A systematic review and meta-analysis of lifestyle and body mass index predictors of successful assisted reproductive technologies.

OBJECTIVE: Lifestyle (smoking, drinking alcohol) and body mass index (BMI) predictors of successful outcomes in assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments were examined in this meta-analysis. METHOD: A bibliographic search was undertaken using six databases. The review was informed by PRISMA/MOOSE guidelines. Meta-analytic data were analysed using random effects models. RESULTS: We included 77 studies examining effects of BMI, smoking and drinking alcohol. Patients with a BMI< =24.9 were significantly more likely to achieve LB/pregnancy than with BMI> =25 OR = 1.219 (95% CI:1.128-1.319, z = 4.971, p < .001; I2 = 53.779%, p = .001). Non-smokers were significantly more likely to achieve a LB or pregnancy than smokers OR = 1.457 (95% CI:1.228-1.727, z = 4.324, p < .001; I2 = 51.883; p = .001). Meta-regression revealed the number of embryos transferred significantly moderated the effects of smoking on ART outcomes, and there was a trend indicating primary infertility and high BMI were also significant moderators. The evidence for drinking alcohol was inconclusive due to the small number of studies. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis confirms that ART treatment success can be predicted with lifestyle factors. Further, non-smokers' relative odds of pregnancy/live birth increase as more embryos were transferred but there was a trend that the odds of pregnancy/live birth decrease with primary infertility and high BMI.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of psychological predictors of successful assisted reproductive technologies.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to perform an updated investigation of the effects of depression and anxiety on pregnancy outcomes following assisted reproductive technologies. A bibliographic search was performed using PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Science Direct databases. Data retrieved were analysed using a random effects model to estimate standardised mean differences. RESULTS: Of the 22 included studies, 18 investigated depression, 15 state anxiety, and seven trait anxiety. Data from 4018 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Results indicated that women who achieved pregnancy or a live birth reported lower levels of depression pre-treatment than those who did not, although the effects were small d = - 0.177 (95% CI - 0.327 to - 0.027, z = 2.309, p = 0.021). These results were consistent under different methodological conditions and the quality of these observational were graded as satisfactory. A similar pattern was seen for state (d = - 0.096, 95% CI - 0.180 to - 0.012: z = 2.241, p = 0.025) and trait anxiety (d = -  0.188, 95% CI - 0.007 to 0.356, z = 2.181, p = 0.029). More research is needed to investigate the impact of psychological variables on assisted reproductive technologies outcomes and moderator influences during assisted reproductive technologies processes.

Glucocorticoid therapy for adrenal insufficiency: nonadherence, concerns and dissatisfaction with information.

OBJECTIVE: Appropriate self-management of glucocorticoid therapy (GC) is crucial for patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI). We aimed to describe patients' self-reported nonadherence to GC, evaluate perceived doubts about need for GC, concerns about adverse effects, and dissatisfaction with information received about GC. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. PATIENTS: Patients prescribed GC for AI (n = 81) from five European countries. MEASUREMENTS: Online survey including the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS), Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire(©) (BMQ Specific, adapted for AI) and Satisfaction with Information about Medicines Scale(©) (Prof Rob Horne; SIMS). RESULTS: Most patients (85·2%) reported a degree of nonadherence to GC. The most frequent types of nonadherence concerned changing the timing of GC doses, for example taking a dose later in the day than advised (37·0%). Few patients doubted their personal need for daily GC, but most reported high concerns about GC including potential weight gain (50·6%), osteoporosis (53·6%) and the continuing risk of adrenal crisis (50·6%). Dissatisfaction with information about GC was frequent, with participants particularly dissatisfied with the amount of information they had received about potential problems with GC. People who expressed dissatisfaction with information about GC, and concerns about its adverse effects were also more likely to report nonadherence (P < 0·05). CONCLUSIONS: Nonadherence to treatment, concerns about potential adverse effects and dissatisfaction with the information provided about treatment were frequently reported by this European sample of AI patients. Many AI patients may need additional information about their GC and support to address concerns about GC and facilitate adherence.

Patients' perspectives on antiepileptic medication: relationships between beliefs about medicines and adherence among patients with epilepsy in UK primary care.

BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can result in suboptimal outcomes for patients. AIM: This study aimed to assess the utility of a theory-based approach to understanding patient perspectives on AEDs and adherence. METHOD: Patients with epilepsy, identified by a GP case note review, were mailed validated questionnaires assessing their perceptions of AEDs and their adherence to them. RESULTS: Most (84.9%) of the 398 AED-treated respondents accepted the necessity of AEDs, but over half expressed doubts, with 55% disagreeing or uncertain about the statement 'I would prefer to take epilepsy medication than risk a seizure'. Over a third (36.4%) expressed strong concerns about the potential negative effects of AEDs. We used self-report and medication possession ratio to classify 36.4% of patients as nonadherent. Nonadherence was related to beliefs about medicines and implicit attitudes toward AEDs (p<0.05). Adherence-related attitudes toward AEDs were correlated with general beliefs about pharmaceuticals (BMQ General: General Harm, General Overuse, and General Benefit scales) and perceptions of personal sensitivity to medicines (PSM scale). CONCLUSION: We identified salient, adherence-related beliefs about AEDs. Patient-centered interventions to support medicine optimization for people with epilepsy should take account of these beliefs.