Effect of airtime incentives on response and cooperation rates in non-communicable disease interactive voice response surveys: randomised controlled trials in Bangladesh and Uganda

BackgroundThe global proliferation of mobile phones offers opportunity for improved non-communicable disease (NCD) data collection by interviewing participants using interactive voice response (IVR) surveys. We assessed whether airtime incentives can improve cooperation and response rates for an NCD IVR survey in Bangladesh and Uganda.MethodsParticipants were randomised to three arms: a) no incentive, b) 1X incentive or c) 2X incentive, where X was set to airtime of 50 Bangladesh Taka (US$0.60) and 5000 Ugandan Shillings (UGX; US$1.35). Adults aged 18 years and older who had a working mobile phone were sampled using random digit dialling. The primary outcomes, cooperation and response rates as defined by the American Association of Public Opinion Research, were analysed using log-binomial regression model.ResultsBetween 14 June and 14 July 2017, 440 262 phone calls were made in Bangladesh. The cooperation and response rates were, respectively, 28.8% (353/1227) and 19.2% (580/3016) in control, 39.2% (370/945) and 23.9% (507/2120) in 50 Taka and 40.0% (362/906) and 24.8% (532/2148) in 100 Taka incentive groups. Cooperation and response rates, respectively, were significantly higher in both the 50 Taka (risk ratio (RR) 1.36, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.53) and (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.38), and 100 Taka groups (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.56) and (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.43), as compared with the controls. In Uganda, 174 157 phone calls were made from 26 March to 22 April 2017. The cooperation and response rates were, respectively, 44.7% (377/844) and 35.2% (552/1570) in control, 57.6% (404/701) and 39.3% (508/1293) in 5000 UGX and 58.8% (421/716) and 40.3% (535/1328) in 10 000 UGX groups. Cooperation and response rates were significantly higher, respectively in the 5000 UGX (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.42) and (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.23), and 10 000 UGX groups (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.45) and (RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.26), as compared with the control group.ConclusionIn two diverse settings, the provision of an airtime incentive significantly improved both the cooperation and response rates of an IVR survey, with no significant difference between the two incentive amounts.Trial registration numberNCT03768323.

Download Full-text

Perceptions on using interactive voice response surveys for non-communicable disease risk factors in Uganda: a qualitative exploration

mHealth ◽

10.21037/mhealth.2019.08.12 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. 32-32

Author(s):

Elizeus Rutebemberwa ◽

Juliana Namutundu ◽

Dustin G. Gibson ◽

Alain B. Labrique ◽

Joseph Ali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Disease Risk ◽

Interactive Voice Response ◽

Communicable Disease ◽

Qualitative Exploration ◽

Non Communicable Disease ◽

Voice Response

Download Full-text

Spironolactone versus observation in the treatment of acute central serous chorioretinopathy

British Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1136/bjophthalmol-2017-311096 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 102 (8) ◽

pp. 1060-1065 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Xinghong Sun ◽

Yuanlu Shuai ◽

Wangyi Fang ◽

Jia Li ◽

Weizhong Ge ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Treatment Group ◽

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy ◽

Complete Resolution ◽

Subretinal Fluid ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Registration Number ◽

Acute Central Serous Chorioretinopathy ◽

The Mean ◽

Randomised Controlled

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of oral spironolactone in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).MethodsThis is a prospective, randomised controlled clinical study. Thirty patients with acute CSC were the participants, including 18 patients who were treated with spironolactone (40 mg orally, twice daily) for 2 months in the experimental group and 12 patients who received observation in the control group. Main outcome measures included the proportion of eyes achieving complete resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF), changes in central macular thickness (CMT), the height of SRF (SRFH), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). The follow-up period was 2 months.ResultsComplete resolution of SRF was achieved in 55.6% (10/18) and 8.3% (1/12) of the eyes in the treatment group and the control group, respectively, at 2 months (p=0.018). The mean CMT and SRFH decreased significantly at each visit in both groups (p<0.05), and there was significant difference between the two groups at 2 months (p<0.05 and p<0.05, respectively). BCVA (in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution; mean) improved in both groups at 2 months (p<0.05). In the treatment group, the mean baseline SFCT significantly decreased from 502.50±87.38 µm to 427.44±74.37 µm at 2 months (p<0.01), while the change from baseline (from 480.33±102.38 µm to 463.75±100.63 µm) was not significant in the control group (p=0.195). But the differences between the two groups in BCVA and SFCT were not significant.ConclusionsOral spironolactone is more effective with a faster absorption of SRF than observations. It is a promising treatment for acute CSC.Trial registration numberChiCTR-IPR-16008428, Results.

