · Liu · Y. · Xi · Q. · Zhang · Y. · Gao · Y. · Zhang · W.
Introduction

The 2020 American Heart Association guidelines encourage lay rescuers to provide chest compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation to simplify the process and encourage cardiopulmonary resuscitation initiation. However, recent clinical trials had contradictory results about chest compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This study will aim to compare standard and chest compressions-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Methods and analysis

This study will retrieve only randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases. Data on study design, participant characteristics, intervention details and outcomes will be extracted by a unified standard form. Primary outcomes to be assessed are hospital admission, discharge, and 30-day survival, and return of spontaneous circulation. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework will evaluate the quality of evidence. Cochrane’s tool for assessing the risk of bias will evaluate risk deviation. If the I2 statistic is lower than 40%, the fixed-effects model will be used for meta-analysis. Otherwise, the random-effects model will be used. The search will be performed following the publication of this protocol (estimated to occur on 30 December 2024).

Discussion

This study will evaluate the effect of chest compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and provide evidence for cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

No patient or public entity will be involved in this study. Therefore, the study does not need to be ethically reviewed. The results of the study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publications and committee conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021295507.

Understanding associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ethiopia: findings from a mixed-methods longitudinal study

Por: Murphy · M. · Dutton · R. · Gezahegne · K. · Jones · N. · Seager · J. · Baird · S.
Objective

To understand the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and menstrual hygiene management (MHM) among adolescent girls in Ethiopia and to explore which girls were most affected by pandemic disruptions.

Design

Two rounds of data from surveys and interviews were collected with adolescent girls immediately prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary analysis is cross-sectional, controlling for pre-COVID-19 covariates.

Setting

The setting was three zones in two regions of Ethiopia: East Hararghe and East Shewa Zones in Oromia and South Gondar Zone in Amhara. Data were collected in December 2019–March 2020 and September 2020–February 2021.

Participants

742 adolescent girls, ages 11–25 years.

Outcome measures

Four primary outcomes were explored (1) the number of challenges girls experienced; (2) adolescent-identified challenges managing menstrual hygiene; (3) adolescent-identified difficulties accessing MHM products and (4) adolescent-identified difficulties accessing soap or water.

Results

Girls who were more vulnerable to COVID-19 were more likely to have worse MHM outcomes. An SD increase in household vulnerability to COVID-19 was associated with an 8.7 percentage point increase in the likelihood that the respondent had difficulty getting MHM products (p

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that MHM was left behind in the COVID-19 response. New programming and policy interventions need to address financial hardship and disruptions to supplies to manage menstruation as well as tackle the inequitable gender norms that stigmatise menstruation during emergencies.

Six aspects of female genital mutilation education (SAFE) model: findings from a qualitative study

Por: Waigwa · S. · Bradbury-Jones · C. · Doos · L. · Taylor · J.
Objectives

Recent figures show that over 200 million women and girls, globally, live with the consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM). Complex debilitating physical, psychological and social problems result from the practice. Health education interventions have proven to be essential in both preventing the practice and informing support of survivors. In this study, we aimed to explore factors that affect the effectiveness of health education interventions.

Design

A generic qualitative approach was applied using semistructured individual and focus group interviews with women and men from communities with a history of FGM in Birmingham, UK. Framework analysis was used to group recurring themes from the data. Intersectionality was used as a theoretical lens to synthesise findings.

Participants

Twenty-one individuals (18 women and 3 men) participated in semistructured individual and focus group interviews about their views and experiences of health and well-being intervention programmes related to FGM.

Results

Six themes emerged from the data and were developed into a model of issues relating to FGM education. These six themes are (1) active communication, (2) attitudes and beliefs, (3) knowledge about FGM, (4) social structures, (5) programme approach and (6) the better future. A combined discussion of all these issues was compressed into three groupings: social structures, culture and media.

Conclusion

The results of this study depict aspects associated with FGM education that should be considered by future interventions aiming to prevent the practice and inform support services for survivors in a holistic way.

