scholarly journals Effect of Serial Anthropometric Measurements and Motivational Text Messages on Weight Reduction Among Workers: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renee Chan ◽  
Matthew Nguyen ◽  
Rachel Smith ◽  
Sarah Spencer ◽  
Sabrina Winona Pit
Keyword(s):  
Weight Reduction ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Anthropometric Measurements ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Intervention Uptake

BACKGROUND Obesity is an endemic problem with significant health and financial consequences. Text messaging has been shown to be a simple and effective method of facilitating weight reduction. In addition, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) has emerged as a significant anthropometric measure. However, few studies have examined the effect of serial anthropometric self-measurement combined with text messaging. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study was to assess whether an 8-week program, consisting of weekly serial self-measurements of waist and hip circumference, combined with motivational text messages, could reduce WHR among Australian workers. METHODS This was a community-based, participant-blinded, staggered-entry, parallel group study. Adult workers with access to mobile phones were eligible and recruited through an open access Web-based survey. Participants were randomly allocated to receive intervention or control messages for 8 weeks. Outcome data were self-assessed through a Web-based survey. RESULTS A total of 60 participants were randomized with 30 participants each allocated to a control and an intervention group. There was no significant change in WHR (P=.43), and all secondary outcome measures did not differ between the intervention group and the control group at the end of the 8-week intervention. Both groups, however, showed a significant decrease in burnout over time (mean [SE]: pre 4.80 [0.39] vs post 3.36 [0.46]; P=.004). The intervention uptake followed a downward trend. Peak participant replies to weekly self-measurements were received in week 3 (14/23, 61%) and the least in week 8 (8/23, 35%). No harm was found to result from this study. CONCLUSIONS This study is an innovative pilot trial using text messaging and serial anthropometric measurements in weight management. No change was detected in WHRs in Australian workers over 8 weeks; therefore, it could not be concluded whether the intervention affected the primary outcome. However, these results should be interpreted in the context of limited sample size and decreasing intervention uptake over the course of the study. This pilot trial is useful for informing and contributing to the design of future studies and the growing body of literature on serial self-measurements combined with text messaging. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616001496404; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371696&isReview=true (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/73UkKFjSw)

scholarly journals Healthy Eating and Active Living for Diabetes-Glycemic Index (HEALD-GI): A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1289-1289
Author(s):  
Hayford Avedzi ◽  
Allison Soprovich ◽  
Stephanie Ramage ◽  
Abdulrhman Alghamdi ◽  
Kate Storey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Glycemic Index ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Phone Calls

Abstract Objectives Rigorous evidence is needed to support uptake of recommendations to include low glycemic index (GI) foods in daily meal planning as an effective dietary self-care strategy for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We evaluated the effectiveness of a 12-week web-based GI-targeted nutrition education intervention on dietary intakes and GI-related knowledge among adults with T2D. Methods Participants were randomized to a control group (n = 34) that received standard printed copies of Canada's Food Guide and Diabetes Canada's GI resources or an intervention group (n = 33) that received those same materials, plus an online platform with six self-directed learning modules and supplementary print material. Each module consisted of a customized video, links to reliable websites, chat rooms, and quizzes. Evidence-based GI concept information included GI values of foods and advice for low-GI shopping, recipes, and cooking tips by a Registered Dietitian. Preferred supports through email, text messaging, phone calls, or postal mail to reinforce participants’ learning were also provided. The primary outcome, average daily dietary GI intake, was assessed using 3-day food records. Additional measures including GI knowledge and self-efficacy, glycated hemoglobin A1c, lipids, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, and computer proficiency, were assessed at baseline and at three months post-intervention. Results Participants (N = 67) were 64% men; mean (standard deviation [SD]) age 69.5 (9.3) years, with mean diabetes duration of 19.0 (13.7) years, BMI 30.1 (5.7) kg/m2 and A1c 7.1 (1.2)% at baseline. Mean daily GI intake decreased in the intervention group by 2.79 (7.77) compared to a 0.76 (6.48) increase in the control group (adjusted mean difference [95% CI]; −3.77 [−6.95, −0.58]). Mean GI knowledge 2.14 [0.59, 3.69], understanding of GI concept 1.65 [0.85, 2.44] and self-efficacy for consuming low-GI foods 1.29 [0.51, 2.07] increased among the intervention group (P < 0.01) compared with the control group. Conclusions Web-based GI-targeted education program improved the quality of carbohydrate consumption among adults with T2D and may have been mediated through increases in knowledge and self-efficacy. Web-based nutrition education may be an effective alternative in this population. Funding Sources Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research.

