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Cesari A, Galeoto G, Panuccio F, Simeon R, Berardi A. Evaluation instruments for executive functions in children and adolescents: an update of a systematic review. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2024; 24:487-508. [PMID: 38294492 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2024.2311872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study is to update a systematic review of instruments for evaluating the executive functions (EFs) in a pediatric population to assess their measurement properties. AREA COVERED Studies describing evaluation tools of EFs were systematically searched on four electronic databases: PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus, and Web of Science. To be included studies had to be on a population aged 0 to 18 were included. The individuals were either healthy or presented a neurodevelopment disorder. Risk of Bias was evaluated through the Consensus-based Standards to select the health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). EXPERT OPINION The search was conducted on April 2023. Eighty-four papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study; the studies refer to 72 different evaluation tools of EFs. Most of the studies analyzed through a methodological quality analysis received an 'adequate' score. The instrument most mentioned was the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2 (BRIEF2) in seven articles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Cesari
- School of Occupational Therapy, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Galeoto
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | | | - Rachele Simeon
- School of Occupational Therapy, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Berardi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
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Rowe K, Bröcker E, Suliman S, Blaauw R, Seedat S, van den Heuvel LL. The relationship between nutrient intake and executive function in adults with post-traumatic stress disorder. J Affect Disord 2024; 349:125-131. [PMID: 38199386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Executive function (EF) deficits are common in adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Macro- and micronutrient intake are potential modifiable factors that may influence EF in PTSD. OBJECTIVES To explore the relationship between the daily dietary intake of ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate, and EF in adults with PTSD. METHODS This was a cross-sectional observational study of adults with PTSD who completed neurocognitive assessments (n = 201). Digit span backwards, spatial span backwards, Stroop test and the Ruff Figural Fluency Task were used to assess EF. FoodFinder nutrient intake based on 24-h dietary recalls was used to calculate average daily nutrient intake. Multivariable linear regression models were used to regress EF on the nutrient variables. RESULTS Intake of vitamin E, ω-3 PUFAs, and ω-6 PUFAs were all positively associated with planning and set-shifting, with vitamin E (adjusted β = 0.20, p = 0.004) and ω-6 (adjusted β = 0.17, p = 0.01) remaining significant after adjustment for age; sex; education and body mass index. Vitamin D intake was negatively associated with interference (adjusted β = -0.21, p = 0.01). Vitamin C, vitamin B12 and folate intake were not associated with EF. LIMITATIONS 24-h dietary recall data is limited by recall bias. Circulating nutrient levels were not measured. CONCLUSIONS Dietary intake of vitamins E, ω-3 and ω-6 may be important modifiable factors affecting EF in adults with PTSD. Randomised controlled trials are needed to investigate whether micro- and macronutrient interventions can improve EF and other outcomes in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Rowe
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Erine Bröcker
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sharain Suliman
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Renée Blaauw
- Division of Human Nutrition, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Leigh Luella van den Heuvel
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Rowe K, Ruiz Pozuelo J, Nickless A, Nkosi AD, Dos Santos A, Kahn K, Tollman S, Wagner RG, Scerif G, Stein A. The adolescent HIV executive function and drumming (AHEAD) study, a feasibility trial of a group drumming intervention amongst adolescents with HIV. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1796-1814. [PMID: 37039077 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2195607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
AHEAD feasibility trial assessed the feasibility and acceptability of an 8-session group drumming programme aiming to improve executive function, depression and anxiety symptoms, and perceived social support in adolescents living with HIV in a rural low-income South African setting. Sixty-eight 12- to 19-year-old adolescents participated. They were individually randomised. The intervention arm (n = 34) received weekly hour-long group drumming sessions. Controls (n = 34) received no intervention. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using rates of: enrolment; retention; attendance; logistical problems; adolescent-reported acceptability. Secondary measures included: five Oxford Cognitive Screen-Executive Function (OCS-EF) tasks; two Rapid Assessment of Cognitive and Emotional Regulation (RACER) tasks; the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) measuring depression and anxiety symptoms; the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). All feasibility criteria were within green progression limits. Enrolment, retention, and acceptability were high. There was a positive effect on adolescent depressed mood with signal for a working memory effect. There were no significant effects on executive function or socio-emotional scales. Qualitative findings suggested socio-emotional benefits including: group belonging; decreased internalised stigma; improved mood; decreased anxiety. Group drumming is a feasible and acceptable intervention amongst adolescents living with HIV in rural South Africa. A full-scale trial is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Rowe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Julia Ruiz Pozuelo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for the Study of African Economies, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alecia Nickless
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Clinical Trials Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Exploristics, Belfast, UK
| | - Absolum David Nkosi
- Odeion School of Music, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | | | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for Global Health Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Stephen Tollman
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for Global Health Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ryan G Wagner
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for Global Health Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gaia Scerif
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alan Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
