Vitamin C Reducing the Incidence of Common Cold Essay (Critical Writing)

Exclusively available on IvyPanda Available only on IvyPanda
Updated: Feb 6th, 2024

Introduction

The common cold, also known as nasopharyngitis or non-specific upper respiratory infection (URI), is a viral infection and one of the world’s most common respiratory health illnesses, other causes include coronavirus, parainfluenza, and influenza (Eccles et al., 2015; Hemilä, 2017). It is associated with acute morbidity, acute ear infections, acute sinusitis, asthma, and other secondary infections (Heimer, Hart, Martin, & Rubio-Wallace, 2009). In the United States alone, more than one billion cases of the common cold are diagnosed annually (Heimer et al., 2009). Loosely translated, each person experiences about two to six colds every year. Therefore, it is one of the main reasons why people seek health care services and possibly a key driver for the high number of clinic visits reported annually (Heimer et al., 2009).

We will write a custom essay on your topic a custom Critical Writing on Vitamin C Reducing the Incidence of Common Cold
808 writers online

The common cold has several implications for the social, economic, and political development of many communities. It is a nuisance to daily life and is a recurrent and common cause of morbidity (Braun et al., 2000). Additionally, it has huge financial costs to societies because it has several direct and indirect costs related to health care service provision (Fendrick, Monto, Nightengale, & Sarnes, 2003).

The treatment of the common cold is largely limited to interventions that focus on symptom relief. The most common methods used to manage the condition are based on the administration of pharmacological interventions such as pseudoephedrine and guaifenesin as well as popular marketed herbal supplement vitamin C, including Airborne, and Halls Defense Vitamin C Drops. (Heimer et al., 2009). However, the efficacy of these techniques in the management of common cold symptoms is inconclusive. Particularly, there is no proper understanding regarding the use of nutritional supplements, such as vitamin C, in the management of common cold symptoms. At present, the literature appears to be lacking information about the use of vitamin C for treatment or prophylaxis of the common cold thus leaving practitioners to face the dilemma of how to advise patients regarding its use. The purpose of this paper is to understand the effects of vitamin C supplements have on the frequency and incidence of the common cold. The findings may potentially lead to the development of evidence-based suggestions to manage the common cold.

Search Process for the Articles

A literature search, for primary research reports, was done using search engines EBSCO, CINAHL, The National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and google scholar in June 2018 regarding the efficacy of vitamin C for the prevention and treatment of the common cold. Key terms and phrases were vitamin C AND common cold, ascorbic acid AND common cold, common cold, complimentary AND alternative medicine, and upper respiratory infection. The search period was 1990 – 2018. The review was limited to articles that contained original research, systematic reviews, or meta-analysis. Exclusion criteria were articles in languages other than English, articles that were unpublished, and publication dates of 1990 – 2018. Inclusion criteria were prevention, education, and primary care. From this process, 54 original articles were obtained and 46 were removed based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Synthesis of Findings

Reduction in Common Cold Symptoms

Most of the evidence sampled in this review pointed to a reduction in common cold frequencies, severity, and duration after the administration of vitamin C supplements on selected groups of patients. Ran et al. (2018) authored one of the studies reviewed and reported a reduction in the duration of the common cold because of the administration of vitamin C. The authors also established a shortened indoor time for patients who suffered from the common cold because of the intake of vitamin C supplements (Ran et al., 2018). Overall, the study demonstrated that extra doses of vitamin C were important to patients who took daily doses of the same supplement. These findings mirror those of Hemilä (1999), which also show that vitamin C helps to reduce the duration and severity of common cold infections. However, unlike Ran et al. (2018), Hemilä (1999) opines that there are variations in benefits between children and adults.

Notably, the author argues that children, as opposed to adults, enjoyed the greatest relief of common cold symptoms through vitamin C supplementation (Hemilä, 1999). He also demonstrated that variations in dosages also affected the magnitude of the symptoms. For example, a dosage of more than 2g/day was found to be more effective in alleviating symptoms of common cold compared to one of 1g/day (Hemilä, 1999). The same report acknowledged variations in the alleviation of common cold symptoms, but still supported the view that the administration of vitamin C supplements decreases the duration of episodes and severity of its symptoms (Hemilä, 1999). Unlike the study by Ran et al. (2018), Hemilä (1999) cited the extent of alleviation of common cold symptoms by saying that it reduces the incidence of the condition by up to 23%. Other researchers sampled in this review did not provide an estimate of the same.

The reduction in common cold symptoms through vitamin C supplementation was also reported by Van Straten and Josling (2002) who used 168 respondents to study the effects of vitamin C supplementation on the effects of the common cold. The study demonstrated that respondents who took at least 2g/day of vitamin C supplements were less likely to get a cold (Van Straten & Josling, 2002). Even if they did, they recovered faster than those who did not take the same supplements (Van Straten & Josling, 2002). Based on this finding, the researchers proposed that vitamin C should be used as an agent for reducing the frequency and duration of the common cold (Van Straten & Josling, 2002). This recommendation was made against the backdrop of a high level of satisfaction among the respondents about the efficacy of vitamin C in minimizing the occurrence and severity of common cold during winter (Van Straten & Josling, 2002).

1 hour!
The minimum time our certified writers need to deliver a 100% original paper

The study by Johnston, Barkyoumb, and Schumacher (2014) also supports the positive effects of vitamin C on the reduction of common cold symptoms. It links the condition with a reduction in physical activity and demonstrates that vitamin C intake helps to improve physical activity levels (Johnston et al., 2014). Stated differently, the study generally pointed to the existence of positive and measurable health advantages associated with vitamin C supplementation (Johnston et al. 2014). The greatest effects were reported among male populations with adequate-to-low vitamin C levels (Johnston et al. 2014). Unlike other studies highlighted in this review, the one by Johnston et al. (2014) was gender-specific in its analysis of the effects of the common cold.

