Conectar
by Sudim Sharma, Anjali Neupane, Dikshya Kandel, Pratibha Chalisay, Sabina Marasini, Budhi Setiawan, Deepak Chandra Bajracharya, Shyam Raj Upreti, Leela Khanal, Haruko Yokote, Chahana Singh, Kshitij Karki
BackgroundHome-Based Records (HBRs) are personal health documents intended to improve continuity of care and caregiver engagement across reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) services. In Nepal, both standalone (sHBR) and integrated (iHBR) models are implemented, yet comparative evidence on their utilization and implementation challenges is limited. This study examined utilization patterns and system-level barriers associated with sHBR in Madhesh Province and iHBR in Koshi Province.
MethodsWe conducted a comparative qualitative study with descriptive quantitative profiling between May 17 and August 27, 2024. A total of 100 semi-structured in-depth interviews were completed with caregivers, health workers, Female Community Health Volunteers, and program managers across two provinces. The study applied “kuragraphy,” an ethnographic approach integrating interviews and field observations to construct contextual case narratives. Socio-demographic data were analyzed descriptively using the statistical package for the social Sciences (SPSS). Informed by the Human Centered Design (HCD) approach, the qualitative data were thematically analyzed in Excel using the Journey to Health and Immunization (JTHI) framework.
ResultsCaregivers widely perceived HBRs as essential documents, primarily for immunization tracking and future service access. The iHBR was viewed as more comprehensive and user-friendly, particularly due to its illustrations, which improved comprehension among low-literacy users. However, understanding remained limited among illiterate and marginalized populations. Family involvement in record management was minimal and largely confined to mothers. Implementation barriers included inadequate training – particularly for iHBR use, limited decision-making authority among frontline health workers, incomplete documentation of non-immunization components, poor material quality of sHBR, and concerns regarding the sustainability of donor-supported iHBR initiatives.
ConclusionHBR utilization in Nepal is shaped by caregiver literacy, gender dynamics, and health-system readiness. Strengthening training, supportive supervision, user-centered design, and sustainable supply mechanisms will be essential to optimize HBR effectiveness and support equitable RMNCH service delivery.
by Tadgh Connery, Sofija Kukulite, Conor Farrell, Rosa Horgan, Karen Barry, Megan Doyle, Annalisa Setti, Mike Murphy
BackgroundDeath anxiety is fast becoming recognised as a transdiagnostic construct across myriad mental health conditions. Though existing clinical treatments of death anxiety, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy type interventions, have been shown to be effective, Terror Management Theory (TMT) proposes self-esteem as a protective factor against death anxiety by endowing individuals with a feeling of significance in life and helping them to process the nature of death and its inevitability. Despite the centrality of self-esteem to TMT, however, extant research examining its relationship with death anxiety has yet to be synthesised. The current study aims to systematically review peer-reviewed, quantitative research examining the association between death anxiety and self-esteem and, where possible, to test the strength of these associations through meta-analysis.
MethodA systematic search of quantitative and mixed-methods studies will be conducted across six databases: MEDLINE; PsycINFO; PubMed; Web of Science; CINAHL and; EMBASE. Google Scholar will also be searched and the first 200 records by relevance will be screened for eligibility. Searches will be conducted by TC, and records will be screened by TC, SK, CF, RH and KB, so that each record is screened for eligibility by at least two authors. Data extraction and quality assessment, using the Joanna Briggs Inventory Risk of Bias tools, will be performed by TC, SK, CF, RH and KB, so that each record is assessed by at least two authors, with doubts and discrepancies being resolved through discussion with AS and MM. A narrative synthesis of relevant data will be presented and, where sufficient data are available, meta-analysis will be conducted using the MAJOR extension for Jamovi to establish an overall effect size for the association between death anxiety and self-esteem. Should sufficient data be available, demographic factors, such as gender and age, and clinical population status (clinical vs. non-clinical population) will be examined as moderators of the effect. This protocol was developed in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024591775).
