Wishes and preferences for an online lifestyle program for brain health—A mixed methods study

Background: Online programs targeting lifestyle have the potential to benefit brain health. We aimed to develop such a program for individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). These individuals were reported to be at increased risk for dementia, and report both an intrinsic need for brain health information and motivation to participate in prevention strategies. Co-creation and user-evaluation benefits the adherence to and acceptance of online programs. Previously, we developed a prototype of the online program in co-creation with the users . Objectives: We now aimed to evaluate the user-experiences of our online lifestyle program for brain health. Design: 30-day user test; multi-method. Setting: Participants were recruited in a memory clinic and (online) research registries in the Netherlands (Alzheimer Center Amsterdam) and Germany (Center for memory disorders, Cologne). Participants: Individuals with SCD (N=137, 65±9y, 57% female). Measurements: We assessed user-experiences quantitatively with rating daily advices and usefulness, satisfaction and ease of use questionnaires as well as qualitatively using telephone interviews. Results: Quantitative data showed that daily advices were rated moderately useful (3.5 ±1.5, range 1-5 points). Participants (n=101, 78%) gave moderate ratings on the programs’ usability (3.7±1.3, max 7), ease of learning (3.6±1.9) and satisfaction (4.0±1.5), and marginal ratings on the overall usability (63.7±19.0, max 100). Qualitative data collected during telephone interviews showed that participants highly appreciated the content of the program. They elaborated that lower ratings of the program were mainly due to technical issues that hindered a smooth walk through. Participants reported that the program increased awareness of lifestyle factors related to brain health. Conclusions: Overall user-experience of the online lifestyle program was moderate to positive. Qualitative data showed that content was appreciated and that flawless, easy access technique is essential. The heterogeneity in ratings of program content and in program use highlights the need for personalization. These findings support the use of online self-applied lifestyle programs when aiming to reach large groups of motivated at-risk individuals for brain health promotion.

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Determining Emotional Tone and Verbal Behavior in Patients With Tinnitus and Hyperacusis: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study

American Journal of Audiology ◽

10.1044/2019_aja-18-0136 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 660-672

Author(s):

Suzanne H. Kimball ◽

Toby Hamilton ◽

Erin Benear ◽

Jonathan Baldwin

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Verbal Behavior ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

Self Report ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Emotional Tone ◽

Explanatory Mixed Methods ◽

Quantitative Results

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the emotional tone and verbal behavior of social media users who self-identified as having tinnitus and/or hyperacusis that caused self-described negative consequences on daily life or health. Research Design and Method An explanatory mixed-methods design was utilized. Two hundred “initial” and 200 “reply” Facebook posts were collected from members of a tinnitus group and a hyperacusis group. Data were analyzed via the LIWC 2015 software program and compared to typical bloggers. As this was an explanatory mixed-methods study, we used qualitative thematic analyses to explain, interpret, and illustrate the quantitative results. Results Overall, quantitative results indicated lower overall emotional tone for all categories (tinnitus and hyperacusis, initial and reply), which was mostly influenced by higher negative emotion. Higher levels of authenticity or truth were found in the hyperacusis sample but not in the tinnitus sample. Lower levels of clout (social standing) were indicated in all groups, and a lower level of analytical thinking style (concepts and complex categories rather than narratives) was found in the hyperacusis sample. Additional analysis of the language indicated higher levels of sadness and anxiety in all groups and lower levels of anger, particularly for initial replies. These data support prior findings indicating higher levels of anxiety and depression in this patient population based on the actual words in blog posts and not from self-report questionnaires. Qualitative results identified 3 major themes from both the tinnitus and hyperacusis texts: suffering, negative emotional tone, and coping strategies. Conclusions Results from this study suggest support for the predominant clinical view that patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis have higher levels of anxiety and depression than the general population. The extent of the suffering described and patterns of coping strategies suggest clinical practice patterns and the need for research in implementing improved practice plans.

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Self-contradicting attitudes and beliefs by emerging teachers on textbook use: A sequential explanatory mixed methods study

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e522252014-015 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

Abel Diaz

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

Attitudes And Beliefs ◽

Textbook Use ◽

Explanatory Mixed Methods ◽

Sequential Explanatory

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Efficacy of the flipped classroom to teach play therapy: A mixed-methods study.

International Journal of Play Therapy ◽

10.1037/pla0000076 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 146-156 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Elisabeth A. Counselman-Carpenter

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Play Therapy ◽

Flipped Classroom ◽

Mixed Methods Study

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EXPERIENCES, FRUSTRATIONS, AND BARRIERS, OF IPAD USAGE IN THE SPECIAL EDUCATION: LIFE SKILLS CLASSROOM FROM EDUCATORS PERSPECTIVE

Informatics and Education ◽

10.32517/0234-0453-2018-33-8-61-67 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 61-67

Author(s):

D. J. Sullivan ◽

S. Labby ◽

A. Koptelov ◽

S. L. Sullivan

Keyword(s):

Special Education ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Communication Systems ◽

Life Skills ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

Educational Tool ◽

Special Educator ◽

Communications Systems ◽

Communication Device ◽

Communication Devices

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine the barriers that special educator teachers encounter when using iPads within the Life Skills classroom. The research investigates the experiences, frustrations, and barriers through educators’ perceptions of iPad implementation. The influence of these issues suggests why iPad usage is not a device that special education classrooms are using in a widespread daily manner. Exploration of iPads as an educational tool and as a communication device is also discussed, along with considerations of other communications systems such as Picture Exchange Communication Systems and Alternative and Augmented Communication Devices is considered. Recommendations for further possible research are also discussed.

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