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1.
J Dent Res ; 102(9): 988-998, 2023 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37329133

ABSTRACT

Young children need increased access to dental prevention and care. Targeting high caries risk children first helps meet this need. The objective of this study was to develop a parent-completed, easy-to-score, short, accurate caries risk tool for screening in primary health care settings to identify children at increased risk for cavities. A longitudinal, prospective, multisite, cohort study enrolled (primarily through primary health care settings) and followed 985 (out of 1,326) 1-y-old children and their primary caregivers (PCGs) until age 4. The PCG completed a 52-item self-administered questionnaire, and children were examined using the International Caries Detection and Assessment Criteria (ICDAS) at 12 ± 3 mo (baseline), 30 ± 3 mo (80% retention), and 48 ± 3 mo of age (74% retention). Cavitated caries lesion (dmfs = decayed, missing, and filled surfaces; d = ICDAS ≥3) experience at 4 y of age was assessed and tested for associations with questionnaire items using generalized estimating equation models applied to logistic regression. Multivariable analysis used backward model selection, with a limit of 10 items. At age 4, 24% of children had cavitated-level caries experience; 49% were female; 14% were Hispanic, 41% were White, 33% were Black, 2% were other, and 10% were multiracial; 58% enrolled in Medicaid; and 95% lived in urban communities. The age 4 multivariable prediction model, using age 1 responses (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.73), included the following significant (P < 0.001) variables (odds ratios): child participating in public assistance programs such as Medicaid (1.74), being non-White (1.80-1.96), born premature (1.48), not born by caesarean section (1.28), snacking on sugary snacks (3 or more/d, 2.22; 1-2/d or weekly, 1.55), PCG cleaning the pacifier with juice/soda/honey or sweet drink (2.17), PCG daily sharing/tasting food with child using same spoon/fork/glass (1.32), PCG brushing their teeth less than daily (2.72), PCG's gums bleeding daily when brushing or PCG having no teeth (1.83-2.00), and PCG having cavities/fillings/extractions in past 2 y (1.55). A 10-item caries risk tool at age 1 shows good agreement with cavitated-level caries experience by age 4.


Subject(s)
Dental Caries , Pregnancy , Humans , Child , Female , Child, Preschool , Infant , Male , Dental Caries/diagnosis , Dental Caries/epidemiology , Dental Caries/prevention & control , Cohort Studies , Prospective Studies , Cesarean Section , Primary Health Care , DMF Index
2.
Actas urol. esp ; 47(4): 195-210, mayo 2023. ilus, tab
Article in Spanish | IBECS | ID: ibc-219975

ABSTRACT

El contacto de la orina con la mucosa de la derivación urinaria (DU) tras la cistectomía radical (CR) produce diversos intercambios iónicos que promueven el desarrollo de la acidosis metabólica (AM). Esta alteración es una causa frecuente de reingresos y complicaciones a corto/largo plazo. Realizamos una revisión sistemática sobre la AM en CR con DU ileales, analizando su prevalencia, diagnóstico, factores de riesgo y tratamiento. Llevamos a cabo una revisión de la literatura de artículos publicados en Pubmed® y Cochrane Library antes de mayo de 2022 siguiendo las recomendaciones PRISMA. Se identificaron 421 artículos, de los cuales 25 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión sumando un total de 5.811 pacientes. Los estudios analizados demuestran mucha heterogeneidad en los criterios analíticos de diagnóstico y tratamiento utilizados, pudiendo sesgar los resultados de prevalencia. El desarrollo de la AM es multifactorial, siendo más frecuente su aparición durante el periodo postoperatorio temprano, especialmente en DU con segmentos ileales más largos, con mayor continencia urinaria y en pacientes con insuficiencia renal. La edad avanzada y la diabetes son factores de riesgo relacionados en periodos más tardíos. La AM es la causa más frecuente de segundos o más reingresos hospitalarios. La realización de profilaxis alcalinizante durante 3 meses en pacientes de riesgo podría mejorar estos resultados. Aunque la AM en DU ileales es una alteración conocida, esta revisión revela la necesidad de implementar criterios homogéneos de diagnóstico, monitorización y tratamiento, además de protocolizar estrategias de prevención/profilaxis en pacientes de riesgo (AU)


