JMIR Research Protocols

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) prediction equations used today often rely on the consideration of binary sex. Significant intrasex variability and a lack of data on diverse populations raise concerns about these equations’ validity and generalizability. Existing systematic reviews have focused on specific populations like individuals with obesity or athletes, but none have systematically examined the demographic characteristics of participants used to derive these equations. Our central hypothesis is that the accuracy of RMR prediction is influenced by the demographic alignment between the equation’s derivation population and the individual. We present a systematic review protocol to critically evaluate the literature and participant demographic profiles that underpin current RMR prediction equations.

With a growing range of treatment options for non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), the emergence of longitudinal patient-reported quality-of-life data, and an aging population managing the treatment burden of coexisting conditions, there is an increasing need for shared decision-making processes and tools to support urologists and patients in navigating complex treatment decisions. What remains unknown is how shared decision-making is currently incorporated into NMIBC treatment decisions and which factors inform key decisions in NMIBC.

Noncommunicable diseases, particularly diabetes, pose a growing global burden, with India disproportionately affected. India also has a rich repository of traditional medical systems—Ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and homeopathy (AYUSH)—collectively governed under the Ministry of Ayush. These systems adopt a personalized and integrative approach to diabetes management, addressing glycemic control alongside metabolic and lifestyle factors. Despite growing use and evidence for AYUSH interventions, standardized evaluation methods remain limited.

Frontline professionals are routinely exposed to acute and cumulative occupational stressors that are associated with an elevated risk of psychological distress, burnout, and trauma-related difficulties. Digital mental health interventions offer scalable and flexible approaches to supporting psychological well-being in high-demand occupational environments. However, there remains limited empirical evidence regarding the feasibility and cultural adaptation of trauma-informed digital interventions across diverse international contexts.

Veterans have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer disease and related dementia (ADRD) due to military exposures such as traumatic brain injury. There is a lack of information on home- and community-based services (HCBS) use among Veterans who served in the post-9/11 era and their caregivers.

The global shortage of nursing and other health care professionals threatens the stability of health care systems. Generation Z (Gen Z), born between 1995 and 2010, represents a critical cohort for the future of the health care workforce. Educational institutions are adapting teaching strategies to address the learning preferences and expectations of this generation to teach effectively and prevent attrition. While some evidence exists regarding Gen Z nursing students, there is limited data on students in specialized health care fields, such as pediatric nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiology assistance, and paramedicine. Because students in these programs often focus on vulnerable patient populations and must navigate technologically complex environments, the development of targeted teaching methods should be informed by data from these cohorts.

Homicide is the third leading cause of death for US adolescents and the leading cause among Black youth. Youth violence also contributes to significant mental health burden and educational disruption, with the highest impact in neighborhoods with limited resources. Programs that address intersecting determinants, including social factors and limited economic opportunities, may reduce violence experiences and perpetration.

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) is the most common chronic condition worldwide. Although recommended in several clinical guidelines, high-quality double-blind studies supporting the evidence for acupuncture remain limited.

Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is a well-established contributor to physical, psychological, and social well-being worldwide. Human touch also plays a vital role in life course health, yet opportunities for safe, consensual touch are often limited, particularly in LTPA settings. For gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (GBTQ) men, barriers to affirming LTPA spaces can make it particularly difficult to access such benefits. In response, community-based approaches that integrate touch are needed, alongside systematic evaluations of such strategies. “The Studio” (pseudonym), a membership-based wellness community, addresses this gap by offering touch-centered partner yoga and bodywork programs designed to support the holistic health of GBTQ men.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men worldwide. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)–targeted radioligand therapy (RLT) has emerged as a theranostic strategy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), with [Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 demonstrating survival benefits in the VISION trial. However, clinical responses are heterogeneous, and resistance mechanisms remain poorly understood. Liquid biopsy (LBx), particularly circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), may provide a minimally invasive approach to assess tumor heterogeneity, monitor response, and detect emerging resistance.

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are crucial in managing various cardiac conditions, but their monitoring poses considerable challenges. Algorithm-enabled remote monitoring of these devices has emerged as a promising solution to enhance patient outcomes and potentially reduce health care expenditures; however, its economic impact remains underexplored.

Hispanic people with HIV who smoke cigarettes experience unique stressors (eg, stigma), which contribute to health disparities. Anxiety sensitivity (AS) may worsen mood management problems, which are a leading barrier to smoking cessation. Interventions targeting AS can improve HIV-specific outcomes and smoking cessation. However, no prior research has culturally tailored an AS reduction program to improve quality of life among Hispanic people with HIV who smoke. The research team previously developed a mobile health (mHealth) intervention addressing AS reduction, smoking cessation, and HIV care management for Black people with HIV who smoke. Building on this work, this study represents a formative, exploratory phase to develop culturally tailored mHealth content for Hispanic people with HIV across 3 distinct regions (Mexico, Central America, and South America), which share many similarities but differ in some cultural and linguistic respects. This work will inform the refinement of materials for these groups and the future development of an integrated mHealth app for smoking, AS, and HIV among this population (ie, VITAL).