Download Full-text

Effect of the motivation program to quit smoking in Royal Thai Air Force officers with non-communicable disease risks

Journal of Health Research ◽

10.1108/jhr-11-2018-0143 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 33 (5) ◽

pp. 416-424

Author(s):

Jatuporn Chalermrueangrong ◽

Sunida Preechawong

Keyword(s):

Air Force ◽

Communicable Disease ◽

Point Prevalence ◽

Control Group ◽

Content Type ◽

Quit Smoking ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Point Prevalence Abstinence ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Non Communicable Disease

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare the outcome of a smoking cessation program based on the protection motivation theory and a brief intervention among Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) officers, with non-communicable disease (NCD) risks. Design/methodology/approach This quasi-experimental study involved sixty RTAF officers, with NCD risks. The first 30 participants were assigned to a control group and the latter 30 to an experimental group. The control group received brief advice on quitting smoking while the experimental group took part in an eight-week motivational program. The primary outcome was biochemically verified seven-day point prevalence abstinence from smoking. A measurement of carbon monoxide (CO)<8 ppm in exhaled breath was considered indicative of abstinence. Findings Most participants were non-commissioned officers, with an age range of 21–59 years and a mean age of 38.27 years (SD=10.59). No significant difference in the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence scores between control and experimental groups was observed. The proportion of the participants reporting the seven-day point prevalence abstinence verified by exhaled CO was significantly higher in the experiment group than in the control group (20.0 percent vs 3.3 percent; p<0.05). Numbers of cigarettes per day decreased from 12.87±7.23 and 10.53 ± 7.45 at the baseline to 7.23 ± 5.90 and 8.83 ± 6.13 at the end of study in experimental and control group, respectively. Originality/value This motivation-based program to quit smoking had a promising outcome in terms of smoking abstinence and smoking reduction.

Download Full-text

Capsular closure versus unrepaired interportal capsulotomy after hip arthroscopy in patients with femoroacetabular impingement, results of a patient-blinded randomised controlled trial

Hip International ◽

10.1177/11207000211005762 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 112070002110057

Author(s):

Niels H Bech ◽

Inger N Sierevelt ◽

Sheryl de Waard ◽

Boudijn S H Joling ◽

Gino M M J Kerkhoffs ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Femoroacetabular Impingement ◽

Hip Arthroscopy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Poor Quality ◽

Control Group ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Randomised Controlled

Background: Hip capsular management after hip arthroscopy remains a topic of debate. Most available current literature is of poor quality and are retrospective or cohort studies. As of today, no clear consensus exists on capsular management after hip arthroscopy. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of routine capsular closure versus unrepaired capsulotomy after interportal capsulotomy measured with NRS pain and the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Materials and methods: All eligible patients with femoroacetabular impingement who opt for hip arthroscopy ( n = 116) were randomly assigned to one of both treatment groups and were operated by a single surgeon. Postoperative pain was measured with the NRS score weekly the first 12 weeks after surgery. The HAGOS questionnaire was measured at 12 and 52 weeks postoperatively. Results: Baseline characteristics and operation details were comparable between treatment groups. Regarding the NRS pain no significant difference was found between groups at any point the first 12 weeks after surgery ( p = 0.67). Both groups significantly improved after surgery ( p < 0.001). After 3 months follow-up there were no differences between groups for the HAGOS questionnaire except for the domain sport ( p = 0.02) in favour of the control group. After 12 months follow-up there were no differences between both treatment groups on all HAGOS domains ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this randomised controlled trial show highest possible evidence that there is no reason for routinely capsular closure after interportal capsulotomy at the end of hip arthroscopy. Trial Registration: This trial was registered at the CCMO Dutch Trial Register: NL55669.048.15.