scholarly journals Sustainability of mHealth Effects on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: Five-Year Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial

10.2196/14595 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. e14595
Author(s):  
Antonio Bernabe-Ortiz ◽  
Julia Pauschardt ◽  
Francisco Diez-Canseco ◽  
J Jaime Miranda
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Preventive Strategy ◽  
Resource Constrained ◽  
Mhealth Intervention

Background The long-term effects of mobile health (mHealth) interventions have not been documented, especially in resource-constrained settings. Objective This study aimed to assess the effects of a 1-year mHealth intervention on blood pressure levels and body weight in low-resource urban settings in Peru, 4 years after the completion of the original study. Methods Four years after the original Grupo de Investigación en Salud Móvil en America Latina (GISMAL) study, we attempted to contact the 212 individuals originally enrolled in the study in Peru. The primary outcomes were systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels and hypertension incidence. Secondary outcome measures were body weight, BMI, and self-reported target behaviors. The study personnel collecting the data were masked to the group assignment. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the effects of the intervention on primary and secondary outcomes in an intention-to-treat analysis. Results Data from 164 (77.4%) of the 212 originally enrolled participants were available and analyzed (80 in the intervention group and 84 in the control group). The intervention did not result in changes in systolic (–2.54 mm Hg, 95% CI –8.23 to 3.15) or diastolic (3.41 mm Hg, 95% CI –0.75 to 7.57) blood pressure compared with the control group. The intervention reduced the risk of developing hypertension, but the result was not significant (risk ratio (RR) 0.76, 95% CI 0.45-1.28). However, those who received the intervention had lower body weight (–5.42 kg, 95% CI –10.4 to –0.48) and BMI (–2.56 kg/m2, 95% CI –4.46 to –0.66). In addition, compared to the control participants, those who received ≥50% of the scheduled calls during the intervention had greater reductions in body weight (–6.23 kg, 95% CI –11.47 to –0.99) and BMI (–2.81 kg/m2, 95% CI –4.77 to –0.85). Conclusions An mHealth intervention comprising motivational interview calls and SMS text messaging appears to have effects on health 4 years after intervention completion. Although there were no effects on blood pressure levels, important reductions in body weight and BMI were seen 5 years after randomization. Thus, mHealth appears to be a promising preventive strategy for noncommunicable diseases in resource-constrained settings. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01295216; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01295216

scholarly journals Efficacy of Text Messaging and Personal Consultation by Pharmacy Students Among Adults With Hypertension: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panpan Zhai ◽  
Khezar Hayat ◽  
Wenjing Ji ◽  
Qian Li ◽  
Li Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Chinese Patients ◽  
Control Group ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Sms Text Messaging

BACKGROUND Hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for ischemic heart diseases, and high rates of hypertension prevalence have either remained the same or increased in developing countries in recent years. Unfortunately, about 20% to 50% of patients with chronic diseases have been nonadherent to their drug therapy. SMS text messaging and pharmacy student–led consultations have the potential to help patients manage their blood pressure (BP). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of SMS text messaging and consultation to manage the BP of Chinese patients with hypertension. METHODS We conducted a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial among patients with hypertension in Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, China, and recruited 384 patients from 8 community health care centers. Patients were randomized into an intervention group to receive SMS text messages and consultations or into a control group to receive usual care for 3 months. We sent SMS text messages at 3-day intervals and collected data at baseline (including demographics, clinical outcomes, medication complexity, side effects, patient behavior, knowledge about hypertension, BP, and medication adherence) and the 3-month follow-up (including BP, medication adherence, and knowledge about hypertension). RESULTS We assessed 445 patients with hypertension and excluded 61 patients who were not eligible or who had not filled out their questionnaires. The mean age of the patients was 68.5 (SD 7.9) years in the intervention group and 69.4 (SD 9.7) years in the control group, and the sample was primarily female (265/384, 69.0%). Patients in the intervention group showed significant improvements in systolic BP (SBP; mean 134.5 mm Hg, SD 15.5 mm Hg vs mean 140.7 mm Hg, SD 15.2 mm Hg; <i>P</i>=.001), medication adherence (mean 7.4, SD 1.2 vs mean 7.0, SD 1.3; <i>P</i>=.04), and knowledge about hypertension (mean 6.3, SD 0.9 vs mean 5.9, SD 1.2; <i>P</i>=.004) compared with those in the control group. In measures of diastolic BP (DBP), the two arms showed nonsignificant improvements (mean 78.2 mm Hg, SD 9.0 mm Hg vs mean 77.2 mm Hg, SD 10.3 mm Hg; <i>P</i>=.06). In total, 176 patients had controlled BP at the 3-month follow-up (98 patients in the intervention group vs 78 patients in the control group), but it was nonsignificant (<i>P</i>=.08). CONCLUSIONS The use of SMS text messaging and consultation to manage SBP and improve medication adherence is effective, feasible, and acceptable among Chinese patients with hypertension, although a significant difference was not observed with regard to DBP. It is important to maximize the potential of SMS text messaging and consultation by increasing the feasibility and acceptance of mobile interventions and conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis on this method. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900026862; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=42717.

