Social Science Databases Research Articles

Prevalence and factors associated with tuberculosis among the mining communities in Mererani, Tanzania.

Tuberculosis (TB) is among diseases of global health importance with Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) accounting for 25% of the global TB burden. TB prevalence among miners in SSA is estimated at 3,000-7,000/100,000, which is about 3 to 10-times higher than in the general population. The study's objective was to determine the prevalence of TB and associated risk factors among mining communities in Mererani, northern Tanzania. This was a cross-sectional study conducted from April 2019 to November 2021 involving current Small Scale Miners (SSM) and the General Community (GC). A total of 660 participants, 330 SSM and 330 GC were evaluated for the presence of TB. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) database (IBM SPSS Statistics Version 27.0.0.0). Binary logistic regression (Generalized Linear Mixed Model) was used to determine the association between TB and independent predictors. Prevalence of TB was 7%, about 24-times higher than the national prevalence of 0.295%. Participants from the general community had higher prevalence of TB 7.9% than SSM (6.1%). Both for SSM and the GC, TB was found to be associated with: lower education level (aOR = 3.62, 95%CI = 1.16-11.28), previous lung disease (aOR = 4.30, 95%CI = 1.48-12.53) and having symptoms of TB (aOR = 3.24, 95%CI = 1.38-7.64). Specifically for the SSM, TB was found to be associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection (aOR = 8.28, 95%CI = 1.21-56.66). Though significant progress has been attained in the control of the TB epidemic in Tanzania, still hot spots with significantly high burden of TB exists, including miners. More importantly, populations surrounding the mining areas, are equally affected, and needs more engagement in the control of TB so as to realize the Global End TB targets of 2035.

Flexibility within fidelity: A narrative review of practitioner modifications to child welfare interventions

PurposeAlthough there is a growing number of evidence-based interventions in child welfare, their outcomes are impacted by the level of implementation fidelity. Research demonstrates that it is vital to understand the type and degree of adaptations and modifications made during implementation. This narrative review examined articles where child welfare practitioners implemented an intervention. It analysed how practitioners modified the intervention, their reasons for the modification, and the effects on fidelity. Understanding the commonalities and reasons for these modifications will enhance the likelihood of successful implementation in child welfare systems. Design and methodsA systematic search was conducted using the Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts (ASSIA), ERIC, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS), Social Science Database, and Social Services Abstracts electronic databases. The search was limited to qualitative and mixed-methods journal articles in the English language. The search terms were “evidence-based”, “evidence-informed”, “research informed”, “empirically supported”, “evidence-supported” and “implement”, with derivations such as implementation, and “child protection”, “child welfare”, or “protective services”.Studies were included if their focus was on practitioners implementing an intervention in a child welfare setting. Studies were excluded if their focus was not on child welfare; if they were non-research articles, theses/dissertations, or interventional studies; or if the focus was not on the process of implementation. The data were extracted into a matrix based on the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded (FRAME). ResultsSeventeen articles based on 15 studies were reviewed. All the studies reported some form of modification to the intervention by practitioners. Two main categories of modifications were identified: those based on practitioners’ needs and those based on client needs. Practitioners were highly focused on enhancing the feasibility of interventions to help manage their large workloads. Practitioners also valued client relationships and prioritised those relationships over fidelity. Few interventions addressed the complex needs of child welfare clients, leading to further adaptation. Fidelity was most influenced by practitioners holding a conceptual understanding of the intervention and its core principles. These practitioners made thoughtful adaptations to enhance the intervention without affecting fidelity. Practice implicationsThe findings showed clear gaps in research. Further research should report on practitioner modifications and measures of fidelity, study the minimum length of effectiveness for interventions, and focus on developing interventions that address multi-morbidity. Finally, the findings showed that the primary barriers for practitioners using interventions with fidelity were organisational barriers. Practitioners were unlikely to use interventions when balancing too many competing priorities.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Interventions for Children Affected by Armed Conflict in low-and middle-income Countries: A Systematic Review.

