1
|
Jagoda T, Dharmaratne S, Rathnayake S. Informal carers' information needs in managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of people with dementia and related mHealth applications: a systematic integrative review to inform the design of an mHealth application. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069378. [PMID: 37169501 PMCID: PMC10439342 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069378] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review and synthesise the evidence on informal carers' information needs in managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) of their care recipients and related mobile health (mHealth) applications to inform the design of an mHealth application. DESIGN This is a systematic integrative review guided by Whittemore and Knafl's five-stages framework. Six databases were searched: Cochrane, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, ProQuest and PsycINFO. The key concepts included 'dementia', 'behavioural and psychological symptoms', 'informal carers' and ('information need' or 'mHealth application'). Peer-reviewed full-text articles published in English from 2000 to 2022 were included. The methodological rigour of studies was analysed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool V.2018. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-2020 reporting guidelines were followed. RESULTS This review included 34 studies, including quantitative (n=13), qualitative (n=17) and mixed-method (n=4) studies. Four major themes emerged from the reported studies: the need for addressing information needs on managing BPSD, the role of support systems in managing BPSD, self-care for carers and the role of mHealth applications in providing education and support for carers. In managing BPSD, carers seek knowledge about dementia and BPSD, the roles of the carers and misconceptions about BPSD. One study reported an mHealth application to monitor the behavioural issues of people with dementia. CONCLUSION Informal carers of people with dementia face a number of challenges when providing care for BPSD of their care recipients. The lack of knowledge on managing BPSD is a significant challenge. Support systems such as professional, social, residential, legal and eHealth have a significant role in managing the BPSD of people with dementia in the community. mHealth interventions are sparse to support BPSD management. These findings can be used in designing an mHealth application that addresses needs related to managing BPSD of informal carers of people with dementia. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021238540.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thilanka Jagoda
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Samath Dharmaratne
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sarath Rathnayake
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lu F, Wong CKH, Tse ETY, Ng APP, Li L, Lam JSM, Bedford L, Fong DYT, Ip P, Lam CLK. The Impact of a Health Empowerment Program on Self-Care Enablement and Mental Health among Low-Income Families: Evidence from a 5 Year Cohort Study in Hong Kong. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5168. [PMID: 36982089 PMCID: PMC10049337 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Health empowerment can be an effective way to reduce health inequities. This prospective cohort study evaluated the 5 year impact of a health empowerment program (HEP) on health outcomes among adults from low-income families. The Patient Enablement Instrument version 2 (PEI-2), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21), and 12 item Short-Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2) were administered at baseline and follow-up for both intervention and comparison groups. A total of 289 participants (n = 162 for intervention group, n = 127 for comparison group) were included in the analysis. Most of the participants were female (72.32%), and aged from 26 to 66 years old (M = 41.63, SD = 6.91). Linear regressions weighted by inverse probability weighting using the propensity score showed that, after follow-up of 5 years, the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater increases in all items and total scores for the PEI-2 (all B > 0.59, p < 0.001), greater decreases in the DASS depression score (B = -1.98 p = 0.001), and greater increases in the Mental Component Summary score of the SF-12v2 (B = 2.99, p = 0.027) than the comparison group. The HEP may be an effective intervention enabling adults from low-income families to manage their health-related issues and improve their mental health, as evidenced by our study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangcao Lu
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Carlos King Ho Wong
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Emily Tsui Yee Tse
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Amy Pui Pui Ng
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Lanlan Li
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Joyce Sau Mei Lam
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Laura Bedford
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Daniel Yee Tak Fong
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Patrick Ip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Cindy Lo Kuen Lam
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Al Raimi AM, Chong MC, Tang LY, Chua YP, Al Ajeel LY. The effect of mobile applications in enhancing asthma knowledge among school children with asthma in Malaysia. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 65:e63-e71. [PMID: 35279333 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study set out to evaluate the impact of health education provided on mobile applications (app) to urban-living school children with asthma in Malaysia to improve their asthma-related knowledge. DESIGN AND METHODS This was a quasi-experimental study with pre-and post-intervention involving 214 respondents from six schools were selected randomly and assigned to the experimental and control groups. The intervention, i.e. the health education via mobile apps was given to the experimental group while the control group received the routine face-to-face education. RESULTS The mean knowledge score increased post-intervention in the experimental group from 15.5 ± 8.77 to 24.6 ± 6.69. Children with a moderate level of knowledge accounted for the biggest proportion in both group control and experimental groups in the pre-intervention stage. In contrast, the proportion of children with a high level of knowledge was the highest in the experimental group post-intervention. Therefore, health education delivered via mobile apps led to a statistically significant improvement in the asthma knowledge of the children (F [1, 288] = 22.940, p ≤0.01). CONCLUSION Compared to the conventional face-to-face education methods of lectures or handbooks, mobile technology is more effective in delivering health education and improving the knowledge of school children with asthma. Therefore, educational modules aimed at improving knowledge should be modified to incorporate mobile apps. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Health education via mobile applications is considered a great innovation in school children with asthma education, or as a supplement to conventional learning methods. It is necessary to place health education via mobile applications as a prominent learning strategy for school children with asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz Mansoor Al Raimi
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia; Seiyun Community College, Hadhramout, Yemen.