scholarly journals Sustainability of mHealth Effects on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: Five-Year Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Bernabe-Ortiz ◽  
Julia Pauschardt ◽  
Francisco Diez-Canseco ◽  
J Jaime Miranda
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Preventive Strategy ◽  
Resource Constrained ◽  
Mhealth Intervention

BACKGROUND The long-term effects of mobile health (mHealth) interventions have not been documented, especially in resource-constrained settings. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the effects of a 1-year mHealth intervention on blood pressure levels and body weight in low-resource urban settings in Peru, 4 years after the completion of the original study. METHODS Four years after the original Grupo de Investigación en Salud Móvil en America Latina (GISMAL) study, we attempted to contact the 212 individuals originally enrolled in the study in Peru. The primary outcomes were systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels and hypertension incidence. Secondary outcome measures were body weight, BMI, and self-reported target behaviors. The study personnel collecting the data were masked to the group assignment. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the effects of the intervention on primary and secondary outcomes in an intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS Data from 164 (77.4%) of the 212 originally enrolled participants were available and analyzed (80 in the intervention group and 84 in the control group). The intervention did not result in changes in systolic (–2.54 mm Hg, 95% CI –8.23 to 3.15) or diastolic (3.41 mm Hg, 95% CI –0.75 to 7.57) blood pressure compared with the control group. The intervention reduced the risk of developing hypertension, but the result was not significant (risk ratio (RR) 0.76, 95% CI 0.45-1.28). However, those who received the intervention had lower body weight (–5.42 kg, 95% CI –10.4 to –0.48) and BMI (–2.56 kg/m2, 95% CI –4.46 to –0.66). In addition, compared to the control participants, those who received ≥50% of the scheduled calls during the intervention had greater reductions in body weight (–6.23 kg, 95% CI –11.47 to –0.99) and BMI (–2.81 kg/m2, 95% CI –4.77 to –0.85). CONCLUSIONS An mHealth intervention comprising motivational interview calls and SMS text messaging appears to have effects on health 4 years after intervention completion. Although there were no effects on blood pressure levels, important reductions in body weight and BMI were seen 5 years after randomization. Thus, mHealth appears to be a promising preventive strategy for noncommunicable diseases in resource-constrained settings. CLINICALTRIAL Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01295216; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01295216

scholarly journals Evaluation of the effect of informing patients through text messaging on antibiotic prescription by physicians in outpatient setting: a study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Hassan Vakili Arki ◽  
Ehsan Nabovati ◽  
Mohammad Reza Saberi ◽  
Pourya Eslami ◽  
Zhila Taherzadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Text Messaging ◽  
Antibiotic Prescription ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
General Physician