A different study by Hemilä (2013) also highlighted the positive effects of vitamin C on the reduction of common cold symptoms because it suggested that the supplements helped to reduce bronchial hypersensitivity. Unlike other studies highlighted in this review, the investigation by Hemilä (2013) evaluated the impact of vitamin C on common cold-induced asthma and used a small sample size of 79 people. This group of respondents was recruited for the study to participate in three clinical trials. Similarly, unlike the findings of Johnston et al. (2014), those of Hemilä (2013) only applied to men. Although three clinical trials that underscored the review differed in terms of methodological approaches, they all affirmed health benefits in the administration of vitamin C supplements to patients who suffered from the common cold (Johnston et al., 2014). Given the positive relationship between vitamin C supplementation and the alleviation of common cold symptoms, the researchers also emphasized the need to test the administration of vitamin C on an individual basis (Hemilä, 2013). At the same time, they recommended further exploration of the effects of vitamin C on common-cold-induced asthma (Hemilä, 2013).

Limited Effects of Vitamin C

Although the above-mentioned studies report a generally positive effect of vitamin C use on the reduction or minimization of common cold symptoms, some researchers do not share the same confidence. For example, the study by Sasazuki et al. (2006) found no significant reduction in the severity and duration of common cold symptoms through the administration of vitamin C. They reported these findings after investigating how a group of 244 respondents who suffered from atrophic gastritis responded to a randomized controlled trial that provided them with 50 or 500mg of vitamin C supplements (Sasazuki et al., 2006). Although these findings slightly differ with those of Ran et al. (2018), Hemilä (1999), and Van Straten and Josling (2002), they affirm a reduction in the frequency of common cold symptoms based on vitamin C administration. Therefore, unlike other studies highlighted in this review, which explicitly support the efficacies of vitamin C in the reduction of common cold symptoms, this study is implicit when making such claims.

Audera, Patulny, Sander, and Douglas (2001) adopted the same cautious approach in a study that sought to find out the effects of large doses of vitamin C on common cold symptoms. Using a double-blind randomized controlled trial, they reported that doses of vitamin C in excess of 1g/day were insufficient in reducing the duration and frequency of common cold symptoms (Audera et al., 2001). Comparatively, a vitamin C dose, which was less than the recommended intake had a stronger effect in reducing the effects of the common cold (Audera et al., 2001). These findings were developed after testing for the impact of the supplements on 400 adult volunteers who were students and staff of the Australian National University (Audera et al., 2001).

Broadly, the studies highlighted above show that vitamin C is associated with a decline in the frequency and severity of common cold symptoms. Differences in methodologies and research approaches could largely account for variations in the degree of symptomatic relief reported in the papers. However, they support the view that vitamin C leads to a decline in common cold severity and frequency. A summary of the review appears in the appendix section.

Implications for Clinical Practice

All of the articles reviewed above were relevant to the EBP question, which sought to establish whether people who consumed vitamin C supplements experienced fewer symptoms of the common cold. Based on this EBP question, the findings of the study are instrumental to the nursing practice because they help to expand the volume of literature explaining the benefits of vitamin C on the common cold and other ailments. Some of the studies analyzed were also instrumental in understanding the limitations of vitamin C intake. For example, the one by Audera et al. (2001) was instrumental in this regard. Relative to this view, the findings of the article are also integral to the nursing practice because they help in explaining the properties of vitamin C that affect the human immune system (Hemilä, 1994). Collectively, the study’s findings are instrumental in enhancing patient satisfaction, which is deemed to be at the heart of the nursing practice. They also give useful insights regarding how to manage the common cold, which is a common respiratory illness. Therefore, they are useful to the global nursing field.

Based on the above-mentioned facts, future studies should try to determine the extent that vitamin C improves the human immune system. At the same time, there should be a reexamination of the use of large quantities of vitamin C to manage common cold symptoms. Since some of the studies sampled also highlighted varying levels of effectiveness in the alleviation of common cold symptoms (using vitamin C supplementation), future research should explain why there are variations in vitamin C effectiveness when treating the common cold. As proposed by Hemilä (1999), the use of further therapeutic trials could be instrumental in explaining differences in vitamin C effectiveness when treating the common cold.

Remember! This is just a sample
You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers

The findings that emerge from this literature review also have a significant impact on my role as a nursing practitioner because I have experienced (first-hand) the effects of the common cold and seen how it not only affects the quality of my colleagues’ work, but also those of patients who come to the healthcare facility to seek relief. However, my knowledge of common cold management is limited to the administration of generic medications. The findings of this paper provide a deeper insight into the management of the condition because they explain the dietary and nutritional role of vitamin C in the management of the same. This knowledge is not only critical to improving my understanding of the relationship between vitamin C intake but also integral in my comprehension of its benefits because I have only heard of its extensive advantages without a proper understanding of the evidence that supports or negates what I know. Therefore, the use of evidence-based research studies to demystify some of these issues is beneficial to me, not only from a professional point of view but also from a personal point of view.

The only issue of contention I have with the findings that have emerged from this review is their failure to explain the extent of vitamin C efficacy in the alleviation of common cold symptoms because most of them have only affirmed a positive relationship between both variables. Understandably, the variations in efficacy levels could be narrowed down to the type of sample chosen. However, there needs to be a clearer explanation of the types of populations or demographics that could benefit the most from vitamin C intake and why this is so because, in my own nursing experience, I have found that certain population groups tend to respond better to specific treatments, while others do not. This view informs the need for more focused clinical trials to explicitly state and describe variations in vitamin C treatments across different groups of people.

