SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Child Behavior”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

460 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

PubMed2026

A profile of abandoned fetal and neonatal remains admitted to the Diepkloof forensic pathology service medico-legal mortuary during the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 periods.

The abandonment of neonates is a global concern, with a higher prevalence of cases present in South Africa. This study aimed to review cases admitted to the Diepkloof Forensic Pathology Service during the COVID-19 (2020-2021) and post-COVID-19 (2023) periods. A total of 158 cases were analysed to determine prevalence, demographic characteristics, circumstances and causes of death, with a comparative analysis between the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 periods. Most cases were classified as natural. However, many were undetermined due to decomposition. Non-viable fetuses (< 26 wk gestation) comprised 47% of the cases. Among the viable births (n = 72), 23 (32%) were classified as stillbirths, while 11 (15%) were live births. A minority of cases were deemed unnatural, with deaths attributed to trauma (8 cases) or abandonment (2 cases). No statistically significant difference was found between the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 periods. Decedents were most often found in open spaces, roads or streets, or dumping sites, most commonly wrapped in plastic materials. These findings highlight the severity of fetal and neonatal abandonment. They underscore a pressing need for targeted preventative measures, community outreach, and enhanced support systems in maternal healthcare to address this growing concern.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Implicit and explicit statistical learning in reading: Evidence from a randomized controlled-learning study and computational modeling.

A key challenge in reading acquisition is understanding how learners extract the complex probabilistic mappings between print, meaning, and sound. Statistical learning (SL) theory offers a mechanistic account of how such mappings are acquired, whether implicitly through exposure or explicitly through instruction. We conducted a randomized controlled-learning study in Chinese, a writing system characterized by multiple sub-lexical regularities linking orthography, semantics, and phonology. Ninety-five 2nd-3rd graders with or at risk for dyslexia were randomly assigned to one of three groups: an implicit-SL training group exposed to repeated lexical and sublexical orthography-semantics-phonology associations, an explicit-SL training group receiving the same input plus explicit instruction on the sublexical print-sound mapping, and a no-SL control group. Both SL groups outperformed controls on the characters they were trained on, as well as on untrained characters that required generalization. However, only the explicit group demonstrated abstraction of print-sound mapping to novel items. Neural network simulations further revealed distinct mechanisms supporting implicit and explicit SL, consistent with a dual-system account of reading acquisition. Together, these findings (1) clarify how implicit and explicit learning distinctly support the discovery of statistical structure in written language and (2) underscore the implicit-explicit dual learning mechanism underlying reading acquisition.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

"Everybody thinks that it won't happen to them": A mixed-methods study of HIV prevention strategies among people experiencing homelessness who use drugs.

BACKGROUND: HIV disproportionately affects people experiencing homelessness, particularly those who use drugs. Although effective prevention strategies exist, uptake remains suboptimal in high-risk populations. Limited research has examined how this population engages with HIV prevention strategies and the contextual factors shaping behaviors. METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods study of adults (≥18 years) experiencing homelessness with recent drug use, recruited from three Boston sites (Feb 2024-Jan 2025). Participants completed a survey assessing HIV prevention strategy uptake. A subsample completed in-depth interviews on factors influencing behavior. Guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework, we coded qualitative data and identified themes to help contextualize uptake. RESULTS: Among 196 participants, mean age was 48; 61% identified as male and 44% as non-Hispanic White. Forty-two percent reported condomless sex, and among those who had ever injected drugs (n = 123), 24% reported syringe sharing in the prior three months. Only 9% reported current PrEP use, and 12% had ever used HIV self-tests. Qualitative findings highlighted perceived control as a key facilitator, while low perceived HIV risk hindered uptake across strategies. Additional barriers varied by strategy and included partner dynamics and substance use affecting condom use, structural constraints affecting syringe use, and knowledge, stigma, and cost concerns affecting PrEP and self-testing. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of people experiencing homelessness who use drugs, HIV prevention strategy uptake was suboptimal, with particularly low PrEP and HIV self-testing use. Qualitative findings suggest that interventions to promote HIV prevention strategy uptake in this population should leverage perceived control, address perceived risk, and target strategy-specific interpersonal and structural barriers.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Chronic postsurgical pain: risk assessment and mitigation.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) and persistent postoperative opioid use (PPOU) are two of the most common complications of a number of surgical interventions, which can cause significant personal and economic negative consequences. This review outlines known and potential risk factors for CPSP and PPOU and approaches to reduce these risk factors. RECENT FINDINGS: Modifiable risk factors for developing CPSP include psychological distress, preoperative pain intensity, and perioperative opioid exposure. Although less studied, psychological comorbidities are also risk factors for PPOU. Evidence-based mitigation strategies include psychological interventions and perioperative opioid sparing. SUMMARY: A number of perioperative risk factors for developing CPSP and PPOU have been identified, and anesthesiologists should be cognizant of these risk factors and potential risk mitigation strategies. Additional prospective studies are needed to further develop easily adoptable, evidence-based interventions to reduce the incidence of CPSP and PPOU.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