Cognitive stimulation for people with dementia in nursing homes: a protocol for a feasibility study examining a new 24/7 approach (CogStim24)

Por: Folkerts · A.-K. · Seven · U. S. · Guicheteau · J. · N Dichter · M. · Hellmich · M. · Köpke · S. · Kalbe · E.
Introduction

Based on the available evidence, cognitive stimulation is recommended as an intervention for people with dementia (PwD). Currently, cognitive stimulation is regularly offered as a group programme in care facilities. However, some residents, such as those who are bedridden, cannot participate. Furthermore, group programmes were not feasible during the pandemic. A concept that accompanies everyday life and enables cognitive stimulation in everyday communication (ie, ‘24/7’) has been missing. Therefore, this feasibility study aims to (1) assess the feasibility of a new continuous 24/7 cognitive stimulation programme (CogStim24) based on a process evaluation and (2) examine the possible effects of CogStim24 on the primary outcome of global cognition in PwD and further PwD-related and staff-related outcomes.

Methods and analysis

The complex CogStim24 programme is developed to be conducted as an everyday intervention during routine care including cognitively stimulating techniques, such as reminiscence therapy, multisensory stimulation and physical activity. In this unblinded single-arm study with pre-assessments and post-assessments, four nursing homes with a total of N=20 nursing and care staff will participate in an 11-week CogStim24 training programme. The intervention will be conducted to N=60 PwD. Neuropsychological assessments will be conducted pre-staff and post-staff training, as well as after a 6-week implementation phase. A process evaluation will be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the ethics committee of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. Although cognitive stimulation is known to be effective for enhancing global cognition and quality of life in PwD, it is currently undersupplied to PwD. Therefore, CogStim24 has the potential to reach many more PwD. This study has the potential to serve as a basis for a large multicentre cluster randomised controlled trial. An interdisciplinarity team and mixed-methods approach will help generate information on the practicality and mechanisms of impact of CogStim24. This is important for the further development of the intervention and for facilitating its implementation. The study results will be disseminated via presentations at scientific conferences and meetings for healthcare professionals and PwD and their relatives. Several manuscripts presenting results of the different study parts will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

DRKS00024381.

Evaluation of adherence to pharmacological treatments by undocumented migrants with chronic diseases: a 10-year retrospective cohort study

Por: Fiorini · G. · Pellegrini · G. · Franchi · M. · Rigamonti · A. E. · Marazzi · N. · Sartorio · A. · Corrao · G. · Cella · S. G.
Objectives

To investigate the time course of medication adherence and some of the factors involved in this process in undocumented migrants with chronic diseases.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A big non-governmental organisation in Milano, Italy, giving medical assistance to undocumented migrants.

Participants

1918 patients, 998 females and 920 males, with at least one chronic condition (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), mental health disorders) seen over a period of 10 years (2011–2020). Their mean age was 49.2±13 years.

Results

Adherence to medications decreased over 1 year in all patients. This was more evident during the first 2 months of treatment. Patients on only one medication were less adherent than those on more than one medication; at 6 months the percentage of patients with high adherence was 33% vs 57% (p

Conclusions

Interventions to increase medication adherence of undocumented migrants with chronic diseases are necessary, particularly in the first 2 months after beginning treatment. These should be aimed at people-centred care and include more outpatient consultations. Educational interventions should especially be taken into consideration for patients on monotherapy.

Cohort profile: the Environmental Reproductive and Glucose Outcomes (ERGO) Study (Boston, Massachusetts, USA) -- a prospective pregnancy cohort study of the impacts of environmental exposures on parental cardiometabolic health

Por: Preston · E. V. · Quinn · M. R. · Williams · P. L. · McElrath · T. F. · Cantonwine · D. E. · Seely · E. W. · Wylie · B. J. · Hacker · M. R. · O'Brien · K. · Brown · F. M. · Powe · C. E. · Bellavia · A. · Wang · Z. · Tomsho · K. S. · Hauser · R. · James-Todd · T. · the Environmental Rep
Purpose

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are increasingly recognised as sensitive windows for cardiometabolic disease risk. Growing evidence suggests environmental exposures, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications that are associated with long-term cardiometabolic risk. However, the impact of perinatal EDC exposure on subsequent cardiometabolic risk post-pregnancy is less understood. The Environmental Reproductive and Glucose Outcomes (ERGO) Study was established to investigate the associations of environmental exposures during the perinatal period with post-pregnancy parental cardiometabolic health.

