Obesity is a well-known risk factor for infertility, and nonpharmacological treatments are recommended as effective and safe, but evidence is still lacking on whether nonpharmacological interventions improve fertility in overweight or obese women. The aim of this study was to systematically assess the current evidence in the literature and to evaluate the impact of nonpharmacological interventions on improving pregnancy-related outcomes in overweight or obese infertile women. Seven databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of nonpharmacological interventions for infertile women with overweight or obesity through August 16, 2019 with no language restriction. A meta-analysis was conducted of the primary outcomes. A total of 21 RCTs were selected and systematically reviewed. Compared to the control group, nonpharmacological interventions significantly increased the pregnancy rate (relative risk (RR), 1.37; 95% CI, 1.04–1.81; p = 0.03; I² = 58%; nine RCTs) and the natural conception rate (RR, 2.17, 95% CI, 1.41–3.34; p = 0.0004; I² = 19%, five RCTs). However, they had no significant effect on the live birth rate (RR, 1.36, 95% CI, 0.94–1.95; p=0.10, I² = 65%, eight RCTs) and increased the risk of miscarriage (RR: 1.57, 95% CI, 1.05–2.36; p = 0.03; I² = 0%). Therefore, nonpharmacological interventions could have a positive effect on the pregnancy and natural conception rates, whereas it is unclear whether they improve the live birth rate. Further research is needed to demonstrate the integrated effects of nonpharmacological interventions involving psychological outcomes, as well as pregnancy-related outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe prenatal nursing intervention studies on pregnant women and their families published in Korean nursing journals to identify research trends and to analyze the characteristics of intervention studies.Methods: This scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. We identified a research question and searched six domestic electronic databases for relevant articles. Forty-five references that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were finally selected. We extracted the data using an analytic framework, and then collated and summarized the characteristics of the intervention studies.Results: The most frequently used research designs were non-randomized controlled trials (91.1%), and only a few studies applied a specific theoretical framework (26.1%). The participants were mainly pregnant women only (64.4%) during the third trimester (51.1%) of pregnancy. Prenatal education was the most common type of intervention (48.9%), followed by complementary therapy (37.8%) and psychosocial support programs (13.3%). The most commonly used outcome variables were drawn from the psychological domain (44.5%), although distinct types of outcome variables—especially from the psychological and physical domains—were used to measure the effectiveness of different types of prenatal interventions.Conclusion: This review suggests that further prenatal nursing intervention studies in Korea should expand the study participants to include pregnant women’s family members, high-risk and vulnerable groups, and women throughout entire pregnancy. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop integrative prenatal nursing interventions that promote family support and participation by facilitating partnerships among women, families, and nurses before, during, and after pregnancy.

A culturally tailored virtual program could meet the survivorship needs of Asian American women breast cancer survivors (AABC). This study aims to determine the efficacy of a culturally tailored virtual information and coaching/support program (TICAA) in improving AABC’s survivorship experience. A randomized clinical trial (NCT02803593) was conducted from January 2017 to June 2020 among 199 AABC. The intervention group utilized TICAA and the American Cancer Society [ACS] website while the control group used only ACS website for 12 weeks. The outcomes were measured using the SCNS-34SF (needs; primary), the MSAS-SF (symptoms; secondary), and the FACT-B (quality of life; secondary). The data were analyzed using an intent-to-treat approach. The intervention group showed significant reductions in their needs from the baseline (T0) to post 4 weeks (T1) and to post 12 weeks (T2). Although the changes were not statistically significant, the intervention group had decreased symptoms from T0 to T2 while the control group had an increase in their symptoms. The intervention group had a significant increase in their quality of life from T0 to T2. A culturally tailored virtual program could therefore improve quality of life in AABC patients. Trial Registration: To Enhance Breast Cancer Survivorship of Asian Americans (TICAA), NCT02803593, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02803593?titles=TICAA&draw=2&rank=1

Lee YJ, et al. Korean J Women Health Nurs. 2018 Mar;24(1):90-103. https://doi.org/10.4069/kjwhn.2018.24.1.90

Kim HW, et al. Asian Oncol Nurs. 2019 Mar;19(1):27-36. https://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2019.19.1.27