A case report of Xp21 contiguous gene deletion syndrome with adrenal crisis and sensorineural hearing loss: clinical highlights and management pitfalls.

OBJECTIVES: To report a rare association of Xp21 contiguous gene deletion syndrome (CGDS) featuring sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. CASE PRESENTATION: A male infant presented with a salt-wasting adrenal crisis consistent with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita. His follow-up clinical course during childhood revealed global developmental delay and SNHL, the latter of which has been under-reported in the literature for this condition. At five years of age, the development of progressive proximal muscle weakness and markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase levels led to a diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The patient also exhibited pseudohypertriglyceridemia and elevated urinary glycerol, consistent with glycerol kinase deficiency. While initial exome sequencing failed to detect the genetic abnormality, subsequent chromosomal microarray analysis identified an Xp21 CGDS involving NR0B1, IL1RAPL1, DMD, and GK. Treatment of adrenal insufficiency with fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone was complicated by the higher steroid doses required for the management of DMD, resulting in exogenous Cushing syndrome and associated complications. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the necessity of evaluating for Xp21 CGDS in patients presenting with adrenal crisis and emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary management to optimize outcomes in this complex pediatric endocrine disorder.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Genital surgery in children with differences of sex development (DSD): Strengths and concerns across diverging regulations in four European countries.

Differences of Sex Development (DSD) is a collective term for a heterogeneous group of rare congenital conditions characterized by atypical genetic, gonadal, or genital sexual development. The treatment of children with DSD, particularly the indications for and timing of surgical interventions, has been the subject of debate for decades. In recent years, social developments emphasizing children's rights to self-determination and bodily integrity, along with increasing societal acceptance of atypical sex characteristics, have encouraged a more cautious approach toward early genital surgery in children with DSD. In 2019, the European Parliament adopted a resolution urging Member States to enact legislation prohibiting elective genital surgical interventions on intersex infants and children. Since then, several countries have indeed implemented restrictive measures, including legal bans on early surgical procedures. In this paper, we share the experiences and insights gained in recent years as pediatric urologists working in four neighboring countries in multidisciplinary university centers specializing in DSD care and research. We focus on current approaches to the care of children with DSD, the evolution of relevant national policies over time, and the nature and impact of recently introduced restrictive regulations on early surgical interventions. By presenting perspectives from pediatric urologists across these four countries, we aim to contribute to ongoing discussions on the alignment and refinement of surgical treatment practices for children with DSD.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

A risk-need-responsivity (RNR)-informed systematic review of needs during the pretrial period.

