Understanding the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of lifestyle modification interventions in adults with learning disabilities: Protocol for a mixed-methods systematic review

Rana, D. , Westrop, S., Germeni, E. , Mcgarty, A. , Ells, L., Lally, P., McEwan, M., Melville, C. , Harris, L. and Wu, O. (2021) Understanding the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of lifestyle modification interventions in adults with learning disabilities: Protocol for a mixed-methods systematic review. Systematic Reviews, 10, 251. (doi: 10.1186/s13643-021-01808-0) (PMID:34544482) (PMCID:PMC8453997)

Abstract

Background: Adults with learning disabilities have an increased disposition to unhealthy lifestyle behaviours which often occur simultaneously. Existing studies focus on complex interventions targeting unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, smoking, and alcohol use to reduce health risks experienced. It is essential to understand how well these interventions work, what works, for whom, in what context and why. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of lifestyle modification interventions for adults with learning disabilities. Methods: This is a mixed-methods systematic review consisting of a network meta-analysis (NMA) and realist synthesis. Electronic databases (ASSIA, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO) will be searched from inception to 14 January 2021 with no language restriction. Additionally, trial registries, grey literature databases and references lists will be searched. Studies related to lifestyle modification interventions on the adult population (>18 years) with learning disabilities will be eligible for inclusion. Two independent researchers will screen studies, extract data and assess its quality and risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (RoB Version 2) and ROBINS-I. The strength of the body of evidence will be assessed based on the GRADE approach. The NMA will incorporate results from RCTs and quasi-experimental studies to estimate the effectiveness of various lifestyle interventions. Where appropriate, a component NMA (CNMA) will be used to estimate effectiveness. The realist synthesis will complement and explain the findings of NMA and CNMA by including additional qualitative and mixed-methods studies. Studies will be included based on their relevance to the programme theory and the rigour of their methods, as determined by quality appraisal tools appropriate to the study design. Results from both syntheses will be incorporated into a logic model.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding: This study is supported by a research grant (Ref: NIHR 128755) from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Rana, Miss Dikshyanta and Westrop, Miss Sophie and Melville, Professor Craig and Mcgarty, Dr Arlene and Harris, Dr Leanne and Germeni, Dr Evi
• Authors: Rana, D., Westrop, S., Germeni, E., Mcgarty, A., Ells, L., Lally, P., McEwan, M., Melville, C., Harris, L., and Wu, O.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Systematic Reviews
• Publisher: BMC
• ISSN: 2046-4053
• Published Online: 20 September 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © The Author(s) 2021
• First Published: First published in Systematic Reviews 10: 251
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
306874		Understanding the mechanisms and effectiveness of lifestyle modification interventions in adults with learning disabilities.	Olivia Wu	National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)	NIHR128755	HW - Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment