Aim
To summarise the psychological impacts of social isolation amongst older adults during COVID‐19 and review the benefits and limitations of online interventions used to combat social isolation.
...Design
A scoping review was performed.
Data Sources
A systematic search was performed from October 2020 to January 2021 in seven electronic databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. A hand search of the reference lists of included papers and WHO publications was performed. Grey literature search was carried out from Scopus, ProQuest Dissertation and Google Scholar.
Review Methods
Studies were screened, appraised and extracted independently by two reviewers. Thematic analysis was used to synthesise data, which were presented in a descriptive manner and organised into categories and themes.
Results
Totally, 33 studies were included. Four themes and eight sub‐themes emerged: (1) negative impacts and experiences of older adults during social isolation, (2) adopting coping behaviours in the midst of COVID‐19, (3) online interventions to combat the consequences of social isolation, (4) barriers to online intervention.
Conclusion
The COVID‐19 pandemic has taken an emotional toll on older adults’ psychological wellbeing and has highlighted the untapped strengths of older adults facing isolation. Online interventions, which could be a new normal in the COVID era, were beneficial in combating social isolation. Strategies by various stakeholders were recommended to tackle the barriers of online interventions.
Impact
With the COVID‐19 pandemic still in progress, this review provides insights on the psychological impacts of social isolation amongst older adults. Nurses in the community and long‐term care facilities could adopt strategies and online intervention to better support the older adults, contribute to a stronger COVID‐19 response and support system, and an overall better road to recovery from this crisis.
Purpose
Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cancer negatively affects individuals’ quality of life and overall health. Mindfulness-based interventions appear to ...be promising in the reduction of cancer-related and treatment-related symptoms. This review aimed to systematically summarize and synthesize the best available evidence concerning the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on anxiety, depression, quality of life, fatigue, stress, posttraumatic growth, and mindfulness among adult cancer patients and survivors.
Methods
A literature search was conducted across 10 electronic databases. Only randomized controlled trials were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened the studies, extracted data, and performed quality assessment using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Meta-analyses were conducted using review manager software, and standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to determine intervention effects. Subgroup analyses were performed for cancer type, gender, and interventions. Heterogeneity was examined using the Chi
2
and
I
2
statistics.
Results
Twenty-nine studies were included with a total of 3476 participants. Those who received mindfulness-based interventions reported significantly lower anxiety, depression, fatigue, and stress and greater quality of life, posttraumatic growth, and mindfulness than respondents in control groups. Mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) produced the strongest intervention effect on anxiety (SMD = − 2.48) and depression (SMD = − 2.21), followed by mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR) and mindfulness-based care recovery (MBCR). The interventions were effective across different cancer types.
Conclusion
Mindfulness-based interventions can be used as an adjuvant therapy for the management of cancer-related symptoms among cancer patients and survivors.
To evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on mental and cognitive outcomes including, anxiety, depression, attention, memory, global cognition and neuroplastic changes ...in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
A three-step search strategy was conducted on eight electronic databases, grey literature and reference lists from inception to February 2022.
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining MBIs on older adults with MCI were screened and assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan using a random-effect model. Narrative synthesis was performed for studies where results could not be pooled statistically.
Ten RCTs were included in the review. Results suggested that right frontal parietal and left inferior temporal gyrus of the brain showed increased cortical thickness after receiving MBIs. There were significant interaction effects for global efficiency and significant interactions in the insular and gyrus regions. Functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex, bilateral medial prefrontal cortex and left hippocampus were increased in participants undergoing MBIs. Nevertheless, meta-analysis showed non-significant pooled effects, favouring control groups on anxiety, depression, attention, memory and global cognition.
This review suggested the potential effects of MBIs in improving cortical thickness and connectivity in regions associated with memory and attention. Nevertheless, the effects of MBIs compared to active control groups on depression, anxiety, attention, memory and global cognition are inconclusive due to the lack of studies and non-significant results.
The review advocates for more rigorous studies with larger sample size and utilizing wait-list controls to evaluate the effects of MBIs. MBIs can be considered as an adjunct with other therapies to further enhance the effect on psychological and cognitive outcomes for older adults with MCI. No Patient or Public Contribution as this is a meta-analysis.
Poor management of type 2 diabetes mellitus may affect individuals' physical and emotional health. Access to ongoing psychosocial interventions through technological platforms may potentially ...minimise diabetes complications and improve health-related outcomes. However, little is known about the effectiveness of such interventions on diabetes distress and health-related outcomes.
To synthesise the best available evidence concerning the effectiveness of technology-based psychosocial interventions on diabetes distress, self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, and HbA1c level in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
A search of eleven databases was conducted to identify randomised controlled trials that examined the effects of technology-based psychosocial interventions on the outcomes. Randomised controlled trials reported in English from 2010 to 2020 were included. Selection of studies, quality appraisal, and data extraction were conducted by two reviewers independently. Meta-analyses, subgroup analyses and sensitivity analysis were performed using Review Manager. Intervention effects was measured using standardise mean difference.