OBJECTIVE: Pretrial risk assessments are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Despite the importance of assessing and intervening around "needs" in the risk-need-responsivity model, few pretrial risk assessments include comprehensive assessment of needs. We aim to provide a systematic review of the prevalence of and predictive utility of needs within the pretrial population. HYPOTHESES: There were no hypotheses given the nature of the study. METHOD: We conducted searches for articles in the EBSCO, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases using key words related to 11 needs domains: antisocial personality, procriminal attitudes, procriminal associates, substance use, family/marital relationships, school/work, prosocial recreational activities, self-esteem, housing, mental health, and physical health. We identified 215 articles that reported on the prevalence of needs or explored their predictive associations with pretrial misconduct outcomes in adult populations. RESULTS: Overall, we find few comprehensive investigations of needs in the pretrial domain, apart from substance use. Variation in methodology and operationalization contributes to wide variability in prevalence estimates. We found only 15 articles that examined predictive associations between pretrial needs and outcomes, which were limited to investigations of behavioral health, employment, and housing needs. Substance use and housing needs emerged as the only consistent predictors of pretrial misconduct. CONCLUSIONS: Researchers should more directly assess the prevalence and predictive utility of needs within the pretrial period to bolster the evidence base for including these factors in pretrial risk assessments. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Wearable Sleep Monitoring in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Associations With Subjective Sleep Ratings and Neurocognitive Functioning.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are associated with increased fatigue, reduced quality of life, and neurocognitive dysfunction and have emerged as a common complication among pediatric cancer survivors. Sleep disturbances are particularly concerning given their potential to exacerbate existing neurocognitive impacts of cancer treatments. This pilot study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a home-wearable EEG-based sleep device (Sleep ProfilerTM) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors as well as associations between specific sleep parameters and neurocognitive functioning. PROCEDURE: Children (ages 8-12; M = 10 years, SD = 1.6; N = 23) >6 months post-treatment for ALL were enrolled at clinical visits and wore the Sleep ProfilerTM for two consecutive nights at home, followed by neurocognitive testing of attention, inhibitory control, working memory, and processing speed. Parents completed subjective measures of child sleep, anxiety, depression, and acceptability. Feasibility reflected the percentage of children wearing the device at least one night and the percentage of nights with good EEG quality data. RESULTS: All participants wore the device both nights, with 84% meeting the threshold for good quality measurement. Few children met recommended quantity and quality sleep thresholds based on objective measurement, including 5 patients with elevated snoring levels; 43.5% of subjective ratings fell above the threshold for sleep disturbance. Greater sleep latency was associated with worse inhibitory control (r = -0.42, p = 0.046), and total sleep time was positively associated with inhibitory control and attention. CONCLUSIONS: Findings confirm the feasibility and acceptability of home EEG sleep monitoring in school-age survivors, and associations of sleep latency and snoring with reduced neurocognitive functioning may offer modifiable risk factors for aspects of neuropsychological dysfunction common in pediatric survivorship. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: At the time this study was conducted, we were not required to register the study on ClinicalTrials.gov. It was a single-institution feasibility study without intervention, which was not considered a clinical trial.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Does Timing Matter? Age of First Mobile Phone Acquisition and Psychological Outcomes in Middle and Late Adolescence.

The age at which adolescents acquire their first smartphone has decreased markedly in recent years; however, evidence on its long-term effects on psychosocial adjustment remains limited. This study investigated whether age at first mobile phone acquisition is associated with psychosocial functioning in middle and late adolescence, including social integration and competence, emotion regulation difficulties, disordered eating behaviors and problematic social media use (PSMU). The sample comprised 1179 adolescents aged 15-17 years (53.8% female). Linear regression and generalized additive mixed models were used to examine both linear and nonlinear associations, adjusting for age, gender and school clustering. Earlier smartphone acquisition was linearly but weakly associated with greater emotion regulation difficulties, disordered eating and PSMU, even after adjustment for covariates. In contrast, associations with social integration and competence were nonlinear: acquiring a first smartphone between ages 6 and 10 or after age 13 was associated with lower social integration in adolescence, whereas acquisition between ages 11 and 13 was linked to higher social functioning. These findings suggest that the developmental timing of first smartphone access shows a modest association with subsequent psychosocial functioning during middle and late adolescence. Focusing on the timing of access, alongside other demographic and contextual factors, may contribute to a better understanding of digital influences on adolescent well-being.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Use of wearable technologies for physical activity promotion in older adults: A systematic review.

