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Search Results: MCHLine

Items in this list may be obtained from the sources cited. Contact information reflects the most current data about the source that has been provided to the MCH Digital Library.


Displaying records 1 through 20 (89 total).

Rockville, MD: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. 2025. Perinatal depression: Preventive interventions [2025 draft evidence review]. Rockville, MD: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 335 pp.

Annotation: This evidence review draft provides an update to the 2019l review published by U.S. Preventive Services Task Force regarding the benefits and harms of primary care-relevant interventions to prevent perinatal depression among pregnant and postpartum individuals. The report evaluates 75 trials to determine the effectiveness of behavioral counseling, supportive measures, education, physical activity, and prophylactic pharmacologic therapies. It finds that counseling interventions, specifically those utilizing cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy, consistently reduce the risk of depression for people at increased risk of developing the condition. Although physical activity and educational programs demonstrate potential in reducing depression incidence, the review notes that evidence for pharmacologic interventions and infant sleep strategies remains limited. Substantial appendices include detailed evidence tables for each intervention type, implementation resources, and information on ongoing clinical trials.

Keywords: Depression, Intervention, Perinatal care, Postpartum care, Postpartum depression, Prevention, Research reviews

Parsons HM, Abdi HI, Nelson VA, Claussen A, Wagner BL, Sadak KT, Scal PB, Wilt TJ, Butler M. 2022. Transitions of care from pediatric to adult services for children with special health care needs. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 323 pp. (Comparative effectiveness review; no. 255)

Annotation: This systematic review provides the results of an analysis of the evidence base for care interventions, implementation strategies, and between-provider communication tools among children with special health care needs who are making the transition from pediatric to adult medical care services. Several databases were searched to identify studies published through September 2021; gray literature searches were also conducted in order to identify additional resources relevant to the topic. The publication is divided into 12 chapters and includes tables, figures, and appendixes.

Keywords: Adolescents, Literature reviews, Research reviews, Special health care needs, Transition planning, Transition to independent living, Transitions, Young adults

Viswanathan M, Wallace I, Cook Middleton J, Kennedy SM, McKeeman J, Hudson K, Rains C, Vander Schaaf EB, Kahwati L. 2022. Screening for depression, anxiety, and suicide risk in children and adolescents: An evidence review for the U.S. Preventive Task Force . Rockville, MD: U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 547 pp. (Evidence Synthesis 2021; AHRQ Publication No. 22-05293-EF-1)

Annotation: This review examines the research evidence on the benefits and harms of screening, accuracy of screening, and benefits and harms of treatment for suicide risk, anxiety, and depression in children and adolescents. Intended to help healthcare decision makers (patients and clinicians, health system leaders, policy makers, and others) make well-informed decisions, the review is based on research conducted by the RTI International--University of North Carolina Evidence-based Practice Center under contract by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality AHRQ).

Keywords: Adolescents, Anxiety, Children, Depression, Mental health, Quality assurance , Research reviews, Screening, Suicide

Community Preventive Services Task Force. 2021. Methods manual for Community Guide systematic reviews. Atlanta, GA: Community Preventive Services Task Force, Community Guide, 38 pp.

Annotation: This manual provides a comprehensive overview of the Community Guide systematic review methods that serve as the basis for Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommendations and findings. The manual was developed to broadly explain how the CPSTF and the Community Guide Office conduct the Community Guide reviews. The manual is divided into two parts that include links to sample materials and full-text publications for more information. Part one describes the ten steps in the effectiveness review process; part two outlines the nine steps in the economic review process.

Keywords: Community based services, Community programs, Evaluation methods, Model programs, Program evaluation, Research reviews

Higgins JPT, Thomas J, Chandler J, Cumpston M, Li T, Page MJ, Welch VA, eds. 2019. Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions (version 6.0). London, United Kingdom: Cochrane,

Annotation: This handbook is the official guide that describes in detail the process of preparing and maintaining Cochrane systematic reviews on the effects of healthcare interventions. It provides guidance on the standard methods applicable to every review (planning a review, searching and selecting studies, data collection, risk of bias assessment, statistical analysis, GRADE and interpreting results), as well as more specialised topics (non-randomized studies, adverse effects, complex interventions, equity, economics, patient-reported outcomes, individual patient data, prospective meta-analysis, and qualitative research).

Keywords: Evidence, Handbooks, Literature reviews, Research reviews

Community Preventive Services Task Force. 2017. Guide to using insufficient evidence (IE) findings from the Community Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force). Atlanta, GA: Community Preventive Services Task Force, 2 pp.

Annotation: This document for public health practitioners provides guidance on how to interpret and use insufficient evidence (IE) findings based on systematic reviews of peer-reviewed literature for intervention approaches that aim to improve behaviors, services, programs, or policies. Topics include understanding the question posed in the review, considering why the systematic review of evidence resulted in an IE finding, examining individual studies in the review, and making decisions based on the evidence. An example from the field is included. Guidance for public health funders and researchers are also available.