Participants

Pregnant individuals aged ≥18 years without pre-existing diabetes were recruited at

Findings to date

We enrolled 653 unique pregnancies and retained 633 through delivery. Participants had a mean age of 33 years, 10% (n=61) developed gestational diabetes and 8% (n=50) developed pre-eclampsia. Participant pregnancy and postpartum urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and postpartum glycaemic biomarkers were quantified. To date, studies within ERGO found higher exposure to phthalates and phthalate mixtures, and separately, higher exposure to radioactive ambient particulate matter, were associated with adverse gestational glycaemic outcomes. Additionally, certain personal care products used in pregnancy, notably hair oils, were associated with higher urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations, earlier gestational age at delivery and lower birth weight.

Future plans

Future work will leverage the longitudinal data collected on pregnancy and cardiometabolic outcomes, environmental exposures, questionnaires, banked biospecimens and paediatric data within the ERGO Study.

Patient, caregiver and other knowledge user engagement in consensus-building healthcare initiatives: a scoping review protocol

Por: Munce · S. E. P. · Wong · E. · Luong · D. · Rao · J. · Cunningham · J. · Bailey · K. · John · T. · Barber · C. · Batthish · M. · Chambers · K. · Cleverley · K. · Crabtree · M. · Diaz · S. · Dimitropoulos · G. · Gorter · J. W. · Grahovac · D. · Grimes · R. · Guttman · B. · Hebert · M. L. · He
Introduction

Patient engagement and integrated knowledge translation (iKT) processes improve health outcomes and care experiences through meaningful partnerships in consensus-building initiatives and research. Consensus-building is essential for engaging a diverse group of experienced knowledge users in co-developing and supporting a solution where none readily exists or is less optimal. Patients and caregivers provide invaluable insights for building consensus in decision-making around healthcare, policy and research. However, despite emerging evidence, patient engagement remains sparse within consensus-building initiatives. Specifically, our research has identified a lack of opportunity for youth living with chronic health conditions and their caregivers to participate in developing consensus on indicators/benchmarks for transition into adult care. To bridge this gap and inform our consensus-building approach with youth/caregivers, this scoping review will synthesise the extent of the literature on patient and other knowledge user engagement in consensus-building healthcare initiatives.

Methods and analysis

Following the scoping review methodology from Joanna Briggs Institute, published literature will be searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases from inception to July 2023. Grey literature will be hand-searched. Two independent reviewers will determine the eligibility of articles in a two-stage process, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Included studies must be consensus-building studies within the healthcare context that involve patient engagement strategies. Data from eligible studies will be extracted and charted on a standardised form. Abstracted data will be analysed quantitatively and descriptively, according to specific consensus methodologies, and patient engagement models and/or strategies.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this scoping review protocol. The review process and findings will be shared with and informed by relevant knowledge users. Dissemination of findings will also include peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. The results will offer new insights for supporting patient engagement in consensus-building healthcare initiatives.

Protocol registration

https://osf.io/beqjr

Wildfire, deforestation and health in tropical rainforest areas: a scoping review protocol

Por: Casais · G. · Guimaraes · N. S. · Cortes · T. R. · Pescarini · J. · Reboucas de Magalhaes · P. · Wells · V. · de Sousa Filho · J. F. · Delgado Neves · D. J. · Shimonovich · M. · Olsen · J. R. · de Carvalho Neto · E. M. · Cooper · P. · Katikireddi · S. V. · Emanuel · L. · Andrade · R
Introduction

Wildfires and deforestation potentially have direct effects on multiple health outcomes as well as indirect consequences for climate change. Tropical rainforest areas are characterised by high rainfall, humidity and temperature, and they are predominantly found in low-income and middle-income countries. This study aims to synthesise the methods, data and health outcomes reported in scientific papers on wildfires and deforestation in these locations.

Methods and analysis

We will carry out a scoping review according to the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) manual for scoping reviews and the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley, and Levac et al. The search for articles was performed on 18 August 2023, in 16 electronic databases using Medical Subject Headings terms and adaptations for each database from database inception. The search for local studies will be complemented by the manual search in the list of references of the studies selected to compose this review. We screened studies written in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. We included quantitative studies assessing any human disease outcome, hospitalisation and vital statistics in regions of tropical rainforest. We exclude qualitative studies and quantitative studies whose outcomes do not cover those of interest. The text screening was done by two independent reviewers. Subsequently, we will tabulate the data by the origin of the data source used, the methods and the main findings on health impacts of the extracted data. The results will provide descriptive statistics, along with visual representations in diagrams and tables, complemented by narrative summaries as detailed in the JBI guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

The study does not require an ethical review as it is meta-research and uses published, deidentified secondary data sources. The submission of results for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at scientific and policymakers’ conferences is expected.

