HRB open research最新文献

{"title":"What barriers and facilitators to self-management are experienced by mothers who wish to breastfeed but require concurrent pharmacotherapy in the first two years postpartum? A mixed-methods systematic review protocol.","authors":"Lucy Hackett, Deirdre M D'Arcy, Juliette O'Connell, Samuel Cromie, Déirdre Daly, Tamasine Grimes","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14100.3","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14100.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breastfeeding is the recommended method of infant feeding. The postpartum period can be a challenging time for women who experience illness requiring pharmacotherapy. However, breastfeeding women may use medication less frequently than their counterparts who are not breastfeeding. Some women report the need for pharmacotherapy as a reason for earlier than desired breastfeeding cessation. The experiences of women in relation to self-management of medication use and breastfeeding are poorly understood.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this systematic review is to explore the barriers and facilitators to self-management for women who wish to breastfeed but require concurrent pharmacotherapy in the first two years postpartum, using mixed-methods and a systems-based theoretical framework.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Systematic searches will be performed using six electronic bibliographic databases. Dual independent selection, data extraction and quality assessment of studies will be carried out. A convergent integrated approach to data synthesis will be used. The System Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model will be used as a theoretical framework to guide data synthesis. Input and collaboration from public and patient involvement (PPI) contributors will be sought throughout.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Enhancing understanding of mothers' self-management experiences when they wish to breastfeed and take medication is arguably key to improving maternal and child health and quality of life. The proposed review will synthesise the available data regarding the barriers and facilitators to self-management for women who face the need for concurrent pharmacotherapy and breastfeeding. In doing so, important supports and unmet needs of this cohort will be revealed. PROSPERO registration number CRD420251000918. Amendments to this protocol will be uploaded as revision notes to any platforms where the protocol was published.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"53"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12789855/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145954129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oral Health in Residential Settings: A Public Health Priority.","authors":"Roger O'Sullivan, Emma Hunter, Ruth D Neill, Louise Bradley","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14265.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/hrbopenres.14265.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Poor oral health is associated with increased mortality and chronic conditions. Ageing remains an unequal experience, particularly in the area of oral health. Evidence-based interventions for oral health exist; however, their implementation in residential settings is limited, posing a significant public health challenge that warrants greater attention. This commentary highlights the importance of oral health and oral health research within the residential care setting, especially the need for increased research on oral health interventions. Furthermore, it also highlights the need for evidence-based, oral health interventions to be a priority within residential settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"120"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12949375/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147328412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of pharmacogenomics in the discontinuation of psychotropic medication: a scoping review protocol.","authors":"Natalia Stollarova, Cristín Ryan, Greg Sheaf, Dolores Keating, Brian O'Donoghue, Cathal Cadogan","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14314.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/hrbopenres.14314.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Discontinuation of psychotropic medication is associated with considerable clinical challenges, including withdrawal symptoms and relapse. Pharmacogenomic testing is increasingly used in clinical practice to optimise pharmacotherapy by guiding drug selection and dosing, however, its role in informing medication discontinuation and tapering strategies remains underexplored. Understanding the influence of genetic variability on withdrawal symptoms could support safer, individualised discontinuation practices.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This scoping review aims to map the available evidence on the role of pharmacogenomics on the discontinuation of psychotropic medications.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and reported using the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Comprehensive searches will be performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Studies exploring gene polymorphisms relevant to the discontinuation of psychotropic medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, anxiolytics, hypnotics, stimulants, and opioids) will be considered. Following screening, data will be extracted, and a narrative synthesis will be undertaken to map characteristics of included studies, genes studied, medication classes involved, reported outcomes, and knowledge gaps.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review will provide an overview of existing evidence and identify gaps regarding the role of pharmacogenomics in psychotropic medication discontinuation. The findings will help to inform future research on the integration of pharmacogenomics into individualised tapering strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"9 ","pages":"4"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12917353/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147273243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Climate Change and Sustainability in Health Professions Education: A Realist Review Protocol.","authors":"Marah Elfghi, Emer Galvin, Deirdre Bennett, Niamh Coakley, Deborah Heaphy, Rory Mulcaire, Caoimhe O'Brien, Claudia Osborne, Anél Wiese","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14282.