| | - Mei Chan Chong
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.
| | - Li Yoong Tang
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.
| | - Yan Piaw Chua
- Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Effect of Health Education via Mobile Application in Promoting Quality of Life Among Asthmatic Schoolchildren in Urban Malaysia During the COVID-19 Era: A Quasi-experimental Study. Comput Inform Nurs 2022; 40:648-657. [PMID: 35994240 PMCID: PMC9469913 DOI: 10.1097/cin.0000000000000927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Bronchial asthma among children is a common chronic disease that may impact quality of life. Health education is one of the strategies to improve knowledge and quality of life. This study aims to assess the effect of health education via a mobile application in promoting the quality of life among schoolchildren with asthma in urban Malaysia during the COVID-19 era. A quasi-experimental, pre- and post-intervention design was used in this study involving a total of 214 students, randomly assigned into two groups (an intervention group and a control group). The control group received face-to-face health education, whereas the experimental group received health education via a mobile application. The findings showed that the total score of quality of life improved from a mean total score at pre-intervention of 5.31 ± 1.27 to post-intervention of 5.66 ± 1.28 for the control group, compared with the experimental group with a mean total score of quality of life at pre-intervention of 5.01 ± 1.36 and post-intervention of 5.85 ± 1.29. A comparison between the experimental and control groups using an independent t test showed statistically significant differences in their mean quality of life scores. The effect of health education via a mobile application showed a statistically significant improvement in the mean quality of life score from pre- to post-intervention ( F1,288 = 57.46, P < .01). As recommended, the use of mobile technology in health education improved the quality of life of schoolchildren with asthma as compared with the traditional methods of a face-to-face lecture and/or a handbook. Thus, educational modules using mobile applications do improve quality of life.
Collapse
|
5
|
Ling J, Zahry NR, Liu CC. Stress management interventions among socioeconomically disadvantaged parents: A meta-analysis and moderation analysis. Int J Nurs Stud 2021; 120:103954. [PMID: 34111700 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.103954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Socioeconomically disadvantaged parents experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Many interventions have been tested to reduce parental stress, but no meta-analysis has been conducted to quantitatively summarize the effects and explore the moderators of intervention effects among socioeconomically disadvantaged parents. OBJECTIVE This meta-analysis aimed to (1) quantitatively examine the intervention effects of prior stress management interventions among socioeconomically disadvantaged parents on reducing stress, depression, and anxiety; and (2) explore the potential moderators of intervention effects. METHODS Six databases, including CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, Web of Science, and Cochrane, were searched in February 2021. After a two-step literature screening by two independent reviewers, 45 eligible articles were retained. Two evaluators independently assessed each eligible study's quality using the Evidence Project risk of bias tool. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement guided the report. Meta-analyses (random-effects model) and moderation analyses (mixed-effects model) were performed. RESULTS Previous stress management interventions had a small effect of -0.24 in reducing parental stress (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.33, -0.15) with a 7.6-month follow-up effect of -0.12 (95% CI: -0.27, 0.04). The pooled effects on reducing depression were -0.15 (95% CI: -0.26, -0.04) with a 9-month follow-up effect of 0.02 (95% CI: -0.21, 0.26). Two studies measured anxiety, and the average effects were -0.03 (95% CI: -0.16, 0.11). Intervention effects on stress were significantly moderated by country (p = .005), study design (p < .001), and intervention duration (p = .030). Interventions conducted in developing countries (g = -0.52) had a significantly larger effect in reducing stress than those conducted in developed countries (g = -0.19). Studies using a quasi-experimental design (g = -0.47) resulted in a significantly greater effect in reducing stress than RCTs (g = -0.12). Interventions with a duration of 1-3 months (g = -0.36) had a greater effect in reducing stress than those with a longer duration (g = -0.11 for 3-6 months, -0.20 for >6 months). Intervention effects on reducing depression were significantly moderated by intervention component (p = .030). Cognitive behavioral therapy (g = -0.20) and mindfulness-based interventions (g = -0.16) resulted in greater effects in reducing depression than interventions focusing on parenting/life/self-care skills (g = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Previous stress management interventions have short-term beneficial effects on reducing parental stress and depression, but long-term follow-up effects are limited. Short-duration (1-3 months) mindfulness-based interventions and cognitive behavioral therapy in clinical settings are recommended for socioeconomically disadvantaged parents to reduce stress and depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiying Ling
- Michigan State University College of Nursing, 1355 Bogue St., C241, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States.