Urine contact with the mucosa of the urinary diversion (UD) after radical cystectomy (RC) produces different ion exchanges that favor the development of metabolic acidosis (MA). This phenomenon is a frequent cause of hospital readmission and short/long-term complications. We performed a systematic review of MA in RCs with ileal UD, analyzing its prevalence, diagnosis, risk factors and treatment. We systematically searched Pubmed® and Cochrane Library for original articles published before May 2022 according to PRISMA guidelines. A total of 421 articles were identified. We selected 25 studies that met the inclusion criteria involving 5811 patients. Obtaining precise data on the prevalence of MA is difficult, largely due to the heterogeneity of the diagnostic criteria used given the diversity of studies analyzed. Development of MA is multifactorial. In the early period, MA is more prevalent in patients with UD with longer ileal segments, better urinary continence, and impaired renal function. Age and diabetes are risk factors associated with MA in later periods. MA is the most common cause of second or more hospital readmissions. Prophylaxis with oral bicarbonate for three months in patients at risk could improve these results. Although MA after ileal UD is a well-known condition, this review highlights the need to implement homogeneous criteria for the diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment, in addition to protocolizing prevention/prophylaxis strategies in patients at risk (AU)


Subject(s)
Humans , Acidosis/etiology , Acidosis/therapy , Cystectomy/adverse effects , Urinary Diversion , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/surgery , Urinary Diversion/methods , Cystectomy/methods
3.
Actas Urol Esp (Engl Ed) ; 47(4): 195-210, 2023 05.
Article in English, Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36427800

ABSTRACT

Urine contact with the mucosa of the urinary diversion (UD) after radical cystectomy (RC) produces different ion exchanges that favor the development of metabolic acidosis (MA). This phenomenon is a frequent cause of hospital readmission and short/long-term complications. We performed a systematic review of MA in RCs with ileal UD, analyzing its prevalence, diagnosis, risk factors and treatment. We systematically searched Pubmed® and Cochrane Library for original articles published before May 2022 according to PRISMA guidelines. A total of 421 articles were identified. We selected 25 studies that met the inclusion criteria involving 5811 patients. Obtaining precise data on the prevalence of MA is difficult, largely due to the heterogeneity of the diagnostic criteria used given the diversity of studies analyzed. Development of MA is multifactorial. In the early period, MA is more prevalent in patients with UD with longer ileal segments, better urinary continence, and impaired renal function. Age and diabetes are risk factors associated with MA in later periods. MA is the most common cause of second or more hospital readmissions. Prophylaxis with oral bicarbonate for three months in patients at risk could improve these results. Although MA after ileal UD is a well-known condition, this review highlights the need to implement homogeneous criteria for the diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment, in addition to protocolizing prevention/prophylaxis strategies in patients at risk.


Subject(s)
Acidosis , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms , Urinary Diversion , Humans , Cystectomy/adverse effects , Cystectomy/methods , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/surgery , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/etiology , Urinary Bladder , Urinary Diversion/adverse effects , Urinary Diversion/methods , Acidosis/epidemiology , Acidosis/etiology , Acidosis/therapy
4.
Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol ; 62(4): 472-482, 2022 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35538882

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy represents a time of increased morbidity and mortality for women and their infants. Clinical quality registries (CQRs) collect, analyse and report key healthcare quality indicators for patient cohorts to improve patient care. There are limited data regarding existing CQRs in pregnancy. This scoping review aimed to: (1) identify Australian CQRs specific to pregnancy care and describe their general characteristics; and (2) outline their aims and measured outcomes METHODS: The scoping review was undertaken according to Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. CQRs were identified using a systematic approach from publications (Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar), peer consultation, the Australian register of clinical registries and web searches. Details surrounding general characteristics, aims and outcomes were collated. RESULTS: We identified two primary sources of information about pregnancy care. (1) Six CQRs are specific to pregnancy (Australia and New Zealand twin-twin transfusion syndrome registry, Australian Pregnancy Register for women with epilepsy and those taking anti-epileptic drugs, National Register of Antipsychotic Medication in Pregnancy, Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System, Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopaenia Registry and the Diabetes in Pregnancy clinical register). (2) Fourteen observational cohort studies were facilitated by non-pregnancy-specific CQRs where a subsection of patients underwent pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Australian CQRs currently report varied information regarding some selected conditions during pregnancy and offer therapeutic and epidemiological insight into their care. Further research into their effectiveness is warranted. We note the lack of a CQR spanning the common problems of pregnancy in general, where significant health, service and economic gains are possible.


