scholarly journals Effects of two-week e-learning on eHealth literacy: a randomized controlled trial of Japanese Internet users

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiharu Mitsuhashi
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Search Results ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
E Learning

Background The Internet is widely used as a source of information by people searching for medical or healthcare information. However, information found on the Internet has several drawbacks, and the ability to consume accurate health information on the Internet (eHealth literacy) is increasingly important. This study’s goal was to clarify the extent to which eHealth literacy is improved after e-learning in a randomized controlled trial. Methods Data were collected on 301 Japanese adults through an online survey. Participants were assigned to the intervention (e-learning about eHealth literacy) group or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group included 148 participants, and 153 participants were in the control group. The participants provided information at baseline on demographic characteristics, self-rated health, and frequency of Internet searching. The eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), which was the main measure of eHealth literacy, and data on secondary outcomes (the Healthy Eating Literacy Scale and skill for evaluating retrieved search results) were obtained at baseline and at follow-up. The score difference was calculated by subtracting the score at baseline from the score at follow-up. Linear regression analysis and multinomial regression analysis were performed using the differences in score as the dependent variables and the intervention as the explanatory variable. Intention-to-treat analysis was employed. Results The results from participants who responded to all of the questions both times were analyzed (134 in the intervention group and 148 in the control group). eHEALS increased 1.57 points due to the intervention effect (Δ score change = 1.57; 95% CI [0.09–3.05]; p = 0.037). Skills for evaluating retrieved search results improved more in the intervention group than in the control group (relative risk ratio = 2.47; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.33, 4.59; p = 0.004). There were no large differences at baseline between the intervention and control groups in the eHEALS, Healthy Eating Literacy scale, or skill for evaluating retrieved search results. However, at follow-up, the intervention group had improved more than the control group on both the eHEALS and skill for evaluating retrieved search results. Discussion eHealth literacy improved after the e-learning, as evidenced by the change to the eHEALS scores and increased skill for evaluating retrieved search results. There was no significant effect of e-learning, which did not include content on healthy eating, on the Healthy Eating Literacy Scale scores. This indicates that scores did not increase much due to effects other than e-learning, as is sometimes seen with the Hawthorne effect. Although it was statistically significant, the effect size was small. Therefore, future research is necessary to verify the clinical implications. In sum, this study suggests that e-learning is an effective way to improve eHealth literacy.

scholarly journals Effect of physician prescribed information on hospital readmission and death after discharge among patients with health failure: A randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 146045822199640
Author(s):  
Faranak Kazemi Majd ◽  
Vahideh Zarea Gavgani ◽  
Ali Golmohammadi ◽  
Ali Jafari-Khounigh
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Hospital Readmission ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Oral Information

In order to understand if a physician prescribed medical information changes, the number of hospital readmission, and death among the heart failure patients. A 12-month randomized controlled trial was conducted (December 2013–2014). Totally, 120 patients were randomly allocated into two groups of intervention ( n = 60) and control ( n = 60). Accordingly, the control group was given the routine oral information by the nurse or physician, and the intervention group received the Information Prescription (IP) prescribed by the physician as well as the routine oral information. The data was collected via telephone interviews with the follow-up intervals of 6 and 12 months, and also for 1 year after the discharge. The patients with the median age of (IQR) 69.5 years old (19.8) death upon adjusting a Cox survival model, [RR = 0.67, 95%CI: 0.46–0.97]. Few patients died during 1 year in the intervention group compared to the controls (7 vs 15) [RR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.20–1.06]. During a period of 6-month follow-up there was not statistically significant on death and readmission between two groups. Physician prescribed information was clinically and statistically effective on the reduction of death and hospital readmission rates among the HF patients in long term follow-up.

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.

Effect of ICT-Based Self-Management System DialBeticsLite on Treating Abdominal Obesity: Randomized Controlled Trial. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiro Kondo ◽  
Teru Okitsu ◽  
Kayo Waki ◽  
Toshimasa Yamauchi ◽  
Masaomi Nangaku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Obesity ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Metabolic Parameters ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Lifestyle Behavior ◽  
Randomized Controlled

