Training cosmetology students in Arkansas to help dermatologists find skin cancers earlier: results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori Fischbach ◽  
Mohammed F Faramawi ◽  
Deborah Girard ◽  
Susan Thapa ◽  
Robin Travers
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Educational Video ◽  
Sun Safety ◽  
Safety Practices ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Skin Cancers ◽  
Cluster Randomized

Abstract Background We tested an educational video in cosmetology schools to increase students’ knowledge about skin cancer, sun-safety practices, identifying suspicious lesions and recommending clients consult a dermatologist when a suspicious lesion is observed. Methods We used a cluster-randomized controlled study design to randomize 22 cosmetology schools to receive our educational video or a publicly accessible healthy lifestyle video (control). Results Students who received the intervention were more likely than controls to increase their knowledge of skin cancer, risk factors and how to identify potential skin cancers (risk ratio [RR] and 95% confidence interval = 2.86 [1.58–5.20]). At follow-up, students in the intervention group were more likely than those in the control group to look for suspicious moles on their clients’ faces, scalps and necks (RRs = 1.75, 2.16 and 2.90, respectively). Additionally, students in the intervention group were more likely to communicate with clients about sun-safety practices (RR = 1.74 [1.11–2.73]) and consulting a dermatologist about suspicious moles (RR = 1.57 [1.03–2.41]). Conclusions Our educational video helped cosmetology students recognize potential skin cancers and talk with clients about sun safety and consulting a dermatologist about suspicious moles. Such videos may play a role in the public health surveillance of skin cancers in communities.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of an Educational Video in Maternity Wards to Prevent Self-Reported Shaking and Smothering during the First Week of Age: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 1028-1036
Author(s):  
Takeo Fujiwara ◽  
Aya Isumi ◽  
Makiko Sampei ◽  
Yusuke Miyazaki ◽  
Fujiko Yamada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Educational Video ◽  
Health Checkup ◽  
Infant Crying ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
And Control

Abstract This study aimed to investigate whether watching an educational video on infant crying and the dangers of shaking and smothering within 1 week after delivery at maternity wards reduces self-reported shaking and smothering, at a 1-month health checkup. A cluster randomized controlled trial, stratified by area and hospital function, was employed in 45 obstetrics hospitals/clinics in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. In the intervention group, mothers watched an educational video on infant crying and the dangers of shaking and smothering an infant, within 1 week of age, during hospitalization at maternity wards, without blinding on group allocation. Control group received usual care. A total of 4722 (N = 2350 and 2372 for intervention and control group, respectively) mothers who delivered their babies (still birth and gestational age < 22 weeks were excluded) between October 1, 2014, and January 31 were recruited. Outcomes were self-reported shaking and smothering behaviors, knowledge on infant crying and shaking, and behaviors to cope with infant crying, assessed via a questionnaire at a 1-month health checkup. In all, 2718 (N = 1078 and 1640) responded to the questionnaire (response rate: 58.3%), and analytic sample size was 2655 (N = 1058 and 1597 for intervention and control group, respectively). Multilevel analysis was used to adjust for correlation within the cluster. Prevalence of shaking was significantly lower in the intervention group (0.19%) than in the control group (1.69%). Intention-to-treat analysis showed an 89% reduction in the reported prevalence of self-reported shaking (OR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02–0.53) due to watching the educational video. However, self-reported smothering behavior showed no significant reduction (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.27–1.60). No side effects were reported. Watching an educational video on infant crying and the dangers of shaking and smothering within 1 week after delivery at maternity wards reduced self-reported shaking at 1 month of age. UMIN Clinical Trial Registry UMIN000015558.

scholarly journals Universal Screening and Decolonization for Control of MRSA in Nursing Homes: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Bellini ◽  
Christiane Petignat ◽  
Eric Masserey ◽  
Christophe Büla ◽  
Bernard Burnand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Universal Screening ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Standard Precautions ◽  
Carriage Rate ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVEThe risk of carrying methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is higher among nursing home (NH) residents than in the general population. However, control strategies are not clearly defined in this setting. In this study, we compared the impact of standard precautions either alone (control) or combined with screening of residents and decolonization of carriers (intervention) to control MRSA in NHs.DESIGNCluster randomized controlled trialSETTINGNHs of the state of Vaud, SwitzerlandPARTICIPANTSOf 157 total NHs in Vaud, 104 (67%) participated in the study.INTERVENTIONStandard precautions were enforced in all participating NHs, and residents underwent MRSA screening at baseline and 12 months thereafter. All carriers identified in intervention NHs, either at study entry or among newly admitted residents, underwent topical decolonization combined with environmental disinfection, except in cases of MRSA infection, MRSA bacteriuria, or deep skin ulcers.RESULTSNHs were randomly allocated to a control group (51 NHs, 2,412 residents) or an intervention group (53 NHs, 2,338 residents). Characteristics of NHs and residents were similar in both groups. The mean screening rates were 86% (range, 27%–100%) in control NHs and 87% (20%–100%) in intervention NHs. Prevalence of MRSA carriage averaged 8.9% in both control NHs (range, 0%–43%) and intervention NHs (range, 0%–38%) at baseline, and this rate significantly declined to 6.6% in control NHs and to 5.8% in intervention NHs after 12 months. However, the decline did not differ between groups (P=.66).CONCLUSIONUniversal screening followed by decolonization of carriers did not significantly reduce the prevalence of the MRSA carriage rate at 1 year compared with standard precautions.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–8

Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention in Reducing New International Postgraduates’ Acculturative Stress in Malaysian Public Universities: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Musheer Abdulwahid Al-Jaberi ◽  
Muhamad Hanafiah Juni ◽  
Hayati Kadir Shahar ◽  
Siti Irma Fadhilah Ismail ◽  
Murad Abdu Saeed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Acculturative Stress ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cluster Randomized

BACKGROUND Universities around the world, including Malaysia, have attracted many international students from different countries. Research has reported that acculturative stress resulting from international students’ attempts to adjust to the cultures of host countries is one of the most challenging issues that affects their lives in general and academic lives in particular. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the effectiveness of an educational intervention on acculturative stress among new postgraduate international students joining Malaysian public universities. METHODS A cluster randomized controlled trial design with Malaysian public universities as the unit of randomization will be used in this study. Public universities will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to be either in the intervention (educational program) or control group (waiting list). Participants in the intervention group will receive 7 sessions in 9 hours delivered by an expert in psychology and the researcher. The control group will receive the intervention once the 3-month follow-up evaluation is completed. RESULTS The data will be analyzed using the generalized estimation equation with a confidence interval value of 95%; significant differences between and within groups are determined as <i>P</i>&lt;.05. The results of the study underlie the effectiveness of educational program in decreasing acculturative stress of new international students and enabling them to cope with a new environment. The results of this study will contribute to previous knowledge of acculturative stress, acculturation, and adjustment of international students. Furthermore, such results are expected to play a role in raising university policy makers’ awareness of their postgraduate international students’ acculturative stress issues and how they can help them avoid such stress and perform well in their academic life. CONCLUSIONS We expect that the intervention group will score significantly lower than the wait-list group on the immediate and 3-month postintervention evaluation of acculturative stress and achieve a higher level of adjustment. Results will have implications for international students, policy makers at universities, the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, and future research. CLINICALTRIAL Clinical Trials Registry India CTRI/2018/01/011223; http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/showallp.php?mid1= 21978&amp;amp;EncHid=&amp;amp;userName=Muhamad%20Hanafiah%20Juni INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/12950

scholarly journals A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Feasibility Study of a WhatsApp-Delivered Intervention to Promote Healthy Eating Habits in Male Firefighters

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6633
Author(s):  
Winnie Wing Man Ng ◽  
Anthony Siu Wo Wong ◽  
Kin Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Healthy Eating Habits ◽  
Cluster Randomized

This cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT)-designed study aimed to explore the feasibility of a promotion pamphlet and/or WhatsApp as a suitable mode of delivery to promote healthy eating habits with fruit and vegetables (F&V) among firefighters. Convenience and snowball sampling methods were used. Forty-five firefighters from 23 fire stations were recruited and they all received the printed pamphlet, while the intervention group participants (n = 20) received additional teaching material through WhatsApp every two weeks for eight weeks. Feasibility outcomes included retention, practicality, and implementation. The participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention. There were significant improvements in the mean numbers of days consuming F&V (p = 0.002; p = 0.031) in the intervention group, and for fruit consumption (p = 0.033) in the control group between the baseline (T0) and 3 months after completion of intervention (T1). High levels of participants’ satisfaction with the intervention revealed that a full-scale CRCT of the WhatsApp-delivered intervention promoting healthy eating could be feasible, especially as a means of increasing the numbers of days they consumed F&V and the numbers of servings of these consumed per day.

scholarly journals EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF AROGYA KASHAYAM-20 IN COVID-19 CASES - A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh Shukla ◽  
Nitin Ujjaliya
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Group A ◽  
Negative Conversion