| | - Nagwan R Zahry
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Department of Communication, Lupton Hall, 520 Oak St., Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States.
| | - Cheng-Ching Liu
- Michigan State University College of Nursing, 1355 Bogue St., C241, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The utility of smartphone-based, ecological momentary assessment for depressive symptoms. J Affect Disord 2020; 274:602-609. [PMID: 32663993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.05.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common and debilitating mood disorder. Individuals with MDD are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed in an untimely manner, exacerbating existing functional impairments. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) involves the repeated sampling of an individual's symptoms within their natural environment and has been demonstrated to assist in illness assessment and characterization. Capturing data in this way would set the stage for improved treatment outcomes and serve as a complementary resource in the management and treatment of depressive symptoms. METHODS Online databases PubMed/MedLine and PsycINFO were searched using PRISMA guidelines and combinations of the following keywords: EMA, depression, smartphone app, diagnosing, symptoms, phone, app, ecological momentary assessment, momentary assessment, data mining, unobtrusive, passive data, GPS, sensor. RESULTS A total of nineteen original articles were identified using our search parameters and ten articles met the inclusion criteria for full-text review. Among the ten relevant studies, three studies evaluated feasibility, seven evaluated detection, and three evaluated treatment of MDD. LIMITATIONS Limitations include that the design of all of the studies included in this review are non-randomized. It should be noted that most of the studies included were pilot studies and/or exploratory trials lacking a control group. CONCLUSIONS Available evidence suggests that the use of passive smartphone-based applications may lead to improved management of depressive symptoms. This review aids the creation of new EMA applications, highlights the potential of EMA usage in clinical settings and drug development, emphasizes the importance for regulation of applications in the mental health field, and provides insight into future directions.
Collapse
|
7
|
Foronda CL, Kelley CN, Nadeau C, Prather SL, Lewis-Pierre L, Sarik DA, Muheriwa SR. Psychological and Socioeconomic Burdens Faced by Family Caregivers of Children With Asthma: An Integrative Review. J Pediatr Health Care 2020; 34:366-376. [PMID: 32299726 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asthma affects nearly 1 in every 12 children in the United States. Caring for a child with asthma poses significant challenges for the parent or caregiver. The purpose of this integrative review was to identify the psychological and socioeconomic burdens faced by family caregivers of children with asthma. METHOD An integrative review was conducted to review and appraise 80 studies. RESULTS Psychosocial burdens included decreased mental health, quality of life, sleep, family stress, educational deficits, cultural and health disparities, and health care communication challenges. Socioeconomic burdens included poor access to care, as well as work and financial challenges. Studies demonstrated a link between family caregiver health and child health outcomes. Facilitators included education and empowerment, social support, and use of technology. DISCUSSION As the family caregiver's health directly affects the asthmatic child's health, addressing the burdens of family caregivers should be a key consideration in pediatric asthma care.