Twenty randomised controlled trials fulfilled the eligibility criteria and 18 randomised controlled trials were included in meta-analysis. technology-based psychosocial interventions improved diabetes distress, self-efficacy and HbA1c levels with significant and small effect sizes. Subgroup analyses revealed greater improvement in health-related quality of life for participants with comorbid depression and lower HbA1c levels for studies with lesser than 100 participants.
The findings of this review increase knowledge on the effectiveness of technology-based psychosocial interventions on diabetes distress and self-efficacy. However, evidence to support the effects of technology-based psychosocial interventions on HbA1c and health-related quality of life was not strong. More research is needed to examine the effectiveness of the psychosocial interventions delivered through mobile applications or virtual reality.
Aim
Most mental health conditions affect adolescent and young adults. The onset of many mental disorders occurs in the young age. This is a critical period to implement interventions to enhance ...mental health literacy (MHL) and to prevent the occurrence of mental health problems. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of information and communication technologies interventions on MHL (recognition of conditions, stigma and help‐seeking).
Methods
The authors searched for both published and unpublished studies.
Results
Nineteen studies were included with 9 randomized controlled trials and 10 quasi‐experimental studies. Informational interventions were useful to enhance MHL of less‐known disorders such as anxiety disorder and anorexia, but not depression. Interventions that were effective in enhancing depression MHL comprised active component such as videos or quizzes. Interventions that successfully elevated MHL also reduced stigma. Elevated MHL levels did not improve help‐seeking, and reduction in stigma levels did not enhance help‐seeking behaviours.
Conclusions
Future good quality, large‐scale, multi‐sites randomized controlled trials are necessary to evaluate MHL interventions.
Aims
To evaluate the effectiveness of technology‐based interventions in reducing psychological morbidities such as depressive symptomology, anxiety, burden and improving quality of life and ...self‐efficacy in informal caregivers of stroke survivors.
Design
A systematic review and meta‐analysis.
Data Sources
An extensive search was systematically undertaken at CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINHAL, Web of Science and PsycInfo until January 2021. Grey literature and dissertations were searched in Google Scholar, ProQuest & Scholarbank@NUS. Studies involving registered trials were retrieved from Clinicaltrials.gov and CENTRAL, respectively.
Review Methods
Two reviewers independently screened the trials, conducted quality appraisal and extracted the data. Quality of the studies included in the review was assessed using Cochrane Risk of bias tool. Meta‐analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4. Narrative synthesis was performed for studies where results could not be pooled statistically. The results were reported abiding Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines.
Results
This review included 15 trials with a total of 1276 informal caregivers of stroke survivors. Eleven trials were included in the meta‐analysis. Subgroup analyses revealed that technology‐based interventions with structured educational programs were statistically significant in reducing depressive symptoms (d = −0.27, 95% CI −0.49 to −0.05, p = .02). Technology‐based interventions with structured educational programs <3‐month revealed significant effects (d = −0.31, 95% CI −0.49 to −0.13, p = .0009). Results of narrative synthesis reported technology‐based intervention with face‐to‐face training minimized depressive symptoms of informal caregivers. Notably, there were no statistically significant effects on anxiety, burden, quality of life and self‐efficacy outcomes.
Conclusion
Technology‐based interventions had beneficial effects in alleviating depressive symptoms among informal caregivers.
Impact
Technology‐based interventions serve as a support mechanism for informal caregivers of stroke survivors who face time‐constrains. Further high‐quality randomized controlled trials are warranted to elucidate sustainability, optimal format and dosage of intervention.
Population ageing resulting from declining fertility and extended life expectancy has been occurring rapidly throughout the world. Older adults are faced with multiple physical, psychological and ...social changes that challenge their sense of self and capacity for healthy ageing. Intergenerational programmes (IGP) in communities have been developed to address a variety of social issues brought about by the population ageing. These programmes focus on promoting intergenerational social contact, supporting educational programmes and facilitating intellectual and/or physical activities in the older adults. This study intended to explore the perception of community‐dwelling older adults towards an IGP in a senior day care centre in Singapore. Purposive sampling was adopted to recruit 15 participants for the study. Individual face‐to‐face interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. Interviews were audio‐taped and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was carried out. Four themes and 13 sub‐themes emerged: (1) IGP enhances memory and strength; (2) social interaction between older adults and younger generation; (3) emotional responses to IGP; and (4) attitudes and perception towards the younger generation. The current study illustrated the dynamic social interaction between older adults and the younger generation, as well as the perceived benefits of the IGP. The relationship formed between the two generations entailed companionship, mutual care, trust and affection. Participation in the IGP provided the older adults an opportunity for active engagement in society and development. Continuous effort must be put in to ensure continuity of integration and empowerment of older adults, including the removal of obstacles and barriers that exclude or discriminate against them. The study findings will help facilitate the customisation of IGP to meet the needs of the older adults. With a well‐planned and structured IGP, significant physical, emotional and psychosocial outcomes could benefit the older adults and the younger generation.
Aims
The study aims to examine the effectiveness of the online HOPE intervention to increase mental health literacy (MHL), psychological well‐being (PWB); and in reducing stress among youths aged ...18–24 living in Singapore.
