Systematic Narrative Research Articles

A Narrative Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in the Treatment and Management of Borderline Personality Disorder

Background: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a psychiatric condition that affects approximately 2% of the population worldwide. It can present many challenges and can therefore be difficult to treat successfully by mental health professionals. Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to detect whether repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an effective intervention for the management of BPD to the point where there would be a reduction of the BPD symptoms and challenging behaviour. Methods: A literature search was conducted systematically using the following databases: PROSPERO, PUBMED, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, WEB OF SCIENCE, COCHRANE LIBRARY, SCOPUS, EMBASE and CLINICALTRIALS.GOV. Included studies were primary research studies of adult patients with a diagnosis of BPD who received rTMS treatment. Results: Nine studies were identified which ranged from a case report to a randomised controlled trial (RCT). While rTMS improved certain symptoms of BPD patients, such as affective instability, impulsivity and outbursts of anger; overall, some results lacked statistical significance and, due to the lack of robust evidence, it is uncertain if rTMS is an effective intervention for BPD. Conclusions: rTMS treatment showed some promising results in reducing the severity of symptoms for a number of patients. Studies varied with regard to the location of the target stimulation site, including different prefrontal brain regions and the cerebellum, as well as other rTMS protocol characteristics. These methodological differences in the application of the intervention and their impact on BPD symptomatology need to be explored more systematically in future research. Higher quality studies with larger sample sizes are needed in order to assess further the effectiveness of rTMS interventions on BPD symptoms.

Lack of Consensus on the Definition of Aseptic Loosening in Total Ankle Replacement: A Narrative Systematic Review

Background: Aseptic loosening is one of the most common modes of failure of total ankle replacement (TAR). However, a precise definition of aseptic loosening is still lacking. This systematic review aimed to identify the variations of applied definitions and offer insights into the lack of consensus. Methods: Human studies reporting aseptic loosening of TAR published in peer-reviewed journals within the last decade were considered. The search strategy involved specific terms in Embase, MEDLINE ALL, and the Cochrane Library. Variations in aseptic loosening definitions were analysed. Results: Of 767 studies, 88 were included in this study. Only nine studies precisely defined aseptic loosening with significant variations. Twenty-two studies referenced the term and fifty-seven reported it as a complication but neither defined nor referenced it. Conclusions: Significant uncertainty exists regarding the universal definition of aseptic loosening of TAR, and many variations occur in terms of the assessment approach and criteria.

The Big Five and Collaborative Problem Solving: A Narrative Systematic Review

The current study integrates available findings on the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and collaborative problem solving (CPS), as a specific type of teamwork. Based on a systematic search and screening of the literature, 47 papers were reviewed. Having separately analyzed how individual and group-level traits relate to the processes and outcomes of CPS, we found several meaningful associations. Both individual-level and group-level Conscientiousness and Agreeableness were positively related to the quality of CPS. The former trait contributed more to the enactment of task roles/behaviors in CPS, to task-related team processes and team performance; the latter was dominantly related to the enactment of social roles/behaviors, and to relationship-related team processes and emergent states. The role of the remaining traits in CPS depended on the level of analysis, with individual Extraversion being particularly important for within-group positioning, and group Emotional Stability affecting team cohesion. Unsurprisingly, the effects of group-level traits on CPS also depended on the method of aggregating individual trait scores. The hypothesis that some traits would relate more to CPS processes and others to its outcomes was partially confirmed, while the assumption that team processes would mediate the effects of group-level traits on CPS outcomes received substantial support.

Treatment of Upper Crossed Syndrome: A Narrative Systematic Review.