. Armed conflicts continue to threaten a vast number of children across the world, especially in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Evidence-based interventions are vital to adequately address the mental health needs in these groups. . This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive update of the most current developments in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions for children affected by armed conflict in LMICs, since 2016. Such an update may be useful in determining where the current focus of interventions lies and whether there are changes in types of interventions that are commonly implemented. . The main medical, psychological and social sciences databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Medline) were searched to identify interventions aimed at improving or treating mental health problems in conflict-affected children in LMICs. For the period 2016-2022, a total of 1243 records were identified. Twenty-three articles met the inclusion criteria. A bio-ecological lens was used to organize the interventions and the presentation of findings. . Seventeen forms of MHPSS interventions with a wide range of treatment modalities were identified in this review. The reviewed articles focused mainly on family-based interventions. Very few studies empirically evaluated community-level interventions. . Current focus of interventions is family-based; the addition of caregiver wellbeing and parenting skills components had the potential to enhance the effects of interventions designed to improve children's mental health. Future trials for MHPSS interventions need to give more attention to community-level interventions. Community-level supports such as person-to-person support, solidarity groups, and dialogue groups stand to reach large numbers of children and families.

An Integrative Review of Sistah Circles in Empirical Research

Sistah circles are spaces shared by Black women who share similar goals, exchange resources (e.g., support), and invest in developing strong relational bonds over time. Considering the significance of sistah circles for Black women's wellness and survival, in this study we examined how this phenomenon has been researched in the social sciences literature and, in turn, offered a more refined conceptual definition and framework that will direct future research on this topic. Specifically, we completed an integrative review of empirical studies on sistah circles using social science databases and search engines to identify relevant literature. Articles included for review met the following criteria: (a) published between 2000 and 2020, (b) analyzed empirical data, (c) were composed of Black women participants, and (d) mentioned Black women groups or friendships. Qualifying sources ( N = 45) were organized into a taxonomy of three types of sistah circles: health-focused, social, and professional. We also analyzed sample characteristics, research methods, and publication trends across all of the articles included in the review. Based upon our taxonomy and results of our review, we highlight the strengths and limitations of the current scholarship focused on Black women's sistah circles and offer suggestions regarding future research and practice. Additional online materials for this article are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/03616843231154564

Barriers and facilitators of physical function, activity, sports and exercise in children and adolescents with spinal pain: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-ethnography

IntroductionSpinal pain is one of the leading causes of disability, with the incidence of adolescent back pain estimated at 20%. Multiple barriers influence exercise participation in adolescents. However, there remains...

A systematic review on the link between adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and later involvement in gang violence and extremist groups

IntroductionAdverse childhood experiences are common and have been linked to a number of physical illnesses, as well as socioeconomic problems. Moreover, it has been proven that ACEs can increase chances of people showing criminal behaviour. The question arises whether people with ACEs also have an increased chance of joining extremist groups or violent gangs.ObjectivesThe aim of this systematic review is to measure the ACE rates in violent extremists and gangs and to establish whether there is a pattern linking ACEs to violent extremist organizations and gangs.MethodsThe following databases were searched to retrieve relevant studies: the ProQuest Social Science database, Pubmed, Scopus. Eligible studies were articles of any study design that reported ACE rates in either extremists or gang members. Data was extracted and organized into a table and a quality assessment was performed using standardized tools (CASP and NHLBI). A narrative synthesis of the evidence was conducted. A meta-analysis could not be performed due to the heterogeneity of the studies.Results22 studies (eight on extremists and fourteen on gang members) were included. The studies varied in terms of research design, sample size, location and measured ACEs. Quality also varied across the studies. The prevalence rates were heterogenous and ranged from 0% to almost 100%.Physical abuse was the most addressed ACE (5 studies on extremists and 11 on gang members). Sexual abuse was the second most explored ACE (4 studies on extremists and 9 studies on gang members). Neglect and caregiver loss were also common ACEs, while the other ACEs were less represented in the two subpopulations. A comparison between the two subpopulations was difficult due to the differences in the studies.ConclusionsWhile overall ACE rates were high in the two groups and some ACEs were salient in the two subpopulations, quality of evidence varied across the studies. No solid ACE pattern across the studies could be found. Moreover, there were only two prospective studies on gang members and none on extremists, so a causal relationship between ACEs and involvement in violent gangs or extremist organizations could not be established. Future research should concentrate on studies of this design, as well as on improving the quality of the evidence.As ACEs are extremely common, researchers should also look beyond them when searching for causes of extremism or violent gang membership. Other negative events (bullying, racism) should also be explored.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

A Meta-Ethnography on the Impact of Cancer for Lesbian and Queer Women and Their Partners.

