Background: Oral health is a crucial component of overall well-being, particularly in childhood and adolescence when lifetime habits are established. Health education and theory-Based health promotion interventions can enhance oral health outcomes more effectively than traditional knowledge-transfer methods. Objective: The present systematic review and meta-analysis were performed with the objective of assessing the effectiveness of theory-Based health education and promotion interventions in impacting oral health outcomes among children and adolescents. Methods: Based on PRISMA and PROSPERO registration, the systematic search in seven databases was performed up to March 2025. Only RCTs involving participants aged 5 to 18 years old and with use of theoretical models like the Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, or Social Cognitive Theory were taken into account. Primary outcomes included oral health behavior, knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and clinical indicators like dental plaque, periodontal status, and DMFT. The data were combined through random-effects meta-analysis, and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Results: Nineteen RCTs were included. Interventions had a significant boost in self-efficacy (SMD = 1.49, 95% CI: 0.99,2.00), oral health-related quality of life (SMD = 7.38, 95% CI: 5.57,9.19), knowledge (SMD = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.80,1.39), attitudes (SMD = 9.32, 95% CI: 7.08,11.55), and behavior (SMD = 2.58, 95% CI: 2.03,3.12). Significant declines in dental plaque (SMD = -1.92, 95% CI: -2.42,-1.42) and periodontal health (SMD = -1.18, 95% CI: -1.83,-0.53) but not in DMFT scores (SMD = -0.11, 95% CI: -0.27,0.04) also occurred. High heterogeneity and small sample of evidence of publication bias were detected. Conclusions: Theory-Based health education and promotion interventions are effective in enhancing oral health outcomes across a wide range of outcomes in children and adolescents. Future research should have long-term follow-up, standardization of outcomes measures, fidelity of intervention, economic evaluations, and equitable provision across diverse populations. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. Trial registration: This systematic review has been registered prospectively in PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) with registration number CRD420251026862.

Background: The paucity of actionable data on the epidemiological profile of dental caries among adolescents in Nigeria poses significant challenges to policy formulation and implementation. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dental caries among adolescents in Nigeria and identify dental caries preventive behaviours associated with dental caries experience among adolescents in Nigeria over 10 years. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on dental caries among adolescents was undertaken in September 2023. Literature searches were conducted across Academic Info, Cochrane Library, Refseek, and PubMed databases and Google Scholar, to identify studies on dental caries prevalence and dental caries preventive behaviour among adolescents in Nigeria that were published between January 2013 and December 2022. Eligible studies included cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies. Studies were also included if they presented data for at least one of the primary outcomes. Excluded were studies without information on the sample size, those with incomplete or overlapping samples, case reports, case series, editorials, or reviews without primary data. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 percentages, and a funnel plot evaluated publication bias. A random effects model was used to determine the prevalence of dental caries with subgroup analysis by sex. The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist to assess the quality and integrity of the included studies. The systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024458849). Results: Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria. The pooled prevalence of dental caries among adolescents in Nigeria was 23.0% (95% CI: 16-30). The pooled prevalence for males was 16.0% (95% CI: 9-23) and that for females was 22.0% (95% CI: 11-32). The commonest dental caries preventive practices reported were daily tooth brushing, use of fluoride-containing toothpastes, and dental service utilization. Factors associated with dental caries included a history of dental service utilization, poor oral hygiene practices, and consumption of refined carbohydrates in-between-meals. Conclusion: The high prevalence of dental caries among adolescents in Nigeria warrants programmatic attention with an emphasis on improving oral hygiene practices and controlling the consumption of refined carbohydrates in-between-meals. Dental service utilization for dental caries preventive needs to be encouraged.