Subject(s)
Prenatal Care , Quality Indicators, Health Care , Australia/epidemiology , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Registries
5.
ISME J ; 16(1): 211-220, 2022 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34290379

ABSTRACT

Aerobic methanotrophy is strongly controlled by copper, and methanotrophs are known to use different mechanisms for copper uptake. Some methanotrophs secrete a modified polypeptide-methanobactin-while others utilize a surface-bound protein (MopE) and a secreted form of it (MopE*) for copper collection. As different methanotrophs have different means of sequestering copper, competition for copper significantly impacts methanotrophic activity. Herein, we show that Methylomicrobium album BG8, Methylocystis sp. strain Rockwell, and Methylococcus capsulatus Bath, all lacking genes for methanobactin biosynthesis, are not limited for copper by multiple forms of methanobactin. Interestingly, Mm. album BG8 and Methylocystis sp. strain Rockwell were found to have genes similar to mbnT that encodes for a TonB-dependent transporter required for methanobactin uptake. Data indicate that these methanotrophs "steal" methanobactin and such "theft" enhances the ability of these strains to degrade methylmercury, a potent neurotoxin. Further, when mbnT was deleted in Mm. album BG8, methylmercury degradation in the presence of methanobactin was indistinguishable from when MB was not added. Mc. capsulatus Bath lacks anything similar to mbnT and was unable to degrade methylmercury either in the presence or absence of methanobactin. Rather, Mc. capsulatus Bath appears to rely on MopE/MopE* for copper collection. Finally, not only does Mm. album BG8 steal methanobactin, it synthesizes a novel chalkophore, suggesting that some methanotrophs utilize both competition and cheating strategies for copper collection. Through a better understanding of these strategies, methanotrophic communities may be more effectively manipulated to reduce methane emissions and also enhance mercury detoxification in situ.


Subject(s)
Methylmercury Compounds , Methylosinus trichosporium , Copper/metabolism , Imidazoles/metabolism , Methylmercury Compounds/metabolism , Methylosinus trichosporium/genetics , Methylosinus trichosporium/metabolism , Oligopeptides/metabolism
6.
Int Urogynecol J ; 32(9): 2349-2352, 2021 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34076719

ABSTRACT

Damage to the pelvic floor during pregnancy and vaginal delivery is an inevitable consequence of the natural birthing process. As this damage is associated with functional and anatomical problems in later life, minimizing pelvic floor damage during pregnancy and vaginal delivery may serve as an important factor in the prevention of these unwanted sequelae. Operative vaginal delivery using forceps or vacuum extractor is common practice to achieve or expedite vaginal birth for maternal or fetal indications such as maternal exhaustion or fetal distress. However, operative vaginal delivery is associated with more extensive damage to the pelvic floor and perineal structures with forceps carrying a stronger risk compared to vacuum. The evidence on this subject is discussed with possible suggestions to minimize pelvic floor damage as much as possible.


Subject(s)
Fecal Incontinence , Goals , Delivery, Obstetric , Female , Humans , Obstetrical Forceps/adverse effects , Perineum , Pregnancy , Surgical Instruments
7.
BJA Educ ; 21(2): 42-43, 2021 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33889428
8.
Int Urogynecol J ; 32(6): 1373-1377, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33580811

ABSTRACT

This case presents the work-up and management of a patient experiencing acute kidney injury, urinary retention, and neuropathy following surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Four international experts provide their evaluation of and approach to this complex case.