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14282.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Climate change poses a critical global health challenge, affecting public health, healthcare systems, and health professions education (HPE). While healthcare professionals play a key role in addressing climate-related health risks and promoting sustainable practices, formal training in climate change and sustainability (CC&S) remains limited and CC&S education is inconsistently implemented due to challenges such as curriculum constraints and lack of faculty expertise. Existing systematic and scoping reviews provide an overview of CC&S interventions but do not sufficiently explore the mechanisms driving their success or failure. A realist review is needed to understand what works, for whom, and under what conditions in CC&S education.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This realist review will follow the RAMESES publication standards and use a structured, iterative approach to synthesise evidence. A comprehensive search strategy will be conducted across academic databases and grey literature sources to identify CC&S education interventions in undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing professional education across healthcare disciplines. Data will be extracted using a Context-Mechanism-Outcome (CMO) framework to analyse key contextual factors, mechanisms, and outcomes influencing intervention effectiveness. Regular team discussions will ensure consensus in identifying CMOs and refining the initial programme theory. Findings will be reported through narrative synthesis, summary tables, and a graphical representation of the final programme theory.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This review will provide practical insights for stakeholders on how to effectively integrate CC&S education into HPE curricula. By unpacking mechanisms and contextual factors, it will go beyond traditional systematic reviews to explain why and how these interventions succeed or fail. The findings will inform curriculum development, faculty training, and policy recommendations, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are equipped to address climate-related health challenges and advance sustainable healthcare practices. Ultimately, this realist review will provide transferable context-sensitive insights to inform the adaptation of CC&S education across diverse health professions education settings.Systematic review registration: Open Science Framework (OSF).</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12891960/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146183732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A \"motor learning based intervention for lower extremities (MOBILE)\" to target walking performance in ambulant children with cerebral palsy: A feasibility study.","authors":"Caitríona O'Shaughnessy, Raymond McCarthy, Dereena Minehane, Jennifer Ryan, Ailish Malone","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14101.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14101.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the largest contributor to childhood physical disability with abnormal gait pattern such as toe walking commonly reported. The International Classification of Functioning (ICF) in disabilities framework outlines three domains to consider when looking at impact of a disability on a child; body/structure, activity and participation. Activity and participation targeted interventions using Motor Learning Theory (MLT) have shown positive results on walking performance, gross motor skills and upper limb rehabilitation in CP. MLT encompasses multiple concepts that shape our understanding of how motor skills are acquired and developed. This study aims to determine feasibility and acceptability of a novel motor learning-based intervention for lower extremities (MOBILE) targeting walking performance in ambulant children with CP to inform a future randomized controlled trial (RCT).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Fourteen ambulant children with CP, aged 6-17, with a walking goal will be recruited from community disability services. They will undergo a tailored intensive MOBILE intervention to target walking goals amounting to 30 hours practice in 6 weeks or less. Outcomes will include feasibility of recruitment, adherence, retention and outcome measures, and acceptability of the intervention. Clinical outcome measures will include the Gait Outcomes Assessment List, Six Minute Walk Test, modified Timed Up and Go, Ten metre walk test, Range of Motion and the Child Health Utility instrument. Feasibility outcomes will be reported using descriptive statistics such as percentages and confidence intervals.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Long-term retention of walking improvements in CP following interventions targeting the body/structure domain of the ICF are reportedly poor. The MOBILE intervention based on its theoretical framework could lead to improvements in walking performance with a possibility of long-term retention and impact on activity and participation. The feasibility of the study design and acceptability of the intervention needs to be investigated to inform a future definitive trial.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12933047/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147313187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oral nutritional supplement combined with an online resistance training programme to improve physical function and nutritional status in older adults receiving home care and at risk of sarcopenia:  protocol for the randomised controlled POWER trial.","authors":"Catherine M Fallon, Caitriona G Cunningham, Katy Horner, Clare A Corish","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14086.3","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14086.