INTRODUCTION: Over the last years, videoconference-delivered psychotherapy (VCP) has found its way into clinical practice. This meta-analysis is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of VCP for children and adolescents with a mental disorder and their parents. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effectiveness of VCP for youths with a mental disorder to a control condition. Twelve studies were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data and rated study quality. RESULTS: Effect size estimates for measures of children's symptoms of mental disorders were large for comparison between VCP and waitlist (posttreatment: Hedges's g = -1.26, k = 5) and negligible for comparisons between VCP and in-person treatment (posttreatment: g = 0.00, k = 6; follow-up: g = -0.05, k = 3). Similarly, effect size estimates for measures of children's functional impairments were large for comparison between VCP and waitlist (posttreatment: g = -1.10, k = 3) and negligible for comparisons between VCP and in-person treatment (posttreatment: g = -0.23, k = 3; follow-up: g = 0.04, k = 2). VCP more effectively reduced symptoms in children with an internalizing disorder (g = -0.88, k = 5) compared to externalizing disorders (g = 0.25, k = 2) or tic disorders (g = -0.08, k = 3). DISCUSSION: The results provide preliminary evidence that VCP is an effective treatment for youths with a mental disorder and their parents. VCP was equally effective as in-person treatment in reducing children's symptoms and functional impairments. Limitations include the limited number of RCTs and incomplete reporting of methodological features.

Background: Burkina Faso joined the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF) in 2017 to address persistent gaps in funding for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH-N). Few empirical papers deal with how global funding mechanisms, and specifically GFF, support resource mobilisation for health nationally. Objective: This study describes the policy processes of developing the GFF planning documents (the Investment Case and Project Appraisal Document) in Burkina Faso. Methods: We conducted an exploratory qualitative policy analysis. Data collection included document review (N = 74) and in-depth semi-structured interviews (N = 23). Data were analysed based on the components of the health policy triangle. Results: There was strong national political support to RMNCAH-N interventions, and the process of drawing up the investment case (IC) and the project appraisal document was inclusive and multi-sectoral. Despite high-level policy commitments, subsequent implementation of the World Bank project, including the GFF contribution, was perceived by respondents as challenging, even after the project restructuring process occurred. These challenges were due to ongoing policy fragmentation for RMNCAH-N, navigation of differing procedures and perspectives between stakeholders in the setting up of the work, overcoming misunderstandings about the nature of the GFF, and weak institutional anchoring of the IC. Insecurity and political instability also contributed to observed delays and difficulties in implementing the commitments agreed upon. To tackle these issues, transformational and distributive leaderships should be promoted and made effective. Conclusions: Few studies have examined national policy processes linked to the GFF or other global health initiatives. This kind of research is needed to better understand the range of challenges in aligning donor and national priorities encountered across diverse health systems contexts. This study may stimulate others to ensure that the GFF and other global health initiatives respond to local needs and policy environments for better implementation.

In this systematic review, we scrutinise adolescent nutrition in Nigeria, focusing on dietary patterns, intake, and nutritional status. Through a systematic examination of observational studies across three major databases, we analysed data from 67,844 adolescents. Our exploration revealed 102 studies, predominantly cross-sectional, addressing various nutritional dimensions. However, only 13% of these studies demonstrated low risk of bias, with none offering national representation and most concentrated in specific, school-based regions. The findings underscore a complex nutritional landscape with widespread malnutrition and highlight the critical need for high-quality, comprehensive data. The dominance of cross-sectional designs and regional biases in existing research calls for cautious interpretation and suggests a pressing need for more robust, nationally representative studies to guide future nutritional interventions and policy-making in Nigeria.