Introduction: The characteristic clinical features of Covid-19 disease range between asymptomatic to mild-moderate symptoms. Studies suggest that a large population (80%) presents its asymptomatic or milder form. Remaining 20 percent, owing to severity of the diseases, need hospital-based care. Many treatment protocols and strategies have been promoted and recommended by authorities including WHO, but nothing has actually been finalized till date. The present study was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of an Ayurvedic formulation viz. Arogya Kashayam-20 in the hospitalized cases of Covid-19.Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of Arogya Kashayam-20 in the cases of COVID-19 particularly the negative conversion of RTPCR in 10 days duration.Material and Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted at COVID-19 Care Center, Pt. Khushilal Sharma Government Ayurveda College &amp; Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh with a sample size of 112 participants, aged between 16 to 60 years of either sex. Participants were divided in two groups viz. group A and B. Both the groups received Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), vitamin C and Zinc as per the prevailing ICMR guidelines and group 'A' received additionally Arogya Kashayam-20 for 10 days. Outcome measure of the study was to see the negative conversion RT-PCR test after intervention period of 10 days. CTRI Registration: CTRI/2020/06/026221. Results: Among the 60 cases registered in study group (group A), 51 cases (85.00%) were reported with negative RTPCR on 10th day. Out of 52 cases registered in control group (group B); 39 cases (75.00%) were tested negative RTPCR on 10th day. In both the groups all the cases were discharged asymptomatically on 10th day as per the prevailing ICMR guidelines. No ADR/AE observed during the intervention period.Conclusion: The study observes that the add on intervention group has a better outcome in terms of RT-PCR negative reports after 10 days comparing to the control group.

The Effect of Lullaby Intervention on Anxiety and Prenatal Attachment in Women with High-Risk Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Nazlı Baltacı ◽  
Mürüvvet Başer
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
High Risk Pregnancy ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Prenatal Attachment ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Risk Pregnancy

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Women with high-risk pregnancy experience anxiety and low mother-fetal attachment when faced with signs of danger and health problems. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lullaby intervention on anxiety and prenatal attachment in women with high-risk pregnancy. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the perinatology clinic of a state maternity hospital in Turkey. Seventy-six women with high-risk pregnancy were included. The intervention group listened to lullabies for 20 min once a day, and accompanied by lullabies touched their abdomen and thought about their babies, but the control group did not. Data were collected using the Pregnant Information Form, the State Anxiety Inventory, and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Baseline anxiety did not differ in the intervention versus control group (47.83 ± 10.74 vs. 44.10 ± 8.08, mean difference 3.73 [95% Cl –1.18 to 8.64], <i>p</i> = 0.13), but after the 2nd day lullaby intervention anxiety was lower in the intervention group versus control group (33.66 ± 9.32 vs. 43.06 ± 8.10, mean difference –9.40 [95% Cl –13.91 to –4.88], <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01). Baseline prenatal attachment did not differ in the intervention versus control group (56.03 ± 10.71 vs. 53.86 ± 9.98, mean difference 2.16 [95% Cl –3.18 to 7.51], <i>p</i> = 0.42), but after the 2nd day lullaby intervention prenatal attachment was higher in the intervention group versus control group (66.70 ± 7.60 vs. 54.36 ± 9.52, mean difference 12.33 [95% Cl 7.87 to 16.78], <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01). In the within-group analysis the intervention group had lower anxiety and better prenatal attachment (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01), but not in the control group (<i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Lullaby intervention can play an effective role in reducing anxiety and improving prenatal attachment. The use of this integrative, noninvasive, non-pharmacologic, time-efficient, and natural intervention is suggested in the care of pregnant women.

scholarly journals Efficacy of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination Training Approach for Training Pharmacy Students in Diabetes Mellitus Counseling: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Pharmacy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 229
Author(s):  
Imaneh Farahani ◽  
Samieh Farahani ◽  
Maira A. Deters ◽  
Holger Schwender ◽  
Stephanie Laeer
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Training Approach

Pharmacists’ tasks are multifaceted and include, for example, vital counseling and communication skills. Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) could be used to train pharmacy students in these skills. Our study sought to determine the efficacy of our OSCE training approach for training pharmacy students’ counseling and communication skills on diabetes mellitus compared to a control group. This randomized controlled study was conducted with pharmacy students using a pre-post-design. The intervention group completed diabetes OSCE training, while the control group solved diabetes patient cases using subjective, objective, assessment, and plan notes. Before and after the respective training, both groups completed OSCEs evaluating counseling and communication skills. Before each OSCE encounter, the participants completed a self-assessment questionnaire and, upon completion of the seminar, filled out a satisfaction survey. The OSCE-trained group demonstrated a significantly greater increase in counseling and communication skills and self-confidence than the control group. Both groups were generally satisfied with the seminar. These results demonstrate that our OSCE training approach allows for the effective training of pharmacy students’ diabetes counseling and communication skills and suggests the inclusion of such a skill-based approach more widely in pharmacy students’ education.

scholarly journals Self-perceived postural balance correlates with postural balance and anxiety during the first year after stroke: a part of the randomized controlled GOTVED study

BMC Neurology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Rafsten ◽  
Anna Danielsson ◽  
Katharina S. Sunnerhagen
Keyword(s):  
Postural Balance ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
First Year ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Early Supported Discharge ◽  
Time Point

Abstract Background Postural balance is an important rehabilitation outcome, and screening stroke patients for confidence in postural balance during rehabilitation and before hospital discharge is recommended. Early supported discharge could improve postural balance self-confidence. This study aimed to investigate associations between patient self-confidence in postural balance and observer-assessed postural balance and anxiety during the first year after stroke. Whether very early supported discharge (VESD) affects self-confidence in postural balance compared with standard discharge was also evaluated. Methods A longitudinal trial for with data extracted from a randomized controlled study of 140 adults with confirmed stroke was conducted. The experimental group received VESD. The control group was discharged according to the standard routine. Postural balance was assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Falls Efficacy Scale. Anxiety was assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rho) was used to test associations between independent variables. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to examine differences over time. A single test, according to Eid, Gollwitzer, and Schmidt, was used to test temporal differences in correlation. Results The correlation between self-confidence in postural balance and observer-assessed postural balance was 0.62–0.78 in the first year after stroke. The correlation between self-confidence and anxiety was 0.22–0.41 in the first year after stroke. Correlations did not differ by group affiliation at any time point when the postural balance was assessed with BBS. The intervention group had a significantly higher correlation (r = − 0.709) than the control group (r = − 0.416) when postural balance was assessed with the TUG test 1 month after discharge. There were no significant differences in correlations between confidence in postural balance and anxiety between the two groups at any time point. Conclusions Patients with mild stroke can accurately assess their confidence in performing daily activities without falling. VESD does not substantially affect the correlation between self-confidence in postural balance and observer assessed postural balance and is safe to use as an alternative to standard discharge. Assessment of self-confidence can provide important information for rehabilitation planning and supporting the physical activity of patients after discharge. Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov: NCT01622205. Registered 19 June 2012 (retrospectively registered).

Meridian Cuffing Exercises Improved Functional Fitness and Cardiopulmonary Functioning of Community Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsiao-Ting Tung ◽  
Chi-Chieh Lai ◽  
Kuei-Min Chen ◽  
Han-Ya Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Community Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Functional Fitness ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
Study Intervention ◽  
Single Blind

This study was aimed to test the effects of a meridian cuffing exercise, the Healthy Beat Acupunch (HBA) regimen, on the functional fitness and cardiopulmonary functioning of community older adults. A single-blind, cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted. We randomly allocated eight community care centers to the intervention or control group and recruited 228 participants who completed the study (intervention: four centers, n = 111; control: four centers, n = 117). The intervention group underwent a 40-min session of HBA regimen 3 times per week for 6 months. Functional fitness and cardiopulmonary functioning were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months of the intervention. The intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in functional fitness and cardiopulmonary functioning than the control group between baseline and either 3 months or 6 months. We suggest that activities designed to promote health among community older adults include acupunch exercises.

scholarly journals Primary Care and Physical Literacy: A Non-Randomized Controlled Pilot Study to Combat the High Prevalence of Physically Inactive Adults in Austria

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8593
Author(s):  
Peter Holler ◽  
Johannes Jaunig ◽  
Othmar Moser ◽  
Silvia Tuttner ◽  
Helmut Simi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical Literacy ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Activity Behavior

The multidimensional concept of physical literacy is fundamental for lifelong physical activity engagement. However, physical literacy-based interventions are in their infancy, especially among adults. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to assess the association of a physical literacy-based intervention with changes in self-reported physical literacy among inactive adults. A non-randomized controlled study (2 × 2 design) was conducted, comparing pre- vs. postintervention. Twenty-eight inactive healthy participants in the intervention group (89% female, 53 ± 10 years) entered a physical literacy-based intervention once weekly for 14 weeks. The non-treated control group consisted of 22 inactive adults (96% female, 50 ± 11 years). Physical literacy was evaluated with a questionnaire encompassing five domains: physical activity behavior, attitude/understanding, motivation, knowledge, and self-efficacy/confidence. ANOVA models were applied to evaluate changes by time and condition. Following the intervention, significant improvements were seen for overall physical literacy and in four out of five physical literacy domains, including physical activity behavior, attitude/understanding, knowledge, and self-efficacy/confidence (all p < 0.01, Cohen’s d = 0.38–0.83). No changes by time x condition were found for motivation. The physical literacy-based intervention applied in this study may be a promising approach to help inactive adults to adopt an active lifestyle.

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