DiscussionThe current review will systematically examine the relationship between death anxiety and self-esteem. Should sufficient data be available, an overall effect size of the relationship will be generated. By better understanding how death anxiety is related to self-esteem, and by establishing the size and significance of the relationship will aid firstly in systematically validating TMT and, secondly, identify whether self-esteem may be targeted in future death anxiety interventions to reduce death anxiety and improve individuals’ overall mental health.
by Tomoo Hidaka, Takeyasu Kakamu, Hideaki Kasuga, Yuko Suzuki, Toshihiro Terui, Shizuka Kawamoto, Tatsuya Sato
Municipal government officials (MGOs) have played key roles in managing decontamination project of radioactive materials in the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident. However, the subjective distress experienced by MGOs during the decontamination project, mainly stemming from challenges in coordination with the national government, is not yet fully documented. The purpose of this study is to descriptively understand the nature and causes of subjective distress among MGOs and to make an exploratory conceptual model of the process through which such subjective distress becomes manifest. Narratives from three MGOs were collected through interviews and subjected to qualitative analysis using the Steps for Coding and Theorisation method. For the first purpose, the results indicate that inconsistencies in national reconstruction and decontamination designs impose substantial burdens at the operational level; these burdens are further amplified by inadequate management by national authorities, and subjective distress emerges through a breakdown of trust among national government officials, municipalities, and residents. For the second purpose, an exploratory conceptual model explaining the progression toward subjective distress through the following four stages was created: the emergence of distrust and adversarial orientations toward the national government, the dilemma of occupying an intermediate position, the erosion of ties with residents, and the threat to professional pride. Overall, through experiences such as questioning the national government’s reconstruction policies, enduring the psychological burden of occupying an intermediate position, and witnessing a breakdown in trust with residents, MGOs may find their professional pride undermined; consequently, subjective distress, manifesting as a profound sense of emptiness, may arise. As MGOs are likely to stand at the frontline of managing post-radiation-disaster reconstruction and decontamination efforts, it is essential to develop protective measures for their mental health from both macro-level, organisational perspectives and micro-level, occupational and psychological perspectives.by Makiko Sasaki, Mamoru Tanaka, Akihiro Nomoto, Ryusei Yamasaki, Tomokazu Yoshimura, Shigenobu Yano, Yasunari Sasaki, Yuki Kojima, Taketo Suzuki, Hirotada Nishie, Keiji Ozeki, Takaya Shimura, Eiji Kubota, Hiromi Kataoka
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an anti-cancer therapy that employs a photosensitizer (PS) and an optimal wavelength of light, causing a photochemical reaction that releases reactive oxygen species, thereby inducing cancer cell death via oxidative stress. Because light irradiation is limited to the tumor site, PDT has minimal adverse effects. The cancer cell selectivity of the PS is important for reducing damage to the normal mucosa caused by scattered light. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) are novel anti-cancer therapies that combine a monoclonal tumor-surface-receptor-targeting antibody with a drug bonded through chemical linkers. ADCs enable the targeted delivery of a variety of drugs to cancer cells while minimizing their delivery to healthy tissues. One such tumor surface receptor is the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which is of interest in the treatment of many cancers, including gastrointestinal cancer. To improve tumor selectivity and minimize damage to the mucosa surrounding the tumor in PDT, we established a novel PS glucose-linked chlorin e6-conjugated trastuzumab (G-Ce6-trastuzumab) that is conjugated to existing PS glucose-linked chlorin e6 (G-Ce6) and evaluated its anti-cancer effect compared to G-Ce6. The effect of PDT was evaluated using HER2-high-expression cells NCI-N87 and HER2-low-expression cells MKN-45. G-Ce6-trastuzumab is internalized by the intracellular organelles in cancer cells. Evaluation of cell death using the WST-8 assay also demonstrated a significantly higher cytotoxic effect of G-Ce6-trastuzumab in HER2-high-expression cells compared with conventional PS G-Ce6. Thereby, G-Ce6-trastuzumab may be an excellent novel PS for PDT because of its strong selectivity for HER2-high-expression cells.Chronic diseases require sustained medication adherence, yet nonadherence remains common, leading to poor outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Digital self-management technologies such as mobile health (mHealth) apps, SMS reminders, and web-based platforms offer scalable ways to support adherence, but evidence on their overall effectiveness across diverse contexts is fragmented.
To systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness of self-management technologies in improving medication adherence among adults with chronic diseases and to examine potential moderators of intervention impact.
Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and JMIR for peer-reviewed studies (January 2010–June 2025) evaluating digital self-management interventions with adherence outcomes and comparator groups. Eligible designs included RCTs, quasi-experimental, and controlled before-after studies in adults with chronic disease. Random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled effect sizes (Cohen's d). Heterogeneity (I 2), subgroup analyses, and publication bias (Egger's, Begg's, trim-and-fill) were assessed.
Fifty-two studies were included, spanning 2015–2025. Early interventions (2015–2019) focused on feasibility, using SMS and basic web tools; later years (2021–2025) showed technological maturity, dominated by mHealth apps integrating monitoring, reminders, and education. The pooled random-effects effect size was d = 0.268 (95% CI 0.123–0.414, p = 0.0003), indicating a small-to-moderate benefit. Heterogeneity was high (I 2 = 89%). Medium-duration (10.8–24 weeks) interventions had the largest effect (d = 0.50), and effects varied markedly by country (e.g., Iran d = 2.29; Taiwan d = −0.94). Begg's test suggested possible publication bias; trim-and-fill adjustment increased the pooled effect to d = 0.366.
Digital self-management technologies yield a statistically significant, small-to-moderate improvement in medication adherence across chronic diseases, with potential underestimation due to selective reporting. Effectiveness is moderated by temporal trends, geography, intervention duration, and study design, underscoring the need for context-specific adaptation and methodological rigor. Future research should prioritize large, well-controlled trials, pre-registration, and exploration of cultural and systemic determinants to optimize intervention impact.
To synthesise the prevalence and patterns of dementia-relevant structural brain MRI abnormalities in adults with suspected or confirmed dementia in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and to summarise MRI protocols and the incremental diagnostic contribution of MRI beyond cognitive screening.
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and PsycINFO (January 1990–27 January 2025), plus reference list screening and targeted manual searches.
Observational or diagnostic-accuracy studies from World Bank-defined LMICs including adults (≥50 years) with suspected or confirmed dementia who underwent brain MRI as part of diagnostic evaluation.
Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data and assessed risk of bias using ROBINS-I. Random-effects models pooled prevalence of dementia-relevant MRI abnormalities; diagnostic-accuracy outcomes were synthesised narratively due to heterogeneous reference standards and incomplete reporting.
39 LMIC studies were included; 23 studies (2513 participants) contributed to the meta-analysis. Dementia-relevant MRI abnormalities (defined as ≥1 clinically relevant structural abnormality per study definition) were present in 1248/2513 participants. The pooled prevalence of dementia-relevant MRI abnormalities was 58% (95% CI 43% to 72%), with substantial heterogeneity (I²=95%) and a wide prediction interval (8–96%), indicating marked between-study variability; this estimate should be interpreted as a descriptive summary of study-level proportions rather than a precise population parameter.
Brain MRI frequently demonstrates dementia-relevant pathology in LMIC clinical cohorts, usually with mixed neurodegenerative-vascular patterns. Structured visual ratings may add aetiologic specificity beyond cognitive screening, but pooled estimates should be interpreted as summaries of heterogeneous study-level findings rather than precise population parameters, given high heterogeneity and risk of bias.