Gaps in Literature

Most of the literature sampled in this study established a relationship between the dependent and independent variables, which were vitamin C intake and common cold symptoms. One gap in the literature that emerges from this analysis is the failure of the study to quantify the extent that these two variables are related. Furthermore, the establishment of a correlation between the two variables does not necessarily mean there is causation. This gap in the literature exists because some of the studies revealed varying levels of common cold symptoms, relative to the consumption of vitamin C supplements. Therefore, there is no quantification of the extent of vitamin C use in the alleviation of common cold symptoms. Another gap in the literature that partly explains this problem is the failure of the research studies to categorize the effects of vitamin C use according to different age groups. This observation stems from the review of selected studies, which showed varying levels of efficacy of vitamin C intake based on population dynamics. For example, the study by Hemilä (1999) showed varying levels of efficacy of vitamin C intake in the alleviation of common cold symptoms among adults and children.

The use of small sample size is also another gap in literature because some of the studies sampled relied on a small sample, which could not be generalized across a large population. For example, the study by Audera et al. (2001) only included 400 participants, while that of Hemilä (2013) used only 79 people. Comparatively the sample size used by Sasazuki et al. (2006) was 439 people. These sample sizes are small relative to the generalizability of the findings across large populations. For example, most of the studies mentioned above do not highlight racial, or age disparities that would make people understand the nature of their sample. Indeed, it would be difficult to understand how a study that only relies on about 400 people could be justifiably used to generalize the effects of vitamin C on common cold symptoms for all adults. In this regard, future research should strive to accommodate a larger sample size to improve the ability to generalize their findings across a larger sample size.

Summary

From the onset of this paper, it was established that the EBP question for this review sought to find out the impact of vitamin C intake on the alleviation of common cold symptoms. The main research question stated, “Do patients who take vitamin C supplements develop common cold more or less often than patients who do not take supplements?” The findings of all the eight articles sampled aligned with the research question. Notably, they affirmed a positive relationship between vitamin C intake and the minimization of common cold symptoms. Significant gaps that emerged from a review of the articles centered on the small sample size used in most of the studies to support their findings and the failure of the articles to show the extent of correlation between the dependent and independent variables. These areas of focus largely explain the direction that future research should follow.

References

Audera, C., Patulny, R., Sander, B., & Douglas, R. (2001). Mega-dose vitamin C in treatment of the common cold: A randomized controlled trial. The Medical journal of Australia, 175, 359-362.

Braun, B.L., Fowles, J.B., Solberg, L., Kind, E., Healey, M., & Anderson, R. (2000). Patient beliefs about the characteristic, causes, and care of the common cold. Journal of Family Practice, 49(2), 153-156.

Eccles, R., Winther, B., Johnston, S.L., Robinson, P., Trampisch, M., & Koelsch, S. (2015). Efficacy and safety of iota-carrageenan nasal spray versus placebo in early treatment of the common cold in adults: The ICICC trial. Respiratory Research, 16, 121.

We will write
a custom essay
specifically for you
Get your first paper with
15% OFF

Fendrick, A.M., Monto, A.S., Nightengale, B., & Sarnes, M. (2003). The economic burden of Non-influenza-related viral respiratory tract infection in the United States. Archives of Internal Medicine, 163(4), 487-494.

Heimer, K.A., Hart, A.M., Martin, L.G., & Rubio-Wallace, S. (2009). Examine evidence for the use of vitamin C in the prophylaxis and treatment of common cold. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 21(5), 295-300.

Hemilä, H. (1994). Does vitamin C alleviate the symptoms of the common cold? A review of current evidence. Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases, 26, 1-6.

Hemilä, H. (1999). Vitamin C supplementation and common cold symptoms: Factors affecting the magnitude of the benefit. Medical Hypotheses, 52(2), 171-178.

Hemilä, H. (2013). Vitamin C and common cold-induced asthma: A systematic review and statistical analysis. Allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology. Official Journal of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 9(1), 46.

Hemilä, H. (2017). Vitamin C and infections. Nutrients, 9(4), 339.

Johnston, C.S., Barkyoumb, G.M., & Schumacher, S.S. (2014). Vitamin C supplementation slightly improves physical activity levels and reduces cold incidence in men with marginal vitamin C status: A randomized controlled trial. Nutrients, 6(7), 2572-2583.

Ran, L., Zhao, W., Wang, J., Wang, H., Zhao, Y., Tseng, Y., & Bu, H. (2018). Extra dose of vitamin C based on a daily supplementation shortens the common cold: A meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials. BioMed Research International, 2018, 1-12.

Sasazuki, S., Sasaki, S., Tsubono, Y., Okubo, S., Hayashi, M., & Tsugane, S. (2006). Effect of vitamin C on common cold: Randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 60, 9-17.

Van Straten, M., & Josling, P. (2002). Preventing the common cold with a vitamin C supplement: A double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Advances in Natural Therapy, 19(3), 151-159.