Upper crossed syndrome (UCS) is a common musculoskeletal condition that is characterized by tightness and weakness of the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back. The aim of this current study is to summarize and provide an overview of the treatment in patients with UCS. A MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane library, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science database search was conducted for English-language articles about upper crossed syndrome that were published until 19 January 2023. To identify potentially relevant articles, the following key search phrases were combined: "upper crossed syndrome", "upper cross syndrome", "diagnosis", and "treatment". A total of 233 articles were identified. After reading the titles and abstracts and assessing their eligibility based on the full-text articles, 11 articles were finally included in this review. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using RoB-2 and ROBINS-I for the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the non-randomized clinical trial (non-RCT), respectively. Among eleven studies that investigated the effect of treatment programs for UCS, five studies compared the therapeutic effect of exercise programs with controls, whereas six compared different rehabilitative treatment strategies, such as the muscle energy technique, soft-tissue mobilization, and stretching exercises. In addition, regarding the study design, ten studies were RCTs and only one study was a prospective observational study. Treatment programs including various types of exercises and techniques to correct an abnormal posture and restore neuromuscular imbalances are effective for decreasing pain and improving neck disabilities and postural deviations in patients with UCS.

How Culture Shapes the Influence of Work Design Characteristics: A Narrative and Meta-Analytic Review

This paper presents a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of the literature on the influence of cultural dimensions on work design characteristics. With our proposed work design universals typology as a framework, we provide a narrative review and analyze the influence of six cultural dimensions (power distance, individualism–collectivism, masculinity–femininity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, and indulgence–restraint) on work design characteristics’ effects on job satisfaction and performance. In addition to running meta-analytic regressions examining the role of cultural characteristics as individual moderators of the relationship between work design characteristics’ and job satisfaction and performance, we further utilize qualitative comparative analysis to move beyond treating each cultural dimension as an independent predictor and, instead, investigate configurations of cultural dimensions as moderating variables of the relationships between work design characteristics and workplace outcomes. The present effort, therefore, serves as a test of a complex universal approach when examining the influence of culture on the relationship between work design characteristics and outcomes. Collectively, this study provides a systematic narrative and quantitative review of the work design literature to assess how cultural dimensions (both individually and through complex configurations) may affect the impact of work design characteristics on job satisfaction and performance. Based on our review, we offer recommendations for future research and continued calls for more systematic and integrative cross-cultural work design research.

Viewing Pediatric Food Oral Immunotherapy Through an Ethical Lens-A Narrative Systematic Review.

Food allergy remains a common problem and a lifelong condition for many children. In recent years food allergy management has increasingly involved conversations about food oral immunotherapy. While ethical considerations of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice implicitly inform these conversations, applying these principles can be complex, particularly in young children. Families of young children assume a role of surrogate decision maker and must balance immediate risks with the hope of longer-term benefits. To explore implementation of oral immunotherapy in children through an ethical lens. To evaluate OIT through an ethical lens, a literature search was conducted to explore currently published frameworks in this arena. Evaluation of the harm principle, the basic interest principle, and the best interest principle of parental decision making can be informative. Shared decision making continues to be central to the process of engaging with patient-family units to individualize the best care, at the right time, and minimize decisional discord. While OIT is well positioned to promote health and well-being, challenges to equity, sustainability, and organizational support must be considered to improve access for appropriate patients. While approaches to food OIT may be tailored to the individual context of each patient-family unit, ethical principles must guide decisions to initiate and continue therapy. Traditional ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice remain cornerstones when considering the ethical context of OIT.

Antecedents and Consequences in Job Insecurity on Employee: A Narrative Systematic Review

Antecedents and Consequences in Job Insecurity on Employee: A Narrative Systematic Review

The Efficacy of Spinal Cord Stimulators in the Reduction of Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity: A Narrative Systematic Review.

A systematic review was employed utilizing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, to analyze all primary clinical data on the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) induced spasticity. Databases include: Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science. The review included case series, case studies, and clinical trials. Outcomes of interest were spasticity reduction. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria was utilized to grade the certainty of evidence. Five hundred thirty-two articles were retrieved following database systematic review. One hundred eighty-eight articles were removed as duplicates utilizing the "Detect Duplicates" function on Rayyan.ai. A further 344 articles were excluded following abstract and title appraisal. As a result, 16 articles were subjected to full text appraisal. The dates of publication ranged from 1973 to 2019. Although a unique modality, there is not enough evidence to support the employment of SCS over current medical standard of care. Further high-quality randomized control trials are required to elucidate SCS's role in MS induced spasticity algorithm.

