scholarly journals Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dexing Zhang ◽  
Eric K P Lee ◽  
Eva C W Mak ◽  
C Y Ho ◽  
Samuel Y S Wong
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Biopsychosocial Health ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Introduction This is an overall review on mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). Sources of data We identified studies in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, AMED, Web of Science and Google Scholar using keywords including ‘mindfulness’, ‘meditation’, and ‘review’, ‘meta-analysis’ or their variations. Areas of agreement MBIs are effective for improving many biopsychosocial conditions, including depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, addiction, psychosis, pain, hypertension, weight control, cancer-related symptoms and prosocial behaviours. It is found to be beneficial in the healthcare settings, in schools and workplace but further research is warranted to look into its efficacy on different problems. MBIs are relatively safe, but ethical aspects should be considered. Mechanisms are suggested in both empirical and neurophysiological findings. Cost-effectiveness is found in treating some health conditions. Areas of controversy Inconclusive or only preliminary evidence on the effects of MBIs on PTSD, ADHD, ASD, eating disorders, loneliness and physical symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. Furthermore, some beneficial effects are not confirmed in subgroup populations. Cost-effectiveness is yet to confirm for many health conditions and populations. Growing points Many mindfulness systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate low quality of included studies, hence high-quality studies with adequate sample size and longer follow-up period are needed. Areas timely for developing research More research is needed on online mindfulness trainings and interventions to improve biopsychosocial health during the COVID-19 pandemic; Deeper understanding of the mechanisms of MBIs integrating both empirical and neurophysiological findings; Long-term compliance and effects of MBIs; and development of mindfulness plus (mindfulness+) or personalized mindfulness programs to elevate the effectiveness for different purposes.

scholarly journals Aromatherapy for Symptom Relief in Patients with Burn: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Hye Won Lee ◽  
Lin Ang ◽  
Jung Tae Kim ◽  
Myeong Soo Lee
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Review Author ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background and Objectives: This review aimed to provide an updated review of evidence regarding the effects of aromatherapy in relieving symptoms of burn injuries, focusing on pain and physiological distress. Materials and Methods: Fifteen databases (including five English databases, four Korean medical databases, and four Iranian databases) and trial registries were searched for studies published between their dates of inception and July 2021. Two review authors individually performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, and any discrepancies were solved by a third review author. Results: Eight RCTs met our inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this updated systematic review. Our meta-analyses revealed that inhaled aromatherapy plus routine care showed beneficial effects in relieving pain after dressing, as compared to placebo plus routine care (p < 0.00001) and routine care alone (p = 0.02). Additionally, inhaled aromatherapy plus routine care (p < 0.00001) and aromatherapy massage plus routine care (p < 0.0001) also showed superior effects in calming anxiety, as compared to routine care alone. None of the included studies reported on AEs. Overall, the risk of bias across the studies was concerning. Conclusions: This updated review and synthesis of the studies had brought a more detailed understanding of the potential application of aromatherapy for easing the pain and anxiety of burn patients.

Is hospitalization a risk factor for cognitive decline in older age adults?

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Lucia Chinnappa-Quinn ◽  
Steve Robert Makkar ◽  
Michael Bennett ◽  
Ben C. P. Lam ◽  
Jessica W. Lo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severity Of Illness ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cognitive Changes ◽  
Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽  
Meta Analyses