Design
The study will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will adopt a single‐group pre–post repeated quasi‐experimental research design. The second phase adopts a two‐group, parallel randomized control trial, with a pre‐test, posttest and follow‐up.
Methods
The study will be conducted in a University in Singapore, in 2019–2021. Participants will be recruited and randomly assigned into one of the two groups. Approval from the institutional review board has been obtained in August 2019. Research funding from National Youth Fund has been obtained in November 2019. Outcome measures will be measured using Depression Literacy Questionnaire, Anxiety literacy Questionnaire, validated depression vignette, Ryff's PWB Scale and Perceived Stress Scale, at baseline, postintervention and 2 months’ follow‐up. Participants’ perceptions of the intervention will be measured qualitatively.
Discussion
The online HOPE intervention had been developed based on the principles of the Self‐Efficacy Theory.
Impact
There is no research about MHL intervention in Singapore. Low MHL prevents early help‐seeking and delays treatment. Hence, this study highlights the importance of mental health public education as primary care. Increased MHL will enhance early help‐seeking behaviours, promoting early recovery and enhancing the health of the young people worldwide.
目的
本研究旨在探讨线上希望干预对提高新加坡18岁至24岁青少年心理健康素养(MHL)、心理幸福感(PWB)及减轻压力的效果。
设计
研究分两个阶段进行。第一阶段采用单组测试前和测试后重复的准实验研究设计。第二阶段采用两组进行测试前、测试后和跟踪的平行随机对照试验。
方法
本研究将于2019年至2021年在新加坡的一所大学内进行。招募的受访者将被随机分为两组。机构审查委员会已于2019年8月获得批准。2019年11月获得了国家青年基金的研究经费。将使用抑郁症素养问卷调查、焦虑症素养问卷调查、经过验证的抑郁案例、Ryff心理幸福感量表和感知压力量表在基线、干预后和2个月的跟踪阶段衡量其疗效判定指标。受访者对干预的看法将被进行定性地衡量。
讨论
在自我效能理论的基础上开发线上希望干预。
影响
新加坡没有关于心理健康素养干预的研究。低值的心理健康素养能够防止早期寻求帮助和延迟治疗。因此,本研究强调心理健康公共教育作为初级保健的重要性。增强心理健康素养将加强早期寻求帮助的行为,促进早期康复和提高全世界年轻人的健康。
This review aimed to synthesize the best available evidence concerning the effectiveness of electronic health, mindfulness-based interventions (eHealth-MBIs) on anxiety, depression, mindfulness and ...quality of life (QoL) among cancer patients/survivors.
Published and unpublished studies were retrieved from 10 electronic databases. Two independent authors screened and selected articles, extracted data using a standardized form and appraised the studies with the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effect model with Review Manager (REVMAN). Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were used to determine intervention effects. Narrative syntheses were conducted for studies not suitable for meta-analyses. Heterogeneity was identified through
and chi-square statistics. Subgroup analyses were performed based on types of controls, age groups and gender. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to assess overall quality.
In total, 18 studies were included. The eHealth-MBIs improved primary outcomes of anxiety (SMD = -0.28) and depression (SMD = -0.24), among cancer patients/survivors with small effect sizes. Effects for the secondary outcomes of QoL (SMD = 0.25) and mindfulness (SMD = 0.29) were observed at short-term follow-up assessments but not at post-intervention. Overall quality was rated as low for the primary and very low for the secondary outcomes.
The eHealth-MBIs can be offered as a cost-effective and accessible alternative for cancer patients and survivors in healthcare settings. Future research may further explore the effectiveness of eHealth-MBIs based on different types of MBIs, cancer types, modes of delivery and other outcomes such as stress and post-traumatic growth.
Aims
To examine the relationship between perioperative anxiety and postoperative pain in children and adolescents undergoing elective surgical procedures and the differences in children's ...perioperative anxiety and postoperative pain among subgroups of demographics.
Background
While anxiety and pain are regarded as two common problems experienced by children and adolescents perioperatively and the relationship between them has been reported in previous studies, there has been no review paper examining this phenomenon.
Design
A quantitative systematic review.
Data sources
Nine electronic databases were searched for studies published in English from the inception date of the databases to December 2010, using various combinations of search terms of ‘adolescents', ‘anxiety’, ‘child’, ‘pain’, ‘surgery’ and ‘correlation/relationship’.
Review methods
Using the Joanna Briggs Institute's comprehensive systematic review strategies, relevant studies were independently appraised and extracted by two reviewers using the standardized critical appraisal instruments and data extraction tool from Joanna Briggs Institute Meta Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument.
Results
Ten studies were included in this review from 943 studies initially retrieved. Children and adolescents who had higher level of perioperative anxiety experienced a higher level of postoperative pain. Inconclusive evidence was found regarding differences of perioperative anxiety and postoperative pain between demographic subgroups of gender, age and past surgical experience.
Conclusion
Results of this review inform healthcare providers of the role perioperative anxiety plays on children's and adolescents' postoperative pain and indicate the need to use interventions to reduce perioperative anxiety and, therefore, optimize their postoperative pain management during the perioperative period.
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