Rachelle Ashcroft1, Yukari Seko2, Lai Fong Chan3, Jessica Dere4, Jaemin Kim5, Kwame McKenzie6,7,8. 1. Renison University College, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada. rachelle.ashcroft@uwaterloo.ca. 2. University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada. 3. National University of Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 4. University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Canada. 5. Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Canada. 6. Centre of Addictions and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada. 7. University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 8. Wellesley Institute, Toronto, Canada.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: We conducted a scoping review to identify and summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the mental health effects associated with bed bugs. METHODS: We employed a five-stage scoping review framework, to systematically identify and review eligible articles. Eligibility criteria included a focus on bed bug infestations and reference to mental health impacts. Descriptive information was then extracted from each article, including the specific mental health effects cited. RESULTS: An initial search yielded 920 unique articles on the topic of bed bugs. Of these, 261 underwent abstract review, and 167 underwent full-text review. Full-text review and subsequent review of reference lists yielded a final sample of 51 articles. Numerous mental health effects were linked to bed bug infestations, including severe psychiatric symptoms. However, the majority (n = 31) of the articles were commentary papers; only five original research articles were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Although significant mental health effects are often linked to bed bugs, such discussions remain largely anecdotal. Despite recognition that the impact of bed bugs constitutes an important public health concern, little empirical evidence currently exists on this topic.
OBJECTIVES: We conducted a scoping review to identify and summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the mental health effects associated with bed bugs. METHODS: We employed a five-stage scoping review framework, to systematically identify and review eligible articles. Eligibility criteria included a focus on bed bug infestations and reference to mental health impacts. Descriptive information was then extracted from each article, including the specific mental health effects cited. RESULTS: An initial search yielded 920 unique articles on the topic of bed bugs. Of these, 261 underwent abstract review, and 167 underwent full-text review. Full-text review and subsequent review of reference lists yielded a final sample of 51 articles. Numerous mental health effects were linked to bed bug infestations, including severe psychiatric symptoms. However, the majority (n = 31) of the articles were commentary papers; only five original research articles were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Although significant mental health effects are often linked to bed bugs, such discussions remain largely anecdotal. Despite recognition that the impact of bed bugs constitutes an important public health concern, little empirical evidence currently exists on this topic.
Entities:
Keywords:
Bed bugs; Bedbugs; Infestation; Mental health
Authors: Jennifer K Peterson; Renzo Salazar; Ricardo Castillo-Neyra; Katty Borrini-Mayori; Carlos Condori; Casey Bartow-McKenney; Dylan Tracy; César Náquira; Michael Z Levy Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2018-01-18 Impact factor: 2.345