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Risk of sarcopenia and poor nutritional status are observed in older adults receiving home care. Hence, the aim of the POWER trial is to investigate the effectiveness of a whey protein oral nutritional supplement (ONS) combined with an online resistance training (RT) programme compared to RT alone on physical function, nutritional status and health-related outcomes in community-dwelling older adults receiving supportive home care who are at risk of sarcopenia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This home-based, randomised controlled trial will include older adults aged ≥70 years, receiving supportive home care (professional and/or informal), who will be screened for sarcopenia via telephone. Forty-six participants will be randomised into either (i) ONS + RT or (ii) RT only trial arms. Participants in the ONS + RT group will be provided with a whey protein ONS enriched with leucine and vitamin D to consume day daily for 12 weeks. All participants will be provided with an online RT programme twice weekly via Zoom. The primary outcomes are physical function, measured using the Timed Up and Go test and nutritional status, measured using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment-Full Form. Secondary outcomes include body composition, dietary intake, gait speed, muscle strength, cognitive function, depression risk, activities of daily living, quality of life and feasibility of intervention implementation. All outcomes will be measured at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2) and 12 weeks post-intervention (T3).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study will provide data on the effectiveness of a whey protein ONS enriched with leucine and vitamin D combined with an online RT programme delivered via Zoom, compared to the RT programme alone, for older adults at risk of sarcopenia and receiving supportive home care. If effective, this combined approach could act as an important strategy to support maintenance of physical function and nutritional status in older adults, for whom home-based interventions are likely a more feasible option.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>NCT05688956; registered December 2022.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12744209/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145859469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experiences of novice student team members in evidence synthesis: Study protocol for a study within a review.","authors":"Sarah Dillon, Alex Gall, Elayne Ahern, Aoife Whiston, Rose Galvin","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14154.3","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14154.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Evidence synthesis plays a vital role in healthcare research, informing clinical practice and policy. Increasingly, students are involved in reviews, yet their experiences, including the barriers and facilitators for participation, remain underexplored. This study aims to examine the barriers and opportunities encountered by novice student team members in evidence synthesis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This Study Within A Review (SWAR) will adopt a mixed-methods approach. Undergraduate and postgraduate students in health-related disciplines engaged in or having just completed their first evidence synthesis at the University of Limerick (Ireland) will be recruited through academic networks and word of mouth. Data will be collected primarily via focus groups, in addition to a short online survey. Thematic analysis will be employed to analyse qualitative data, while descriptive statistics will be used for survey responses. Qualitative and quantitative data will be collected concurrently and narratively integrated at the point of analysis using a weaving approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study aims to describe the experiences of students involved in evidence synthesis, identifying barriers and facilitators related to their participation. Findings will inform recommendations for improving evidence synthesis training, mentorship, and student engagement strategies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Understanding student experiences in evidence synthesis may inform the development of targeted training and support mechanisms. The findings will provide valuable insights for academic institutions and research teams seeking to optimise student involvement in evidence synthesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"74"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12754357/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145890541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-pharmacological interventions to support return to education and work for adolescent and young adults (AYAs) following a cancer diagnosis: a scoping review protocol.","authors":"Naomi Algeo, David Mockler, Stacey Braddish, Matthew Barrington, Niamh O'Sullivan, Joy Lewis, Scheryll Alken, Peter McCarthy, Joanne O'Mahony, Kathleen Bennett, Claire McCall, Amy Nolan, Catherine Buckley, Sonya Collier, Louise Mullen, Nina Orfali, Aoife O'Gorman, Ruth McMenamin, Denise Dockery, Nickola Pallin, Deirdre Connolly","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14096.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14096.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This scoping review will explore and chart the evidence relating to non-pharmacological interventions that support education and/or employment for adolescent and young adults (AYAs) following a cancer diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The number of newly diagnosed AYAs with cancer is increasing and so too is the number of AYAs living with and beyond cancer. In line with missed schooling and long-term side-effects of treatment, it is unsurprising that this group may under-perform academically and be at higher risk of unemployment in comparison to their peers. Developing an overview of existing interventions to support education and/or employment for this cohort, is therefore important.</p><p><strong>Inclusion criteria: </strong>Studies that explore non-pharmacological interventions that support education and/or employment for AYAs (aged 15-39 years at cancer diagnosis) post-cancer diagnosis. Interventions can be group-based, individual, and/or online in format, and can be vocational, psychosocial, physical, educational or multidisciplinary in nature. Qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods studies, case studies, observational studies, reports and theses will be included.