Appendix

Research Matrix

MATRIX 1

Element of the StudyFindings from the article
Citation:
  • APA format citation of the research study
Ran, L., Zhao, W., Wang, J., Wang, H., Zhao, Y., Tseng, Y., & Bu, H. (2018). Extra
dose of vitamin C based on a daily supplementation shortens the common cold: A meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials. BioMed Research International, 2018, 1-12.
Theoretical Framework:
  • What is the theoretical framework or model for the study?
  • Does the framework guide the selection of appropriate variables in the study
  • What is the theoretical underpinning for the study?
  • No theoretical framework underpinned the study
Setting:
  • Where was the study conducted?
  • Is there any potential for bias based on the setting?
  • Desk Research
  • Possible publication bias
Design Type:
  • What was the major problem or purpose addressed in this study?
  • Describe the design and intervention (i.e. experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental? longitudinal, cross-sectional?)
  • Number of data collection points?
  • Was there random allocation of interventions?
  • Finding out the efficacy of using vitamin C to prevent common cold
  • Study was non-experimental
  • One data collection point – published sources
  • Interventions were allocated randomly
Variables:
  • Identify the study variables by examining the purpose, the objectives, questions or hypotheses, and the results section of the article.
    • Independent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
    • Dependent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
Independent variables
  • Vitamin c intake. Conceptualized as ascorbic acid and operationalized as a dietary supplement

Dependent variables

  • Common cold. Conceptualized as a respiratory ailment and operationalized by analyzing people’s susceptibility to the disease
Sample:
  • State the inclusion and exclusion (or eligibility) criteria
  • What is the sample size?
    • Indicate if a power analysis was conducted to determine the sample size.
  • What is the refusal to participate number and percentage?
  • What is the sample attrition or mortality number and percentage?
  • Describe the informed consent process used and any IRB approval.
  • Describe the study setting.
  • Study was not based on a sample population
Measurement Methods:
  • Identify each measurement method used in the study.
  • Percentages
  • P value
Statistical Analysis:
  • List all of the analysis techniques used in the study to:
    • Describe the sample and the study variables
    • Examine relationships
    • Determine differences
  • Were the data analyses linked to the study purpose and/or objectives, questions, and hypotheses?
Examine Relationships
  • Flow charts
  • Cochrane Q test
  • Graphs

Determine differences

  • Mean
  • Standard of deviation
  • Tables

Data analysis was linked to study purpose

Researcher’s Interpretation of Findings:
  • Describe how the findings are related to the study framework.
  • Describe which findings are in keeping with those expected.
  • List any unexpected findings.
  • Are the findings consistent with previous research findings?
  • Describe the study limitations as identified by the researcher.
  • Describe how the researcher generalizes the findings.
  • List the implications of the findings for nursing practice.
  • Identify any suggestions for future study.
  • No study framework underpinned the research
  • Findings are consistent with previous papers and expected findings
  • Findings mirror expected results
  • Limitation is that data had to be calculated and transformed rather than being available directly
  • The researcher attempted to generalize the findings across all groups of people
  • Study is essential to the nursing practice because it expands the volume of literature explaining the benefits of vitamin c on common cold and other ailments
  • Future studies should try to determine the extent that vitamin c improves the human immune system
Recommendations:
  • What were the author(s) recommendations?
  • How do the findings connect with research in the literature?
  • The author recommended the use of vitamin c in relieving symptoms of common cold
  • Findings connect with research in the literature

MATRIX 2

Element of the StudyFindings from the article
Citation:
  • APA format citation of the research study
Audera, C., Patulny, R., Sander, B., & Douglas, R. (2001). Mega-dose vitamin C in
treatment of the common cold: A randomised controlled trial. The Medical journal of Australia, 175, 359-362.
Theoretical Framework:
  • What is the theoretical framework or model for the study?
  • Does the framework guide the selection of appropriate variables in the study
  • What is the theoretical underpinning for the study?
  • No theoretical framework underpinned the study
Setting:
  • Where was the study conducted?
  • Is there any potential for bias based on the setting?
  • Study was conducted in Slovakia
  • No
Design Type:
  • What was the major problem or purpose addressed in this study?
  • Describe the design and intervention (i.e. experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental? longitudinal, cross-sectional?)
  • Number of data collection points?
  • Was there random allocation of interventions?
  • Research problem was to find out the effects of large portions of vitamin C in the treatment of common cold
  • Study design was experimental
  • There were two data collection points: questionnaire and laboratory test results
  • Interventions were randomly allocated
Variables:
  • Identify the study variables by examining the purpose, the objectives, questions or hypotheses, and the results section of the article.
    • Independent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
    • Dependent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
Independent variable
  • Vitamin C. Conceptually defined as ascorbic acid and operationalized as a dietary supplement

Dependent variable

  • Common cold. Conceptually defined as a respiratory disease and operationalized as nasal and systemic symptoms
Sample:
  • State the inclusion and exclusion (or eligibility) criteria
  • What is the sample size?
    • Indicate if a power analysis was conducted to determine the sample size.
  • What is the refusal to participate number and percentage?
  • What is the sample attrition or mortality number and percentage?
  • Describe the informed consent process used and any IRB approval.
  • Describe the study setting.
  • Participants were included if they were adults (above 18 years), healthy, and members of the Australian National University staff
  • Informants were excluded if they were pregnant or taking vitamin c supplements
  • Volunteers were 400
  • Power analysis was done
  • Seventy-seven participants withdrew from the study, while 174 were excluded for failure to make follow-ups.
  • Informed consent was obtained from respondents
  • No IRB approval
  • Study setting included 400 participants who were recruited between May 1998 and November 1999 to take part in a study that took 18 months
Measurement Methods:
  • Identify each measurement method used in the study.
  • Severity score
  • Duration of symptoms
Statistical Analysis:
  • List all of the analysis techniques used in the study to:
    • Describe the sample and the study variables
    • Examine relationships
    • Determine differences
  • Were the data analyses linked to the study purpose and/or objectives, questions, and hypotheses?
Determine differences
  • Tables
  • Distribution
  • Mean
  • Median
  • Severity scores