Developed/Developing Nations Perspectives about COVID-19 Vaccination: A Narrative Systematic Review

Background. The global spread of COVID-19 prompted a need for widespread vaccination to slow the transmission of the virus. Despite global, national, and local efforts, many people in various nations hesitated to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Aims. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the existing literature addressing factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy. Methods. A literature search was conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. Inclusion criteria were studies identifying causations of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and/or hesitancy since March 2020 in six developed/developing countries, Australia, Brazil, India, Nigeria, Russia, and the United States. Studies that were not originally published in English were excluded. Results. Patterns in the factors influencing both acceptance and hesitancy toward the COVID-19 vaccines emerged. Vaccination acceptance was largely related to individuals’ personal preferences and beliefs regarding immunity, while vaccination hesitancy was attributed to fears and distrust of vaccine safety, side effects, and efficacy. Limitations. Lack of consistency in methodical procedures and text availability by country may limit the generalizability of the findings. Conclusion. In developed/developing nations, emerging data suggest that skepticism surrounding COVID-19 vaccines was the most prevalent factor leading to vaccination hesitancy, while factors including personal protection were largely associated with higher acceptance rates of the COVID-19 vaccine. Because widespread immunization is necessary to slow the transmission of COVID-19, it is important that factors leading to hesitation are addressed in order to increase vaccination rates and achieve herd immunity.

Assessment Tools of Biopsychosocial Frailty Dimensions in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Narrative Review

Frailty is a complex interplay between several factors, including physiological changes in ageing, multimorbidities, malnutrition, living environment, genetics, and lifestyle. Early screening for frailty risk factors in community-dwelling older people allows for preventive interventions on the clinical and social determinants of frailty, which allows adverse events to be avoided. By conducting a narrative review of the literature employing the International Narrative Systematic Assessment tool, the authors aimed to develop an updated framework for the main measurement tools to assess frailty risks in older adults, paying attention to use in the community and primary care settings. This search focused on the biopsychosocial domains of frailty that are covered in the SUNFRAIL tool. The study selected 178 reviews (polypharmacy: 20; nutrition: 13; physical activity: 74; medical visits: 0; falls: 39; cognitive decline: 12; loneliness: 15; social support: 5; economic constraints: 0) published between January 2010 and December 2021. Within the selected reviews, 123 assessment tools were identified (polypharmacy: 15; nutrition: 15; physical activity: 25; medical visits: 0; falls: 26; cognitive decline: 18; loneliness: 9; social support: 15; economic constraints: 0). The narrative review allowed us to evaluate assessment tools of frailty domains to be adopted for multidimensional health promotion and prevention interventions in community and primary care.

Attitudes Toward and Experience With Assisted-Death Services and Psychological Implications for Health Practitioners: A Narrative Systematic Review.

A narrative systematic review was conducted to review studies that examine mental health implications of involvement in assisted-death services among health practitioners. Qualitative and quantitative studies were included to understand health practitioners' attitudes and experiences with assisted dying services, as well as to identify the mental health consequences. We identified 18 articles from 1591 articles drawn from seven major scientific databases (i.e., PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus). Two raters independently evaluated the exclusion and inclusion decisions of the articles and examined methodological flaws in the selected articles. We found that engagement in assisted death services were not reliably associated with mental health outcomes such as anxiety and moral distress. Both positive and negative outcomes were reported, and psychological outcomes for practitioners were shown to vary based on factors including social support for health practitioners' views; their perceived capacity to care for the patients; and legislation.

Development of degradable magnesium-based metal implants and their function in promoting bone metabolism (A review).

