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A meta-analysis was performed to identify the pooled prevalence of mental health disorders (MHDs) among runaway and homeless youth (RHY). Relevant studies published between December 1, 1985, and October 1, 2023, were identified in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. A preliminary screening of 11,266 papers resulted in the inclusion of 101 studies. The pooled-prevalence estimates were obtained using a random-effects model. The findings showed varying lifetime prevalence rates of MHDs: 47% (conduct disorders and psychological distress), 43% (depression), 34% (major depressive disorders), 33% (post-traumatic stress disorder), 27% (personality disorders), 25% (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), 23% (bipolar disorders), 22% (anxiety), 21% (oppositional defiant disorders), 15% (anorexia), 15% (adjustment disorders), 14% (dysthymia), 11% (schizophrenia), 9% (obsessive–compulsive disorders), and 8% (gambling disorder). The current prevalence rates were: 31% (depression), 23% (major depressive disorder), 23% (anxiety), 21% (post-traumatic stress disorder), 16% (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), 15% (bipolar disorder), 13% (personality disorders), 13% (oppositional defiant disorders), 8% (schizophrenia), and 6% (obsessive–compulsive disorders). Regular screening and the implementation of evidence-based treatments and the promotion of integration and coordination between mental health services for adolescent minors and young adults with other service systems are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed to identify sociodemographic characteristics, risky behaviors, type of drug use, and service use variables associated with emergency department (ED) use and hospitalization among people who inject drugs (PWID). Methods: Studies in English published from January 1, 1995, to December 15, 2021, were searched for on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify primary studies on ED use and hospitalization among PWID. Results: After a detailed assessment of 17,348 outputs, a total of 19 studies met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the analysis. Greater risks of ED use and hospitalization among PWID were associated with (i) a history of homelessness, (ii) HIV-positive status, and (iii) injecting drugs more than four times per day. Individuals were more likely to use the ED if they (i) had a history of physical abuse, (ii) were using cocaine and methamphetamine, and (iii) had used primary care services. Women and individuals with chronic physical illnesses were more likely to be hospitalized. Conclusions: The present study is the first to integrate determinants related to ED use and hospitalization based on sociodemographic characteristics, risky behaviors, type of drug, and service use determinants among PWID. To reduce ED use and hospitalization among PWID, the paper also recommends various strategies could be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A meta-analysis was performed to determine pooled prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), suicide behaviors (including ideation, attempts), and associated risk factors among runaway and homeless youth (RHY). The databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies published from January 1995 to May 2023. Initially, 8465 papers were screened, resulting in 69 included studies. The results showed that among RHY, lifetime prevalence rates were 42% for NSSI, 38% for suicidal ideation, and 27% for suicide attempts. Lifetime prevalence of NSSI and suicide behaviors was higher among adolescent minors (aged 12–17 years) compared to young adults (aged 18–24 years). Also, NSSI and suicide behaviors were associated with having a childhood history of physical and sexual abuse. Developing an impactful community-based suicide prevention campaign tailored for RHY appears warranted. Peer groups and mentorship programs would provide invaluable support for young individuals, as supportive friendships protect against NSSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicidal behaviors including ideations and attempts may ultimately lead to suicide especially among intravenous drug users (IVDUs). The present study assessed the prevalence, sociodemographic characteristics, risky behaviors, mental health conditions, and type of drug use associated with suicidal behaviors among IVDUs. Studies in English published from January 1, 1995 to February 1, 2022 were searched on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify papers on variables associated with suicidal behaviors (ideation and attempts) among IVDUs. Out of 10,795 papers, 21 studies met the eligibility criteria. Among IVDUs, the findings indicated a past-year pooled prevalence rate of 35% for suicide ideations (95% CI, 22%–48%) and 25% for suicide attempts (95% CI, 13%–36%). Generally, suicide ideations were associated with being homeless, having a previous history of physical and sexual abuse, and depression. Suicide attempts were associated with being female, having a previous history of physical and sexual abuse, having depression or other mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, stress, and serious mental health disorders), and having cocaine, methamphetamine, sedative-hypnotic, and polysubstance use disorders. Integrated treatment and assertive community treatment approaches may be promoted to prevent suicidal behaviors. Such programs can be implemented for referring individuals to receive suicide attempt-concerned interventions and motivational therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify socio-demographic determinants, risky behaviors and type of drug use, and the association with visiting by general practitioners (GP) in the last 12 months or outpatient service use among people who inject drugs (PWID). Studies in English published before November 1 2021, were searched for on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify primary studies on the factors associated with visiting by GP or outpatient service use among PWID. After a detailed assessment of over 17,348 papers, a total of 13 studies met the eligibility criteria. Greater odds of visits to the GP in the last 12 months