BACKGROUND Mobile health interventions, a more cost-effective approach compared to traditional methods of delivering lifestyle coaching in person, have been shown to improve physical parameters and lifestyle behavior among overweight populations. It is useful to know the efficacy of mobile apps in treating abdominal obesity, as it is a known risk factor for metabolic disorders and type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether a mobile self-management app (DialBeticsLite) could be used by patients with abdominal obesity to achieve a reduction in visceral fat area (VFA) and other physical parameters. METHODS This study was an open-label, 2-arm parallel-design randomized controlled trial. We recruited 122 people in September 2017, and randomly assigned them into either the intervention group or the control group. All participants attended an educational group session, which delivered information regarding diet and exercise. Additionally, participants in the intervention group were asked to use DialBeticsLite for 3 months. DialBeticsLite facilitated the daily recording of several physical parameters and lifestyle behavior, and provided feedback to encourage an improvement in behavior. The primary outcome was the change in VFA from baseline to the 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included changes in both physical and metabolic parameters, from baseline to the 3-month follow-up. Welch t test was conducted to analyze the effects of DialBeticsLite on both the primary outcome and the secondary outcomes. RESULTS Out of the 122 participants recruited, 75 participants were analyzed due to 47 participants being excluded: 37 due to ineligibility and 10 due to withdrawal of consent. The mean age was 49.3 (standard deviation: SD 6.1) in the intervention group (n=41) and 48.5 (SD 5.3) in the control group (n=34), and all participants were male, though unintentionally. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between the intervention and control group, except for VFA. The averaged change of VFA was -23.5cm2 (SD 20.6) in the intervention group and +1.9cm2 (SD 16.2) in the control group (P<.001). Statistically significant differences were also found for the change of body weight, BMI and waist circumference. These findings did not change after adjusting for VFA at baseline. The intervention had no significant effect on any of the metabolic parameters. An exploratory analysis showed significant associations between the change in VFA and steps per day, and between the change in VFA and calorie intake per day within the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that although unsuccessful in improving metabolic parameters, a mobile health intervention facilitating the daily monitoring of several physical parameters and lifestyle behavior, can be highly effective in inducing visceral fat loss and weight loss among adults with abdominal obesity. CLINICALTRIAL Trial Registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) UMIN000042045 Retrospectively Registered; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&recptno=R000046495&type=summary&llanguag=J

scholarly journals Effects of individualized follow-up with a smartphone-application after cardiac rehabilitation: protocol of a randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pernille Lunde ◽  
Asta Bye ◽  
Astrid Bergland ◽  
Birgitta Blakstad Nilsson
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Power Calculation ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are evidence-based and widely recommended. However, benefits from CR are likely lost among individuals who discontinue their regular exercise routines and healthy habits. One possible approach to enhance adherence to lifestyle advice after completion of CR, may be individualized follow-up enabled by a smartphone application (app). Methods A protocol of a single-blinded, pragmatic randomized controlled trial. The study will take place in the eastern part of Norway, and will include heart patients who have completed CR. Participants will be recruited from two CR centers. Based on power calculation, 113 participants will be included. The intervention group will receive individualized follow-up through an app on a weekly basis throughout a year. The app will be set up with the participant’s own goals, and the follow-up will be based on these individual goals. The control group will receive usual care, including general advice regarding physical activity, exercise and diet. The participants will be assessed at baseline (at completion of CR) and 12 months after baseline. Primary outcome of the study will be peak oxygen uptake. Secondary outcomes include exercise performance, quality of life, health status, health literacy, self-perceived goal achievement, exercise habits, body weight, blood pressure as well as lipids and triglycerides. Discussion To our knowledge, this will be the first study to examine the effects of individualized follow-up with an app for one year, in patients completing CR. Hence, it is reasonable to assume that the study may be groundbreaking. Due to the large sample size and the theoretically based intervention, the study has the potential to generate new knowledge that may improve the design of future technology-based follow-up interventions of patients that have completed rehabilitation. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03174106. First registration, 19/05/2017.

Long-term efficacy of indicated prevention of depression in non-professional caregivers: randomized controlled trial

2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (7) ◽  
pp. 1401-1412 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Otero ◽  
F. Smit ◽  
P. Cuijpers ◽  
A. Torres ◽  
V. Blanco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Indicated Prevention ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Term Efficacy

BackgroundAlthough depression is a common problem among non-professional caregivers, only one trial has evaluated the efficacy of indicated prevention targeting this population and the long-term efficacy is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of a brief intervention for the indicated prevention of depression in a sample of female caregivers.MethodA randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 173 participants (mean age 53.9 years) who were allocated to the intervention (n = 89) or the usual-care control group (n = 84). Blinded interviewers conducted assessments at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up. The main outcome measure was the incidence of major depression and the secondary outcomes were compliance with treatment, depressive symptoms, emotional distress and caregiver burden.ResultsAt the 12-month follow-up, a lower incidence of depression as evaluated using the Structured Clinical Interview for Axis I Disorders of the DSM-IV was found in the intervention group compared with the control group (10.1%v.25.0%). The relative risk was 0.40 and statistically significant [χ2 = 6.68, degrees of freedom = 1,p = 0.010, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20–0.81], and the number needed to treat was 7 (95% CI 4–27). There was a significant delay in the onset of depression in the intervention group (p = 0.008). The good complier caregivers had a lower incidence of depression. The intervention effect on depressive symptoms, emotional distress and caregiver burden were maintained for 12 months.ConclusionsThis is the first study to demonstrate that a brief problem-solving intervention can prevent the onset of depression among non-professional caregivers over the longer term.

