Promotion of Self-Management of Chronic Disease in Children and Teenagers: Scoping Review

Gamification in eHealth for Chronic Disease Self-Management in Youth: A Systematic Review

This systematic review primarily aims to provide a summary of the game mechanics implemented in eHealth tools supporting young people's self-management of their chronic diseases. This review secondarily investigates the rationale for implementing game mechanics and the effects of these tools. A systematic search was conducted in Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, from inception until August 30, 2022. Studies were eligible if focus was on the utilization of gamification in eHealth self-management interventions for young people (age = 10-25 years) with chronic diseases. Primary quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies written in English were included. We identified 34 eHealth tools, of which 20 (59%) were gamified tools and 14 (41%) were serious games. We found that 55 unique game mechanics were implemented. The most commonly used were rewards (50%), score (44%), creative control (41%), and social interaction (32%). In comparison with gamified tools, the number and diversity of game mechanics applied were higher in serious games. For most tools (85%), a general rationale was provided for utilizing gamification, which often was to promote engaging experiences. A rationale for using specific game mechanics was less commonly provided (only for 45% of the game mechanics). The limited availability of experimental research precludes to test the effectiveness of using gamification in eHealth to support self-management in young people with chronic diseases. In this study, we highlight the importance of reporting the rationale for utilizing specific game mechanics in eHealth tools to ensure a proper alignment with evidence-based practice and the need of conducting experimental research. PROSPERO: CRD42021293037.

The Effectiveness of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program in Improving Patients' Self-Efficacy and Health-Related Behaviors: A Quasi-Experimental Study

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.

Interventions to support adolescents and young adults with the healthcare transition from paediatric to adult nephrology health services: A scoping review protocol

Background

Due to technological advancements and improved medical management of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) living with renal disease, there has been an exponential increase noted in the number of patients advancing from the paediatric to the adult nephrology healthcare setting. Subsequently, more AYAs are required to undergo the process of healthcare transition from paediatric to adult healthcare services. This process can be a challenging period for young people and families and is often associated with a decline in physical and psychosocial health outcomes of AYAs with renal disorders. To ensure a successful transition, AYAs must develop the ability to manage their renal condition, including the medical and psychosocial aspects of their condition, independently. Despite significant research into the transition from paediatric to adult healthcare for this unique patient cohort, the transition period remains a challenge at times. This scoping review aims to map, explore, and understand the interventions that are currently available to offer positive perceptions and experiences of transition for both AYAs living with renal disorders and their families.

Methods

A systematic literature search will be conducted of PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL, ASSIA, EMBASE and Web of Science databases from the year 2000 to present. Two independent reviewers will screen the peer-reviewed literature obtained and assess them against the inclusion criteria to determine their inclusion eligibility. Data will be extracted and synthesised using a template refined by the authors. The scoping review will be undertaken in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Data will undergo a formal critical appraisal using recognised appraisal tools.

Conclusions

Through mapping this knowledge, the scoping review will aim to identify interventions that are currently available and identify gaps within the literature. This evidence may support the development of transitional care interventions in the future, promote patient satisfaction, and improve patient outcome measures and experiences.

Mobile health applications designed for self-management of chronic pulmonary diseases in children and adolescents: a systematic mapping review

OBJECTIVE

Mobile health (mHealth) applications are scarce for children and adolescents with chronic pulmonary diseases (CPDs). This study aimed to map and describe the contents of the mHealth apps available for use in children and adolescents with CPDs.

METHODS

We performed a systematic mapping review of published scientific literature in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library by February of 2023, using relevant keywords. Inclusion criteria were as follows: children aged < 18 years with CPDs; and studies published in English on mHealth apps.

RESULTS

A total number of 353 studies were found, 9 of which met the inclusion criteria. These studies described seven mHealth apps for Android and iOS, designed either for asthma (n = 5) or for cystic fibrosis (n = 2). Five content areas were identified: education/information; pharmacological treatment; emergency; support; and non-pharmacological treatment. The studies (4, 2, and 3, respectively) showed consistent findings using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies.

CONCLUSIONS

This mapping review provided a guided selection of the most appropriate mHealth apps for use in children and adolescents with CPDs based on the needs of each target population. However, these mHealth apps have limited capabilities to reinforce disease self-management and provide information related to treatment compliance.