Study registration

Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/pnqc7/).

Strategies for optimising early detection and obstetric first response management of postpartum haemorrhage at caesarean birth: a modified Delphi-based international expert consensus

Por: Pingray · V. · Williams · C. R. · Al-beity · F. M. A. · Abalos · E. · Arulkumaran · S. · Blumenfeld · A. · Carvalho · B. · Deneux-Tharaux · C. · Downe · S. · Dumont · A. · Escobar · M. F. · Evans · C. · Fawcus · S. · Galadanci · H. S. · Hoang · D.-T. T. · Hofmeyr · G. J. · Homer · C. · L
Objective

There are no globally agreed on strategies on early detection and first response management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) during and after caesarean birth. Our study aimed to develop an international expert’s consensus on evidence-based approaches for early detection and obstetric first response management of PPH intraoperatively and postoperatively in caesarean birth.

Design

Systematic review and three-stage modified Delphi expert consensus.

Setting

International.

Population

Panel of 22 global experts in PPH with diverse backgrounds, and gender, professional and geographic balance.

Outcome measures

Agreement or disagreement on strategies for early detection and first response management of PPH at caesarean birth.

Results

Experts agreed that the same PPH definition should apply to both vaginal and caesarean birth. For the intraoperative phase, the experts agreed that early detection should be accomplished via quantitative blood loss measurement, complemented by monitoring the woman’s haemodynamic status; and that first response should be triggered once the woman loses at least 500 mL of blood with continued bleeding or when she exhibits clinical signs of haemodynamic instability, whichever occurs first. For the first response, experts agreed on immediate administration of uterotonics and tranexamic acid, examination to determine aetiology and rapid initiation of cause-specific responses. In the postoperative phase, the experts agreed that caesarean birth-related PPH should be detected primarily via frequently monitoring the woman’s haemodynamic status and clinical signs and symptoms of internal bleeding, supplemented by cumulative blood loss assessment performed quantitatively or by visual estimation. Postoperative first response was determined to require an individualised approach.

Conclusion

These agreed on proposed approaches could help improve the detection of PPH in the intraoperative and postoperative phases of caesarean birth and the first response management of intraoperative PPH. Determining how best to implement these strategies is a critical next step.

Insomnia symptom prevalence in England: a comparison of cross-sectional self-reported data and primary care records in the UK Biobank

Por: de Lange · M. A. · Richmond · R. C. · Eastwood · S. V. · Davies · N. M.
Objectives

We aimed to use a large dataset to compare self-reported and primary care measures of insomnia symptom prevalence in England and establish whether they identify participants with similar characteristics.

Design

Cross-sectional study with linked electronic health records (EHRs).

Setting

Primary care in England.

Participants

163 748 UK Biobank participants in England (aged 38–71 at baseline) with linked primary care EHRs.

Outcome measures

We compared the percentage of those self-reporting ‘usually’ having insomnia symptoms at UK Biobank baseline assessment (2006–2010) to those with a Read code for insomnia symptoms in their primary care records prior to baseline. We stratified prevalence in both groups by sociodemographic, lifestyle, sleep and health characteristics.

Results

We found that 29% of the sample self-reported having insomnia symptoms, while only 6% had a Read code for insomnia symptoms in their primary care records. Only 10% of self-reported cases had an insomnia symptom Read code, while 49% of primary care cases self-reported having insomnia symptoms. In both primary care and self-reported data, prevalence of insomnia symptom cases was highest in females, older participants and those with the lowest household incomes. However, while snorers and risk takers were more likely to be a primary care case, they were less likely to self-report insomnia symptoms than non-snorers and non-risk takers.

Conclusions

Only a small proportion of individuals experiencing insomnia symptoms have an insomnia symptom Read code in their primary care record. However, primary care data do provide a clinically meaningful measure of insomnia prevalence. In addition, the sociodemographic characteristics of people attending primary care with insomnia were consistent with those with self-reported insomnia, thus primary care records are a valuable data source for studying risk factors for insomnia. Further studies should replicate our findings in other populations and examine ways to increase discussions about sleep health in primary care.