scholarly journals A Brief Body-Mind-Spirit Group Therapy for Chinese Medicine Stagnation Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siu-man Ng ◽  
Lingli Leng ◽  
Rainbow T. H. Ho ◽  
Zhangjin Zhang ◽  
Qi Wang
Keyword(s):  
Group Therapy ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Eta Squared ◽  
Physical Distress

Background. Stagnation syndrome, a diagnostic entity in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is characterized by mind-body obstruction-like symptoms. Although TCM has long-established symptom-relief treatments, a comprehensive mind-body intervention was called for. Purpose. The study evaluated the efficacy of a six-session body-mind-spirit (BMS) group therapy for persons with stagnation syndrome. Method. A 2-arm randomized controlled trial design was adopted. The control group received a parallel general TCM instruction course. Both groups completed a pretest (T0), posttest (T1), and 2-month follow-up assessment (T2). The measures included self-report scales on stagnation, depression, anxiety, physical distress, daily functioning, and positive and negative affect; the other measure was of salivary cortisol, a biological marker of stress. Results. Data on 111 adults with stagnation syndrome were included in the analysis. Completion rates were high (over 87%) for both the intervention and control groups. Repeated-measures multivariate MANOVA revealed a significant combined effect with large effect size (eta-squared = 0.42). Repeated-measures ANOVA further revealed that the intervention group showed significant improvements in stagnation, the primary outcome, with medium effect size (eta-squared = 0.11). The intervention group also showed significant improvements in depression, physical distress, everyday functioning, and negative affect (eta-squared = 0.06 to 0.13). Post hoc analysis revealed that the intervention group showed significant improvements over the control group in cortisol level at 2-month follow-up assessment (T0 versus T2) with small effect size (eta-squared = 0.05), but not at posttest (T0 versus T1). Conclusions. Overall, the findings indicate that our brief BMS group therapy intervention for stagnation syndrome is efficacious. Moreover, the intervention resulted in a number of substantial improvements in the physical and mental health domains.

Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Pictogram Augmentation of HIV Medication Information

2011 ◽  
Vol 45 (11) ◽  
pp. 1378-1383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle Wilby ◽  
Carlo A Marra ◽  
Jack H da Silva ◽  
Maja Grubisic ◽  
Stephanie Harvard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Fisher Exact Test ◽  
Intended Meaning ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Medication Information

Background:: Antiretroviral therapy for the management of HIV typically requires the chronic use of 3 or more medications. As such, patients with HIV are required to manage complex dosing schedules and are at risk of multiple potential adverse effects. The use of pictograms on medication vials as a means of improving patients' understanding of medication information has been shown to positively influence understanding and adherence compared to those using text atone. Objective: To determine whether pictograms (Pharmaglyph) increase patient recall of targeted information associated with HIV medications and whether patients can interpret the intended meaning of pictograms that they had not seen previously. Methods: A randomized, controlled trial was conducted in HIV-positive patients aged 19 years or older who were receiving a new prescription for an antiretroviral medication from the ambulatory pharmacy at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Participants were randomized to receive either pictogram-enhanced medication information or standard counseling. At the first follow-up visit, each patient's recall of the medication information was evaluated, and differences between groups were compared. Results: Eighty-two subjects were randomized, 40 to the intervention group and 42 to the control arm. The mean (SD) number of HIV medications was nearly equal between the intervention and control groups: 3.0 (1.5) and 3.1 (1.4), respectively. After a mean of 34 days, 33 patients in the intervention arm and 39 in the control arm completed the study. The majority (88%) of the targeted pieces of information in the intervention group were correctly identified at follow-up, compared to only 2% in the control group (Fisher exact test; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Pictograms improve the recall of targeted medication information among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy for HIV management; however, this appears to be dependent on the fact that these patients received a verbal explanation of each pictogram prior to use.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a smartphone-based, augmented reality exposure app to reduce fear of spiders in real-life: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Zimmer ◽  
Nan Wang ◽  
Merle Ibach ◽  
Bernhard Fehlmann ◽  
Nathalie Schicktanz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Distress Scale