Subject(s)
Pelvic Organ Prolapse , Plastic Surgery Procedures , Urinary Incontinence, Stress , Urinary Retention , Female , Humans , Pelvic Organ Prolapse/surgery , Pelvis , Urinary Incontinence, Stress/surgery
10.
Braz J Microbiol ; 52(1): 461-466, 2021 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33175343

ABSTRACT

Equine influenza (EI) virus is one of the most economically important pathogens of respiratory diseases of horses worldwide. Despite availability of vaccines for control of EI, the highly contagious nature and variability properties of the virus mean global outbreaks occur. Thus, continuous surveillance programs, including seroprevalence studies of disease in different countries, may contribute to better control of the disease. In this study, the seroprevalence of equine influenza in 850 horses from Brazil was investigated. The serodiagnosis was based on the single radial hemolysis (SRH) assay using influenza A/equine/Richmond/1/2007 (H3N8) antigen. Antibodies against A/equine/Richmond/1/07 (H3N8) were detected in 44.7% (380/850, 95% CI: 41.4-48.1%) of horses. Seroprevalence was significantly lower (p = 0.001) in younger animals (< 5 years, 38.6%) than in "adult" animals (5-14 years, 52.1%). There was also a significant relationship between the year of sampling and seroprevalence (p < 0.0005). The mean SRH antibody value was 42.0 mm2 (range 4-238.9 mm2), with the majority of horses (95.3%) having an SRH value ≤ 150 mm2, which is considered an insufficient level for protection of equine hosts against influenza infections and potential virus shedding. These findings indicate the need to reinforce preventive/control measures against equine influenza in Brazil.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/blood , Disease Outbreaks/veterinary , Horse Diseases/epidemiology , Influenza A Virus, H3N8 Subtype/immunology , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/epidemiology , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/immunology , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/veterinary , Animals , Brazil , Female , Horse Diseases/virology , Horses/immunology , Horses/virology , Male , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/prevention & control , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Virus Shedding
11.
Int Urogynecol J ; 32(6): 1387-1390, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33112967

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The IUGA special interest group (SIG) identified a need for a minimum data set (MDS) to inform outcome measurements to be included and simplify data capture and standardise reporting for data collection systems. To define a minimum data set for urogynaecological surgical registries. METHODS: Existing registries provide an inventory of items. A modified Delphi approach was used to identify a MDS. At each stage reviewers ranked data points and used free text to comment. The rating used a scale of 0-10 at each review and a traffic light system rated the scores as desirable, highly desirable and mandatory. The scores were collated and reported back to clinicians prior to the further rounds. Outliers were highlighted and reviewers re-assessed prior to repeating the process. A comparison of the MDS was made with published outcomes. RESULTS: Reviewers were from the outcome SIG with emphasis on widespread representation. Fifteen clinicians from eight countries were involved. Four reviewers dissected the existing databases. Eighty data points were considered in four categories, background, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative. Consensus was reached by the third round. Two points were added on review (date of surgery and urodynamics). Three background points, five preoperative points, seven intraoperative points and nine postoperative points were identified giving 24 minimum data points in the final recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: An MDS has been developed for urogynaecological surgical registries. These should be mandatory points which then allow larger varying points to be assessed. These points correspond well to data points used in published papers from established databases.


Subject(s)
Delphi Technique , Consensus , Databases, Factual , Humans , Postoperative Period , Registries
12.
Community Dent Health ; 37(4): 236-238, 2020 Nov 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33269826

ABSTRACT

Over the last year, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has accumulated over 37 million cases and over one million deaths worldwide (WHO, 2020). With no population immunity or vaccine at hand, all but fifteen countries issued 'stay at home' orders in a bid to contain the spread of the virus and limit the healthcare burden. 'Lockdown' included closure of dental practices. Both the virus itself and the various Government responses have had a profound impact on the work, home and social lives of the entire population and are likely to impact the oral health of many people. These oral health effects can be attributed to those caused directly by the virus and those caused indirectly through the subsequent societal response. Direct effects of COVID-19 on oral health include ageusia (an official symptom of COVID-19) and case reports of vesiculobullous lesions and necrotising periodontal disease (Patel and Woolley 2020). The ageusia associated with COVID-19 is transient and reports of other oral manifestations are based on low-grade and disputed evidence. The direct effects of COVID-19 are likely to be of modest consequence for population oral health.