The mediating effects of parenting style on the relationship between parental stress and behavioral problems in girls with precocious puberty in Korea: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to examine the mediating effects of parenting style on the relationship between parental stress and behavioral problems of girls with precocious puberty.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study analyzed a convenience sample of 200 mothers of girls with precocious puberty at a university hospital located in a metropolitan area. The Parental Stress measurement, Parents as Social Context Questionnaire, and Korean version Child Behavior Checklist (K-CBCL) 6-18 were measured via self-report questionnaires. Descriptive, t-test, Pearson correlation, and bootstrapping analyses were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Negative parenting styles had a full mediating effect on the relationship between parental stress and internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Care plans for parents of girls with precocious puberty should be designed and applied in health care settings to reduce internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems by decreasing negative parenting styles.

Therapeutic Nursing Education in Promoting Self-Management of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Integrative Literature Review

Diabetes Mellitus Type I (DM1) is an autoimmune disease, characterized by the total destruction of the beta (β) cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. This disease can strike people at any age, but it usually develops in children or young adults. Because of the high prevalence of DM1 in the young population, as well as all the difficulties in effective self-management in this population, with very specific characteristics, it is essential to develop therapeutic education interventions, with the aim of acquiring self-management skills. Thus, the main objective of this study is to identify the benefits of therapeutic nursing education interventions in promoting self-management of adolescents with DM1. For this, an Integrative Literature Review was carried out, using the EBSCOhost, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science platforms. Six articles were eligible. In terms of results, benefits were identified in the health of adolescents, with the use of therapeutic education interventions by nurses, including the control of capillary glycemia, better acceptance of the pathology, improvement in body mass index, increased adherence to the therapeutic regime, a reduction in hospitalizations and complications, contribution to bio-psycho-social well-being and improvement quality of life.

Interventions to support adolescents and young adults with the healthcare transition from paediatric to adult nephrology health services: A scoping review protocol

Background: Due to technological advancements and improved medical management of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) living with renal disease, there has been an exponential increase noted in the number of patients advancing from the paediatric to adult nephrology healthcare setting. Subsequently, more AYAs are required to undergo the process of healthcare transition from paediatric to adult healthcare services. This process is often a challenging period for young people and families and is often associated with a decline in physical and psychosocial health outcomes of AYAs with renal disorders. To ensure a successful transition, AYAs must develop the ability to manage their renal condition, including the medical and psychosocial aspects of their condition, independently. Despite significant research into the transition from paediatric to adult healthcare for this unique patient cohort, the transition period remains a challenge. The scoping review will aim to map, explore, and understand the interventions that are currently available to offer positive perceptions and experiences of transition for both AYAs living with renal disorders and their families. Methods: A systematic literature search will be conducted of PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL, ASSIA, EMBASE and Web of Science databases from the year 2000 to present. Two independent reviewers will screen the title and abstracts of peer-reviewed literature obtained and assess them against the inclusion criteria to determine their inclusion eligibility. Data will be extracted and synthesised using a template refined by the authors. The scoping review will be undertaken in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Data will undergo a formal critical appraisal using recognised appraisal tools. Conclusions: Through mapping this knowledge, the scoping review will aim to identify interventions that are currently available and identify gaps within the literature. This evidence may support the development of transitional care interventions in the future, promote patient satisfaction, and improve patient outcome measures and experiences.

Instruments Measuring Self-Care in Children and Young Adults With Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review

Children and young adults (CYAs) with chronic conditions need to engage in self-care to improve their quality of life. This study aimed to retrieve the literature on instruments to assess self-care in CYAs living with chronic conditions and evaluate the psychometric proprieties of the instruments retrieved. A systematic literature review was conducted on six databases to identify peer-reviewed papers that described or used an evaluation instrument of self-care in CYAs with chronic conditions. Twenty-three articles describing 11 instruments of self-care were identified. Five instruments (45.45%) were developed for specific diseases, while six (54.54%) for various chronic illnesses. Most of the instruments were focused on treatment adherence within self-care maintenance (i.e., behaviors to maintain illness stability), excluding the monitoring of clinical parameters or the management of exacerbations. This review provides an overview of available instruments that measure self-care in CYAs with chronic conditions, which health professionals could use for patient education.