ABSTRACT Objectives: Many studies document cognitive decline following specific types of acute illness hospitalizations (AIH) such as surgery, critical care, or those complicated by delirium. However, cognitive decline may be a complication following all types of AIH. This systematic review will summarize longitudinal observational studies documenting cognitive changes following AIH in the majority admitted population and conduct meta-analysis (MA) to assess the quantitative effect of AIH on post-hospitalization cognitive decline (PHCD). Methods: We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Selection criteria were defined to identify studies of older age adults exposed to AIH with cognitive measures. 6566 titles were screened. 46 reports were reviewed qualitatively, of which seven contributed data to the MA. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: The qualitative review suggested increased cognitive decline following AIH, but several reports were particularly vulnerable to bias. Domain-specific outcomes following AIH included declines in memory and processing speed. Increasing age and the severity of illness were the most consistent risk factors for PHCD. PHCD was supported by MA of seven eligible studies with 41,453 participants (Cohen’s d = −0.25, 95% CI [−0.02, −0.49] I2 35%). Conclusions: There is preliminary evidence that AIH exposure accelerates or triggers cognitive decline in the elderly patient. PHCD reported in specific contexts could be subsets of a larger phenomenon and caused by overlapping mechanisms. Future research must clarify the trajectory, clinical significance, and etiology of PHCD: a priority in the face of an aging population with increasing rates of both cognitive impairment and hospitalization.

scholarly journals Strengthening capacity for monitoring and evaluation through short course training in Kenya

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hesborn Wao ◽  
Rohin Onyango ◽  
Elizabeth Kisio ◽  
Moses Njatha ◽  
Nelson O. Onyango
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Multilevel Modelling ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Short Course ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact

Background: Weak monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems and limited supply of M&E human resources in Africa signal the need to strengthen M&E capacity.Objectives: This exploratory study evaluated the effect of short course training on professionals’ knowledge and skills in the areas of mixed methods research, systematic review and meta-analysis and general principles of M&E.Methods: A partially mixed concurrent dominant status design including quantitative (multilevel modelling and meta-analyses) and qualitative (thematic content analysis) components was employed to evaluate the impact of a 4-day short course training focusing on these areas.Results: Thirty-five participants participated in the training. Participants experienced an increase in knowledge in the three areas; however, average change in knowledge did not differ across participants’ employment settings. Participants’ self-stated objectives considered as SMART and belonging to a higher level in Bloom’s taxonomy were associated with change in knowledge. Based on comments made by participants, majority intended to apply what they learned to their work; clarity of content delivery was the most liked aspect of the training, and the use of more practical sessions was recommended as a way to improve the training.Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence of potential of the use of short course training as an approach to strengthening capacity in M&E in less-developed countries such as Kenya. It underscores the importance of participants’ self-stated objective(s) as an element to be considered in the enhancement of knowledge, attitudes and skills needed for acceptable capacity building in M&E.

scholarly journals TaiChi and Qigong for Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Wei Jiang ◽  
Shaojun Liao ◽  
Xiankun Chen ◽  
Cecilia Stålsby Lundborg ◽  
Gaetano Marrone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background. Depression is a debilitating comorbidity of heart failure (HF) that needs assessment and management. Along with mind-body exercise to deal with HF with depression, the use of TaiChi and/or Qigong practices (TQPs) has increased. Therefore, this systematic review assesses the effects of TQPs on depression among patients with HF. Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of TQPs on depression in patients with HF were searched by five databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, CINAHL, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)). With standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), random-effects meta-analyses of the effect of TQPs on depressive symptoms were performed. Results. Of eight included RCTs, seven (481 patients) provided data for the meta-analysis. The pooling revealed that TQPs contribute to depression remission in HF (SMD −0.66; 95% CI −0.98 to −0.33, P < 0.0001 ; I2 = 64%). Its antidepressive effect was not influenced by intervention duration or exercise setting, but rather by ejection fraction subtype, depressive severity, and depression instruments. The beneficial effects were preserved when the study with the largest effect was removed. Conclusion. This study suggests that TQPs might be a good strategy for alleviating depressive symptoms in patients with HF. And rigorous-design RCTs, which focus on the identified research gaps, are needed to further establish the therapeutic effects of TQPs for depression in HF.

scholarly journals The use of probiotics in depression

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus W. Lange ◽  
Yukiko Nakamura ◽  
Katharina M. Lange
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Probiotic Strain ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Single Strain ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Antidepressant Effects ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Meta Analyses

