Social science & medicine
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Social science & medicine · Jul 2019
Meta AnalysisThe criterion validity of willingness to pay methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence.
The contingent valuation (CV) method is used to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) for services and products to inform cost benefit analyses (CBA). A long-standing criticism that stated WTP estimates may be poor indicators of actual WTP, calls into question their validity and the use of such estimates for welfare evaluation, especially in the health sector. Available evidence on the validity of CV studies so far is inconclusive. We systematically reviewed the literature to (1) synthesize the evidence on the criterion validity of WTP/willingness to accept (WTA), (2) undertake a meta-analysis, pooling evidence on the extent of variation between stated and actual WTP values and, (3) explore the reasons for the variation. ⋯ The evidence on the criterion validity for CV studies is more mixed than authors are representing because substantial differences in study design between hypothetical and actual WTP/WTA surveys are not accounted for.
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Social science & medicine · Oct 2017
Review Meta AnalysisRacial residential segregation and adverse birth outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Persistent racial disparities in adverse birth outcomes are not fully explained by individual-level risk factors. Racial residential segregation-degree to which two or more groups live apart from one another-may contribute to the etiology of these birth outcome disparities. Our aim was to assess associations between segregation and adverse birth outcomes by race. This review focused on formal measures of segregation, using Massey and Denton's framework (1998) that identifies five distinct operationalizations of segregation, in addition to proxy measures of segregation such as racial composition, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the operationalizations of segregation most salient for birth outcomes. ⋯ Associations between segregation and adverse birth outcomes differ by race. Methodological heterogeneity between studies may obscure true associations. Research can be advanced through use of multilevel frameworks and by examining mechanistic pathways between segregation and adverse birth outcomes. Elucidation of pathways may provide opportunities to intervene to reduce seemingly intractable racial disparities in adverse birth outcomes.
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Social science & medicine · Nov 2013
Meta AnalysisEffectiveness and equity impacts of town-wide cycling initiatives in England: a longitudinal, controlled natural experimental study.
Cycling confers health and environmental benefits, but few robust studies have evaluated large-scale programmes to promote cycling. In England, recent years have seen substantial, town-wide cycling initiatives in six Cycling Demonstration Towns (funded 2005-2011) and 12 Cycling Cities and Towns (funded 2008-2011). The initiatives involved mixtures of capital investment (e.g. cycle lanes) and revenue investment (e.g. cycle training), tailored to each town. ⋯ We conclude that to date, cycling to work has increased (and driving to work decreased) in the intervention towns, in a relatively equitable manner. The variation in effects between towns indicates uncertainty regarding the likely impact of comparable investment in future towns. Nevertheless these results support the case for implementing and evaluating further town-wide cycling initiatives.
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Social science & medicine · Jun 2012
Review Meta AnalysisDecision aid tools to support women's decision making in pregnancy and birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Support for a model of shared medical decision making, where women and their care providers discuss risks and benefits of their different options, reveal their preferences, and jointly make a decision, is a growing expectation in obstetric care. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of different decision aid tools compared to regular care for women facing several options in the specific field of obstetric care. We included published studies about interventions designed to aid mothers' decision making and provide information about obstetrical treatment or screening options. ⋯ The Decision Analysis Tool was the only tool that presented evidence of an impact on the final choice and final outcome. Decision aid tools can assist health professionals to provide information and counseling about choices during pregnancy and support women in shared decision making. The choice of a specific tool should depend on resources available to support their use as well as the specific decisions being faced by women, their health care setting and providers.
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Social science & medicine · Jul 2011
Meta AnalysisWork-related critical incidents in hospital-based health care providers and the risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety, and depression: a meta-analysis.
This meta-analysis reviewed existing data on the impact of work-related critical incidents in hospital-based health care professionals. Work-related critical incidents may induce post-traumatic stress symptoms or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression and may negatively affect health care practitioners' behaviors toward patients. Nurses and doctors often cope by working part time or switching jobs. ⋯ Remarkably, the effect was more pronounced in the longer than in the shorter term. In conclusion, this meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that work-related critical incidents are positively related to post-traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety, and depression in hospital-based health care professionals. Health care workers and their supervisors should be aware of the harmful effects of critical incidents and take preventive measures.