Lesbian and queer women face unique experiences navigating cancer care, including challenges in accessing services that incorporate their relational supports. Given the importance of social support for survivorship, this study examines the impact of cancer on lesbian/queer women in romantic relationships. We conducted the seven stages of Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnography. PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, and Social Sciences Abstract databases were searched. Two hundred and ninety citations were initially identified, 179 abstracts were reviewed, and 20 articles were coded. Themes were (a) intersectionality of lesbian/queer identity in the cancer context; (b) institutional and systemic supports and barriers; (c) navigation of disclosure; (d) characteristics of affirmative cancer care; (e) survivors' critical reliance on their partner(s); and (f) shifts in connection after cancer. Findings indicate the importance of accounting for intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, and socio-cultural-political factors for understanding the impact of cancer for lesbian and queer women and their romantic partners. Affirmative cancer care for sexual minorities fully validates and integrates partners in care, removes heteronormative assumptions in services provided, and offers LGB+ patient and partner support services.

A scoping review of the individual, socio-cultural, environmental and commercial determinants of gambling for older adults: implications for public health research and harm prevention

Gambling is a global public health issue that can cause harm to individuals, families, and communities. Older adults are vulnerable to gambling harm due to life-stage experiences. This study aimed to examine current research relating to individual, socio-cultural, environmental, and commercial determinants of gambling among older adults. A scoping review was conducted (PubMed, PsycInfo, SocIndex, CINAHL Complete, Web of Science, Social Science and Sociology databases available in ProQuest, Google Scholar, citation searching), with peer reviewed studies included that were published between 1 December 1999 and 28 September 2022. Included studies were published in English in peer-reviewed journals that examined the determinants of gambling in adults aged 55 and over. Records were excluded if they were experimental studies, prevalence studies or had a population wider than the required age group. Methodological quality was assessed using JBI critical appraisal tools. Data was extracted using a determinants of health framework and common themes were identified. Forty-four were included. Most literature examined individual and socio-cultural determinants including reasons for gambling, risk management strategies, and social motivations for gambling. Few studies investigated environmental or commercial determinants, and those that did focused on accessibility of venues or promotions as pathways to gambling. Further research is needed to understand the impact of gambling environments and industry, and effective public health responses for older adults.

Evidence for 24-hour posture management: A scoping review

Introduction:People with complex physical disabilities unable to change their position independently are at risk of developing postural deformities and secondary complications. 24-hour posture management is needed to protect body structure. With inconsistencies in current service provision, this research aimed to scope the evidence for a 24-hour posture management approach.Method:A scoping review was conducted using four health and social science databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied; further papers were included through citation chaining.Results:The evidence for 24-hour posture management was often low quality due to the complications of completing robust research studies in this complex specialty. However, many professionals in the field agree that a 24-hour approach to postural care is essential.Conclusion:There is a need for clear national policy and guidance relating to postural care and scope for development of dedicated posture management services. Current NHS service provision is variable and inconsistent. Lack of postural care is a safeguarding and human rights issue. Specialist training and research in postural care within the Occupational Therapy profession is required to raise awareness of the role Occupational Therapists can play in preventing postural deformities and other secondary complications through providing good postural care.

The effects of birth spacing on early childhood development in high-income nations: A systematic review.

This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the associations between birth spacing and developmental outcomes in early childhood (3-10 years of age). Studies examining the associations between interpregnancy intervals and child development outcomes during and beyond the perinatal period have not been systematically reviewed. We searched Ovid/MEDLINE, Global Health, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, Educational Source, Research Starters, ERIC, Scopus, PubMed, Social Science Research Network database, and ProQuest's Social Sciences Databases for relevant articles published between 1 January 1989 and 25 June 2021. Studies published in English, conducted in populations residing in high-income countries with any measure of birth spacing, and child development outcomes among children aged <10 years were included. Two authors independently assessed the eligibility of studies and extracted data on the study design, setting and population, birth spacing, outcomes, and results. The search yielded 1,556 records, of which seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Five of these seven studies used birth intervals as the exposure measure. Definitions of exposure differed between the studies. Three studies reported an association between short birth spacing and poorer child development outcomes, and two studies reported an association between long birth spacing and poorer child development outcomes. Currently, limited evidence suggests that the adverse effects of sub-optimal birth spacing are observable beyond infancy.