Keywords: Decision making, Evaluation methods, Research methodology, Research reviews

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. 2016. Breastfeeding: Primary care interventions. Rockville, MD: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, multiple items.

AcademyHealth. 2016. What tools are effective in screening for adverse childhood experiences among children?. Washington, DC: AcademyHealth, 9 pp. (Rapid evidence review)

Annotation: This document synthesizes peer-reviewed systematic reviews of measures that can be used to screen children enrolled in Medicaid for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), defined as stressful or traumatic events including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Contents include the policy context, supporting evidence, and limitations. The appendices contain definitions of terms; search terms and databases used in the review; a table of selected measures including the measure name, type, ACEs, strengths, limitations, and other considerations; and systematic reviews included in the evidence review.

Keywords: Children, Evaluation methods, Evidence based medicine, Low income groups, Measures, Medicaid, Public policy, Research reviews, Screening, Stress, Trauma

AcademyHealth. 2016. What evidence-based interventions for parents and families help mitigate adverse childhood experiences among children?. Washington, DC: AcademyHealth, 6 pp. (Rapid evidence review)

Annotation: This document synthesizes peer-reviewed systematic reviews on the effectiveness of interventions that help to mitigate parental and familial factors that may contribute to adverse childhood experiences among children. Contents include the policy context, supporting evidence, and limitations. Topics include parent education programs (conducted outside the home), home visit programs, dual treatment programs for substance abuse, and trauma-informed care. The appendices contain definitions of terms; search terms and databases used in the review; and a table that describes the systematic reviews included in the review.

Keywords: Children, Evaluation methods, Evidence based medicine, Home visiting, Intervention, Low income groups, Medicaid, Parent education, Public policy, Research reviews, Stress, Substance abuse treatment, Trauma, Trauma care

AcademyHealth. 2016. Which adverse childhood experiences are most predictive of health care costs among adults?. Washington, DC: AcademyHealth, 6 pp. (Rapid evidence review)

Annotation: This document synthesizes peer-reviewed systematic reviews on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) associated with higher health care costs among adults. Contents include the policy context, supporting evidence, and limitations. Collectively, the studies included in the review report costs for three of 10 major ACEs: physical abuse, sexual abuse, and physical neglect. The appendices contain definitions of terms, search terms and databases used in the review, and a description of systematic reviews and relevant primary research studies included in the review.

Keywords: Adults, Child abuse, Child neglect, Child sexual abuse, Costs, Evaluation methods, Life course, Low income groups, Medicaid, Public policy, Research reviews, Stress, Trauma, Women

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Adolescent Health and Family and Youth Services Bureau. 2014-. Teen pregnancy prevention evidence review. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 v.

Annotation: This website provides information and resources from an ongoing independent systematic review of the adolescent pregnancy prevention research to identify programs with evidence of effectiveness in reducing adolescent pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and associated sexual risk behaviors. The website includes information on study quality and program models that have demonstrated positive impacts on sexual risk behavior and sexual health outcomes. Contents include a searchable database of studies included in the review, information about the review process and how the review is conducted, publications written by the review team, answers to frequently asked questions, and contact information for the study team.

Keywords: Adolescent health, Adolescent pregnancy, Adolescents, Health behavior, Literature reviews, Prevention programs, Program models, Research methodology, Risk factors, Sexual health, Sexually transmitted diseases

Garrard J. 2014. Health sciences literature review made easy: The matrix method. (4th ed.). Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen Publishers, 217 pp.

Annotation: This book provides a way to review and organize research literature. It is intended for people with a variety of backgrounds in the health sciences. The book is organized into three parts. The first section covers fundamentals of literature review and includes an introductory chapter and a chapter on basic concepts. The second section covers the matrix method and has chapters on searching the literature, reviewing documents, abstracting literature, and using a review matrix to write a synthesis. The third section deals with applications using the matrix method and has chapters on a library of literature review books, the matrix indexing system, and matrix applications by health science professionals. The appendix lists useful resources for literature reviews.

Keywords: Health sciences, Indexes, Literature reviews, Research skills

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. 2014. Gestational diabetes mellitus: Screening. Rockville, MD: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, multiple items.

Eisenberg JM. 2014. Therapies for children with autism spectrum disorders: A review of the research for parents and caregivers. Rockville, MD: U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 13 pp.

Annotation: This guide for parents and other caregivers describes research about the possible benefits and negative side effects of therapies for children ages 2 through 12 who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The guide explains what ASDs are and summarizes the research on programs that treat ASD symptoms. Topics include behavior and development programs, education and learning programs, medications, and other treatments and therapies. Guidelines to help parents and caregivers choose the best therapy and programs for their child are included.

Keywords: Autism, Child health, Children with special health care needs, Families, Research reviews

McLanahan S, ed. 2014. Helping parents, helping children: Two-generation mechanisms. Princeton, NJ: Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs; Washington, DC: Brookings Institution, (The future of children; v. 24, no. 1, Spring 2014)

Duncan GJ, Kirkendall NJ, Citro CF, eds; National Research Council and Institute of Medicine. 2014. The National Children's Study 2014: An assessment. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 147 pp.

Annotation: This report presents findings from a Congressionally-mandated review of the design of the National Children's Main Study. Topics include the national probability sample's overall sample size and design, the use of hospitals and birthing centers as the primary sampling unit, relative size of the prenatal and birth strata in the probability sample, the size of the supplemental convenience sample, optimal use of sibling births, use of health care providers to refer prospective participants, proposed study visit schedule with emphasis on more frequent data collection in pregnancy and early childhood, proposed approach to assess health and developmental phenotypes, and proposed approach to define and characterize health disparities. Conclusions and recommendations, including information on logistical and resource constraints, are also provided.

Keywords: Longitudinal studies, MCH research, National initiatives, Research methodology, Research reviews

Wirth B, Townley C, Takach M. 2014. A roadmap for state policymakers to use comparative effectiveness and patient-centered outcomes research to inform decision making . Portland, ME: National Academy for State Health Policy, 49 pp.

Annotation: This guide is designed to help policymakers with varying levels of experience understand and use comparative effectiveness research (CER) and patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR). Contents include a legend to orient those new to CER and PCOR and steps for using this research in state policymaking. Topics include identifying when CER and PCOR can inform policymaking, finding research and other relevant resources, evaluating the evidence, using the evidence to design program or policy, communicating and disseminating the decision, and monitoring and evaluating new research as it becomes available. Case studies and sample applications for each step are included. The appendices contain additional sources of research, guides, and tools; a list of suggested reading on CER, PCOR, and evidence-based decision-making; and an overview on conducting a systematic review.

Keywords: Comparative analysis, Decision making, Policy development, Program development, Public policy, Research methodology, Research reviews, Treatment outcome

Brignardello-Petersen R, Carrasco-Labra A, Booth A, Glick M, Guyatt GH, Azarpazhooh A, Agoritsas T. 2014. A practical approach to evidence-based dentistry: How to search for evidence to inform clinical decisions. Journal of the American Dental Association 145(12):1262–1267,

Annotation: This article, the second in a series on evidence-based dentistry (EBD), describes how to frame questions that support the search for evidence to inform clinical decision-making. The article also identifies EBD resources and how to search for relevant evidence by translating questions into effective search terms.

Keywords: Comparison groups, Decision making, Literature reviews, Oral health, Research methodology

Duke Evidence-Based Practice Center. 2013. Efficacy and safety of screening for postpartum depression. Rockville, MD: U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, ca. 215 pp. (Comparative effectiveness review; no. 106)

Annotation: This report describes the results of a 2004-2012 literature search that evaluated the performance of screening instruments for postpartum depression, potential benefits and harms of screening, and impact on appropriate postscreening actions. Report contents include an introduction to postpartum depression and its adverse outcomes, screening, clinical and socioeconomic factors affecting risk; chapters on the study methods and results; a discussion of the findings; and conclusions and references. Appendices provide further detail into how the study was performed.

Keywords: Literature reviews, MCH research, Maternal mental health, Mother child relations, Postpartum depression, Research methodology, Screening

Johns Hopkins University Evidence-Based Practice Center. 2013. Childhood obesity prevention programs: Comparative effectiveness review and meta-analysis. Rockville, MD: U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, ca. 835 pp. (Comparative effectiveness review; no. 115)

Annotation: This report describes research conducted by the Johns Hopkins University Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) on the effectiveness of childhood obesity prevention programs by reviewing all interventional studies that aimed to improve diet, physical activity, or both and that were conducted in schools, homes, primary care clinics, childcare settings, the community, or combinations of these settings in high-income countries. Topics include optimal setting for childhood obesity prevention interventions, benefits and unwanted consequences of the study, and comparisons to what is already known. An executive summary, research protocol, slide presentation, continuing medical education activity, and summaries for clinicians and consumers (English and Spanish) are also available.

Keywords: , Child health, Children, Obesity, Research reviews, School based programs, Weight management

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The MCH Library is one of six special collections at Georgetown University, the nation's oldest Jesuit institution of higher education. The library is supported through foundation, private, university, state, and federal funding. This information or content and conclusions are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by Georgetown University or the U.S. Government. Note: web pages whose development was supported by federal government grants are being reviewed to comply with applicable Executive Orders.