BackgroundUse of degradable magnesium (Mg)-based metal implants in orthopaedic surgeries can avoid drawbacks associated with subsequent removal of the non-degradable metallic implants, reducing cost and trauma of patients. Although Mg has been applied in the clinic for orthopaedic treatment, the use of Mg-based metal implants is largely in the research phase. But its application is potentially beneficial in this context as it has been shown that Mg can promote osteogenesis and inhibit osteoclast activity.MethodsA systematic literature search about “degradable magnesium (Mg)-based metal implants” was performed in PubMed and Web of Science. Meanwhile, relevant findings have been reviewed and quoted.ResultsIn this review, we summarize the latest developments in Mg-based metal implants and their role in bone regeneration. We also review the various molecular mechanisms by which Mg ions regulate bone metabolic processes, including osteogenesis, osteoclast activity, angiogenesis, immunity, and neurology. Finally, we discuss the remaining research challenges and opportunities for Mg-based implants and their applications.ConclusionCurrently, establishment of the in vitro and in vivo biological evaluation systems and phenotypic modification improvement of Mg-based implants are still needed. Clarifying the functions of Mg-based metal implants in promoting bone metabolism is beneficial for their clinical application.The Translational potential of this articleAll current reviews on Mg-based implants are mainly concerned with the improvement of Mg alloy properties or the progress of applications. However, there are few reviews that provides a systematic narrative on the effect of Mg on bone metabolism. This review summarized the latest developments in Mg-based metal implants and various molecular mechanisms of Mg ions regulating bone metabolism, which is beneficial to further promote the translation of Mg based implants in the clinic and is able to provide a strong basis for the clinical application of Mg based implants.

Mapping transgender studies in Portugal: a systematic search and narrative review

ABSTRACT Information on the multiple experiences and heterogeneous diversity of all individuals who self-identify as trans and/or outside of the gender binary is still scarce. A scoping review approach was implemented to identify the nature and extent of research evidence on trans people in Portugal and to contribute to mapping the rapidly changing social, medical, and political landscape of Portuguese trans issues. Findings provided a comprehensive overview of the major issues that have been addressed and of the existing conceptual and methodological frameworks for studying trans individuals while identifying future approaches for studying the diversity of the trans population.

Practicable performance-based outcome measures of trunk muscle strength and their measurement properties: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

IntroductionThe evaluation of muscle strength is frequently used as part of the physical examination process, with decreased trunk muscle strength reported in individuals with spinal disorders (e.g., low back pain). Access to practicable performance-based outcome measures (PBOM) to monitor patients’ progress in spinal rehabilitation is essential. Knowledge of the psychometric properties of the available practicable PBOM for trunk strength evaluation is therefore needed to inform practitioners and further research.ObjectiveTo synthesise evidence on the measurement properties of practicable measures of trunk muscle strength in adults with and without musculoskeletal pain.MethodsFollowing a published and registered protocol [PROSPERO CRD42020167464], databases were searched from the database inception date up to 30th of June 2021. Citations and grey literature were also searched. Eligibility criteria comprised: 1) studies which examined the psychometric properties of the trunk strength outcome measures, 2) included adults ≥ 18 years, either asymptomatic or with spinal musculoskeletal pain. Non-English language studies were excluded. Two independent reviewers evaluated the quality and synthesized the data from included studies according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. The overall quality of evidence was evaluated using a modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE).ResultsFrom 34 included studies, 15 different PBOMs were identified that have been investigated for reliability and validity, none evaluated responsiveness. In asymptomatic individuals, high quality evidence supports intra-rater reliability of digital-loading cells and moderate quality evidence supports the criterion validity of the hand-held dynamometer. Very low quality evidence exists for the reliability and validity estimates of testing tools among individuals with spinal pain.ConclusionsFindings underpin a cautious recommendation for the use of practicable PROMs to evaluate muscle strength in individuals with spinal pain in clinical practice due to the level of evidence and the heterogeneity of the protocols used. Further high quality research to explore the psychometric properties of the practicable PBOMs with detailed methodology is now needed.

0002 Go to bed! A systematic review and meta-analysis of bedtime procrastination determinants and sleep outcomes

Abstract Introduction Bedtime procrastination, the volitional delay of going to bed without any external circumstances causing the delay, is associated with poor sleep outcomes. Alleviating bedtime procrastination is an important target for interventions to promote adequate sleep, yet the social cognitive, biological, and behavioural determinants of bedtime procrastination are poorly understood. The present study aimed to conduct a systematic review, narrative synthesis, and meta-analysis of (1) the underlying determinants of bedtime procrastination, and (2) the strength and direction of the relationship between bedtime procrastination and sleep outcomes. Methods A database search was conducted through CINAHL, EMBASE, PsychINFO, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, using keywords related to procrastination, delay, bedtime and sleep. Results A total of 2087 records were identified, and 38 publications met the inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analysis for bedtime procrastination and sleep outcomes is ongoing. Preliminary findings suggest self-regulation, self-control and chronotype are the most prominent determinants. Conclusion Future research should expand focus to identify a broader range of determinants. Given that there are multiple benefits to a theory-based approach to behaviour change interventions, further research exploring determinants will be able to guide the development of interventions targeting bedtime procrastination. Support (If Any):