Although in vivo exposure therapy is highly effective in the treatment of specific phobias, only a minority of patients seeks therapy. Exposure to virtual objects has been shown to be better tolerated, equally efficacious, but the technology has not been made widely accessible yet. We developed an augmented reality (AR) application (app) to reduce fear of spiders and performed a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of our app (six 30-min sessions at home over a two-week period) with no intervention. Primary outcome was subjective fear, measured by a Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) in a Behavioural Approach Test (BAT) in a real-life spider situation at six weeks follow-up. Between Oct 7, 2019, and Dec 6, 2019, 66 individuals were enrolled and randomized. The intervention led to significantly lower subjective fear in the BAT compared to the control group (intervention group, baseline: 7·12 [SD 2·03] follow-up: 5·03 [SD 2·19] vs. control group, baseline: 7·06 [SD 2·34], follow-up 6·24 [SD 2.21]; adjusted group difference -1·24, 95% CI -2·17 to -0·31; Cohen’s d=0·57, p=0·01). The repeated use of the AR app reduces subjective fear in a real-life spider situation, providing a low-threshold and low-cost treatment for fear of spiders.

scholarly journals Influence of a Survival Swimming Training Programme on Water Safety Knowledge, Attitudes and Skills: A Randomized Controlled Trial among Young Adults in Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11428
Author(s):  
Jeewanthika Ekanayaka ◽  
Chan Kim Geok ◽  
Bernadette Matthews ◽  
Samath D. Dharmaratne
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Water Safety ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Safety Knowledge

Drowning among young adults is high in Sri Lanka. Water safety education is a recommended strategy for drowning prevention but is often overlooked for young adults. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an adapted educational intervention, “Swim for Safety” on improving water safety knowledge, attitudes and survival swimming skills among undergraduates (19–28 years) in Sri Lanka. This study employed a parallel-group, two-arm randomized controlled trial design. The intervention group (n = 78) received a face-to-face, 12-lesson education programme, and the control group (n = 78) received a brochure and weekly mobile phone messages for six consecutive weeks. Baseline, post-intervention and three-month follow-up knowledge, attitudes and skills were evaluated. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire and skills were evaluated following a skills assessment protocol. In total 116 participants, 60 intervention group and 56 control group, completed the study. At baseline there were no differences between groups in median scores of water safety knowledge, attitudes and survival swimming skills. The intervention group demonstrated statistically significant increases in median water safety knowledge, attitudes and survival swimming skill scores compared with the control group, following the intervention and maintained at three-month follow-up (p < 0.05). The adapted Swim for Safety programme significantly improved water safety knowledge, attitudes, and survival swimming skills among young adults in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is recommended that the SfS programme be implemented widely to prevent drowning in young adults.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of an Internet- and App-Based Intervention for College Students With Elevated Stress: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathias Harrer ◽  
Sophia Helen Adam ◽  
Rebecca Jessica Fleischmann ◽  
Harald Baumeister ◽  
Randy Auerbach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Waitlist Control ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Waitlist Control Group

BACKGROUND Mental health problems are highly prevalent among college students. Most students with poor mental health, however, do not receive professional help. Internet-based self-help formats may increase the utilization of treatment. OBJECTIVE The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of an internet-based, app-supported stress management intervention for college students. METHODS College students (n=150) with elevated levels of stress (Perceived Stress Scale 4-item version, PSS-4 ≥8) were randomly assigned to either an internet- and mobile-based stress intervention group with feedback on demand or a waitlist control group. Self-report data were assessed at baseline, posttreatment (7 weeks), and 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome was perceived stress posttreatment (PSS-4). Secondary outcomes included mental health outcomes, modifiable risk and protective factors, and college-related outcomes. Subgroup analyses were conducted in students with clinically relevant symptoms of depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies’ Depression Scale >17). RESULTS A total of 106 participants (76.8%) indicated that they were first-time help-seekers, and 77.3% (intervention group: 58/75; waitlist control group: 58/75) showed clinically relevant depressive symptoms at baseline. Findings indicated significant effects of the intervention compared with the waitlist control group for stress (d=0.69; 95% CI 0.36-1.02), anxiety (d=0.76; 95% CI 0.43-1.09), depression (d=0.63; 95% CI 0.30-0.96), college-related productivity (d=0.33; 95% CI 0.01-0.65), academic work impairment (d=0.34; 95% CI 0.01-0.66), and other outcomes after 7 weeks (posttreatment). Response rates for stress symptoms were significantly higher for the intervention group (69%, 52/75) compared with the waitlist control group (35%, 26/75, P<.001; number needed to treat=2.89, 95% CI 2.01-5.08) at posttest (7 weeks). Effects were sustained at 3-month follow-up, and similar findings emerged in students with symptoms of depression. CONCLUSIONS Internet- and mobile-based interventions could be an effective and cost-effective approach to reduce consequences of college-related stress and might potentially attract students with clinically relevant depression who would not otherwise seek help. CLINICALTRIAL German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00010212; http://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do? navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00010212 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6w55Ewhjd)

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