or outpatient service use was associated with (i) being younger, (ii) being female, (iii) employment status, (iv) having public health insurance, (v) individuals who shared needles, (vi) individuals who were prescribed benzodiazepines, (vii) history of taking prescribed mental health medications, (viii) individuals who got methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) and (X) individuals who had used primary care services. The present research findings highlighted that a significant proportion of the study participants used GP or outpatient service use/outpatient psychiatrist, suggesting that the focus should not be restricted to PWID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Identifying determinants of emergency department (ED) use and hospitalization among patients with substance‐related disorders (SRDs) can improve health services to address unmet health needs. Aim: The present study aimed to identify the prevalence rates of ED use and hospitalization, and their associated determinants among patients with SRDs. Methods: Studies in English published from January 1, 1995, to December 1, 2022, were searched on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify primary studies. Results: The pooled prevalence rates of ED use and hospitalization among patients with SRDs were 36% and 41%, respectively. Patients with SRDs who were the most at risk of being both ED users and hospitalized were those (i) having medical insurance, (ii) having other drug and alcohol use disorders, (iii) having mental health disorders, and (iv) having chronic physical illnesses. A lower level of education increased the risk of ED use only. Discussion: To decrease ED use and hospitalization, more comprehensive services may be offered to these vulnerable patients with diversified needs. Implications for Practice: Chronic care integrating outreach interventions could be more provided for patients with SRDs after discharge from acute care units or hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to determine sociodemographic characteristics, risky behaviors, mental health disorders, and substance use disorders associated with suicide behaviors including suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among homeless individuals. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify the relevant studies published between January 1, 1995 and November 1, 2022. After initial evaluation of 9,094 papers, a total of 23 studies met the eligibility criteria. Results of the present study showed that chronic physical illnesses, violent behaviors, mood and psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders were significantly associated with both suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, while being older, having a history of physical abuse, and having mood and post-traumatic stress disorders were associated with suicide attempts only. The present study's findings suggest a crucial need for facilitating access to mental healthcare plans and promoting mental healthcare seeking among homeless individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe the quality of life (QoL) in patients with substance use disorder (SUD) and investigate factors associated with general QoL among patients with SUD. Studies in English published before December 1st, 2021, were searched for on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify primary studies on the factors associated with general QoL in patients with SUD. After reviewing for study duplicates, the full-texts of selected papers were assessed for eligibility using PECO criteria. After a detailed assessment of over 10,230 papers, a total of 20 studies met the eligibility criteria. The current research analyzed various relationships between sociodemographic features, clinical, the type of used drug, service use utilizations, and general QoL in patients with SUD. The odds of having a good general QoL were reduced among patients with common and severe mental disorders, alcohol use disorders (AUD), and receiving inpatient care; however, a better general QoL was observed among those receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Healthcare staff are recommended to pay high attention to the general QoL of patients with SUD seeking interventions. In addition, it is suggested that policymakers address substance use disorders when designing national guidelines and programs. QoL: Quality of life; SUD: Substance Use Disorder; AUD: Alcohol use disorders; PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; PECO: Participants, Exposures, Comparison, Outcomes; ORs: Odds Ratios; NOS: Newcastle Ottawa scale; CI: Confidence intervals; MMT:Methadone maintenance treatment; DSM-IV: Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders-fourth edition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, street-involved children and youth (SICY) who work and live on/of the streets are at higher risk of increased psychoactive substances and injecting drug use. Objectives: The present study aimed to identify the prevalence, distribution, sociodemographic factors, and risk-taking behaviors associated with psychoactive substances and injecting drug use among SICY. Methods: Studies in English published from December 1 1985 to July 1 2022, were searched for on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify primary studies on psychoactive substances and injecting drug use among SICY. The pooled-prevalence estimates were obtained using a robust fixed-effects model. Results: The most commonly reported life-time and current psychoactive substance was tobacco followed by cannabis, LSD/ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and injection drug use. The results showed that life-time and current prevalence of methamphetamine and cannabis use, as well as life-time prevalence of cocaine, LSD/ecstasy, heroin, tobacco, and injecting drug use increased as age rose while current prevalence of cocaine and tobacco use decreased as age rose. SICY who were male, homeless, had parents who had died, had history of substance use among family members or best friends, had experienced violence, had casual sex partners, had a history of working in the sex trade, and had unprotected sex were all related to psychoactive substance use