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This scoping review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. Databases to be searched include EMBASE, Web of Science, Medline (OVID), CINAHL, and PsycInfo, with no limitation on publication date. Grey literature will be searched, limited to the first 100 searches on Google Scholar. Titles and abstracts will be screened and two independent reviewers will review identified fill-texts. A data extraction tool will be used for data extraction.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"44"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12848347/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146088294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Developing A Complex Intervention to Integrate Community Paramedics in GP Out-of-Hours Care in Ireland: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Colette Cunningham, Siobhan Masterson, Alan Batt, J D Heffern, Shane Knox, Diarmuid Quinlan, Cathal O'Donnell, Deirdre O'Donnell, Tomas Barry","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14246.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14246.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Significant workforce challenges are evolving in Irish general practice, which limit all aspects of practice, especially out-of-hour care. Community Paramedics can support general practitioner (GP) out-of-hour care and potentially improve the system efficiency in Ireland.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively recruited participants using a schedule informed by the existing research. A thematic analysis was undertaken based on the Braun and Clarke approach and supported by the NVivo software. Themes were developed based on the concept of preliminary key model components. The study was conducted in accordance with Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Comprehensive data analysis generated four major themes: Workforce Management, Synergies in Healthcare, Progressive Futuristic Care, and Safe Practice. These themes formed the basis for the further development of the preliminary key model components.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study suggests that the integration of Community Paramedics into GP out-of-hour care in Ireland can be successfully launched if workforce planning is carefully considered. The role of the Community Paramedic must be defined, regulated, and governed in conjunction with the National Ambulance Service, the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council, and the Department of Health in Ireland. Patient care must be underpinned by safe and effective care practices that are continuously audited and evaluated, and the scope of practice must be defined and maintained by each Community Paramedic through a guided educational system that incorporates continuous professional development. GPs can provide support to community paramedics, including the use of information technology, as required. GPs and Community Paramedics can work together to synergize healthcare and provide safe and effective care to patients in the domiciliary setting during out-of-hour hours, thus reducing emergency department attendance and increasing the GP's capacity to provide face-to-face consultations.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"9 ","pages":"6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12891948/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146183728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predictors of Recent Incidence Trends in Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Systematic Review Protocol.","authors":"Santiago Garcia Guerrero, Robbie Lawlor, Ashling Bourke, John P Gilmore, Caroline Kelleher, Maria Lohan, Nicola O'Connell, Kate O'Donnell, Rikke Siersbaek, Giovanni Villa, Chris Noone","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14222.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14222.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major global health concern, with millions of new cases occurring annually, particularly among young adults. These infections can lead to serious health complications, including infertility and increased risk of HIV, and are compounded by social stigma and mental health challenges. There have been significant global increases in STI diagnoses in recent years. The objective of this systematic review is to synthesise evidence on the predictors of trends in gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV over the last ten years. We aim to provide insight into the multifaceted drivers of the recent increasing STI diagnosis rates.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We have developed a comprehensive search strategy that includes searching for relevant published literature and grey literature. We will include studies that contain evidence of longitudinal associations between changes in the incidence of diagnoses of four targeted STIs (i.e., gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV) during the last ten years. In addition, we will explore changes in sociodemographic and behavioural variables during the same time among representative samples of national populations. We will conduct a narrative analysis of the included studies.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The proposed synthesis plan is part of a larger research project that has been designed in response to the priorities of sexual health policymakers in Ireland. It will provide useful information regarding recent international trends in diagnoses of gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV, which will inform further efforts to understand the recent increases in STI diagnoses in Ireland. We acknowledge that it will be limited by publication bias, the biases affecting the included studies, a potential lack of data on important sub-populations, and restrictions related to testing availability across countries. Ultimately, trends in STI diagnoses are best understood through the design of comprehensive behavioural surveillance systems, which this review may usefully inform.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"88"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12859410/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146109003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}