Sex and gender-based analysis and diversity metric reporting in acute care trials published in high-impact journals: a systematic review

Por: Granton · D. · Rodrigues · M. · Raparelli · V. · Honarmand · K. · Agarwal · A. · Friedrich · J. O. · Perna · B. · Spaggiari · R. · Fortunato · V. · Risdonne · G. · Kho · M. · VanderKaay · S. · Chaudhuri · D. · Gomez-Builes · C. · D'Aragon · F. · Wiseman · D. · Lau · V. I. · Lin · C. · Reid
Objective

To characterise sex and gender-based analysis (SGBA) and diversity metric reporting, representation of female/women participants in acute care trials and temporal changes in reporting before and after publication of the 2016 Sex and Gender Equity in Research guideline.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

We searched MEDLINE for trials published in five leading medical journals in 2014, 2018 and 2020.

Study selection

Trials that enrolled acutely ill adults, compared two or more interventions and reported at least one clinical outcome.

Data abstraction and synthesis

4 reviewers screened citations and 22 reviewers abstracted data, in duplicate. We compared reporting differences between intensive care unit (ICU) and cardiology trials.

Results

We included 88 trials (75 (85.2%) ICU and 13 (14.8%) cardiology) (n=111 428; 38 140 (34.2%) females/women). Of 23 (26.1%) trials that reported an SGBA, most used a forest plot (22 (95.7%)), were prespecified (21 (91.3%)) and reported a sex-by-intervention interaction with a significance test (19 (82.6%)). Discordant sex and gender terminology were found between headings and subheadings within baseline characteristics tables (17/32 (53.1%)) and between baseline characteristics tables and SGBA (4/23 (17.4%)). Only 25 acute care trials (28.4%) reported race or ethnicity. Participants were predominantly white (78.8%) and male/men (65.8%). No trial reported gendered-social factors. SGBA reporting and female/women representation did not improve temporally. Compared with ICU trials, cardiology trials reported significantly more SGBA (15/75 (20%) vs 8/13 (61.5%) p=0.005).

Conclusions

Acute care trials in leading medical journals infrequently included SGBA, female/women and non-white trial participants, reported race or ethnicity and never reported gender-related factors. Substantial opportunity exists to improve SGBA and diversity metric reporting and recruitment of female/women participants in acute care trials.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022282565.

Defining practices suitable for care via teleconsultation in gynaecological and obstetrical care: a French Delphi survey

Por: Rousseau · A. · Baumann · S. · Constant · J. · Deplace · S. · Multon · O. · Lenoir-Delpierre · L. · Gaucher · L.
Objective

Delineate the scope of teleconsultation services that can be effectively performed to provide women with comprehensive gynaecological and obstetrical care.

Design

Based on the literature and experts’ insights, we identified a list of gynaecological and obstetrical care practices suitable for teleconsultation. A three-round Delphi consensus survey was then conducted online among a panel of French experts. Experts using a 9-point Likert scale assessed the relevance of each teleconsultation practice in four key domains: prevention, gynaecology and antenatal and postnatal care. Consensus was determined by applying a dual-criteria approach: the median score on a 9-point Likert scale and the percentage of votes either below 5 or 5 and higher.

Setting

The study was conducted at a national level in France and involved multiple healthcare centres and professionals from various geographical locations.

Participants

The panel comprised 22 French experts with 19 healthcare professionals, including 12 midwives, 3 obstetricians-gynaecologists, 4 general practitioners and 3 healthcare system users. Participants were selected to include diverse practice settings encompassing hospital and private practices in both rural and urban areas.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The study’s primary outcome was the identification of gynaecological and obstetrical care practices suitable for teleconsultation. Secondary outcomes included the level of professional consensus on these practices.

Results

In total, 71 practices were included in the Delphi survey. The practices approved for teleconsultation were distributed as follows: 92% in prevention (n=12/13), 55% in gynaecology (n=18/33), 31% in prenatal care (n=5/16) and 12% in postnatal care (n=1/9). Lastly, 10 practices remained under discussion: 7 in gynaecology, 2 in prenatal care and 1 in postnatal care.

Conclusions

Our consensus survey highlights both the advantages and limitations of teleconsultations for women’s gynaecological and obstetrical care, emphasising the need for careful consideration and tailored implementation.

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