and injecting drug use. Conclusions: Research examining this population suffers from lack of studies, therefore, improving the knowledge for interventions aimed at reducing risk behaviors, particularly those related to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV is of great importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to determine mental health conditions, service use determinants, and drug use behaviors associated with non-fatal overdose among people who use illicit drugs (PWUIDs). We searched for studies in English published before February 1, 2021, on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify primary studies on the factors associated with non-fatal overdose among PWUIDs. After reviewing for study duplicates, the full-text of selected articles were assessed for eligibility using Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcomes (PICO) criteria. The present study applied OR to measure the effect size with 95% CI. For data analysis, R 3.5.1 with the "meta" package was used to conduct the meta-analysis. After a detailed assessment of more than 13,845 articles, a total of 60 studies met the eligibility criteria. We found that non-fatal overdose was independently and positively associated with various factors considered and was, as expected, most strongly associated with being male, needs help injecting, needle sharing, overdose experience in past 12 months, alcohol abuse, had mental health diagnosis, depression, and anxiety disorders, suicide (ideation or attempt), inpatient detoxification, benzodiazepine use, and emergency department visit or hospitalization. The findings of the current meta-analysis support the requirement to improve suitable harm reduction strategies for drug users, such as peer-based overdose management. Abbreviations: PWUIDs: People who use illicit drugs; WHO: World Health Organization; CI: Confidence intervals; NOS: Newcastle-Ottawa Scale; OR: Odds ratio; PICO: Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes; PRISMA: Protocols of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; PWIDs: people who inject drugs; WHO: World Health Organization; SIF: Safer Injection Facility [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed sociodemographic variables, risky determinants, and type of drug use associated with fatal overdose among people who use drugs (PWUD). Studies in English published from January 1, 1985 to May 1, 2021, were searched on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify studies on variables associated with fatal overdoses among PWUDs. After reviewing for study duplicates, the full-text of selected articles were assessed for eligibility using Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes (PICO) criteria: (i) population: PWUD; (ii) intervention: fatal overdose in the past year; (iii) comparator: PWUD who had not fatal overdose; (iv) outcome: fatal overdose in the last year and (v) study type: cross-sectional, cohort, and case–control studies. Out of 13,821 articles, 25 studies met eligibility criteria. Our findings showed socio-demographic determinants (younger age, marital status, being homeless, being male,) risky determinants (poor mental health, experience non-fatal overdose and needle sharing), and type of drug use (cocaine disorder, benzodiazepines disorder, alcohol disorder, psychostimulant disorder, polysubstance disorders, and heroin dependence), were significantly associated with fatal overdose among PWUD. The present study data indicated that numerous characteristics were correlated with overdose-induced mortality. Such characteristics are certainly interrelated; however, each factor could potentially be targeted for intervention. The most particular reason for death was practicing illicit drug use, including opioids (e.g., heroin). PWUD: People who use drug; CI: Confidence intervals; NOS: Newcastle-Ottawa Scale; OR: Odds ratio; PICO: Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes; PRISMA: Protocols of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; PWIDs: People who inject drugs; WHO: World Health Organization [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Identifying the determinants of emergency department (ED) use and hospitalization among patients with substance-related disorders (SRD) can help inform healthcare services and case management regarding their unmet health needs and strategies to reduce their acute care. Objectives: The present study aimed to identify sociodemographic characteristics, type of used drug, and risky behaviors associated with ED use and hospitalization among patients with SRD. Methods: Studies in English published from January 1st, 1995 to April 30th, 2022 were searched from PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify primary studies on ED use and hospitalization among patients with SRD. Results: Of the 17,348 outputs found, a total of 39 studies met the eligibility criteria. Higher ED use and hospitalization among patients with SRD were associated with a history of homelessness (ED use: OR = 1.93, 95%CI = 1.32–2.83; hospitalization: OR = 1.53, 95%CI = 1.36–1.73) or of injection drug use (ED use: OR = 1.34, 95%CI = 1.13–1.59; hospitalization: OR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.20–1.69). Being female (OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.14–1.35), using methamphetamine (OR = 1.99, 95%CI = 1.24–3.21) and tobacco (OR = 1.25, 95%CI = 1.11–1.42), having HIV (OR = 1.70, 95%CI = 1.47–1.96), a history of incarceration (OR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.27–2.85) and injury (OR = 2.62, 95%CI = 1.08–6.35) increased ED use only, while having age over 30 years (OR = 1.40, 95%CI = 1.08–1.81) and using cocaine (OR = 1.60, 95%CI = 1.32–1.95) increased hospitalization only among patients with SRD. Conclusions: The finding outline the necessity of developing outreach program and primary care referral for patients with SRD. Establishing a harm reduction program, incorporating needle/syringe exchange programs, and safe injection training with the aim of declining ED use and hospitalization, is likely be another beneficial strategy for patients with SRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of non-fatal overdose among people who use illicit opioids (PWUIOs) and determine the demographic and behavioral characteristics associated with non-fatal overdose among this population. Studies in English published before February 1, 2021, were searched for on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify primary studies on the factors associated with non-fatal overdose among PWUIOs. After reviewing for study duplicates, the full-texts of selected papers were assessed for eligibility using PICOs criteria. After a detailed assessment of over 13,845 papers, a total of 67 studies met the eligibility criteria. The findings showed a past-year pooled prevalence rate of non-fatal overdose among PWUIOs of 26% (95% CI, 23% −29%). Greater odds of non-fatal overdose among PWUIOs was associated with (i) being younger, (ii) being female, (iii) being homeless, (iv) individuals who received money, goods, or drugs in exchange for sex, (v) individuals who had witnessed somebody else have an overdose, (vi) individuals who had used public spaces as primary injection locations, (vii) individuals who reported polydrug use, (vii) use of non-injection methamphetamine, and (viii) high injecting frequency (more than two daily drug injections). Harm-reduction programs should consider the provision of education concerning overdose-related risk factors to the vulnerable and hard-to-reach PWUIOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify risk and protective factors associated with substance use among Iranian university students. We searched for studies in English published from January 1, 1995 to February 20, 2021, on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify primary studies on the factors associated with substance use among university students. Out of 8,481 articles, 39 studies met eligibility criteria. Our findings showed a pooled prevalence rate of alcohol use 23% (95% CI, 8% 39%), smoking 21% (95% CI, 6% 37%) and other drug use 14% (95% CI, 10% 18%) in the last year among student. Hookah use, living alone, being a current cigarette smoker, and other drug use were significantly associated with alcohol use. The findings of the present study showed that being male, older age, alcohol use, had depression, had parents or friends who smoke, and religious beliefs were significantly associated with smoking among students. This meta-analysis also showed that living alone, alcohol use, history of drug use, and hookah use were significantly associated with drug use among students. Substance use prevention programs provided by universities could be improved by signifying high-risk populations addressed by the related literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to determine the association between drug type, risk behaviors and non-fatal overdose among people who use drugs (PWUD). We searched for studies in English published before February 1, 2021, on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify primary studies on the factors associated with non-fatal overdose among PWUD. After reviewing for study duplicates, the full-text of selected articles were assessed for eligibility using Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes (PICO) criteria. After a detailed assessment of over 13,845 articles, a total of 49 studies met the eligibility criteria. We found that non-injection opioid use, heroin injection, cocaine use, concurrent use of buprenorphine and benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine use, incarceration, injecting drugs, and duration of injecting were associated with greater odds of non-fatal overdose among PWUD. The findings of the current meta-analysis support the requirement to improve suitable harm reduction strategies for drug users, such as peer-based overdose management, and further focusing on the need to balance the current emphasis on enforcement-based responses to illegal drug use with health-related interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the prevalence, sociodemographic variables, mental health condition, and type of drug use associated with suicide behaviors among patients with substance use disorders (SUD). Studies in English published from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2020 were searched on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Science to identify studies on variables associated with suicidal behaviors (ideations and attempts) among patients with SUD. After reviewing for study duplicates, the full-text of selected articles were assessed for eligibility using Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes (PICO) criteria: (i) population: patients with SUD; (ii) intervention: suicide behaviors in the past year; (iii) comparator: SUD who had not suicide behaviors; (iv) outcome: suicide ideations or attempts in the last year; and (v) study type: cross-sectional, cohort, and case–control studies. Out of 10,810 articles, 48 studies met eligibility criteria. Our findings showed a pooled prevalence rate of suicide ideations of 35% (95% CI, 22% 48%) and suicide attempts of 20% (95% CI, 17% 23%) in the last year among patients with SUD. Smoking, previous history of sexual abuse, depression, and alcohol and cannabis use disorders were significantly associated with suicide ideations. Study findings also showed that being female, smoking, history of physical and sexual abuse, depression and alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine use disorders, and polysubstance abuse were significantly associated with suicide attempts among patients with SUD. These findings have implications for developing prevention programs. Appropriate initiatives for reducing the risk of suicide behaviors like systematic assessments of changes in drug use pattern at the emergency departments or at other key health providers may be more broadly implemented. Motivational therapy to improve help-seeking, increased information on adverse consequences of heavy substance use, and crisis plan resolutions to face suicide behaviors could also be consolidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between poor Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and oral health determinants (eg being 75 years of age or greater, marital status, smoking status, denture wearing, depression, low educational level (≤8th grade), poor general