Background: Childhood malnutrition in all forms is a major public health issue worldwide. This review systematically examined the prevalence and determinants and identify the potential interventions and current gap in addressing malnutrition including undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) in Vietnamese children aged 0-18 years old. Methods: Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were systematically searched through June 2022 to identify relevant articles published within the past 25 years. Study selection and data extraction were performed by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by the other two reviewers in accordance with PRISMA guideline. Risk of publication bias was assessed using American Dietetic Association Quality Criteria Checklist. Results: Seventy-two studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. Undernutrition has decreased over time but still 22.4%, 5.2% and 12.2% of children under 5 were stunted, wasted and underweight, respectively. Anaemia, iron, zinc, and vitamin D deficiencies were the more common forms of MNDs, the prevalence varied by age, region, and socioeconomic group. Population-based surveys reported that 11% and 48% of children aged 0-11 years old were iron and vitamin D deficient, respectively. Zinc deficiency affected almost one-quarter of the children and adolescents. Retinol deficiency was of less concern (< 20%). However, more evidence on MNDs prevalence is needed. Overweight and obesity is now on the rise, affecting one-third of school-aged children. The key determinants of undernutrition included living in rural areas, children with low birth weight, and poor socio-economic status, whereas living in urban and affluent areas, having an inactive lifestyle and being a boy were associated with increased risk of overweight and obesity. Nutrition specific intervention studies including supplementation and food fortification consistently showed improvements in anthropometric indices and micronutrient biomarkers. National nutrition-sensitive programmes also provided nutritional benefits for children's growth and eating behaviours, but there is a lack of data on childhood obesity. Conclusion: This finding highlights the need for effective double duty actions to simultaneously address different forms of childhood malnutrition in Vietnam. However, evidence on the potential intervention strategies, especially on MNDs and overnutrition are still limited to inform policy decision, thus future research is warranted.

Objective: Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is beneficial to adult patients with depression, but its safety and efficacy in combination with antidepressants in children and adolescents with depression are not clear. We conducted a preliminary meta-analysis to objectively evaluate its clinical effect and provide information for future research and clinical practice. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched systematically to find clinical trials published in English before April 11, 2023. Stata software was used for meta-analysis, and random or fixed effect models were used to combine effect sizes. Results: Nine studies were eligible and included (n = 393). No articles about children were included in the analysis. The results showed that the remission rate was 40% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13% to 71%). The scores of Children's Depression Rating Scale (CRDS) and Hamilton's depression scale (HAMD) significantly decreased compared to baseline value (MD = -27.04, 95% CI: -30.95, -23.12 and MD = -12.78, 95% CI: -19.55 to -6.01). In addition, the incidence of all adverse events was 13% (95% CI: 5%, 23%), and all were minor pain-related events. Conclusion: The combination of NIBS and antidepressants has been shown to notably alleviate depressive symptoms in adolescents, offering a considerable level of safety. This therapeutic synergy is particularly effective in patients with major depressive disorder, where repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation augmented with antidepressants can enhance the amelioration of depressive symptoms. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023442215, PROSPERO CRD42023442215.

BACKGROUND: Group trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) is widely used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents. However, the available evidence remains unclear. METHOD: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ProQuest Dissertations, LILACS, and international trial registers were searched from database inception to April 30, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared TF-CBT with any control condition for treating children and adolescents with PTSD. Analyses were performed using Review Manager version 5.3 and Stata 16.0. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020206096). RESULTS: Eleven RCTs involving 1942 patients were included. Group TF-CBT was significantly more effective than other treatments at post-treatment (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.65 to -0.22), follow-up (SMD: -0.33, 95% CI: -0.52 to -0.13), and in relieving depressive symptoms (SMD: -0.29, 95% CI: -0.49 to -0.09), but not in terms of acceptability. Subgroup analyses showed that group TF-CBT was superior to other treatments in studies including children with post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) (SMD: -0.54, 95% CI: -0.79 to -0.28) and psychiatric comorbidities (SMD: -0.48, 95% CI: -0.72 to -0.23). LIMITATIONS: The small sample sizes of identified studies limited some findings. CONCLUSION: When considering effectiveness at post-treatment and follow-up or the reduction of depressive symptoms, group TF-CBT could be a good choice for children and adolescents with PTSD. Among these patients, those with PTSS or psychiatric comorbidities may benefit the most.