This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251055299), examined the use of wearable technologies for promoting physical activity (PA) in adults aged 60 years and older. Searches across five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane) identified 2438 records, of which only six randomized controlled trials published between 2021 and 2025 met inclusion criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 36 to 551 participants and mean ages between 65 and 79 years. Given the small number of included studies, findings should be interpreted as preliminary. The studies ranged from the standalone use of commercial trackers (Fitbit, Polar, ActiGraph) to multicomponent interventions combining wearables with physiotherapist feedback, telephone counseling, web-based platforms, or interactive cognitive-motor training. Wearables used alone, as in the REACT trial, produced small or non-significant PA effects. In contrast, interventions integrating devices with personalized feedback, professional support, or digital platforms, such as PROMOTE and TASMANIA, were associated with more consistent improvements in PA, physical function, and cognitive outcomes. Multicomponent programs, such as PEER and ICMT, reported broader benefits, including cognition, balance, and reductions in sedentary behavior, though these findings derive from individual trials and require replication. Risk of bias, assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2 (RoB 2.0), was rated as "some concerns" for five studies and low for only one, mainly due to gaps in randomization reporting, missing data, and lack of preregistration. Tentatively, and based on a very limited evidence base, wearables may have greater impact when embedded within broader behavioral systems, incorporating feedback, coaching, or interactive components, rather than when used in isolation as passive monitoring tools. Adherence and psychosocial outcomes appeared related to comfort and perceived usefulness among older adults, though larger and more robust trials are needed to confirm these patterns.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Epigenetics and In Silico Transcriptome Analysis of Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematologic malignancy that accounts for about 15%-20% of childhood leukemias. Despite therapeutic advances, relapses remain common, and survival for high-risk patients is below 60%. Unlike adult AML, pediatric AML displays distinct genetic mutations, including FLT3-ITD, NPM1, KMT2A rearrangements, and core-binding factors (CBF) fusions, as well as extensive epigenetic dysregulation. Aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications, and altered non-coding RNA expressions disrupt hematopoietic differentiation and activate oncogenic transcriptional networks. Recent advances in silico transcriptomic analysis have transformed the study of pediatric AML by integrating gene expression and epigenetic data to identify molecular drivers and regulatory networks. Computational RNA-seq pipelines and pathway analyses have highlighted key epigenetic regulators, including DNMT3A, TET2, and HDACs, as potential therapeutic targets. Multi-omics approaches combining transcriptomic, methylomic, and chromatin accessibility data are increasingly used to define biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic response. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular and epigenetic landscape of pediatric AML, emphasizing the power of in silico transcriptome analysis to uncover disease mechanisms, refine patient stratification, and guide the development of precision-based epigenetic therapies aimed at improving long-term outcomes in children with AML.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Continuous Intraperitoneal Insulin Infusion for People With Type 1 Diabetes: A Literature Review and International Position Statement.

Achieving glucose targets without hypoglycaemia is the treatment goal in type 1 diabetes. Structured education, intensified insulin injection regimens, continuous glucose monitoring, automated insulin delivery, and ongoing support from a multidisciplinary team all support people with type 1 diabetes to achieve this goal. Despite these advances, significant barriers to achieving optimal management remain. Continuous intraperitoneal insulin infusion has comparable or better glucose outcomes to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and may reduce the frequency of hypoglycaemia, including severe episodes. Intraperitoneal insulin may be considered as a treatment modality for children and adults with type 1 diabetes using optimised intensive insulin therapy for whom subcutaneous insulin has failed due to lipoatrophy, -dystrophy or -hypertrophy, local allergy, subcutaneous insulin resistance or co-existing skin conditions. Failure of subcutaneous insulin may result in recurrent or unexplained severe hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia. Intraperitoneal insulin may also be considered as a treatment modality for people with type 1 diabetes with severe needle-phobia, and for those being considered for islet cell or pancreatic transplantation, or where transplantation is not available. This paper summarises current intraperitoneal insulin delivery technology, its potential risks and benefits, and an expert position statement. It is intended for use by diabetes specialist healthcare professionals, and as a reference for other healthcare professionals, commissioners, payors, people with diabetes, their carers, and advocates.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