CRD42024510241.
by Robin Devey-Burry, Julia Lukewich, Dana Ryan, Myuri Sivanthan, Maria Mathews, Marie-Eve Poitras, Cheryl Etchegary, Shabnam Asghari, Margot Antle
BackgroundFamily Care Teams were introduced in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) as a strategy to strengthen primary care through team-based models that optimize interprofessional collaboration. Nurses, including nurse practitioners (NPs), registered nurses (RNs), and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), play critical roles in these models; however, little is known about nurses’ transition to these settings or the supports shaping their integration and effectiveness. To address this gap, we explored nurses’ experiences transitioning into Family Care Teams, including supports for integration and the barriers and facilitators influencing this process.
MethodsAs part of a qualitative descriptive study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 nurses (6 NPs, 13 RNs, 6 LPNs) employed in Family Care Teams across five NL health zones. During the interviews, nurses described their experiences working in Family Care Teams, available practice supports, current roles, and barriers and facilitators to maximizing scope of practice. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis and constant comparison.
ResultsParticipants described their transition to Family Care Teams in two stages: 1) orientation and 2) supportive learning relationships. Orientation was highly variable, ranging in length and structure. Learning in this area was often self-directed, technology-focused, and asynchronous, with limited emphasis on clinical preparation or role expectations. Mentorship and shadowing opportunities were inconsistently available, with many nurses lacking access to experienced role models within the newly established teams. These gaps contributed to role ambiguity, underutilization of nursing scope of practice, and prolonged adjustment periods.
ConclusionsOur findings reveal gaps in orientation and mentorship during nurses’ transition into Family Care Teams in NL. A common yet adaptable transition framework, expanded student placements, and structured mentorship are critical to optimizing nursing roles in team-based care. Strengthening practice supports and clarifying nursing contributions can improve access and care quality while informing broader initiatives to support nurses’ transition into primary care.
Guided parent-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (GPD-CBT) is an evidence-based, low-burden treatment programme for childhood anxiety disorders with demonstrated efficacy, cost-effectiveness and accessibility. However, it has been tested primarily in Western countries, and the efficacy and cost-effectiveness have not been evaluated in Japanese families. The current study aims to examine GPD-CBT’s efficacy and cost-effectiveness in Japanese samples and explore potential cultural adaptations of the programme.
This study is designed as a Bayesian single-blind randomised controlled trial with two parallel groups: GPD-CBT (intervention group) and a waitlist control group. The primary outcome is remission of primary anxiety disorders evaluated through diagnostic interviews by independent evaluators. Secondary outcomes include child and parent-reported child anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms and life interference. Additionally, measures of parental psychological characteristics, programme acceptability and quality of life are collected. We will conduct qualitative interviews with parents who participated in the programme and therapists who delivered the intervention to explore potential cultural adaptations. We aim to recruit 54–170 families, depending on the results of sequential Bayesian analyses. GPD-CBT consists of seven weekly 20 min sessions and a 1-month follow-up session. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 13 weeks post randomisation (primary endpoint for between-group comparison), with an additional 25 weeks post randomisation. The waitlist control group will receive GPD-CBT after the 13-week assessment.
This study has been approved by the Ethics Review Committees of Chiba University and the University of Tokyo. We will disseminate results through academic conference presentations and peer-reviewed journal publications. If the GPD-CBT intervention proves efficacious, we will promote wider implementation in Japan through the development of training programmes for mental health professionals and key stakeholders.
jRCT1032250421 (https://jrct.mhlw.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCT1032250421) and jRCT1030250422 (
To discuss the dyadic and triadic interviewing techniques as distinct approaches to data collection in qualitative research.
Methodological/methodical discussion.
Underpinned by a layered theoretical basis involving interpretivism, social constructivism and symbolic interactionism, dyadic and triadic interviewing approaches represent a tapestry that seeks to illuminate not only what participants think at the individual level, but also how they think together to generate shared, nuanced meanings. Key methodical considerations include participant recruitment and selection to form the dyads or triads, ethical issues, navigating power dynamics, determining saturation at the dyad or triad level and shifting the unit of analysis from the individual level to the dyad or triad level. Notable challenges to using these approaches include logistical complexity, ethical risks and the great need for skilled moderation.