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most burdensome chronic diseases in the world. Health utility values are an important tool for quantifying this disease burden and conducting cost-utility analyses. This review aimed to derive a reference set of health utility values for children and adolescents with T1DM.Methods: We searched MEDLINE and Embase from inception to March 2023 for health utility values of T1DM children and adolescents (aged <= 18 years) measured using direct and indirect preference elicitation approaches. Utility estimates were pooled by meta-analyses with subgroup analyses to evaluate differences by populations and elicitation approaches.Results: Six studies involving 1276 participants were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed the overall utility value of children and adolescents with T1DM was 0.91 (95% CI 0.89-0.93). The utility value of T1DM children and adolescents with complications was 0.90 (95% CI 0.88-0.92), which was lower than those without complications (0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.97). The utility value of children (aged <13 years) was higher than adolescents (aged 13-18 years) (0.90 vs. 0.85). The utility value measured by the EQ-5D-3L (0.91) was higher than the HUI3 (0.89), the SF-6Dv1 (0.83), and the time trade-off (0.81). The parent proxy-reported was similar to the patient self-reported (0.91 vs. 0.91).Conclusions: This study developed a reference set of pooled utility estimates for children and adolescents with T1DM, which is helpful for understanding the overall health status of T1DM and conducting economic evaluations. Further studies are needed to explore the utilities of T1DM with different types of complications.

ObjectiveInternet-based cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) may provide an accessible alternative to face-to-face treatment, but the evidence base in adolescents is limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to comprehensively assess the efficacy of ICBT in addressing depression among adolescents.MethodsFour electronic databases were searched on June 8, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of ICBT for depression in adolescents were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the risk of bias tool recommended by the Cochrane Handbook. Furthermore, the GRADE approach was employed to gauge the certainty of the obtained evidence. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4, and Egger's test was implemented through Stata for assessment of potential publication bias.ResultsA total of 18 RCTs involving 1683 patients were included. In comparison to control groups like attention control, waiting list, and treatment as usual, our meta-analysis findings elucidate a significant reduction in depression scores (SMD = −0.42, 95 % CI: [−0.74, −0.11], p .05).ConclusionResults provide evidence of the efficacy of ICBT to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. These research findings are of vital significance for the establishment of evidence-based treatment guidelines in the digital era.Trial registrationPROSPERO registration: CRD42021277562

Objective: Internet-based cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) may provide an accessible alternative to face-to-face treatment, but the evidence base in adolescents is limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to comprehensively assess the efficacy of ICBT in addressing depression among adolescents. Methods: Four electronic databases were searched on June 8, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of ICBT for depression in adolescents were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the risk of bias tool recommended by the Cochrane Handbook. Furthermore, the GRADE approach was employed to gauge the certainty of the obtained evidence. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4, and Egger's test was implemented through Stata for assessment of potential publication bias. Results: A total of 18 RCTs involving 1683 patients were included. In comparison to control groups like attention control, waiting list, and treatment as usual, our meta-analysis findings elucidate a significant reduction in depression scores (SMD = -0.42, 95 % CI: [-0.74, -0.11], p .05). Conclusion: Results provide evidence of the efficacy of ICBT to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. These research findings are of vital significance for the establishment of evidence-based treatment guidelines in the digital era. Trial registration: PROSPERO registration: CRD42021277562.