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Aboye GT, Vande Walle M, Simegn GL, Aerts JM. mHealth in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe: A systematic review comparing the use and availability of mHealth approaches in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231180972. [PMID: 37377558 PMCID: PMC10291558 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231180972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background mHealth can help with healthcare service delivery for various health issues, but there's a significant gap in the availability and use of mHealth systems between sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, despite the ongoing digitalization of the global healthcare system. Objective This work aims to compare and investigate the use and availability of mHealth systems in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, and identify gaps in current mHealth development and implementation in both regions. Methods The study adhered to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for article search and selection to ensure an unbiased comparison between sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. Four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and PubMed) were used, and articles were evaluated based on predetermined criteria. Details on the mHealth system type, goal, patient type, health concern, and development stage were collected and recorded in a Microsoft Excel worksheet. Results The search query produced 1020 articles for sub-Saharan Africa and 2477 articles for Europe. After screening for eligibility, 86 articles for sub-Saharan Africa and 297 articles for Europe were included. To minimize bias, two reviewers conducted the article screening and data retrieval. Sub-Saharan Africa used SMS and call-based mHealth methods for consultation and diagnosis, mainly for young patients such as children and mothers, and for issues such as HIV, pregnancy, childbirth, and child care. Europe relied more on apps, sensors, and wearables for monitoring, with the elderly as the most common patient group, and the most common health issues being cardiovascular disease and heart failure. Conclusion Wearable technology and external sensors are heavily used in Europe, whereas they are seldom used in sub-Saharan Africa. More efforts should be made to use the mHealth system to improve health outcomes in both regions, incorporating more cutting-edge technologies like wearables internal and external sensors. Undertaking context-based studies, identifying determinants of mHealth systems use, and considering these determinants during mHealth system design could enhance mHealth availability and utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genet Tadese Aboye
- M3-BIORES (Measure, Model & Manage Bioreponses), Division of Animal and Human Health Engineering, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Martijn Vande Walle
- M3-BIORES (Measure, Model & Manage Bioreponses), Division of Animal and Human Health Engineering, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jean-Marie Aerts
- M3-BIORES (Measure, Model & Manage Bioreponses), Division of Animal and Human Health Engineering, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Yuan H, Ocansey M, Adu-Afarwuah S, Sheridan M, Hamoudi A, Okronipa H, Kumordzie SM, Oaks BM, Prado E. Evaluation of a tablet-based assessment tool for measuring cognition among children 4-6 years of age in Ghana. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2749. [PMID: 36086855 PMCID: PMC9575601 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate several basic psychometric properties, including construct, convergent and discriminant validity, of the tablet-based Rapid Assessment of Cognitive and Emotional Regulation (RACER) among children aged 4-6 years in Ghana. METHODS We investigated whether RACER tasks administered to children in Ghana could successfully reproduce expected patterns of performance previously found in high-income countries on similar tasks assessing inhibitory control (e.g., slower responses on inhibition trials), declarative memory (e.g., higher accuracy on previously seen items), and procedural memory (e.g., faster responses on sequence blocks). Next, we assessed the validity of declarative memory and inhibitory control scores by examining associations of these scores with corresponding paper-based test scores and increasing child age. Lastly, we examined whether RACER was more sensitive than paper-based tests to environmental risk factors common in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). RESULTS Of the 966 children enrolled, more than 96% completed the declarative memory and inhibitory control tasks; however, around 30% of children were excluded from data analysis on the procedural memory task due to missing more than half of trials. The performance of children in Ghana replicated previously documented patterns of performance. RACER inhibitory control accuracy score was significantly correlated with child age (r (929) = .09, p = .007). However, our findings did not support other hypotheses. CONCLUSIONS The high task completion rates and replication of expected patterns support that certain RACER sub-tasks are feasible for measuring child cognitive development in LMIC settings. However, this study did not provide evidence to support that RACER is a valid tool to capture meaningful individual differences among children aged 4-6 years in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Yuan
- Institute for Global Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Maku Ocansey
- Institute for Global Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Seth Adu-Afarwuah
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Margaret Sheridan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Amar Hamoudi
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Harriet Okronipa
- Institute for Global Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Sika M Kumordzie
- Institute for Global Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Brietta M Oaks
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingstown, Rhode Island
| | - Elizabeth Prado
- Institute for Global Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California
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Pozuelo JR, Kilford EJ. Adolescent health series: Adolescent neurocognitive development in Western and Sub-Saharan African contexts. Trop Med Int Health 2021; 26:1333-1344. [PMID: 34270856 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The transitional period of adolescence has long been associated with physical, social and behavioural change. During this time, adolescents start to develop their own self-identity, make important life decisions and acquire the necessary skills to successfully transition to adulthood. More recently, advances in brain imaging technology have enabled increased understanding of structural and functional changes in the human brain during this developmental period, and how they relate to social, emotional, motivational and cognitive development. The ability to integrate these developing cognitive processes in increasingly complex social contexts is a key aspect of mature decision-making, which has implications for adolescent health, educational, economic and social outcomes. Insights from the field of developmental cognitive neuroscience could increase our understanding of this influential stage of life and thus inform potential interventions to promote adolescent health, a critical goal for global health research. Many social changes occur during adolescence and the social environment shapes both brain and cognitive development and the decisions adolescents make. Thus, it is important to study adolescent neurocognitive development in socio-cultural context. Yet, despite evidence from Western studies that socio-cultural and economic factors impact on adolescent neurocognitive development, existing studies of adolescent neurocognitive development in sub-Saharan Africa are relatively scarce. We summarise research findings from Western and sub-Saharan African contexts and highlight areas where research is lacking. Longitudinal studies from more diverse global samples will be needed to build a comprehensive model of adolescent development, that characterises both commonalities in developmental trajectories, as well as the way these can meaningfully differ between both individuals and contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia R Pozuelo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Centre for the Study of African Economies, Blavatnik School of Government and Economics Department, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emma J Kilford
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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