Dyadic and triadic interviewing techniques occupy a vital methodological niche in qualitative studies, particularly within the contexts of health and social care research where relational dynamics and collaborative decision-making are central. By foregrounding co-constructed narratives and real-time interactions, dyadic and triadic interviewing techniques illuminate the interplay of individual agency, power asymmetries and cultural norms, offering insights that transcend the limitations of individual interviews or focus groups.
The increasing complexity of care, treatment pathways, recovery and family-centered decision making warrants engagement beyond individual interviews. Dyadic and triadic interview techniques facilitate this by combining the in-depth benefit of individual interviews and shared interpretations of focus group discussions to capture meanings and experiences.
This methodological/methodical discussion offers clarity to employing dyadic or triadic interviewing approaches to improve their uptake in health and social care research.
Not applicable.
No patient or public contribution.
This study aimed to investigate factors influencing the acceptance of smartphone applications among high-risk pregnant women in the Lao People's Democratic Republic to support continuous care.
An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design.
The quantitative phase included 167 high-risk pregnant women recruited from four tertiary hospitals in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Validated questionnaires were used to measure demographics, digital technology usage, eHealth literacy and anxiety. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews with 20 women were conducted to further explore experiences, perceptions and barriers related to smartphone application usage. Interviews were analysed via direct content analysis.
Quantitative findings indicated that smartphone application acceptance was significantly predicted by eHealth literacy (B = 1.53, 95% CI 1.22–1.84, p < 0.001) and pre-existing non-communicable diseases (B = 4.39, 95% CI 1.05–7.73, p = 0.010). Anxiety negatively impacted acceptance (B = −0.28, 95% CI −0.51 to −0.05, p = 0.019). The model explained 53.9% of the variance in smartphone application acceptance (R 2 = 0.539). Qualitative findings highlighted four key themes: awareness of pregnancy risks, unclear health information, perceived benefits of smartphone applications including accessibility and emotional reassurance and practical barriers such as internet costs and limited digital literacy.
Positive perceptions of smartphone applications regarding accessibility and reassurance were observed, alongside significant barriers, such as limited digital literacy and internet costs. Addressing these factors may enhance the adoption and effective utilisation of digital health technologies among high-risk pregnant populations.
No patient or public contribution.
This study was to explore the mediating effect of resilience on the relationship between dyadic coping and post-traumatic growth in patient–spousal caregiver dyads living with coronary heart disease (CHD).
A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to June 2023.
Three hundred eighteen young and middle-aged patient–spousal caregiver dyads from a tertiary hospital in China participated. The dyadic participants were evaluated using self-report questionnaires on dyadic coping, resilience and post-traumatic growth.
A significant actor effect was observed, in which dyadic coping in patients was associated with their own post-traumatic growth; this relationship was partially mediated by both the patient's and the partner's resilience. Furthermore, in the examination of partner effects, the association between dyadic coping in spousal caregivers and post-traumatic growth in patients was found to be completely mediated by the resilience of both the patients and the caregivers.
The findings suggest that the dyadic coping, resilience and post-traumatic growth of patients and their spousal caregivers display interactive effects. Healthcare providers treating CHD should regard patient–spousal caregiver dyads as a whole and implement interventions that focus on improving positive dyadic coping and resilience to promote post-traumatic growth.
This paper found that the patients with CHD and their spousal caregivers exhibited low levels of post-traumatic growth, with both groups demonstrating mediating and interactive effects via resilience. The findings offer valuable insights to support the early primary identification and implementation of more effective intervention strategies aimed at fostering post-traumatic growth in CHD patient–spousal caregiver dyads.
Not applicable.
This study aimed to conceptualise ‘function-focused care efficacy’ for direct care workers in long-term care facilities by identifying the domains and attributes of this concept using a hybrid model.
A hybrid model concept analysis was employed in three stages: theoretical, fieldwork and final analysis.