BACKGROUND: Managing the care regimen for Type 1 Diabetes is challenging for emerging adults, as they take on greater responsibility for self-management. A diverse range of models of care have been implemented to improve safety and quality of care during transition between paediatric and adult services. However, evidence about acceptability and effectiveness of these is limited. Our aim was to synthesise the evidence for transition models and their components, examine the health related and psychosocial outcomes, and to identify determinants associated with the implementation of person-centred models of transition care. METHOD: We searched Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and Scopus. Peer reviewed empirical studies that focused on T1D models of care published from 2010 to 2021 in English, reporting experimental, qualitative, mixed methods, and observational studies were included. RESULTS: Fourteen studies reported on health and psychosocial outcomes, and engagement with healthcare. Three key models of care emerged: structured transition education programs (6 studies), multidisciplinary team transition support (5 studies) and telehealth/virtual care (3 studies). Compared with usual practice, three of the six structured transition education programs led to improvements in maintenance of glycaemic control, psychological well-being, and engagement with health services. Four MDT transition care models reported improved health outcomes, and improved engagement with health services, however, three studies reported no benefit. Reduced diabetes related stress and increased patient satisfaction were reported by two studies, but three reported no benefit. Telehealth and virtual group appointments improved adherence to self-management and reduced diabetes distress but did not change health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although some health and psychosocial benefits are reported, the results were mixed. No studies reported on T1D transition model implementation outcomes such as acceptability, adoption, and appropriateness among clinicians or managers implementing these models. This gap needs to be addressed to support future adoption of successful models.

Introduction: International organisations have called to increase young people's involvement in healthcare and health policy development. We currently lack effective methods for facilitating meaningful engagement by young people in health-related decision-making. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify deliberative priority setting methods and explore the effectiveness of these in engaging young people in healthcare and health policy decision-making. Methods: Seven databases were searched systematically, using MeSH and free text terms, for articles published in English before July 2021 that described the use of deliberative priority setting methods for health decision-making with young people. All titles, abstracts and full-text papers were screened by a team of six independent reviewers between them. Data extraction followed the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination guidelines. The results are presented as a narrative synthesis, structured around four components for evaluating deliberative processes: 1) representation and inclusion of diverse participants, 2) the way the process is run including levels and timing of participant engagement, 3) the quality of the information provided to participants and 4) resulting outcomes and decisions. Findings: The search yielded 9 reviews and 21 studies. The more engaging deliberative priority setting tools involved young people-led committees, mixed methods for identifying and prioritising issues and digital data collection and communication tools. Long-term and frequent contact with young people to build trust underpinned the success of some of the tools, as did offering incentives for taking part and skills development using creative methods. The review also suggests that successful priority setting processes with young people involve consideration of power dynamics, since young people's decisions are likely to be made together with family members, health professionals and academics. Discussion: Young people's engagement in decision-making about their health is best achieved through investing time in building strong relationships and ensuring young people are appropriately rewarded for their time and contribution. If young people are to be instrumental in improving their health and architects of their own futures, decision-making processes need to respect young people's autonomy and agency. Our review suggests that methods of power-sharing with young people do exist but that they have yet to be adopted by organisations and global institutions setting global health policy.

We sought to aggregate common barriers and facilitators to screening adolescents for sensitive health topics (e.g., depression, chlamydia) in primary care, as well as those that are unique to a given health topic. We conducted a literature search of three databases (PsycInfo, MEDLINE, and CINAHL) and reference lists of included articles. Studies focused on barriers and facilitators to screening adolescents (ages 12-17Â years) for sensitive health topics in primary care that are recommended by national guidelines. Articles were peer-reviewed, presented empirical data, and were published in English in 2006-2021. We coded barriers and facilitators using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, a well-established framework within implementation science. In total, 39 studies met inclusion criteria and spanned several health topics: depression, suicide, substance use, HIV, and chlamydia. We found common barriers and facilitators to screening across health topics, with most relating to characteristics of the primary care clinics (e.g., time constraints). Other factors relevant to screening implementation ranged from confidentiality concerns to clinician knowledge. Barriers and facilitators specific to certain health topics, such as the availability of on-site laboratories for HIV screening, were also noted. Findings can guide refinements to screening implementation.

