A systematic scoping review of post-treatment lifestyle interventions for adult cancer survivors and family members.

PURPOSE: Supporting the health of cancer survivors and their families from diagnosis through survivorship is a recognized priority. However, the extent to which health promotion efforts after the completion of acute treatment attend to the needs of adult survivors and families is unclear. This systematic scoping review summarizes the key characteristics of post-treatment lifestyle interventions aiming to improve diet, physical activity, and/or weight-related outcomes for adult cancer survivors and family members. METHODS: We retrieved relevant studies from six databases using keywords. Studies were appraised for quality and limited to English-language, peer-reviewed journal articles published in or after 2005. RESULTS: A total of 2,376 articles were obtained from the databases; 14 main articles (and 2 supplemental articles) representing 14 unique interventions were retained for our analysis. Most interventions were designed to modify aspects of participant diet and physical activity (in combination) or physical activity alone; cited social cognitive theory as a guiding or interpretative framework; included survivors of multiple cancer types; and were limited to one type of familial relationship (e.g., spouse/partner, sister). Where reported, intervention samples were predominantly White. CONCLUSIONS: Few post-treatment interventions concurrently target cancer survivor and family members' positive lifestyle behaviors. Positive findings highlight the potential for expanding this area of intervention research and increasing understanding of individual and familial factors that contribute to successful post-treatment family interventions. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Promoting cancer survivors' healthy behaviors within the family context could capitalize on existing support networks and improve the health of family members in supportive roles.

Using a school-based approach to deliver immunization­global update.

Vaccines, such as HPV vaccine, are increasingly administered to school-age children, and school-based immunization is an approach that can be used to reach these children. Limited information has thus far been published that provides an overview of the school-based approach worldwide. This article, based on self-reported data from countries, summarizes the extent to which a school-based immunization approach is used around the world, and what antigens are most frequently being administered. Of the 174 countries for which data on school-based immunization were available, ninety five countries reported using a school-based approach for immunization. Children in grades 1 and 6 (or at an age corresponding with these grades) are most often targeted, and tetanus and diphtheria toxoids are the most frequently administered antigens. The impact of the school-based approach may be reduced in areas with low school attendance, unless specific measures are taken to target out-of-school children. Methods to monitor coverage need to be standardized and data on coverage and on the reach of the approach need to be more systematically analyzed and reported.

Strengthening the partnership between routine immunization and the global polio eradication initiative to achieve eradication and assure sustainability.

Since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, the number of polio endemic countries has declined from 125 to 3 in 2013. Despite this remarkable achievement, ongoing circulation of wild poliovirus in polio-endemic countries and the increase in the number of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases, especially those caused by type 2, is a cause for concern. The Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan 2013-2018 (PEESP) was developed and includes 4 objectives: detection and interruption of poliovirus transmission, containment and certification, legacy planning, and a renewed emphasis on strengthening routine immunization (RI) programs. This is critical for the phased withdrawal of oral poliovirus vaccine, beginning with the type 2 component, and the introduction of a single dose of inactivated polio vaccine into RI programs. This objective has inspired renewed consideration of how the GPEI and RI programs can mutually benefit one another, how the infrastructure from the GPEI can be used to strengthen RI, and how a strengthened RI can facilitate polio eradication. The PEESP is the first GPEI strategic plan that places strong and clear emphasis on the necessity of improving RI to achieve and sustain global polio eradication.