Exploring the Relationship Between Compassion and Attachment in Individuals with Mental Health Difficulties: A Systematic Review

The objective of the review was to explore the relevance of the relationship of compassion and attachment to mental health. APAPsycInfo, APAPsycArticles, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Social Science Database, Sociology Database, PTSDpubs, Pubmed, and Web of Science were searched from their inception until November 9, 2021. Peer-reviewed empirical studies exploring the compassion–attachment relationship in individuals with mental health difficulties through outcome measures were included. Studies were excluded if non-empirical, with non-clinical/subclinical samples, in a language other than English and if they did not consider the compassion–attachment relationship. Risk of bias was assessed through The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and the Downs and Black Checklist. Seven eligible studies comprising 4839 participants were identified, with low to moderate risk of overall bias. Findings indicated a more straightforward relationship between self-compassion and secure attachment and confirmed the relevance of compassion and attachment to psychological functioning. Limitations concerned study design, the use of self-report measures, and low generalisability. While suggesting mechanisms underpinning compassion and attachment, the review corroborates the role of secure attachment and self-compassion as therapeutic targets against mental health difficulties. This study is registered on PROSPERO number CRD42021296279.

Residential parenting services: An integrative literature review of characteristics, service usage and parent and staff perspectives.

The primary aim of the review was to provide an overall assessment of residential parenting services in Australia, by describing the characteristics of infants and parents using residential parenting services, their prior service use and reasons for admission, referral pathways for access and parenting and infant outcomes. The secondary aims were to explore parent and staff perception of the programmes. An integrative literature review. A systematic and comprehensive search of health and social sciences databases was conducted for studies related to residential parenting services (published between 1st January 1990-31st December 2019). Six hundred and eleven peer-reviewed papers were identified, after which 301 duplicates were removed and an additional 256 papers excluded after titles/abstracts were read. Of the remaining 54 abstracts/papers, a further 14 were omitted as not relevant. Forty papers were independently reviewed by four authors. ENTREQ and MOOSE checklists were applied. Thirty studies were quantitative, nine were qualitative, and one was mixed methods. All studies originated from in Australia. Women and babies admitted to residential parenting services were found more likely to be: older, Australian born, from higher socio-economic groups, and first-time mothers, and having labour and birth interventions and a history of mental health disorders. The babies were more likely to be twins, male and admitted with sleep disorders and dysregulated behaviour. Studies reporting postintervention outcomes demonstrated improvements to maternal mental health, breastfeeding, parenting confidence and sleep quality, and infant sleeping and behaviour.

Effectiveness of breast cancer screening interventions in improving screening rates and preventive activities in Muslim refugee and immigrant women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To systematically assess the effectiveness of breast cancer (BC) interventions in improving breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), mammogram screening rates, and preventive activities in Muslim refugee and immigrant women. Guided by the Health Belief Model, a mixed method systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using a sequential design. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement (PRISMA), the Critical Appraisal Skill Program Checklists, and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic search of English-language peer-reviewed articles was undertaken in multiple health and social sciences databases from January 1, 2015, to March 31, 2022. Randomized clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies focused on the uptake of BSE, CBE, and mammograms were selected. Fourteen articles were included in the review. Most of the studies relied on quasi-experimental designs and were carried out in the United States of America. The qualitative analysis of BC screening interventions generated three themes: (1) education, (2) access-focused, and (3) cultural and faith-based. The meta-analysis included three randomized control trials and two quasi-experimental studies. The meta-analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of community-led cultural and faith-based interventions in facilitating the completion of CBE and mammography screening. Education on BC and patient navigator interventions are more effectively used in conjunction than standalone interventions, yet community-based cultural and faith-based interventions are the most effective. This systematic and meta-analysis review provides evidence on the effectiveness of access-focused and cultural and faith-based interventions in improving BC screening in Muslim refugee and immigrant women. Future research should focus on designing and measuring the effectiveness of cultural and faith-based interventions to increase Muslim refugee and immigrant women's BC screening knowledge and practices. This systematic and meta-analysis review demonstrates the need to explore Muslim refugee and immigrant women's cultural contexts for developing culturally sensitive BC screening interventions. Knowledge and practice of BC and religiosity intersect with financial, geographic, and linguistic barriers to decrease participation in screening and preventive activities in Muslim refugee and immigrant women.