Introduction: Irrational prescription of antibiotics has become a major global concern, and not only does it have health-related consequences, but it also affects countries’ overall economy. Based on reports and studies, antibiotics are prescribed in approximately 50% of prescriptions in Iran which can demand by patients as a major cause. It is anticipated that increasing the awareness and understanding of both physicians and patients, regarding the antibiotic use and resistance, could play an important role in the rational prescription of antibiotic medications. In this study, we will examine the effect of informing patients via text message right before their appointment on the proportion of prescribed antibiotic medications.Material and Methods: In this study, a randomized control trial (RCT) will be conducted. The setting in which the study will be carry out, consists of 64 physicians (29 general physician and 35 specialist). Unit of randomization will be physicians based on the proportion of their prescriptions that include antibiotic medications (PIA). The first arm of the study is the intervention group, which consists of the patients receiving three text messages in the clinic’s waiting rooms. The second arm is the control group, and consists of the patients who won’t be receiving any text messages. The content of the text messages focuses on the consequences of self-medication with antibiotics, the fact that the use of antibiotics is not an option for curing viral diseases including cold, and it also asks the patients not to demand antibiotics by trusting their physicians.Results: The main variable that will be measured is the proportion of prescriptions that include antibiotic medications.Conclusion: This trial will be the first one to evaluate the patients’ role in the proportion of prescriptions that include antibiotic medications. It is hypothesized that patients’ demand for antibiotic medication is one of the main causes of irrational antibiotic prescription by physicians.

scholarly journals The Implementation of a Text Messaging Intervention to Improve HIV Continuum of Care Outcomes Among Persons Recently Released From Correctional Facilities: Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/16220 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e16220
Author(s):  
Breana J Uhrig Castonguay ◽  
Andrew E Cressman ◽  
Irene Kuo ◽  
Rudy Patrick ◽  
Claudia Trezza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Barriers To Care ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Baseline Viral Load ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Reminder Message ◽  
Sms Text Messaging

Background Previously incarcerated individuals have suboptimal linkage and engagement in community HIV care. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have been shown to be effective in addressing these gaps. In Washington, District of Columbia (DC), we conducted a randomized trial of an SMS text messaging–based mHealth intervention (CARE+ Corrections) to increase linkage to community HIV care and antiretroviral treatment adherence among HIV-infected persons involved in the criminal justice system. Objective This study aimed to describe the SMS text messaging–based intervention, participant use of the intervention, and barriers and facilitators of implementation. Methods From August 2013 to April 2015, HIV-positive incarcerated individuals were recruited within the DC Department of Corrections, and persons released in the past 6 months were recruited within the community via street-based recruitment, community partnerships, and referrals. Participants were followed for 6 months and received weekly or daily SMS text messages. Formative research resulted in the development of the content of the messages in 4 categories: HIV Appointment Reminders, Medication Adherence, Prevention Reminders, and Barriers to Care following release from jail. Participants could customize the timing, frequency, and message content throughout the study period. Results Of the 112 participants enrolled, 57 (50.9%) were randomized to the intervention group and 55 (49.1%) to the control group; 2 control participants did not complete the baseline visit, and were dropped from the study, leaving a total of 110 participants who contributed to the analyses. Study retention was similar across both study arms. Median age was 42 years (IQR 30-50), 86% (49/57) were black or African American, 58% (33/57) were male, 25% (14/57) were female, and 18% (10/57) were transgender. Median length of last incarceration was 4 months (IQR 1.7-9.0), and median lifetime number of times incarcerated was 6.5 (IQR 3.5-14.0). Most participants (32/54, 59%) had a baseline viral load of <200 copies/mL. Nearly all participants (52/57, 91%) chose to use a cell phone provided by the study. The most preferred Appointment Reminder message was Hey how you feeling? Don’t forget to give a call and make your appointment (19/57, 33%). The most preferred Medication Adherence message was Don’t forget your skittles! (31/57, 54%), and 63% (36/57) of participants chose to receive daily (vs weekly) messages from this category at baseline. The most preferred Prevention Reminder message was Stay strong. Stay clean (18/57, 32%). The most preferred Barriers to Care message was Holla at your case manager, they’re here to help (12/57, 22%). Minor message preference differences were observed among participants enrolled in the jail versus those from the community. Conclusions Participants’ ability to customize their SMS text message plan proved helpful. Further large-scale research on mHealth platforms is needed to assess its efficacy among HIV-infected persons with a history of incarceration. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01721226; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01721226

scholarly journals Recruitment and Retention of Parents of Adolescents in a Text Messaging Trial (MyTeen): Secondary Analysis From a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/17723 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. e17723
Author(s):  
Joanna Ting Wai Chu ◽  
Angela Wadham ◽  
Yannan Jiang ◽  
Karolina Stasiak ◽  
Matthew Shepherd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Recruitment Strategies ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Recruitment And Retention