health, caries history, tooth‐induced pain, decayed, missing filled teeth (DMFT) scores and periodontal diseases) among the elderly. Methods: Formal search strategies in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Science were performed to identify studies in English published before 1 December 2019. We assessed the impacts of the oral health determinants including being 75 years of age or greater, marital status, smoking status, denture wearing, depression, low educational level (≤8th grade), poor general health, caries history, tooth‐induced pain, DMFT scores and periodontal diseases) on OHRQoL among elderly individuals. The data were analysed using Stata 12.0 software. Results: In total, 19 publications met the inclusion criteria of this meta‐analysis. Findings indicate a positive association between low educational level (ie ≤8th grade), marital status, depression, smoking status, denture wearing, poor general health, tooth‐induced pain, periodontal diseases and poor OHRQoL among the elderly. We also observed a negative association between DMFT, being older than 75 years of age on poor OHRQoL among the elderly. Conclusions: This review identified that several oral health determinants were associated with poor OHRQoL. The efficacy of preventive measures and the economic aspects of tooth replacement approaches should be explored in the future. Developing oral healthcare plans and policies with the specific aim of improving OHRQoL among this group is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of our study was to perform a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis in order to investigate relationship between drug use and oral health. Methods: We searched for studies in English published before July 1, 2019 on PsycINFO, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science. We assessed the relationship between drug use (methamphetamines, heroin; opiates; crack, cocaine and cannabis as dependent variables) and reported tooth loss, periodontal disease, or decayed, missing, and filled teeth index as an independent variable. The data were analyzed using Stata 12.0 software. Results: We initially identified 1836 potential articles (with 1100 duplicates) and screened the remaining 736 titles and abstracts, comprising 54 studies. In the next step, we evaluated the full-texts; 44 studies were excluded, accordingly. In total, we included 10 publications in the meta-analysis. Drug type was associated with periodontal disease (OR 1.44; 95% CI 0.8–2.6) and pooled estimates showed that type of drug used increased the odds of the number of decayed, missed and filled teeth (DMFT) (OR 4.11; 95% CI 2.07–8.15) respectively. Conclusions: The analytical challenges of segregating the impact of individual drug types on oral health diseases mean that investigations on the direct relationship between oral health status and drug use are limited. Developing programs to improve potential confounding with various substances and addressing the dental health needs of people who use drugs is vital if we are to improve their overall quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of HIV-related stigma on people living with HIV has been well documented, but there have been few studies examining how drug-related stigma impacts risk-taking in the lives of people who inject drugs (PWID). This meta-analysis aimed to determine HIV and drug-related stigma and the association it has with risk-taking behaviors among PWID. We searched PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Cochrane electronic databases independently in March 2019. After reviewing for any study duplicates the full-text of selected articles were assessed for eligibility using Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes (PICO) criteria. We used fixed and random-effects meta-analysis models to estimate the pooled prevalence, pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. After a detailed assessment, a total of 14 studies containing 13,689 participants met the eligibility criteria. Among the potential risk factors: employment status, depression and sharing injecting paraphernalia had a significant relationship with HIV and drug stigma among PWIDs respectively (OR = 0.78, 95%CI = 0.62–0.98), (OR = 1.84, 95%CI = 1.45–2.33) and (OR = 2.20, 95%CI = 1.84–1.63). Illicit drug use related stigma was found to be associated with several concurrent effects. The impact of stigma should be considered in the development of drug use prevention strategies. Perceived stigma is correlated with numerous negative consequences in other populations including people living with HIV/AIDS. These data suggest this could also be generalized to people who inject drugs because it seems that individuals with internalized stigma experience drug dependence, reduced comfort in seeking help from services and higher rates of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of the previous studies assessed the effect of curcumin/turmeric on liver function are controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the efficacy of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on liver function. A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, SCOPUS and Google scholar until March 15, 2018, to retrieve the randomized controlled trials which examined the effects of curcumin/turmeric on alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase. Meta-analyses were carried out using a random effects model where heterogeneity was significant or I2 > 50%. The search yielded 1946 citations. 16 randomized controlled trials with 1238 patients were eligible. Results indicated that curcumin/turmeric supplementation significantly reduced serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Curcumin/turmeric supplementation with doses more than 500 mg/day appeared to have beneficial reducing effects on aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation were observed in less than 12 weeks supplementation. Present meta-analysis indicated the beneficial effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on liver function. Therefore, curcumin can be considered as a therapeutic component to reduce liver injuries in subjects who are at risk of liver damages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]