How do Chinese students’ critical thinking compare with other students?: A structured review of the existing evidence

An increasing number of Chinese students are now studying abroad in western universities, and there is a widespread concern among western academics that Chinese students are not trained to have a critical mind. However, there is little empirical evidence so far as to whether this is actually the case. This paper presents the results of a systematic review of international studies that compare the critical thinking of Chinese students with students of other nationalities. A search of eight social science databases supplemented by other sources found 15 studies that met pre-specified inclusion criteria. Nine of these focused on students’ critical thinking skills, but their results were mixed. There is no evidence to support the claim that Chinese students have higher or lower critical thinking skills than other students. The research in this area is weak. Five studies on critical thinking dispositions suggest that Chinese students were less disposed to critical thinking, which is not the same as being weak in critical thinking. Only one study was about critical thinking style, indicating that Chinese students perfer information-seeking to engaging in critical thinking. Almost all studies were small-scale using weak designs. These findings suggest that the critical thinking of Chinese students is under-studied, and therefore, more robust, larger-scale experimental studies are needed.

Impact of smoking bans and other smoking cessation interventions in prisons, mental health and substance use treatment settings: A systematic review of the evidence

We conducted a systematic review to examine whether smoking bans alone are effective in achieving smoking cessation in people released from prison, and patients discharged from mental health or substance use settings. We searched health, criminology and social science databases. Detailed search strings were used to combine terms related to smoking bans and cessation interventions in prison, mental health and substance use treatment settings. We used backward and forward snowballing and manual hand searching to find additional studies. Studies were included if they: were published between 1 January 2000 and 25 February 2022; included a complete smoking ban; measured people released from prison and/or mental health and/or substance use patients smoking post-release/discharge from a smoke-free facility; and reported smoking cessation intervention and/or smoking ban outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project's Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies and reviewed by two authors. People released from prison, mental health and substance use in-patients who experience a smoking ban while incarcerated or in in-patient settings often relapse to smoking shortly after release or discharge. We found that although smoking bans alone do not promote cessation, multi-component interventions in combination with smoking bans can significantly increase cessation rates post-release/discharge provided they support participants during this time. There is limited evidence to suggest tobacco bans alone in prison, mental health and substance use treatment settings are effective in achieving long-term smoking cessation. This review suggests that combining smoking bans and cessation interventions including pre- and post-release/discharge support can be effective in achieving smoking cessation.

Public health approaches to substance use: a scoping review protocol

The aim of this scoping review is to describe how a public health approach to legal and illegal psychoactive substance use has been previously defined, and to identify its core values, concepts, activities, and goals. Jurisdictions globally are increasingly endorsing a public health approach to addressing psychoactive substance use. However, there is currently no agreed definition of this approach, and this term has been applied inconsistently in the literature, policy, and practice. A critical first step toward advancing a public health approach to substance use is identifying and articulating its core components. This review will consider all peer-reviewed and gray literature in English focused on conceptualizing, defining, or describing a public health approach to substance use. Our review does not place limitations on populations, psychoactive substance types, or other contextual factors. We will search PROSPERO, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Scopus, as well as health and social science databases; websites of prominent nonprofit, civil society, and government agencies/organizations in public health and substance use fields; and reference lists of included articles. Two independent reviewers will screen titles/abstracts of peer-reviewed literature, and 1 reviewer will screen titles/abstracts of gray literature. Two independent reviewers will conduct the full-text screening. A data extraction sheet will be pilot tested through double extraction. Findings will be presented as a narrative summary supported by tables and diagrams and, if feasible, a conceptual framework for understanding and applying a public health approach to substance use. Open Science Framework https://osf.io/sv25e.