Probiotics are thought to play a role in the extensive bidirectional communication between gut microbiota and the brain. A growing body of preclinical data suggests that probiotics may be effective in alleviating low mood and improving depressive symptoms. Preliminary evidence derived from studies in rodent models supports the view that single-strain or multi-strain preparations of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are able to improve behaviors related to depression. The extent of antidepressant effects in humans with a clinical diagnosis of depression is less clear. While some support for the efficacy of probiotic supplementation has been found, the pooled effects in meta-analyses have generally been small. The positive effects reported for probiotics in major depression should be regarded as preliminary. Large, randomized trials assessing the efficacy of specific probiotic strain combinations over various time spans in individuals with clinically significant presentations of depression are needed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of probiotics. In light of accumulating evidence showing that probiotics may have beneficial effects in reducing depressive symptoms and may be useful as an adjunct intervention in major depressive disorder, the efficacy of probiotic foods in the prevention of depression should be investigated.

scholarly journals Green Tea Consumption and Risk of Breast Cancer and Recurrence—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenza Gianfredi ◽  
Daniele Nucci ◽  
Angela Abalsamo ◽  
Mattia Acito ◽  
Milena Villarini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Green Tea ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Menopausal Status ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Regular Consumption ◽  
Statistical Heterogeneity ◽  
Meta Analyses

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and several factors are involved in its onset. Green tea (GT) has been shown to have potential beneficial effects on different types of cancer. The aim of this review was to evaluate the association between GT regular consumption and risk of BC in women. The risk of BC recurrence and risk of BC in relation to menopausal status were also evaluated. A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to perform the systematic review and meta-analysis. Full texts were downloaded for 40 studies; however, only 13 records were included in the meta-analysis. Eight were cohort studies and five were case-control studies. The pooled sample consisted of 163,810 people. An inverse statistically significant relationship between GT and BC risk, with an Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.85 ((95% CI = 0.80–0.92), p = 0.000)), was found. Egger’s linear regression test did not show a potential publication bias (intercept 0.33, t = 0.40, p = 0.695), which was also confirmed by the symmetry of the funnel plot. Moreover, no high statistical heterogeneity (Chi2 = 31.55, df = 13, I2 = 58.79%, p = 0.003) was found. The results of this meta-analysis showed a potential protective effect of GT consumption on BC, especially for BC recurrence.

Mental state of demoralisation across diverse clinical settings: A systematic review, meta-analysis and proposal for its use as a ‘specifier’ in mental illness

2021 ◽  
pp. 000486742110607
Author(s):  
Lucy L Gan ◽  
Susanna Gong ◽  
David W Kissane
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Mental Health Settings ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objective: Demoralisation is a state of poor coping characterised by low morale, hopelessness, subjective incompetence, and loss of meaning and purpose in life. While studied extensively in oncology and palliative care, there has been recent exploration in broader medical and mental health settings. The aim was to investigate the prevalence of demoralisation and associated sociodemographic and psychological factors across these clinical settings. Method: Six electronic databases were used to locate articles from January 2014 to March 2020. A pre-publication update of non-oncology populations was completed in September 2021. The review has been reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Pooled prevalence of demoralisation was determined through % prevalence and mean demoralisation score; this was synthesised through meta-analysis of single means to determine pooled mean prevalence of Demoralisation Scale scores using the ‘R’ statistical software. Results: Demoralisation has been examined in 52 studies ( n = 11,670) and found to be prevalent in 24–35% of oncology and non-oncology, including mental health, populations. The mean score on the Demoralisation Scale was 24.3 (95% confidence interval, CI = [21.3, 27.3]). There was evidence of divergent validity in addition to significant comorbidity between depression, demoralisation and suicidal ideation. Burdensome physical symptoms, and psychological and demographic factors are strongly correlated with demoralisation. Conclusion: There remains a need to recognise demoralisation in various clinical and cultural settings and to strongly consider its inclusion as a ‘specifier’ within formal nosological systems for adjustment and depressive disorders. This is important to initiate targeted interventions and prevent significant morbidity.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Adjunctive Treatments Added to Olanzapine or Clozapine for Weight Control in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun-Jung Choi
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Weight Reduction ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objectives. This study was conducted to review systematically adjunctive treatments for weight reduction in patients with schizophrenia and compare efficacies of clinical trials through meta-analysis, so as to provide effective clinical guideline regarding weight control for patients taking atypical antipsychotics.Methods. Candidate clinical trials were identified through searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and PsycINFO. Fourteen randomized clinical trials were included for systematic review and meta-analysis from 132 potential trials. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2 was used for meta-analysis.Results. Difference in means and significances from meta-analyses regarding weight control by adjunctive treatments showed that topiramate, aripiprazole, or sibutramine was more effective than metformin or reboxetine. Psychiatric evaluations did not show statistically significant changes between treatment groups and placebo groups except topiramate adjunctive treatments. Adverse effects regarding adjunctive therapies were tolerable and showed statistically no significances compared to control groups.Conclusion. Though having several reports related to exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms, topiramate and aripiprazole are more efficacious than other medications in regard to weight reduction and less burden of critical adverse effects as well as being beneficial for clinical improvement.