Examine relationships

  • Standard of deviation
  • R-tests
  • Analysis of variance
  • Box plots

Data analyses were linked to study questions

Researcher’s Interpretation of Findings:
  • Describe how the findings are related to the study framework.
  • Describe which findings are in keeping with those expected.
  • List any unexpected findings.
  • Are the findings consistent with previous research findings?
  • Describe the study limitations as identified by the researcher.
  • Describe how the researcher generalizes the findings.
  • List the implications of the findings for nursing practice.
  • Identify any suggestions for future study.
  • No study framework highlighted
  • Proven positive effects of vitamin c are consistent with previous studies and study expectations
  • No unexpected findings
  • Researcher says the investigation had a low participation rate
  • Findings are generalized among adults
  • Findings are useful to nursing because they help to identify limitations of vitamin c
  • Future studies should have larger samples
Recommendations:
  • What were the author(s) recommendations?
  • How do the findings connect with research in the literature?
  • Author recommended the reexamination of the use of large quantities of vitamin c to treat common cold
  • Findings connect with literature by explaining instances where there are limited benefits of vitamin c use

MATRIX 3

Element of the StudyFindings from the article
Citation:
  • APA format citation of the research study
Hemilä, H. (1994). Does vitamin C alleviate the symptoms of the common cold? A
review of current evidence. Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases, 26, 1-6.
Theoretical Framework:
  • What is the theoretical framework or model for the study?
  • Does the framework guide the selection of appropriate variables in the study
  • What is the theoretical underpinning for the study?
  • No theoretical framework underpinned study
Setting:
  • Where was the study conducted?
  • Is there any potential for bias based on the setting?
  • Desk research
  • No
Design Type:
  • What was the major problem or purpose addressed in this study?
  • Describe the design and intervention (i.e. experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental? longitudinal, cross-sectional?)
  • Number of data collection points?
  • Was there random allocation of interventions?
  • Establish the effectiveness of vitamin c in the treatment of common cold
  • The study design was experimental
  • There were two data collection points: laboratory test and secondary research findings
  • Interventions were randomly allocated
Variables:
  • Identify the study variables by examining the purpose, the objectives, questions or hypotheses, and the results section of the article.
    • Independent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
    • Dependent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
Independent variable
  • Vitamin c intake. Conceptually defined as ascorbic acid and operationally defined as a dietary supplement

Dependent variable

  • Common cold incidence. Conceptually defined as a respiratory health problem and operationally defined as the diagnosis of common cold symptoms
Sample:
  • State the inclusion and exclusion (or eligibility) criteria
  • What is the sample size?
    • Indicate if a power analysis was conducted to determine the sample size.
  • What is the refusal to participate number and percentage?
  • What is the sample attrition or mortality number and percentage?
  • Describe the informed consent process used and any IRB approval.
  • Describe the study setting.
  • No sample was identified
Measurement Methods:
  • Identify each measurement method used in the study.
  • Percentages
  • Dosages
Statistical Analysis:
  • List all of the analysis techniques used in the study to:
    • Describe the sample and the study variables
    • Examine relationships
    • Determine differences
  • Were the data analyses linked to the study purpose and/or objectives, questions, and hypotheses?
Determining differences
  • Mean
  • Significance value (P value)

Examining relationships

  • Binomials distribution
  • Fisher’s method

The data analysis was linked to the study purpose

Researcher’s Interpretation of Findings:
  • Describe how the findings are related to the study framework.
  • Describe which findings are in keeping with those expected.
  • List any unexpected findings.
  • Are the findings consistent with previous research findings?
  • Describe the study limitations as identified by the researcher.
  • Describe how the researcher generalizes the findings.
  • List the implications of the findings for nursing practice.
  • Identify any suggestions for future study.
  • No study framework
  • No unexpected findings
  • Findings are consistent with previous research and study expectations
  • Researcher generalizes findings across all groups of people
  • Findings are important to the nursing practice because they help in explaining properties of vitamin c that affect the human immune system
  • Future studies should explain why there are variations in vitamin effectiveness when treating common cold
Recommendations:
  • What were the author(s) recommendations?
  • How do the findings connect with research in the literature?
  • Author recommended a reconsideration in the use of vitamin c in the treatment of common cold
  • Findings connect with research on the literature by providing explanations why there are variations in vitamin c effectiveness

MATRIX 4

Element of the StudyFindings from the article
Citation:
  • APA format citation of the research study
Hemilä, H. (1999). Vitamin C supplementation and common cold symptoms: Factors affecting the magnitude of the benefit. Medical Hypotheses, 52(2), 171-178.
Theoretical Framework:
  • What is the theoretical framework or model for the study?
  • Does the framework guide the selection of appropriate variables in the study
  • What is the theoretical underpinning for the study?
  • No theoretical framework underpins study
Setting:
  • Where was the study conducted?
  • Is there any potential for bias based on the setting?
  • Desk research
  • No
Design Type:
  • What was the major problem or purpose addressed in this study?
  • Describe the design and intervention (i.e. experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental? longitudinal, cross-sectional?)
  • Number of data collection points?
  • Was there random allocation of interventions?
  • Does vitamin c use alleviate common cold symptoms?
  • The study was non-experimental
  • One data collection point – secondary research.
  • There was a random allocation of interventions
Variables:
  • Identify the study variables by examining the purpose, the objectives, questions or hypotheses, and the results section of the article.
    • Independent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
    • Dependent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
Independent variable
  • Vitamin c intake. Conceptually defined as ascorbic acid and operationally defined as the intake of the same in the human diet

Dependent variable

  • Common cold incidence. Conceptually defined as a respiratory health problem and operationally defined as the diagnosis of common cold symptoms
Sample:
  • State the inclusion and exclusion (or eligibility) criteria
  • What is the sample size?
    • Indicate if a power analysis was conducted to determine the sample size.
  • What is the refusal to participate number and percentage?
  • What is the sample attrition or mortality number and percentage?
  • Describe the informed consent process used and any IRB approval.
  • Describe the study setting.
  • No specific sample underpinned the research
Measurement Methods:
  • Identify each measurement method used in the study.
  • Relative effect
  • Linear extrapolation
Statistical Analysis:
  • List all of the analysis techniques used in the study to:
    • Describe the sample and the study variables
    • Examine relationships
    • Determine differences
  • Were the data analyses linked to the study purpose and/or objectives, questions, and hypotheses?
Examining Differences
  • Mean
  • Median