The mediating role of protective factors in relationship between caregiving components and psychosocial adjustment among young carers: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Higher youth caregiving is associated with poorer psychosocial outcomes in young carers; hence a research priority is to investigate protective factors that mitigate the adverse effects of youth caregiving. This systematic review with meta-analysis examined the relationships among youth caregiving components and young carer psychosocial adjustment and protective factors, as well as the mediating role of the protective factors in the relationship between caregiving components and psychosocial adjustment. METHODS: Three electronic databases were searched until April 2024 and 10,244 unique publications were identified. Following abstract and title screening, 422 publications were subjected to full-text screening and 60 quantitative studies were included in this study. RESULTS: Meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) results revealed positive direct effects of caregiving responsibilities and caregiving experiences on benefit finding (β = .43, 95% CI [.074, .782], p < .05) and emotion regulation (β = .72, 95% CI [.44, 1.00], p < .001), respectively. However, there was neither a significant direct effect of caregiving components on psychosocial adjustment nor a significant indirect effect of caregiving components on psychosocial adjustment through benefit finding or emotion regulation. CONCLUSION: Findings revealed a need for research into how caregiving contextual factors affect relations among youth caregiving, protective factors, and adjustment.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Prevalence and risk factors of nutritional anaemia among adolescents in India: a systematic review with meta-analysis of prevalence.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional anaemia is a major public health concern among adolescents in India, threatening physical growth, cognitive development, and future maternal health. This systematic review with meta-analysis of prevalence aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of nutritional anaemia among Indian adolescents aged 10-19 years and identify key associated risk factors. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus up to February 2025. Data were extracted on study design, setting, diagnostic methods, prevalence, and risk factors. Quality was assessed with a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled prevalence, with subgroup analyses by state and gender, and pooled odds ratios for risk factors. RESULTS: Forty-five studies encompassing diverse Indian regions and 159,979 adolescents were included. The pooled prevalence of nutritional anaemia was 56% (95% CI: 49%-63%), with higher rates among girls (62%) than boys (39%). Iron deficiency (OR 2.38-4.68), other micronutrient deficiencies, low socioeconomic status, poor dietary diversity, female gender, and inadequate supplementation were consistently associated with higher anaemia risk. CONCLUSION: Nutritional anaemia impacts more than half of Indian adolescents, with notable regional and gender differences. Its complex nutritional, socioeconomic, and behavioural causes demand targeted, context-specific interventions to enhance adolescent health nationwide.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Playing with Fire, Losing the Drive: Bidirectional Links Between Problematic Smartphone Use and Grit Dimensions.

This study examined bidirectional longitudinal associations between grit dimensions (consistency of interest [CI] and perseverance of effort [PE]) and problematic smartphone use (PSU) and tested cognitive flexibility as a mediating mechanism. A sample of 1,641 Chinese university students (55.2 percent female; Mage = 20.1 years) completed measures at two time points 6 months apart. A four-variable cross-lagged panel model revealed that CI and PSU negatively predicted each other over time, whereas PSU unidirectionally predicted decreased PE. Cognitive flexibility partially mediated the PSU-to-PE pathway (indirect effect = -0.004, 95 percent bootstrap CI [-0.010, -0.0001]). Competing models analysis confirmed this directionality: the forward mediation (PSU → cognitive flexibility → PE) was significant, whereas the reverse was not. These findings demonstrate that grit dimensions exhibit distinct longitudinal patterns with PSU and identify cognitive flexibility as a cognitive mechanism through which PSU specifically undermines effort persistence. Implications for dimensional approaches to grit and targeted interventions are discussed.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

A profile of suspected female homicide cases at the Johannesburg and Diepkloof Forensic Pathology Service Medico-legal Mortuaries for 2020-2022.