scholarly journals A systematic review and meta-analysis of group peer support interventions for people experiencing mental health conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha Lyons ◽  
Chris Cooper ◽  
Brynmor Lloyd-Evans
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Peer support is being integrated within mental health services to further the development of a recovery approach. However, the most effective models and formats of intervention delivery are unknown. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of peer support for improving outcomes for people with lived experience of mental health conditions, when delivered as group interventions. Methods Studies reporting randomised controlled trials of group peer support interventions for people experiencing mental health conditions were identified by searching MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL, from inception until July 12th 2019 and undertaking supplementary searches. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias and meta-analyses were conducted if three or more trials provided usable data. Results Eight trials met eligibility criteria, providing data from 2131 participants. Six trials had either high or unclear risk of bias. Interventions were categorised as mutual support groups, or peer support groups, sub-categorised as anti-stigma or self-management interventions. Meta-analyses were only possible for peer support groups and five outcomes. We found evidence that group peer support may make small improvements to overall recovery but not hope or empowerment individually, or to clinical symptoms. Evidence for effectiveness for outcomes which could not be meta-analysed was mixed. Conclusions Findings from the few eligible trials suggest group peer support interventions may be specifically effective for supporting personal recovery and have a limited impact on other outcomes, though there were some risks of bias to study findings. Interventions were heterogeneous and most social outcomes were absent in the literature, highlighting further limitations to the current evidence-base. There is insufficient evidence available from trials of group peer support torecommend the routine implementation of these interventions across mainstream mental health services at present. More high-quality trials of peer-developed, group peer support interventions are needed in order tomake firm conclusions about intervention effectiveness.

Does emotional disclosure have any effects? A systematic review of the literature with meta-analyses

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Meads ◽  
Arie Nouwen
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Psychological Outcomes ◽  
Emotional Disclosure ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Jadad Score ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objectives:Emotional disclosure has been widely publicized as having beneficial effects on physical and psychological health. A full systematic review was undertaken, with standard health technology appraisal methods, with the aim to assess the effects of emotional disclosure on healthy participants and those with pre-existing morbidity, particularly on longer-term physical health, performance, and psychological outcomes.Methods:Randomized controlled trials of emotional disclosure were obtained from database searches (Medline (1966–2003), Embase (1980–2003), Cochrane Library (2002, issue 4), Web of Science (1981–2003), Cinahl (1982–2003), and Theses (March 2003), Internet sites (including Professor J.W. Pennebaker's home pages), and personal contacts. Quality was assessed qualitatively and by Jadad score. Meta-analysis was conducted, using Revman 4.1 software, where more than two trials reported the same outcome.Results:Sixty-one trials were found meeting the inclusion criteria. Most had less than 100 participants and the median Jadad score was 0. A wide variety of physical, physiological, immunological, performance, and psychological outcomes were measured, but fewer were reported. There was no clear improvement for emotional disclosure compared with controls in objectively measured physical health and most other outcomes assessed.Conclusions:The opinion that this intervention is beneficial needs to be reassessed in light of the totality of evidence available.

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