Background Parenting programs are well established as an effective strategy for enhancing both parenting skills and the well-being of the child. However, recruitment for family programs in clinical and nonclinical settings remains low. Objective This study aims to describe the recruitment and retention methods used in a text messaging program (MyTeen) trial for parents of adolescents (10-15 years) and identify key lessons learned. We aim to provide insights and direction for researchers who seek to recruit parents and build on the limited literature on recruitment and retention strategies for parenting program trials. Methods A recruitment plan was developed, monitored, and modified as needed throughout the course of the project. Strategies to facilitate recruitment were identified (eg, program content and recruitment material, staff characteristics, and study procedures). Traditional and web-based recruitment strategies were used. Results Over a 5-month period, 319 parents or caregivers expressed interest in our study, of which 221 agreed to participate in the study, exceeding our recruitment target of 214 participants. Attrition was low at the 1-month (4.5% overall; intervention group: n=5, 4.6%; control group: n=5, 4.5%) and 3-month follow-ups (9% overall; intervention group: n=10, 9.2%; control group: n=10, 8.9%). Conclusions The use of web-based recruitment strategies appeared to be most effective for recruiting and retaining parents in a text-messaging program trial. However, we encountered recruitment challenges (ie, underrepresentation of ethnic minority groups and fathers) similar to those reported in the literature. Therefore, efforts to engage ethnic minorities and fathers are needed. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000117213; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374307

scholarly journals Feasibility and efficacy of text messaging to promote care among trauma patients screened for HIV at an urban emergency department in Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gimbo M. Hyuha ◽  
Hendry R. Sawe ◽  
Said Kilindimo ◽  
Raya Y. Mussa ◽  
Masuma A. Gulamhussein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Hiv Negative

Abstract Background Due to the high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Tanzania, provider-initiated HIV testing for patients attending any health care setting is recommended. However, follow-up and linkage to care by those tested remain poor. We determined the feasibility and efficacy of text messaging to promote follow-up among otherwise healthy trauma patients who underwent provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling at an emergency department (ED) in Tanzania. Material and methods This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) ED between September 2019 and February 2020. Adult trauma patients consenting to HIV testing and follow-up text messaging were randomized to standard care (pre-test and post-test counseling) or standard care plus a series of three short message service (SMS) text message reminders for follow-up in an HIV clinic, if positive, or for retesting, if negative. Investigators blinded to the study assignment called participants 2 months after the ED visit if HIV-positive or 4 months if HIV-negative. We compared the proportion of people in the intervention and control groups completing recommended follow-up. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of patients agreeing to testing, proportion of patients agreeing to receiving text messages, and the proportion of HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in each study arm who followed up. Results Of the 290 patients approached, 255 (87.9%) opted-in for testing and agreed to receive a text message. The median age of the study population was 29 [IQR 24–40] years. There were 127 patients randomized to the intervention group and 128 to the control group. The automated SMS system verified that 381 text messages in total were successfully sent. We traced 242 (94.9%) participants: 124 (51.2%) in the intervention group and 18 (488%) in the control group. A total of 100 (39.2%) subjects reported completing a follow-up visit, of which 77 (60.6%) were from the intervention group and 23 (17.9%) were from the control group (RR = 3.4, 95% CI 2.3–5.0). This resulted in a number needed to treat (NNT) of 2.3. Of the 246 HIV-negative participants, 37% underwent repeat screening: 59% of those in the intervention group and 16% in the control group (RR = 3.7, P = < 0.0001, NNT 2.3). Among the nine positive patients, all five in the intervention group and only three in the controls had follow-up visits. Conclusion Automated text message is a feasible and effective way to increase follow-up in HIV-tested individuals in a limited income country.