This study profiles suspected female homicide victims in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the COVID-19 period marked by socio-environmental changes from lockdown restrictions. Guided by the Socio-Ecological Model, a retrospective case series of 369 victims was reviewed using medico-legal mortuary records from Johannesburg and Diepkloof Forensic Pathology Service facilities. Descriptive analyses were conducted, supplemented by a chi-square test to assess whether distributions of causes of death among women differed between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 periods. No statistically significant association was found, χ2 (6, N = 339) = 6.68, p = 0.35. Key findings highlight that Black, unemployed, unmarried women aged 21-40 were at greatest risk. Cause of death was established in 97.0% (358/369) of cases, with firearm injuries predominating (43.9%), followed by sharp‑force (24.5%) and blunt‑force trauma (13.1%). Approximately 90% of victims were suspected to have been killed by males, with half of deaths attributed to intimate partner violence. Homicide frequency decreased during strict lockdowns but rose as restrictions eased, suggesting that movement and alcohol controls may reduce risk. Despite temporary disturbance caused by COVID‑19 restrictions, the underlying risk profile of female homicide victims remained unchanged. These findings inform multi-level prevention and intervention strategies in South Africa.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Feasibility, Satisfaction, and Preliminary Efficacy Trial of text4FATHER for Engaging Expectant Fathers in Infant Care from Pregnancy to Early Infancy.

Engaging fathers perinatally improves infant outcomes and parent well-being, yet few strategies share evidence with fathers. We explored the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of text4FATHER-a texting intervention designed to improve fathers' infant care beliefs, self-efficacy, behaviors, and partner support from mid-pregnancy to 2 months post-birth. In this exploratory pilot randomized controlled trial, 97 adult expectant fathers with less than a college degree were randomized to receive text4FATHER or not. Self-reported outcomes by fathers and mothers were assessed at baseline (mid-pregnancy) and 2 months post-birth. We analyzed intent-to-treat effects using random coefficient regression models. We found recruiting expectant fathers feasible; of eligible father-mother dyads, 123/163 consented (recruitment feasibility = 68%). All intervention fathers (100%) reported being satisfied with text4FATHER; 100% of mothers of intervention fathers also reported satisfaction with the father getting texts. First-time fathers' antenatal attachment beliefs and coparenting support were higher in text4FATHER condition vs. control from baseline to 7-month follow-up; increases in first-time fathers' confidence in fathering and infant care were also observed-the latter finding was corroborated by partners of first-time fathers. text4FATHER is a promising intervention, particularly for first-time expectant fathers with lower educational levels who have no natural clinical or public health touchpoints. Its efficacy and effectiveness should be confirmed using larger and more diverse samples.

Confidence↗

PubMed2026

EffectS of Lifestyle Interventions in Older PEople With Obesity (Effective SLOPE): a Systematic Review With Network Meta-Analyses.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We conducted a systematic review with network meta-analyses (NMA) summarizing the effects and safety of lifestyle interventions containing nutrition (NUT; e.g., calorie restriction), exercise (EX; e.g., aerobic/resistance exercise) and behavior change interventions (BCI; e.g., behavioral therapy) on physical function, body composition, quality of life, psychosocial outcomes, health and adverse events in community-dwelling older adults with obesity. METHODS: We used the methodology proposed by Cochrane and searched six databases and one trial registry for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs; intervention duration ≥ 12 weeks) up to May 2022 with a full new search in MEDLINE and a re-assessment of previously identified eligible trial registry entries in October 2025. Random-effects NMA ((standardized) mean difference ((S)MD), 95% confidence intervals) were conducted if possible. RESULTS: We included 72 RCTs (n = 6716) for descriptive summaries and 54 RCTs (n = 4249) for NMA. NUT+EX+BCI improved physical function (performance batteries) compared to control (SMD 3.37 [1.76;4.97]; high certainty of evidence). NUT+EX+BCI may reduce body (MD -8.69 [-13.14;-4.25]) and fat mass (MD -6.58 [-10.44;-2.73]) while not negatively affecting fat-free mass (MD -1.38 [-3.52;0.76]) or bone mineral density (MD -0.01 [-0.05;0.02]) (evidence very uncertain). Other interventions (single/combined) may also be effective; however, effects were often imprecise. For psychosocial outcomes, quality of life, and health events, data were insufficient or too heterogeneous to derive clear results. CONCLUSION: The evidence suggests that NUT+EX+BCI interventions are most suitable for the management of obesity in older adults. Nevertheless, further RCTs-especially in frail populations and on patient-relevant outcomes-are needed.

Humans↗