Factors contributing to the mental health outcomes of carers during the transition of their family member to residential aged care: a systematic search and narrative review

ObjectivesThe transition of an older family member into a residential aged care facility (RACF) is often challenging for both the person being admitted and their family carer. This review aimed to identify the protective and contributing factors to adverse mental health outcomes among family carers following the decision to move a family member to a RACF.MethodA search of CINAHL, PubMed and PsycINFO was conducted for empirical papers published in English between 2004 and 2019, exploring the mental health or quality of life (QoL) of family carers of those recently admitted, or considering admission, to a RACF. Articles were reviewed by two authors for inclusion.ResultsTwenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Pre-existing depressive symptoms and poor subjective health were related to adverse mental health outcomes following admission. Information from the facility, support to change roles, and factors related to carer’s health and demographics, were associated with changes in the mental health outcomes of carers during the transition of their relative to a RACF. Key protective factors of carer’s mental health outcomes following the transition of their relative to a RACF are flow and transparency of information between carer and the facility staff, and staff efforts to involve carers in providing emotional support to their relative, in monitoring care, and advocating for their quality of life.ConclusionThere is evidence to suggest factors such lack of flow and transparency of information between carer and the facility staff may predispose carers to poor mental health and QoL following the transition of a relative to a RACF. Key protective factors of carer’s mental health following admission are staff efforts to involve carers in providing emotional support to their relative, in monitoring care, and advocating for their quality of life. This review also indicates that the combination of factors that puts family carers more at risk of poor mental health and lower quality of life throughout the transition period. Policy and practice should follow recommendations that consider a combination of the above factors when addressing the needs of family carers before and after admission of an older person to RACF.

Characteristics of alcohol recovery narratives: Systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Narratives of recovery from alcohol misuse have been analysed in a range of research studies. This paper aims to produce a conceptual framework describing the characteristics of alcohol misuse recovery narratives that are in the research literature, to inform the development of research, policy, and practice. Systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Electronic searches of databases (Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, PsychInfo, AMED and SCOPUS), grey literature, and citation searches for included studies were conducted. Alcohol recovery narratives were defined as "first-person lived experience accounts, which includes elements of adversity, struggle, strength, success, and survival related to alcohol misuse, and refer to events or actions over a period of time". Frameworks were synthesised using a three-stage process. Sub-group analyses were conducted on studies presenting analyses of narratives with specific genders, ages, sexualities, ethnicities, and dual diagnosis. The review was prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD42021235176). 32 studies were included (29 qualitative, 3 mixed-methods, 1055 participants, age range 17-82years, 52.6% male, 46.4% female). Most were conducted in the United States (n = 15) and Europe (n = 11). No included studies analysed recovery narratives from lower income countries. Treatment settings included Alcoholic Anonymous (n = 12 studies), other formal treatment, and 'natural recovery'. Eight principle narrative dimensions were identified (genre, identity, recovery setting, drinking trajectory, drinking behaviours, stages, spirituality and religion, and recovery experience) each with types and subtypes. All dimensions were present in most subgroups. Shame was a prominent theme for female narrators, lack of sense of belonging and spirituality were prominent for LGBTQ+ narrators, and alienation and inequality were prominent for indigenous narrators. Review provides characteristics of alcohol recovery narratives, with implications for both research and healthcare practice. It demonstrated knowledge gaps in relation to alcohol recovery narratives of people living in lower income countries, or those who recovered outside of mainstream services. Prospero registration number: CRD42020164185.