Examining relationships

  • Graphs

Data analysis techniques were linked to the study purpose

Researcher’s Interpretation of Findings:
  • Describe how the findings are related to the study framework.
  • Describe which findings are in keeping with those expected.
  • List any unexpected findings.
  • Are the findings consistent with previous research findings?
  • Describe the study limitations as identified by the researcher.
  • Describe how the researcher generalizes the findings.
  • List the implications of the findings for nursing practice.
  • Identify any suggestions for future study.
  • The findings aligned with expected results
  • No unexpected results
  • Findings are consistent with previous research findings.
  • Researcher does not identify any study limitation
  • Findings are generalized only across two groups of people – children and adults
  • Findings are important to the nursing practice because they expand the volume of literature explaining the use of vitamin c in preventing common cold – Future studies should classify which age group is more receptive to vitamin c therapies
Recommendations:
  • What were the author(s) recommendations?
  • How do the findings connect with research in the literature?
  • Author recommended use of further therapeutic trials
  • Findings connect with research in the literature by explaining the extent of vitamin c benefits

MATRIX 5

Element of the StudyFindings from the article
Citation:
  • APA format citation of the research study
Hemilä, H. (2013). Vitamin C and common cold-induced asthma: A systematic review and statistical analysis. Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology. Official Journal of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 9(1), 46.
Theoretical Framework:
  • What is the theoretical framework or model for the study?
  • Does the framework guide the selection of appropriate variables in the study
  • What is the theoretical underpinning for the study?
  • No theoretical framework identified
Setting:
  • Where was the study conducted?
  • Is there any potential for bias based on the setting?
  • Study was conducted in Nigeria and East Germany
  • There is potential for cultural bias
Design Type:
  • What was the major problem or purpose addressed in this study?
  • Describe the design and intervention (i.e. experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental? longitudinal, cross-sectional?)
  • Number of data collection points?
  • Was there random allocation of interventions?
  • Major issue addressed in the study was the role of Vitamin C in treating common cold induced asthma
  • Research design was cross-sectional because studies were undertaken at different time intervals
  • There were two data collection points – secondary research and questionnaires
  • Interventions were randomly allocated
Variables:
  • Identify the study variables by examining the purpose, the objectives, questions or hypotheses, and the results section of the article.
    • Independent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
    • Dependent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
Dependent variable
  • Asthma attacks. Conceptually defined as a respiratory health problem and operationalized as nasal blockage

Independent variable

  • Vitamin C intake. Conceptually, defined as ascorbic acid and operationalized as a dietary supplement
Sample:
  • State the inclusion and exclusion (or eligibility) criteria
  • What is the sample size?
    • Indicate if a power analysis was conducted to determine the sample size.
  • What is the refusal to participate number and percentage?
  • What is the sample attrition or mortality number and percentage?
  • Describe the informed consent process used and any IRB approval.
  • Describe the study setting.
  • Study only included adults and excluded those who were taking prescription medicine
  • Sample size was 79 people
  • All participants completed the study
  • No power analysis done
  • The study setting was characterized by placebo-controlled trials of three sets of research respondents
Measurement Methods:
  • Identify each measurement method used in the study.
  • Percentages
  • Grams per day
Statistical Analysis:
  • List all of the analysis techniques used in the study to:
    • Describe the sample and the study variables
    • Examine relationships
    • Determine differences
  • Were the data analyses linked to the study purpose and/or objectives, questions, and hypotheses?
Determining differences
  • Rate Ratio (RR)
  • P (2-tail) test

Examining Relationships

  • Histamine challenge test

The data analyses techniques were linked to the study purpose

Researcher’s Interpretation of Findings:
  • Describe how the findings are related to the study framework.
  • Describe which findings are in keeping with those expected.
  • List any unexpected findings.
  • Are the findings consistent with previous research findings?
  • Describe the study limitations as identified by the researcher.
  • Describe how the researcher generalizes the findings.
  • List the implications of the findings for nursing practice.
  • Identify any suggestions for future study.
  • No study framework underpinned the research
  • The findings of the study were in line with expected results
  • Findings were consistent with previous research
  • Researchers did not identify any limitation to the study
  • Researcher generalized findings to people who suffer from common cold-induced asthma
  • The findings of the study are useful to the nursing practice because they expand the volume of literature surrounding the use of vitamin C in improving respiratory health outcomes
  • Future research should use a larger sample
Recommendations:
  • What were the author(s) recommendations?
  • How do the findings connect with research in the literature?
  • Authors suggested the use of vitamin c on an individual basis
  • The findings are connected with research in the literature because they identify how to manage common cold-induced asthma

MATRIX 6

Element of the StudyFindings from the article
Citation:
  • APA format citation of the research study
Johnston, C.S., Barkyoumb, G.M., & Schumacher, S.S. (2014). Vitamin C
supplementation slightly improves physical activity levels and reduces cold
incidence in men with marginal vitamin C status: A randomized controlled trial. Nutrients, 6(7), 2572-2583.
Theoretical Framework:
  • What is the theoretical framework or model for the study?
  • Does the framework guide the selection of appropriate variables in the study
  • What is the theoretical underpinning for the study?
  • No theoretical framework underpinned study
Setting:
  • Where was the study conducted?
  • Is there any potential for bias based on the setting?
  • The study was conducted in a college campus in Southern United States
  • No
Design Type:
  • What was the major problem or purpose addressed in this study?
  • Describe the design and intervention (i.e. experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental? longitudinal, cross-sectional?)
  • Number of data collection points?
  • Was there random allocation of interventions?
– Understanding the relationship between vitamin c supplementation, physical activities and respiratory tract infections
– Study was experimental
– Two data collection points: surveys and secondary data
– Interventions were allocated randomly
Variables:
  • Identify the study variables by examining the purpose, objectives, questions and hypotheses, including the results section of the article.
    • Independent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
    • Dependent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
Independent Variables
  • Vitamin C intake. Conceptually defined as ascorbic acid and operationally defined as a dietary supplement