Although web-based interventions are attractive to researchers and users, the evidence about their effectiveness in the promotion of health behaviour change is still limited. Our aim was to review the effectiveness of web-based interventions used in health behavioural change in adolescents regarding physical activity, eating habits, tobacco and alcohol use, sexual behaviour, and quality of sleep. Studies published from 2016 till the search was run (May-to-June 2021) were included if they were experimental or quasi-experimental studies, pre-post-test studies, clinical trials, or randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of web-based intervention in promoting behaviour change in adolescents regarding those health behaviours. The risk of bias assessment was performed by using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP)-Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Fourteen studies were included. Most were in a school setting, non-probabilistic and relatively small samples. All had a short length of follow-up and were theory driven. Thirteen showed significant positive findings to support web-based interventions' effectiveness in promoting health behaviour change among adolescents but were classified as low evidence quality. Although this review shows that web-based interventions may contribute to health behaviour change among adolescents, these findings rely on low-quality evidence, so it is urgent to test these interventions in larger controlled trials with long-term maintenance.

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of gaming technologies, such as videogames and virtual reality, provides a wide variety of possibilities in intensively and enjoyably performing rehabilitation for children with neurological disorders. Solid evidence-based results are however required to promote the use of different gaming technologies in pediatric neurorehabilitation, while simultaneously exploring new related directions concerning neuro-monitoring and rehabilitation in familiar settings. AIM OF THE STUDY AND METHODS: In order to analyze the state of the art regarding the available gaming technologies for pediatric neurorehabilitation, Scopus and Pubmed Databases have been searched by following: PRISMA statements, PICOs classification, and PEDro scoring. RESULTS: 43 studies have been collected and classified as follows: 11 feasibility studies; six studies proposing home-system solutions; nine studies presenting gamified robotic devices; nine longitudinal intervention trials; and eight reviews. Most of them rely on feasibility or pilot trials characterized by small sample sizes and short durations; different methodologies, outcome assessments and terminologies are involved; the explored spectrum of neurological conditions turns out to be scanty, mainly including the most common and wider debilitating groups of conditions in pediatric neurology: cerebral palsy, brain injuries and autism. CONCLUSION: Even though it highlights reduced possibilities of drawing evidence-based conclusions due to the above outlined biases, this systematic review raises awareness among pediatricians and other health professionals about gaming technologies. Such a review also points out a definite need of rigorous studies that clearly refer to the underlying neuroscientific principles.

Background: Cannabis is used by adolescents worldwide. Adolescents are more susceptible to the psychological effects of cannabis because their brains are still developing. Cannabis use in adolescents has been reportedly associated with later onset of bipolar disorder. Aims: The purpose of this study is to systematically review and analyze longitudinal prospective cohort studies of cannabis use during adolescence and evaluate the risk of developing bipolar disorder. Methods: We defined the participants, exposures, comparisons, and outcomes (PECO) as follows: (P) adolescents in the 10-19-year age group at the baseline survey; (E) cannabis use at least once during lifetime; (C) never-used cannabis over lifetime; and (O) the onset of bipolar disorder. A systematic search for published prospective cohort studies will be conducted by using the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Japan Medical Abstracts Society. The quality assessment will be performed by using Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions. Meta-analysis will be done if the included studies that exist are more than three. Heterogeneity will be assessed using Cochran's Q test and I2 . Funnel plots and Egger's test will be done to assess publication bias. Discussion: This study will clarify the association between adolescent cannabis use and the subsequent development of bipolar disorder, which could be useful for future research directions and policy making.