Subject(s)
Ageusia , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections , Pneumonia, Viral , Ageusia/virology , COVID-19/complications , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Humans , Oral Health , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2
13.
Contemp Nurse ; 56(4): 297-308, 2020 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32799620

ABSTRACT

Nurses and midwives of Australia now is the time for change! As powerfully placed, Indigenous and non-Indigenous nursing and midwifery professionals, together we can ensure an effective and robust Indigenous curriculum in our nursing and midwifery schools of education. Today, Australia finds itself in a shifting tide of social change, where the voices for better and safer health care ring out loud. Voices for justice, equity and equality reverberate across our cities, our streets, homes, and institutions of learning. It is a call for new songlines of reform. The need to embed meaningful Indigenous health curricula is stronger now than it ever was for Australian nursing and midwifery. It is essential that nursing and midwifery leadership continue to build an authentic collaborative environment for Indigenous curriculum development. Bipartisan alliance is imperative for all academic staff to be confident in their teaching and learning experiences with Indigenous health syllabus. This paper is a call out. Now is the time for Indigenous and non-Indigenous nurses and midwives to make a stand together, for justice and equity in our teaching, learning, and practice. Together we will dismantle systems, policy, and practices in health that oppress. The Black Lives Matter movement provides us with a 'now window' of accepted dialogue to build a better, culturally safe Australian nursing and midwifery workforce, ensuring that Black Lives Matter in all aspects of health care.


Subject(s)
Administrative Personnel/psychology , Black or African American/psychology , Culturally Competent Care/organization & administration , Midwifery/education , Nursing Care/psychology , Nursing Staff, Hospital/psychology , Racism/prevention & control , Students, Nursing/psychology , Adult , Australia , Curriculum , Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate , Female , Humans , Leadership , Male , Middle Aged , Nursing Staff, Hospital/education , Pregnancy , Racism/psychology
14.
Prev Vet Med ; 180: 105011, 2020 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32438206

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Equine influenza virus is a highly contagious respiratory pathogen that causes pyrexia, anorexia, lethargy and coughing in immunologically naïve horses. Vaccines against equine influenza are available and vaccination is mandatory for horses that participate in affiliated competitions, but this group forms a small proportion of the total horse population. The aims of this study were to: i) identify the equine influenza vaccination rate as reported in 2016 by horse owners in the United Kingdom (UK); ii) examine the demographics of owners and horses which were associated with significantly lower influenza vaccination rates and iii) explore factors that influence horse owners' decisions around influenza vaccine uptake. RESULTS: Responses from 4837 UK horse owners who were responsible for 10,501 horses were analysed. An overall equine influenza vaccination rate of 80% (8385/10501) was reported. Several owner demographic characteristics were associated with significantly lower (p<0.05) reported equine influenza vaccination rates including: some geographical locations, increasing horse owner age, annual household income of less that £15,000 and owning more than one horse. Horse-related features which were associated with significantly lower reported equine influenza vaccination rates included age ranges of <4 years and > 20 years, use as a companion or breeding animal or leaving their home premises either never or at most once a year. The most common reasons cited for failing to vaccinate horses was no competition activity, lack of exposure to influenza and expense of vaccines. In contrast, the most common underlying reasons given by horse owners who vaccinated their horse were protection of the individual horse against disease, veterinary advice and to protect the national herd. Owners of vaccinated horses had less previous experience of an influenza outbreak or adverse reaction to vaccination compared with owners of unvaccinated horses. CONCLUSIONS: This study documented a high rate of equine influenza vaccination as reported by owners in a substantial number of horses in the UK, but this does not reflect the level of protection. Sub-populations of horses which were less likely to be vaccinated and the factors that influence each owner's decision around vaccination of their horses against equine influenza were identified, but may alter following the 2019 European influenza outbreak. This information may nevertheless help veterinary surgeons identify "at-risk" patients and communicate more personalised advice to their horse-owning clients. It may also influence educational campaigns about equine influenza directed to horse owners, which aim to improve uptake of vaccination against this pathogen.