Dependent Variables

  • Physical activity levels. Conceptually defined as exercising and operationally defined as field activities
  • Cold incidence. Conceptually defined as common cold and operationally conceptualized by the manifestation of common cold symptoms
Sample:
  • State the inclusion and exclusion (or eligibility) criteria
  • What is the sample size?
    • Indicate if a power analysis was conducted to determine the sample size.
  • What is the refusal to participate number and percentage?
  • What is the sample attrition or mortality number and percentage?
  • Describe the informed consent process used and any IRB approval.
  • Describe the study setting.
Exclusion criterion
  • Smokers, participants who were using prescription medication, and people who engaged in competitive sports

Inclusion criteria

  • Those who are between 18-25 years and male

Informants signed a written informed consent approved by the IRB

Study setting was an education institution

Measurement Methods:
  • Identify each measurement method used in the study.
  • Percentages
  • Grams
Statistical Analysis:
  • List all of the analysis techniques used in the study to:
    • Describe the sample and the study variables
    • Examine relationships
    • Determine differences
  • Were the data analyses linked to the study purpose and/or objectives, questions, and hypotheses?
Determine Differences
  • Tables
  • Graphs

Examine relationships

  • Univariate analysis
  • The data analyses were linked to the study purpose
Researcher’s Interpretation of Findings:
  • Describe how the findings are related to the study framework.
  • Describe which findings are in keeping with those expected.
  • List any unexpected findings.
  • Are the findings consistent with previous research findings?
  • Describe the study limitations as identified by the researcher.
  • Describe how the researcher generalizes the findings.
  • List the implications of the findings for nursing practice.
  • Identify any suggestions for future study.
  • No study framework underpinned study
  • The researcher generalized the findings to people who have adequate to low vitamin c levels
  • No new findings established
  • Findings were consistent with previous research studies and aligned with expected results
  • Researchers said the study is limited by a small sample size
  • The study is important to the nursing practice because it expands the volume of literature regarding vitamin c use
  • Future research should use a different methodology
Recommendations:
  • What were the author(s) recommendations?
  • How do the findings connect with research in the literature?
  • The author recommended the promotion of vitamin c as a dietary strategy for managing common cold
  • The findings connect with research in the literature by affirming the positive benefits of vitamin c in improving respiratory health

MATRIX 7

Element of the StudyFindings from the article
Citation:
  • APA format citation of the research study
Sasazuki, S., Sasaki, S., Tsubono, Y., Okubo, S., Hayashi, M., & Tsugane, S. (2006).
Effect of vitamin C on common cold: Randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 60,9-17.
Theoretical Framework:
  • What is the theoretical framework or model for the study?
  • Does the framework guide the selection of appropriate variables in the study
  • What is the theoretical underpinning for the study?
  • No theoretical framework underpinned the study
Setting:
  • Where was the study conducted?
  • Is there any potential for bias based on the setting?
  • Study was conducted in a Japanese Village – Akita prefecture
  • No
Design Type:
  • What was the major problem or purpose addressed in this study?
  • Describe the design and intervention (i.e. experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental? longitudinal, cross-sectional?)
  • Number of data collection points?
  • Was there random allocation of interventions?
  • The main problem investigated in the study was the identification of the relationship between common cold and vitamin c supplementation
  • Study was experimental
  • One center of data collection – secondary research
  • Interventions were randomly allocated
Variables:
  • Identify the study variables by examining the purpose, the objectives, questions or hypotheses, and the results section of the article.
    • Independent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
    • Dependent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
Independent variable
  • Vitamin c intake. Conceptually defined as ascorbic acid and operationally defined as a supplement

Dependent variable

  • Common cold incidence. Conceptually defined as a respiratory health problem and operationally defined as a diagnosis of the same
Sample:
  • State the inclusion and exclusion (or eligibility) criteria
  • What is the sample size?
    • Indicate if a power analysis was conducted to determine the sample size.
  • What is the refusal to participate number and percentage?
  • What is the sample attrition or mortality number and percentage?
  • Describe the informed consent process used and any IRB approval.
  • Describe the study setting.
  • Inclusion criteria – Adult participants diagnosed with atrophic gastritis
  • Exclusion Criteria – Children
  • Sample size was 439 people
  • No power analysis was undertaken
  • Fifty-one participants decided not to participate, four died, two decided not to make follow-ups, and four dropped out for unknown reasons
  • Participants signed an informed consent form
  • No IRB approval
  • Study occurred between June and September 1995. Participants were asked to visit community centers once every 3 months to check their health progress
Measurement Methods:
  • Identify each measurement method used in the study.
  • Percentages
  • Grams
Statistical Analysis:
  • List all of the analysis techniques used in the study to:
    • Describe the sample and the study variables
    • Examine relationships
    • Determine differences
  • Were the data analyses linked to the study purpose and/or objectives, questions, and hypotheses?
Analytical techniques
  • Examination of relationships- Severity score
  • Determination of differences – Risk ratio (RR)