Collapse
|
8
|
Foronda CL, Jawid MY, Alhusen J, Muheriwa SR, Ramunas MM, Hooshmand M. Healthcare Providers' Experiences with Gaps, Barriers, and Facilitators Faced by Family Caregivers of Children with Respiratory Diseases. J Pediatr Nurs 2020; 52:49-53. [PMID: 32179377 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify healthcare providers' experiences of the gaps in the healthcare system, barriers to obtaining care, and facilitators that promoted safe, quality care for family caregivers of children with respiratory diseases. DESIGN AND METHODS A qualitative, descriptive design was used with 13 pediatric healthcare providers. FINDINGS Gaps included themes of 1) fragmented healthcare system and 2) lack of asthma management knowledge. Barriers included themes of 1) poor access to healthcare and medications, 2) non-adherence, and 3) linguistic diversity and poor health literacy. Facilitators of optimal respiratory management included themes of 1) education, 2) improved communication, and 3) peer support. CONCLUSIONS Through better understanding the gaps, barriers, and facilitators, pediatric nurses will be able to more effectively anticipate and address the needs of the caregivers. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The nurse is in a pivotal role to empower caregivers with the skills and resources to address challenges and connect them with providers for optimal respiratory management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia L Foronda
- University of Miami, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America.
| | - Maryam Yasmeen Jawid
- University of Miami, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America.
| | - Jeanne Alhusen
- University of Virginia, School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America.
| | - Sadandaula Rose Muheriwa
- University of Miami, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America.
| | - Marisa M Ramunas
- University of Miami, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America.
| | - Mary Hooshmand
- University of Miami, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sullivan K, Thakur N. Structural and Social Determinants of Health in Asthma in Developed Economies: a Scoping Review of Literature Published Between 2014 and 2019. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2020; 20:5. [PMID: 32030507 PMCID: PMC7005090 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-020-0899-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Using the WHO Conceptual Framework for Action on the Social Determinants of Health, this review provides a discussion of recent epidemiologic, mechanistic, and intervention studies of structural and social determinants of health and asthma outcomes covering the period from 2014 to 2019. RECENT FINDINGS A majority of studies and interventions to date focus on the intermediary determinants of health (e.g., housing), which as the name suggests, exist between the patient and the upstream structural determinants of health (e.g., housing policy). Race/ethnicity remains a profound social driver of asthma disparities with cumulative risk from many overlapping determinants. A growing number of studies on asthma are beginning to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that connect social determinants to human disease. Several effective interventions have been developed, though a need for large-scale policy research and innovation remains. Strong evidence supports the key role of the structural determinants, which generate social stratification and inequity, in the development and progression of asthma; yet, interventions in this realm are challenging to develop and therefore infrequent. Proximal, intermediary determinants have provided a natural starting point for interventions, though structural interventions have the most potential for major impact on asthma outcomes. Further research to investigate the interactive effect of multiple determinants, as well as intervention studies, specifically those that are cross-sector and propose innovative strategies to target structural determinants, are needed to address asthma morbidities, and more importantly, close the asthma disparity gap.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Sullivan
- Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Neeta Thakur
- Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bousquet J, Akdis CA, Grattan C, Eigenmann PA, Hoffmann-Sommergruber K, Hellings PW, Agache I. Highlights and recent developments in airway diseases in EAACI journals (2017). Clin Transl Allergy 2018; 8:49. [PMID: 30498567 PMCID: PMC6258432 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-018-0238-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) owns three journals: Allergy, Pediatric Allergy and Immunology and Clinical and Translational Allergy. One of the major goals of EAACI is to support health promotion in which prevention of allergy and asthma plays a critical role and to disseminate the knowledge of allergy to all stakeholders including the EAACI junior members. There was substantial progress in 2017 in the identification of basic mechanisms of allergic and respiratory disease and the translation of these mechanisms into clinics. Better understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms, efforts for the development of biomarkers for disease prediction, novel prevention and intervention studies, elucidation of mechanisms of multimorbidies, entrance of new drugs in the clinics as well as recently completed phase three clinical studies and publication of a large number of allergen immunotherapy studies and metaanalyses have been the highlights of the last year.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Bousquet
- MACVIA-France, Fondation partenariale FMC VIA-LR, Montpellier, France.,INSERM U 1168, VIMA: Ageing and Chronic Diseases Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, Villejuif, France.,3UMR-S 1168, Université Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,Euforea, Brussels, Belgium.,CHRU Arnaud de Villeneuve, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - C A Akdis
- 5Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - C Grattan
- 6St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - P A Eigenmann
- 7Pediatric Allergy Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - K Hoffmann-Sommergruber
- 8Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - P W Hellings
- Euforea, Brussels, Belgium.,9Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - I Agache
- 10Transylvania University Brasov, Brasov, Romania
| |
Collapse
|