Accountability in waqf institutions: a meta-narrative review

PurposeThis paper aims to systematically review studies of waqf accountability to conceptualise accountability in this unique setting.Design/methodology/approachThis review followed the realist and meta-narrative evidence syntheses guidelines for meta-narrative review and used systematic searching for studies related to accountability in waqf institutions, based on the two main social sciences databases (Scopus and Web of Science). Thematic analysis was used to assess patterns regarding how researchers approached the concept of accountability in their studies, along with the context, the theories and the methods they used.FindingsThe number of research papers investigating the issue of waqf institutions’ accountability was severely limited in comparison to the growing literature on waqf institutions themselves. Existing research varies, with accountability practices understood through accounting, reporting and management perspectives, holistic accountability and studying various aspects antecedent to the achievement of accountability, such as governance, performance measurement and intellectual capital.Originality/valueThis study was conducted to fill the gap regarding a systematic review placing specific focus on accountability in the waqf institutional setting. The narrative from the review and suggestions for future research are provided to strengthen understanding of the current state of knowledge on accountability and direction, to enhance its usefulness in both theoretical building and practical improvement.

Individual, health facility and wider health system factors contributing to maternal deaths in Africa: A scoping review.

The number of women dying during pregnancy and after childbirth remains unacceptably high, with African countries showing the slowest decline. The leading causes of maternal deaths in Africa are preventable direct obstetric causes such as haemorrhage, infection, hypertension, unsafe abortion, and obstructed labour. There is an information gap on factors contributing to maternal deaths in Africa. Our objective was to identify these contributing factors and assess the frequency of their reporting in published literature. We followed the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework for scoping reviews. We searched six electronic bibliographic databases: MEDLINE, SCOPUS, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online (AJOL), French humanities and social sciences databases, and Web of Science. We included articles published between 1987 and 2021 without language restriction. Our conceptual framework was informed by a combination of the socio-ecological model, the three delays conceptual framework for analysing the determinants of maternal mortality and the signal functions of emergency obstetric care. We included 104 articles from 27 African countries. The most frequently reported contributory factors by level were: (1) Individual-level: Delay in deciding to seek help and in recognition of danger signs (37.5% of articles), (2) Health facility-level: Suboptimal service delivery relating to triage, monitoring, and referral (80.8% of articles) and (3) Wider health system-level: Transport to and between health facilities (84.6% of articles). Our findings indicate that health facility-level factors were the most frequently reported contributing factors to maternal deaths in Africa. There is a lack of data from some African countries, especially those countries with armed conflict currently or in the recent past. Information gaps exist in the following areas: Statistical significance of each contributing factor and whether contributing factors alone adequately explain the variations in maternal mortality ratios (MMR) seen between countries and at sub-national levels.

Argumentation-Based Teaching in Science Education: Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis study to examine the effectiveness of the argumentation-based teaching method in terms of sample, subject, years and some variables (academic success, attitude, interest, etc.). Meta-analysis method was used in this study. In order to gather the studies included in meta-analysis, various sources were used in the study. Three type studies were brought together for the meta-analysis: journal articles, doctoral and master thesis. The Social Science Citatio Index (SSCI) journals, Turkish Academic Network and Information Center Social Science Database, national printed journals, Academic Search Complete, Education Research Complete and ERIC databases were searched for journal articles. The Council of Turkish Higher Education Thesis Center was scanned to get the dissertations/theses. While scanning these platforms, the key concepts of "argumentation", "argumentation-based science teaching", "argumentation-based science education", "discussion-oriented teaching method to science" were used. So, 47 studies were used in the meta-analysis. In the study, as a result of the meta-analysis on the argumentation-based teaching process at the national level, it was determined that there was no significant difference in terms of the level of classes in which the studies were conducted and the independent variables examined in the studies, but there was a significant difference between the subject areas in favor of the subject area of chemistry.

Social prescribing: A narrative review of how community engagement can improve wellbeing in later life

AbstractSocial prescribing is being proposed by policy makers as a solution to primarily address lowered wellbeing and increased loneliness in older adults. Previous reviews have found a lack of supporting evidence for social prescribing. However, these reviews were using a narrow definition which may have left out some important evaluations. Therefore, this review aims to evaluate the evidence for social prescribing programs using a broader definition to encompasses a variety of referral pathways and activities. The review was conducted by searching PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest Social Sciences databases, and a final 77 articles were included. We found that there were five main themes in the outcomes reported: social connection; improvement in the management of health and health status; improvement in mental health and wellbeing; life enrichment; and link worker support. Social prescribing programs appeared to have generally positive impacts however there was a large variety in both programs reported and quality of the research, which made drawing definitive conclusions difficult. Researchers evaluating programs in future should attempt to recruit larger sample sizes and use a mixed methods approach to further examine the evidence base for social prescribing.