Data were collected in South Korea from December 9 to December 20, 2024, through literature reviews and interviews with long-term care professionals and gerontological experts. The study comprised in-depth interviews with five participants from long-term care facilities. Data were analysed utilising content analysis.
The final conceptualisation identified six domains and 13 attributes across three dimensions: plan, action and evaluation. The plan dimension encompassed personalised care (identifying residual function and designing tailored care plans) and collaborative care (communication among staff, multi-team approach and cooperation with family). The action dimension covered daily care (supporting daily activities and integrated care), motivational care (encouraging and praising) and ethical care (positive attitude and respect). The evaluation dimension focused on function evaluation (observing and documenting functional changes).
This study conceptualises function-focused care efficacy as the belief that direct care workers can effectively plan personalised and collaborative care, motivate older adults to maintain independence, provide integrated care in daily activities, deliver ethical care with respect and positive attitudes and assess functional changes. These findings can inform a measurement instrument and training programmes to enhance care workers' efficacy in function-focused care.
Enhancing function-focused care efficacy can potentially improve the quality of care provided to older adults, promoting their independence and well-being.
The study aimed to conceptualise function-focused care efficacy among LTCF direct care workers. It identified six domains and 13 attributes across planning, action and evaluation dimensions. This framework can guide the development of efficacy measurement tools.
N/A.
No patient or public contribution.
This study aimed to address two objectives: (1) To analyse the meal support behaviours of direct care workers in long-term care facilities in South Korea and (2) to explore associations between mealtime support behaviours and caregiver characteristics.
Secondary analysis of behavioural coding of cross-sectional video recordings.
Positive and negative staff behaviours at mealtimes were coded using the Mealtime Engagement Scale and Cue Utilization and Engagement in Dementia tool, respectively. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and analysis of variance, were used to examine differences in mealtime support behaviours based on caregiver characteristics.
The average mealtime duration of residents was 19.03 ± 5.30 min. Positive meal support behaviours accounted for 91.1% of the observed interactions, whereas negative interactions accounted for 8.9%. The most frequent positive behaviour observed was ‘providing one-on-one assistance’, whereas the most frequent negative behaviour was ‘leaving the resident alone’. Positive meal support behaviours were observed at significant higher frequencies among caregivers working during day shifts than those working during rotating shifts. Additionally, positive behaviours were associated with a higher carer-resident ratio.
Positive mealtime support behaviours were frequently observed but were concentrated in a few specific actions. Negative behaviours, such as leaving the resident alone, were still observed in a considerable portion of mealtime interactions. Training programmes focusing on diverse positive mealtime support behaviours should be developed to improve the quality of dementia care in long-term care facilities.
The findings emphasise the need for targeted training programmes to improve mealtime support and overall care quality in long-term care facilities. This approach signals a transformative shift in caregiver training, fostering more personalised and effective care for older adults with dementia.
This study quantified positive and negative mealtime support behaviours. These findings contribute to understanding caregiver behaviours during mealtimes in dementia care, offering evidence-based insights for developing targeted training programmes and improving quality of care in long-term care facilities.
We adhered to the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines.
No patient or public contribution.
Loneliness significantly affects the physical and mental health of older adults, particularly those in long-term care settings. Despite the high prevalence of loneliness, comprehensive reviews on psychosocial interventions targeting loneliness in these populations are scarce.
To evaluate the effects of psychosocial interventions in reducing loneliness among long-term care residents.
A systematic review and meta-analysis.
We conducted a comprehensive search across five databases—CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed/Medline, PsychINFO and The Cochrane Library—from inception to 14 February 2025. The inclusion criteria encompassed randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies and pilot studies published in English that assessed psychosocial interventions for loneliness amongst long-term care residents. The Effective Public Health Practice Project framework was utilised for the quality assessment.
A total of 19 studies with 1646 participants were included. Results indicated that psychosocial interventions significantly reduced loneliness in long-term care residents. The interventions were categorised into lifestyle and leisure activities, psychological interventions, social support interventions and animal/robot-assisted interventions. Subgroup analyses revealed significant effects for lifestyle and leisure activities, group-based interventions, face-to-face delivery and interventions that less than 8 weeks.
