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Nombera-Aznaran N, Guevara-Lazo D, Fernandez-Guzman D, Taype-Rondán A. Statistical characteristics of analytical studies published in Peruvian medical journals from 2021 to 2022: A methodological study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306334. [PMID: 38959247 PMCID: PMC11221636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While statistical analysis plays a crucial role in medical science, some published studies might have utilized suboptimal analysis methods, potentially undermining the credibility of their findings. Critically appraising analytical approaches can help elevate the standard of evidence and ensure clinicians and other stakeholders have trustworthy results on which to base decisions. The aim of the present study was to examine the statistical characteristics of original articles published in Peruvian medical journals in 2021-2022. DESIGN AND SETTING We performed a methodological study of articles published between 2021 and 2022 from nine medical journals indexed in SciELO-Peru, Scopus, and Medline. We included original articles that conducted analytical analyses (i.e., association between variables). The statistical variables assessed were: statistical software used for analysis, sample size, and statistical methods employed (measures of effect), controlling for confounders, and the method employed for confounder control or epidemiological approaches. RESULTS We included 313 articles (ranging from 11 to 77 across journals), of which 67.7% were cross-sectional studies. While 90.7% of articles specified the statistical software used, 78.3% omitted details on sample size calculation. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were commonly employed, whereas measures of association were less common. Only 13.4% of articles (ranging from 0% to 39% across journals) presented measures of effect controlling for confounding and explained the criteria for selecting such confounders. CONCLUSION This study revealed important statistical deficiencies within analytical studies published in Peruvian journals, including inadequate reporting of sample sizes, absence of measures of association and confounding control, and suboptimal explanations regarding the methodologies employed for adjusted analyses. These findings highlight the need for better statistical reporting and researcher-editor collaboration to improve the quality of research production and dissemination in Peruvian journals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Guevara-Lazo
- Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | | | - Alvaro Taype-Rondán
- Unidad de Investigación para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Perú
- EviSalud—Evidencias en Salud, Lima, Perú
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Kerari A, Bahari G, Alharbi K, Alenazi L. The Effectiveness of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program in Improving Patients' Self-Efficacy and Health-Related Behaviors: A Quasi-Experimental Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:778. [PMID: 38610201 PMCID: PMC11011545 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12070778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a valuable educational resource for supporting patients' self-management behaviors. However, no evidence supporting its effectiveness in the Saudi Arabian population exists. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the 6-month CDSMP in individuals with chronic conditions in Saudi Arabia within a primary care context. A quasi-experimental design was conducted in 110 adults living with ≥1 chronic disease in Saudi Arabia. The patients in the experimental group (n = 45) participated in a six-session CDSMP, whereas those in the control group (n = 65) continued their usual care. Baseline and 6-month assessments were conducted using relevant questionnaires to assess outcome measures. Analysis of covariance revealed that the participants who underwent the CDSMP had significantly higher self-efficacy levels in managing their conditions (F = 9.80, p < 0.01) and a greater tendency to adopt healthy behaviors to successfully manage their chronic illnesses (F = 11.17, p < 0.01). The participants who underwent the CDSMP also showed significant improvements in all health-related outcomes compared with those in the control group (p < 0.01). These findings indicated that the program had a positive effectiveness in self-efficacy, self-management behaviors, and health-related outcomes among adults with chronic diseases in Saudi Arabia. The CDSMP may be integrated into primary care settings to help patients successfully manage their chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ghareeb Bahari
- Nursing Administration and Education Department, College of Nursing, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia; (A.K.); (K.A.); (L.A.)
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Mudiyanselage KWW, De Santis KK, Jörg F, Saleem M, Stewart R, Zeeb H, Busse H. The effectiveness of mental health interventions involving non-specialists and digital technology in low-and middle-income countries - a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:77. [PMID: 38172713 PMCID: PMC10763181 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17417-6] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combining non-specialists and digital technologies in mental health interventions could decrease the mental healthcare gap in resource scarce countries. This systematic review examined different combinations of non-specialists and digital technologies in mental health interventions and their effectiveness in reducing the mental healthcare gap in low-and middle-income countries. METHODS Literature searches were conducted in four databases (September 2023), three trial registries (January-February 2022), and using forward and backward citation searches (May-June 2022). The review included primary studies on mental health interventions combining non-specialists and digital technologies in low-and middle-income countries. The outcomes were: (1) the mental health of intervention receivers and (2) the competencies of non-specialists to deliver mental health interventions. Data were expressed as standardised effect sizes (Cohen's d) and narratively synthesised. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tools for individual and cluster randomised and non-randomised controlled trials. RESULTS Of the 28 included studies (n = 32 interventions), digital technology was mainly used in non-specialist primary-delivery treatment models for common mental disorders or subthreshold symptoms. The competencies of non-specialists were improved with digital training (d ≤ 0.8 in 4/7 outcomes, n = 4 studies, 398 participants). The mental health of receivers improved through non-specialist-delivered interventions, in which digital technologies were used to support the delivery of the intervention (d > 0.8 in 24/40 outcomes, n = 11, 2469) or to supervise the non-specialists' work (d = 0.2-0.8 in 10/17 outcomes, n = 3, 3096). Additionally, the mental health of service receivers improved through digitally delivered mental health services with non-specialist involvement (d = 0.2-0.8 in 12/27 outcomes, n = 8, 2335). However, the overall certainty of the evidence was poor. CONCLUSION Incorporating digital technologies into non-specialist mental health interventions tended to enhance non-specialists' competencies and knowledge in intervention delivery, and had a positive influence on the severity of mental health problems, mental healthcare utilization, and psychosocial functioning outcomes of service recipients, primarily within primary-deliverer care models. More robust evidence is needed to compare the magnitude of effectiveness and identify the clinical relevance of specific digital functions. Future studies should also explore long-term and potential adverse effects and interventions targeting men and marginalised communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpani Wijekoon Wijekoon Mudiyanselage
- Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Karina Karolina De Santis
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Frederike Jörg
- Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Education and Research, Friesland Mental Health Care Services, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Maham Saleem
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Roy Stewart
- Department of Health Sciences, Community & Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Heide Busse
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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Shi X, Chen H, Lobbezoo F, de Lange J, van der Stelt P, Berkhout E, Guo J, Ge S, Li G, Li Y, Aarab G. Comparison of the upper airway morphology between Dutch and Chinese adults with obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Breath 2023; 27:2223-2230. [PMID: 37093512 PMCID: PMC10656314 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-023-02834-z] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is complex and may vary between different races. It has been suggested that the anatomical balance between skeletal tissues and soft tissues around the upper airway is a key pathophysiologic factor of OSA. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the anatomical balance of the upper airway between Dutch and Chinese patients with OSA based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study performed in two centers and included Dutch and Chinese adults with OSA. CBCT scans in the supine position were obtained for both Dutch and Chinese OSA groups. The primary outcome variable was the anatomical balance of the upper airway, defined as the ratio of the tongue area and the maxillomandibular enclosure area. RESULTS A total of 28 Dutch adults (mean age ± SD of 46.6 ± 14.1 years, body mass index [BMI] of 26.8 ± 3.5 kg/m2, and apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] of 15.7 ± 7.1 events/h) and 24 Chinese adults (age 41.0 ± 12.4 years, BMI 26.5 ± 3.3 kg/m2, and AHI 16.5 ± 7.8 events/h). There were no significant differences in AHI, age, BMI, and sex between the two groups (P = 0.14-0.76). The Dutch group had a significantly larger tongue area and tongue length compared to the Chinese group (P = 0.01 and P < 0.01). On the other hand, the Chinese group had a smaller maxilla length compared to the Dutch group (P < 0.01). However, the anatomical balance of the upper airway of both groups was not significantly different (P = 0.16). CONCLUSION Within the limitations of this study, no significant difference was found in the anatomical balance of the upper airway between Dutch and Chinese patients with mild to moderate OSA. TRIAL REGISTRATION The present study was registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03463785.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxin Shi
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Oral Radiology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers/Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Orthodontics and Periodontics and Oral Radiology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, No. 44-1 Wenhua Road west, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Frank Lobbezoo
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan de Lange
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers/Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul van der Stelt
- Department of Oral Radiology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin Berkhout
- Department of Oral Radiology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Orthodontics and Periodontics and Oral Radiology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, No. 44-1 Wenhua Road west, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Shaohua Ge
- Department of Orthodontics and Periodontics and Oral Radiology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, No. 44-1 Wenhua Road west, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Guoju Li
- Department of Orthodontics and Periodontics and Oral Radiology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, No. 44-1 Wenhua Road west, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Yanzhong Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Jinan, China
| | - Ghizlane Aarab
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Williams S, Carson R, Tóth K. Moving beyond P values in The Journal of Physiology: A primer on the value of effect sizes and confidence intervals. J Physiol 2023; 601:5131-5133. [PMID: 37815959 DOI: 10.1113/jp285575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Carson
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Katalin Tóth
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Pelsser L, Stobernack T, Frankena K. Physical Complaints Decrease after Following a Few-Foods Diet in Children with ADHD. Nutrients 2022; 14:3036. [PMID: 35893890 PMCID: PMC9332265 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms may significantly decrease after following a few-foods diet (FFD). The results of a small randomised controlled trial (RCT) showed that co-occurring physical complaints in children with ADHD decreased as well. To further investigate the effect of an FFD on physical complaints, we analysed unpublished data from previously published studies (i.e., 'Impact of Nutrition on Children with ADHD' [INCA], an RCT, and 'Biomarker Research in ADHD: the Impact of Nutrition' [BRAIN], an open-label trial). In both trials, the association between an FFD, ADHD, and 21 individual physical complaints was assessed. Children either followed a 5-week FFD (the INCA FFD group and BRAIN participants) or received healthy food advice (the INCA control group). The ADHD rating scale and a physical complaint questionnaire were filled in at the start and end of the trials. The INCA results showed, for 10 of 21 complaints, a clinically relevant reduction in the FFD group compared to the control group. The open-label BRAIN results confirmed the outcomes of the FFD group. No association was detected between the decrease in physical complaints and the decrease in ADHD symptoms. The results point toward an association between the FFD and a decrease in thermoregulation problems, gastrointestinal complaints, eczema, and sleep problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidy Pelsser
- ADHD Research Centre, 5624 JE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Stobernack
- Department of Animal Science, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Klaas Frankena
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands;
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