A framework for understanding the quality of evidence use in education

ABSTRACT Background There are growing expectations internationally that schools and systems will use research evidence to inform their improvement efforts. Such developments raise important questions about what it means to use research evidence well in education. Purpose To date, there has been wide-ranging debate about what counts as quality evidence, but very little dialogue about what counts as quality use. In response, this article presents a conceptual framework to define and elaborate what quality use of research evidence might mean in relation to education. Method The framework is informed by a cross-sector systematic review and narrative synthesis of 112 relevant publications from four sectors: health, social care, education and policy. The review explored if, and how, quality of evidence use had been defined and described within each of these sectors in order to inform a quality use framework for education. Findings Based on the cross-sector review, quality use of research evidence is framed in terms of two core components: (1) appropriate research evidence and (2) thoughtful engagement and implementation, supported by three individual enabling components (skillsets, mindsets and relationships) and three organisational enabling components (leadership, culture and infrastructure), as well as system-level influences. Conclusions There is potential for this framework to inform current approaches to the use of research in education. There is also an important need to test and refine its components through further empirical investigation, theoretical inquiry and intervention development.

Pregnancy planning health information and service needs of women with chronic non-communicable conditions: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

BackgroundPreparing for pregnancy and being in the best possible health before conception improves reproductive outcomes. For women living with a chronic non-communicable disease (NCD), pregnancy planning is essential to allow optimal disease control in preparation for pregnancy.AimThe aim was to review the literature relating to the pregnancy planning health information and service needs of women with NCDs.MethodThe MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Emcare (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL and Scopus databases were searched. Studies were included if they were published in peer-reviewed English language journals between January 2010 and June 2020 and reported on the pregnancy planning health information and service needs of women with rheumatic diseases, asthma, cystic fibrosis, depression and/or anxiety, type 1 diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, or multiple sclerosis. Risk of bias was assessed using QualSyst. The characteristics of the studies were tabulated and summarised. Key findings of the included studies were analysed thematically using an inductive approach, where the study findings determined the themes. Findings are reported in a narrative synthesis.ResultsThe database searches yielded 8291 results, of which 4304 remained after duplicates were removed. After abstract screening 104 full-text papers were reviewed. Of these 15 met inclusion criteria and were included in analysis. The narrative synthesis of the included studies revealed six themes: ‘Women with chronic conditions have unmet preconception health information needs’, ‘Women with chronic conditions want personalised preconception health information’, ‘Preferred sources of preconception health information’, ‘Learning from the experiences of other women’, ‘Improving preconception health discussions with health care professionals’, and ‘Women want holistic care’. These themes were consistent across all studies, highlighting the similarity of experiences and needs of women with different chronic conditions.ConclusionTo improve pregnancy outcomes for women living with NCDs, health care providers need to ask women of reproductive age proactively and routinely about their pregnancy intentions and provide them with personalised advice on how to avoid unplanned pregnancy and be in optimal health when they wish to conceive.PROSPERO registration number CRD42020176308.

Can Informal Savings Groups Promote Food Security and Social, Economic and Health Transformations, Especially among Women in Urban Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Systematic Review

This narrative review aimed to identify if roles of common informal savings groups known as Accumulating Savings and Credit Associations (ASCAs) or Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs) can play a significant role in mitigating food insecurity, socioeconomic inequality, promoting health, and/or increasing agency in women in urban sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). These organizations exist in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) worldwide under various names. A comprehensive search of scholarly outputs across six electronic databases (Pub-Med, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, Scopus, Sabinet, and Cochrane) from 2000 to 2021 was completed. Twenty-eight (28) records met our inclusion criteria, and their quality was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative checklist. We identified through thematic analysis that ROSCAs/ASCAs play a crucial role in advancing social, economic, and health transformations, especially among women in urban SSA. However, while ROSCAs/ACSAs played important roles in food security, it was often not the primary motivation for participation. None of the selected studies identified the importance of dietary quality or access to healthy food in relation to food security. This review suggests a window of opportunity to promote partnerships and collaborations of ROSCAs/ASCAs with relevant stakeholders to leverage the functionalities of ROSCAs/ASCAs as vehicles for re-alignment of priorities, increased knowledge, and opportunities to encourage affordable healthy diets in urban SSA.