Data analyses were linked to the study purpose

Researcher’s Interpretation of Findings:
  • Describe how the findings are related to the study framework.
  • Describe which findings are in keeping with those expected.
  • List any unexpected findings.
  • Are the findings consistent with previous research findings?
  • Describe the study limitations as identified by the researcher.
  • Describe how the researcher generalizes the findings.
  • List the implications of the findings for nursing practice.
  • Identify any suggestions for future study.
  • No study framework underpins the research
  • The findings of the study are in line with the expected results and support past findings
  • There were no unexpected findings –
  • Researcher pointed out that protocol adjustment could limit the interpretation of the findings
  • Study is important to the nursing practice in highlighting the uses of vitamin C
  • Future studies should use a different methodology
Recommendations:
  • What were the author(s) recommendations?
  • How do the findings connect with research in the literature?
  • Authors proposed that vitamin C should be used to alleviate symptoms of common cold
  • Findings connect with research in the literature by explaining the effects of vitamin C on common cold

MATRIX 8

Element of the StudyFindings from the article
Citation:
  • APA format citation of the research study
Van Straten, M., & Josling, P. (2002). Preventing the common cold with a vitamin C
supplement: A double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Advances in Natural Therapy, 19(3), 151-159.
Theoretical Framework:
  • What is the theoretical framework or model for the study?
  • Does the framework guide the selection of appropriate variables in the study
  • What is the theoretical underpinning for the study?
  • No theoretical framework underpins the study
Setting:
  • Where was the study conducted?
  • Is there any potential for bias based on the setting?
  • Study location was not mentioned
Design Type:
  • What was the major problem or purpose addressed in this study?
  • Describe the design and intervention (i.e. experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental? longitudinal, cross-sectional?)
  • Number of data collection points?
  • Was there random allocation of interventions?
  • The major problem discussed in the study was understanding whether vitamin C intake affected people’s susceptibility to common cold during different seasons
  • Two data collection points – questionnaires and secondary research
  • Study was experimental
  • Interventions were randomly allocated
Variables:
  • Identify the study variables by examining the purpose, the objectives, questions or hypotheses, and the results section of the article.
    • Independent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
    • Dependent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
Independent variable
  • Vitamin c intake. Conceptually defined as ascorbic acid and operationally defined as a dietary supplement

Dependent variable

  • Common cold incidence. Conceptually defined as a respiratory health problem and operationally defined as coughs and chest pains
Sample:
  • State the inclusion and exclusion (or eligibility) criteria
  • What is the sample size?
    • Indicate if a power analysis was conducted to determine the sample size.
  • What is the refusal to participate number and percentage?
  • What is the sample attrition or mortality number and percentage?
  • Describe the informed consent process used and any IRB approval.
  • Describe the study setting.
  • Participants who had received influenza inoculation and were using vitamin c supplements were excluded from the study
  • Participants who were above 18 years were included
  • One hundred and sixty-eight people volunteered to participate in the study
  • Two respondents withdrew from the study
  • No information about informed consent process identified
  • Volunteers were given two vitamin c tablets daily over a 60-day period between November and February
Measurement Methods:
  • Identify each measurement method used in the study.
  • Likert scale
Statistical Analysis:
  • List all of the analysis techniques used in the study to:
    • Describe the sample and the study variables
    • Examine relationships
    • Determine differences
  • Were the data analyses linked to the study purpose and/or objectives, questions, and hypotheses?
Determining Differences
  • Mean
  • Median

Examining Relationships

  • T-tests

The data analysis was linked to the study purpose

Researcher’s Interpretation of Findings:
  • Describe how the findings are related to the study framework.
  • Describe which findings are in keeping with those expected.
  • List any unexpected findings.
  • Are the findings consistent with previous research findings?
  • Describe the study limitations as identified by the researcher.
  • Describe how the researcher generalizes the findings.
  • List the implications of the findings for nursing practice.
  • Identify any suggestions for future study.
  • No study framework underpins the research
  • Study findings aligned with expectations
  • The positive effects of vitamin C in alleviating the effects of common cold are consistent with previous studies
  • The researcher did not identify any limitations
  • The findings of the researcher are generalized across adults
  • Findings are essential to the nursing practice because they explain the effects of vitamin c in different seasons
  • Future research should investigate the effects of vitamin c use in other seasons
Recommendations:
  • What were the author(s) recommendations?
  • How do the findings connect with research in the literature?
  • The author recommended the need for more planned trials
  • The findings connect with research in the literature by providing a more scientific basis for further discussions about the use of vitamin C intake
Print
Need an custom research paper on Vitamin C Reducing the Incidence of Common Cold written from scratch by a professional specifically for you?
808 writers online
Cite This paper
Select a referencing style:

Reference

IvyPanda. (2024, February 6). Vitamin C Reducing the Incidence of Common Cold. https://ivypanda.com/essays/vitamin-c-reducing-the-incidence-of-common-cold/

Work Cited

"Vitamin C Reducing the Incidence of Common Cold." IvyPanda, 6 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/vitamin-c-reducing-the-incidence-of-common-cold/.

References

IvyPanda. (2024) 'Vitamin C Reducing the Incidence of Common Cold'. 6 February.

References

IvyPanda. 2024. "Vitamin C Reducing the Incidence of Common Cold." February 6, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/vitamin-c-reducing-the-incidence-of-common-cold/.

1. IvyPanda. "Vitamin C Reducing the Incidence of Common Cold." February 6, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/vitamin-c-reducing-the-incidence-of-common-cold/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Vitamin C Reducing the Incidence of Common Cold." February 6, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/vitamin-c-reducing-the-incidence-of-common-cold/.

Powered by CiteTotal, best referencing machine
If you are the copyright owner of this paper and no longer wish to have your work published on IvyPanda. Request the removal
More related papers
Cite
Print
1 / 1