Introduction. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex phenomenon composed of multiple micro and macro socio structural elements. It has become a public health priority. The aim of the study was to identify IPV-prevention interventions directed towards the Latino and Hispanic-American population through a systematic review, following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Methodology. Studies were extracted from PubMed, EBSCO, PsycINFO, Web of Sciences, Scopus and Scielo using a specific search strategy for each database. Articles on IPV-prevention in the Latino and/or Hispanic-American population aged between 13 and 24 years, published in English or Spanish and until July 2020 were included. After eliminating duplicates, a total of 1,031 studies were reviewed by title and abstract, 31 were full-text peer-reviewed, and six studies were included in the evidence synthesis. Results. Four studies presented a medium level of quality and two a high-quality level, according to the Joanna Briggs evaluation tools. Four interventions were implemented in the USA and two in Mexico. Regarding the characteristics of the total sample of the six interventions, the age range was 13 to 23 years, and all addressed both sexes. The six interventions were implemented in educational institutions. The shortest intervention was a four-hour session and the longest was 18-sessions long. Five of the six interventions were theory-based, including Social Learning Theory, Cognitive Social Theory, Theatre of the Oppressed, and the Social Development Model. Significant results were obtained in the following domains: decreasing the acceptance of violence; greater self-efficacy to resolve non-violent conflicts and greater intentions not to act violently; increased perception and attitudes towards violence; increased knowledge about violence; less acceptance of aggression women-to-men; and an increase in help-seeking. Discussion and conclusions. Compared to the number of available interventions that do not specifically address race or socio-cultural background criteria, there are few IPV-prevention interventions addressing adolescents and young adults, or culturally ad hoc interventions for Latin and Hispanic-American populations. Worthy of note was the short duration of interventions in relation to the expected outcome based on the dependent variables, as behavioral change depends on them. Interventions to prevent IPV may be promising when implemented in the educational context, including students, teachers and staff, with participatory community-based approaches and considering the uniqueness of the socio-cultural and structural context that shapes violence against women. The adaptation of such interventions to similar contexts through systematic processes contributes to knowledge transfer and the improvement of innovations.

Adolescence, a period of physical, social, cognitive and emotional development, represents a target population for sexual health promotion and education when it comes to achieving the 2030 Agenda goals for sustainable and equitable societies. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of what is known about the dissemination and effectiveness of sex education programs and thereby to inform better public policy making in this area. Methodology: We carried out a systematic review based on international scientific literature, in which only peer-reviewed papers were included. To identify reviews, we carried out an electronic search of the Cochrane Database Reviews, ERIC, Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, Scopus and PsycINFO. This paper provides a narrative review of reviews of the literature from 2015 to 2020. Results: 20 reviews met the inclusion criteria (10 in school settings, 9 using digital platforms and 1 blended learning program): they focused mainly on reducing risk behaviors (e.g., VIH/STIs and unwanted pregnancies), whilst obviating themes such as desire and pleasure, which were not included in outcome evaluations. The reviews with the lowest risk of bias are those carried out in school settings and are the ones that most question the effectiveness of sex education programs. Whilst the reviews of digital platforms and blended learning show greater effectiveness in terms of promoting sexual and reproductive health in adolescents (ASRH), they nevertheless also include greater risks of bias. Conclusion: A more rigorous assessment of the effectiveness of sexual education programs is necessary, especially regarding the opportunities offered by new technologies, which may lead to more cost-effective interventions than with in-person programs. Moreover, blended learning programs offer a promising way forward, as they combine the best of face-to-face and digital interventions, and may provide an excellent tool in the new context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The emergence of link between periodontal disease and diabetes has created conditions for analyzing new interdisciplinary approach making toward tackling oral health and systemic issues. As periodontal disease is a readily modifiable risk factor this association has potential clinical implications. The aim of this paper was systematically review the extant literature related to analytics data in order to identify the association between type 1 diabetes (T1DM) in childhood and adolescence with periodontal inflammation. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a database search between 2004 and 2019. A manual search of the literature was conducted as an additional phase of the search process, with the aim of identifying studies that were missed in the primary search. One hundred and thirty-nine records were screened and 10 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most studies were of moderate methodological quality. Outcomes included assessments of diabetes and periodontal status. In diabetic populations, compared to healthy subjects, interindividual differences in periodontal status are reflected in higher severity of periodontal inflammation. The most reported barriers to evidence uptake were the intrinsic limits of cross-sectional report data and relevant research, and lack of timely research output. Based on the evidence presented within the literature, the aforementioned biomarkers correlate with poor periodontal status in type 1 diabetic patients. Whilst the corpus of the evidence suggests that there may be an association between periodontal status and type 1 diabetes, study designs and methodological limitations hinder interpretation of the current research.