The clinical effects and biomechanical mechanisms of Peony and licorice decoction fumigation in the treatment of poststroke cavovarus foot: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengyang Jing ◽  
Li Zhou ◽  
Juanjuan Ai ◽  
Zongheng Li ◽  
Jiabao Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Disorders ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale

Abstract Background: As the most common functional disability in stroke patients with hemiplegia, poststroke cavovarus foot (PCF) seriously affects the life quality of patients and causes mental and emotional disorders. Some studies have suggested that the traditional Chinese medicine fumigation therapy could be an effective intervention method for PCF patients. This study aims to investigate the biomechanical effect of the classic prescription Peony and licorice decoction (PLD) fumigation in the treatment of PCF. Methods/Design: This study is a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind trial. A total of 190 patients with PCF according to the inclusion criteria will be recruited in three centers and randomized and distributed to either the intervention group or the control group at a 1:1 ratio. All patients will receive standardized modern rehabilitation treatment according to the “Chinese Guidelines for Stroke Rehabilitation” (2011 version). Patients will stick to the treatments they used to take, and will be given present general treatment when acute exacerbation of stroke occurs during the trial. The intervention group will receive PLD fumigation treatment, while the control group will receive placebo fumigation treatment. The primary outcome measure is medial plantar area (M1＋M2＋HM) generating from the RSSCAN gait system. The secondary outcome measures contain the scores of clinical scales including Berg Balance Scale, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Modified Ashworth Scale, Barthel Index, and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale. All assessments will be implemented at baseline, 4 weeks after intervention and at the end of 3 month’ follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis and per-protocol analysis will be applied in this trial. Discussion: The results of this study are expected to provide detailed interpretations of clinical effects and biomechanical mechanisms of PLD fumigation in the treatment of PCF. If PLD fumigation treatment is confirmed as an effective option, this study may additionally set up the new treatment method for patients with PCF and provide foundations for further clinical studies on a larger scale. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000032433. Registered on 28 April 2020.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Text Messaging and Personal Consultation by Pharmacy Students Among Adults With Hypertension: Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/16019 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. e16019
Author(s):  
Panpan Zhai ◽  
Khezar Hayat ◽  
Wenjing Ji ◽  
Qian Li ◽  
Li Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Chinese Patients ◽  
Control Group ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Sms Text Messaging

Background Hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for ischemic heart diseases, and high rates of hypertension prevalence have either remained the same or increased in developing countries in recent years. Unfortunately, about 20% to 50% of patients with chronic diseases have been nonadherent to their drug therapy. SMS text messaging and pharmacy student–led consultations have the potential to help patients manage their blood pressure (BP). Objective The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of SMS text messaging and consultation to manage the BP of Chinese patients with hypertension. Methods We conducted a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial among patients with hypertension in Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, China, and recruited 384 patients from 8 community health care centers. Patients were randomized into an intervention group to receive SMS text messages and consultations or into a control group to receive usual care for 3 months. We sent SMS text messages at 3-day intervals and collected data at baseline (including demographics, clinical outcomes, medication complexity, side effects, patient behavior, knowledge about hypertension, BP, and medication adherence) and the 3-month follow-up (including BP, medication adherence, and knowledge about hypertension). Results We assessed 445 patients with hypertension and excluded 61 patients who were not eligible or who had not filled out their questionnaires. The mean age of the patients was 68.5 (SD 7.9) years in the intervention group and 69.4 (SD 9.7) years in the control group, and the sample was primarily female (265/384, 69.0%). Patients in the intervention group showed significant improvements in systolic BP (SBP; mean 134.5 mm Hg, SD 15.5 mm Hg vs mean 140.7 mm Hg, SD 15.2 mm Hg; P=.001), medication adherence (mean 7.4, SD 1.2 vs mean 7.0, SD 1.3; P=.04), and knowledge about hypertension (mean 6.3, SD 0.9 vs mean 5.9, SD 1.2; P=.004) compared with those in the control group. In measures of diastolic BP (DBP), the two arms showed nonsignificant improvements (mean 78.2 mm Hg, SD 9.0 mm Hg vs mean 77.2 mm Hg, SD 10.3 mm Hg; P=.06). In total, 176 patients had controlled BP at the 3-month follow-up (98 patients in the intervention group vs 78 patients in the control group), but it was nonsignificant (P=.08). Conclusions The use of SMS text messaging and consultation to manage SBP and improve medication adherence is effective, feasible, and acceptable among Chinese patients with hypertension, although a significant difference was not observed with regard to DBP. It is important to maximize the potential of SMS text messaging and consultation by increasing the feasibility and acceptance of mobile interventions and conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis on this method. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900026862; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=42717.

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