Subject(s)
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Horse Diseases/prevention & control , Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/veterinary , Vaccination/veterinary , Adult , Aged , Animals , Female , Horse Diseases/psychology , Horses , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/prevention & control , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/psychology , Vaccination/psychology , Young Adult
19.
J Dent Res ; 98(1): 68-76, 2019 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30205016

ABSTRACT

Expanded partnership with the medical community is a promising strategy for reducing disparities in dental caries among young children. However, no validated caries risk instrument exists for use in primary health care settings. To help resolve this gap, a 52-item caries risk questionnaire was developed and targeted to primary caregivers (PCGs) to test in a 3-y prospective study. To begin to understand the validity of the questionnaire items, the purpose of this study was to compare responses to the questionnaire based on key demographic characteristics known to be associated with disparities in caries experience (e.g., race/ethnicity and insurance status). A total of 1,323 one-year-old children were recruited primarily through 3 medical research networks. Baseline questionnaire responses were analyzed via logistic regression. The sample was 49% female. Its racial/ethnic makeup was as follows: 13% Hispanic, 37% White, 37% Black, and 13% other or multiracial. Sixty-one percent were enrolled in Medicaid, and 95% resided in urban communities. Mothers represented 94% of PCGs. There were significant differences ( P < 0.05) in baseline responses based on Medicaid status and race/ethnicity. As compared with those not enrolled in Medicaid, children in the Medicaid group were significantly more likely (after adjusting for race/ethnicity) to 1) go to sleep while nursing or drinking something other than water, 2) eat sugary snacks between meals, 3) consume sugary drinks between meals, 4) receive topical fluoride from a health professional, 5) visit the dentist, and 6) not have an employed adult in the household. PCGs of children enrolled in Medicaid were significantly more likely to be the mother, have bleeding gums, eat sugary snacks between meals, consume sugary drinks between meals, eat or drink something other than water before going to bed, and not get regular dental checkups. In conclusion, there are significant differences in caries risk questionnaire responses based on Medicaid status and race/ethnicity that provide construct and criterion validity to the developed caries risk tool (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01707797).


Subject(s)
Dental Caries , Ethnicity , Health Status Disparities , Medicaid/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Asian People , Black People , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Hispanic or Latino , Humans , Infant , Male , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , United States , White People
20.
JMIR Mhealth Uhealth ; 6(11): e189, 2018 Nov 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30446483

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy apps are a booming global industry, with most pregnant women in high-income countries now using them. From the perspective of health care and health information provision, this is both encouraging and unsettling; the demand indicates a clear direction for the development of future resources, but it also underscores the importance of processes ensuring access, reliability, and quality control. OBJECTIVE: This review provides an overview of current literature on pregnancy apps and aims at describing (1) the ways in which apps are used by women, in general, and by those of a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background; (2) the utility and quality of information provided; and (3) areas where more research, development, and oversight are needed. METHODS: We chose a narrative review methodology for the study and performed a structured literature search including studies published between 2012 and 2017. Searches were performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases. Studies were identified for inclusion using two separate search criteria and strategies: (1) studies on pregnancy apps and pregnant women's use of these apps and (2) studies on CALD pregnant women and their use of technology for accessing information on and services for pregnancy. Overall, we selected 38 studies. RESULTS: We found that pregnancy apps were principally used to access pregnancy health and fetal development information. Data storage capability, Web-based features or personalized tools, and social media features were also popular app features sought by women. Lower rates of the pregnancy app uptake were indicated among lower-income and non-English-speaking women. Preliminary evidence indicates that a combination of technological, health literacy, and language issues may result in lower uptake of pregnancy apps by these groups; however, further investigation is required. A marked limitation of the health app industry is lack of regulation in a commercially dominated field, making it difficult for users to assess the reliability of the information being presented. Health professionals and users alike indicate that given the choice, they would prefer using pregnancy apps that are relevant to their local health care context and come from a trusted source. Evidence indicates a need for greater health professional and institutional engagement in the app development, as well as awareness of and guidance for women's use of these resources. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first review of pregnancy app use, types of information provided, and features preferred by pregnant women in general and by those of a CALD background in particular. It indicates the demand for access to accurate information that is relevant to users, their community, and their associated health services. Given the popularity of pregnancy apps, such apps have enormous potential to be used for the provision of accurate, evidence-based health information.

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