Psychosocial interventions demonstrated a large effect size in reducing loneliness amongst long-term care residents. Interventions that incorporated lifestyle and leisure activities with a physical activity component, delivered face-to-face in group settings and lasted for less than 8 weeks may be particularly effective.
This review provides updated evidence that psychosocial interventions could improve loneliness amongst residents in long-term care settings. Consequently, it offers solid information to inform policy changes and intervention strategies.
The researching results were reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis checklist.
This study is a systematic review with meta-analysis, and such details do not apply to our work.
Trial Registration: This protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (ID: CRD42024534009)
Cough, a prevalent and debilitating symptom of lung cancer, remains poorly managed. Accumulating evidence on non-pharmacological interventions for lung cancer cough necessitates systematic evaluation to assess their efficacy.
To synthesise evidence on non-pharmacological interventions for managing cough in lung cancer patients.
A systematic review and meta-analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guideline.
Nine databases were searched from inception to December 2024 to identify randomised controlled trials. Study quality was appraised using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for Randomised Trials. Meta-analyses were performed for quantitative synthesis, with sources of heterogeneity examined using meta-regression and subgroup analyses.
Thirty-eight studies representing 2995 lung cancer patients were identified. These studies investigated acupuncture therapy, moxibustion, pulmonary rehabilitation, self-management intervention, physical exercises, psychoeducation support, mindfulness, and multicomponent interventions. Non-pharmacological interventions showed positive effects on cough severity and cough-related quality of life. Additional benefits were observed for expectoration, dyspnea, and general quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation showed a greater effect on cough severity than other non-pharmacological interventions.
Non-pharmacological interventions are promising in improving cough, expectoration, dyspnea, and general quality of life among lung cancer patients. Pulmonary rehabilitation showed the most promising effect. Future research should adopt objective cough measures in addition to self-reported measures.
Non-pharmacological interventions demonstrated potential effects in relieving cough and additional benefits in improving expectoration, dyspnea, and general quality of life among lung cancer patients. Healthcare professionals may adopt pulmonary rehabilitation for cough and related symptoms in lung cancer patients.
As the first meta-analysis addressing non-pharmacological interventions for lung cancer cough, this study provides evidence supporting their clinical efficacy for improving cough and associated symptoms among patients with lung cancer.
No patient or Public contribution.
PROSPERO CRD42024588729.
Food retail outlets in sports and recreation facilities often fail to support healthy eating, despite aligning with healthy lifestyles and goals of local governments (LGs) that often own or manage them. LGs face barriers to implementing facility changes including inadequate staffing, training and incentives. The Promoting CHANGE initiative was co-designed to support LGs in improving and sustaining healthier food and drink offerings in these settings.
A 3-year, type 2 effectiveness-implementation hybrid cluster randomised controlled trial will evaluate the Promoting CHANGE capacity-building and support package in three Intervention and four Control LGs in Victoria, Australia (August 2023–July 2026). The co-designed initiative includes human resource support, training, tools, technical assistance, community-of-practice groups, feedback based on food outlet audit and sales data and small grant incentives. Using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) evaluation framework, the trial’s co-primary outcomes are the percentage of least healthiest food and drinks (1) displayed (implementation) and (2) sold weekly (effectiveness). Key secondary outcomes are effectiveness (sales and revenue); facility-level adoption, implementation, maintenance of healthy changes; cost-effectiveness (within-trial modelled economic evaluation). Findings will provide evidence of the initiative’s effectiveness and scalability, informing recommendations for advancing healthier food environments in over 6000 community-based food outlets across 500 Australian LGs, with implications globally.
This study has received approval from the Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee (reference number HEAG-H 92_2023). The results will be published in scientific peer-reviewed journals along with plain language summaries for participants.
ACTRN12621001120864.
FreshRSS 