Introduction: Although poor medication adherence is considered an impacting risk factor for worsening heart failure (HF) outcomes, adherence rates in HF patients continue to be considerably low. To improve this condition, several studies investigated the impact of many determinants on medication adherence; however, few authors explored the role of depression on it. Purpose of Review: The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the association between depressive symptoms and medication adherence in HF patients. In particular, the research question was is depression a barrier to medication adherence in HF patients? Methods: A systematic review of quantitative analysis studies was undertaken. Six electronic databases were searched between the end of October and March 2022. Thirty-one trials were included, all of them assessed depression, adherence to medication, and their possible relationship. Results: As was intended, findings showed that the impact of a mild to moderate level of depression was significant on adherence to treatment in HF patients. However, many other risk factors emerged, like family support and health practices (es. low sodium diet). Conclusion: The detection of depression in the setting of HF should be crucial to HF patients’ physical health and quality of life. Future research should take depression into account, exploring this area through self-report and qualitative interview as well.

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. Besides its irreversibility, COPD is a treatable condition, and patients would strongly benefit from being adherent to their treatments. However, almost half of them are non-adherent, and, according to several recent studies, the way the patient perceives the disease might influence this variable. Aim: This systematic review provided a synthesis of studies about the relationships between illness perceptions (IP), cognitions, beliefs, and adherence in COPD. Methods: English language publications were searched in PubMed, Medline, Scopus, ResearchGate, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases from November 2022 to February 2023, following PRISMA guidelines. The reference lists of eligible studies were also searched. Data extraction and critical appraisal were undertaken by two reviewers working independently. Results: A total of 14 studies were included. Adherence to treatment in COPD is confirmed to be low, using both self-report questionnaires and objective assessment systems. Most studies concluded that COPD is perceived as a moderate threat destined to last forever, even if many participants referred to little disease knowledge. This perception did not change between adherent and non-adherent groups. Those who considered more necessary to take their medicines and had a caregiver were more adherent and less concerned about their future. On the other side, forgetfulness, lack of trust in medications, and difficulties in understanding how to take them were perceived as the main causes of non-adherence. Other predictors of non-adherence, like depression, low self-efficacy, and severity of disease were confirmed. Conclusion: The systematic review highlights the variability of the relationship between IP, cognitions and beliefs, and COPD treatment adherence. A new level of awareness of the relationship between patients’ subjective point of view and treatment adherence may inform future treatment options and promote a more personalized intervention.

This systematic review analyzed 37 studies on sleep-disordered breathing during pregnancy, involving over 7000 women, predominantly pregnant, with a subgroup of non-pregnant controls. Most studies were conducted in the United States, using in-laboratory polysomnography and focusing on the third trimester. The meta-analysis estimated a prevalence of nearly 20 %, although results showed considerable heterogeneity, reflecting variations in study methodologies, diagnostic criteria, and sample characteristics. Sleep-disordered breathing was generally mild, with body mass index identified as the main risk factor, while age did not appear to significantly influence prevalence. Monitoring body mass index throughout pregnancy and screening for sleep-disordered breathing in women with gestational diabetes or hypertensive disorders is crucial, as these conditions are associated with higher prevalence. Findings highlight the need for future studies to adhere to standardized guidelines, use objective diagnostic tools, and include larger, well-characterized samples of normal pregnancies. Comparative studies with matched non-pregnant controls by body mass index and age, longitudinal cohort designs, and interventional trials using continuous positive airway pressure for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea are essential to enhance understanding and improve maternal-fetal outcomes.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the dynamic patterns of perception and expectations among COPD patients. Methods: Conducted at the Heart-Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, in Milan, Italy, the research involved 28 participants (16 males; mean age 72.8 ± 9.9) in face-to-face interviews. Utilizing a Grounded Theory approach, complemented by clinical data, recorded, and transcribed interviews underwent enhancement through the integration of two pictorial tools. Results: The central theme that emerged was a profound sense of responsibility toward their condition, perceived as a significant threat to life. Key symptoms, such as shortness of breath, coupled with negative expectations about their condition, contributed to depressive mood and avoidance behaviors. A notable proportion ( N = 17; 60.71%) of participants struggled to envision a positive future, expressing a pervasive sense of hopelessness, which significantly influenced their health behaviors and adherence to medical recommendations. Conversely, individuals who felt supported and optimistic about treatment efficacy exhibited more positive expectations and adopted proactive coping strategies. Discussion: Recognizing the dynamic nature of patients' perceptions and negative illness expectations is essential to create personalized therapeutic interventions and meet the specific needs of COPD patients, ultimately improving the overall effectiveness of their care journey.

Summary: Obstructive sleep apnea is a common yet often overlooked chronic sleep disorder with significant health implications globally. Bedpartners play a vital role in motivating individuals with obstructive sleep apnea to seek medical help, though their sleep quality may suffer, straining the couple's relationship. From September 2023 to January 2024, utilizing PubMed, Scopus, BioMed Central, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and www.clinicaltrials.gov databases, this systematic review meticulously examined data from 27 studies to investigate how continuous positive airway pressure therapy, recognized as the gold‐standard for treating obstructive sleep apnea, may positively influence psychological dynamics within couples. Additionally, a meta‐analysis was conducted on nine studies, to assess the effect of continuous positive airway pressure on erectile function, which is often compromised in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The PRISMA checklist and specific quality assessments were followed to ensure methodological rigour and transparency. Findings reveal positive changes in conflict resolution for patients with obstructive sleep apnea post‐ continuous positive airway pressure adaptation (p < 0.05). Emotional functioning (p = 0.002) and social relationships (p < 0.001) also show improvements in bedpartners. While six subjective assessments indicate enhancements in sexual quality of life for patients with obstructive sleep apnea, challenges related to continuous positive airway pressure use as a barrier to intimacy are acknowledged. Focusing on male patients with obstructive sleep apnea, findings demonstrated a substantial improvement in erectile function post‐continuous positive airway pressure utilization, with a Z‐score of 4.84 (p < 0.00001). Female patients with obstructive sleep apnea using continuous positive airway pressure show no significant improvements in sexual functioning, while female bedpartners report positive changes. These insights emphasize the importance of holistic approaches in addressing the impact of obstructive sleep apnea on both individuals and their relationships.

Continuous positive airway pressure is the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a condition marked by recurrent interruptions in breathing during sleep that impairs quality of life. Despite its efficacy, adherence to continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) remains suboptimal and is influenced by various psychological and contextual factors.