Download Full-text

Effect of Engaging Trainees by Assessing Peer Performance: A Randomised Controlled Trial Using Simulated Patient Scenarios

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2014/610591 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Charlotte Loumann Krogh ◽

Charlotte Ringsted ◽

Charles B. Kromann ◽

Maria Birkvad Rasmussen ◽

Tobias Todsen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Global Rating ◽

Training Performance ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Training Format ◽

Peer Performance ◽

And Performance ◽

Randomised Controlled

Introduction. The aim of this study was to explore the learning effect of engaging trainees by assessing peer performance during simulation-based training.Methods. Eighty-four final year medical students participated in the study. The intervention involved trainees assessing peer performance during training. Outcome measures were in-training performance and performance, both of which were measured two weeks after the course. Trainees’ performances were videotaped and assessed by two expert raters using a checklist that included a global rating. Trainees’ satisfaction with the training was also evaluated.Results. The intervention group obtained a significantly higher overall in-training performance score than the control group: mean checklist score 20.87 (SD 2.51) versus 19.14 (SD 2.65)P=0.003and mean global rating 3.25 SD (0.99) versus 2.95 (SD 1.09)P=0.014. Postcourse performance did not show any significant difference between the two groups. Trainees who assessed peer performance were more satisfied with the training than those who did not: mean 6.36 (SD 1.00) versus 5.74 (SD 1.33)P=0.025.Conclusion. Engaging trainees in the assessment of peer performance had an immediate effect on in-training performance, but not on the learning outcome measured two weeks later. Trainees had a positive attitude towards the training format.

Download Full-text

Analgesic effects of intravenous flunixin and intrafunicular lidocaine or their combination for castration of lambs

Veterinary Record Open ◽

10.1136/vetreco-2017-000266 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. e000266 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Paola Straticò ◽

Vincenzo Varasano ◽

Riccardo Suriano ◽

Massimo Mariscoli ◽

Domenico Robbe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Anaesthesia ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Serum Cortisol ◽

Cortisol Concentration ◽

University Teaching ◽

Control Group ◽

Lidocaine Group ◽

Analgesic Effects ◽

Registration Number ◽

Randomised Controlled

ObjectiveTo analyse the effectiveness of intrafunicular lidocaine and intravenous flunixin for reducing pain and signs of stress in lambs undergoing surgical castration.DesignRandomised controlled trial.SettingOne university teaching hospital in Italy.Participants30 healthy male lambs, 9–12 weeks old.InterventionAllocation to five groups: a control group (C), undergoing general anaesthesia but not castration; a surgery group (S), undergoing orchiectomy without analgesic treatment; a surgery-lidocaine group (SL), undergoing orchiectomy and receiving intrafunicular 2 per cent lidocaine solution; a surgery-flunixin group (SF), undergoing orchiectomy and receiving intravenous flunixin; a surgery-flunixin-lidocaine group (SFL), undergoing orchiectomy and receiving both intrafunicular lidocaine and intravenous flunixin.Main outcome measuresNociception and stress were assessed through intraoperative indicators, serum cortisol concentration, glycaemia, behaviour, immune response and clinical evaluation of the heart rate (HR), respiratory rate and rectal temperature after surgery.ResultsGroups S and SL showed increased values of intraoperative HR, mean arterial pressure and postoperative cortisol concentration. In group SFL, cortisol values were similar to those of group C. No other difference could be detected.ConclusionsThe combination of intravenous flunixin and intrafunicular lidocaine reduced the pain and discomfort of lambs castrated under general anaesthesia. Intrafunicular lidocaine alone did not prevent pain or discomfort associated with castration.Trial registration number30/2012/CEISA/COM.

Download Full-text

Bevacizumab in neoadjuvant treatment of patients with liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma

Archive of oncology ◽

10.2298/aoo1003075n ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 75-78

Author(s):

Ivan Nikolic ◽

Svetlana Pavin ◽

Biljana Kukic ◽

Bogdan Bogdanovic ◽

Miroslav Ilic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Liver Metastases ◽

Neoadjuvant Treatment ◽

Hepatic Metastases ◽

Response Rates ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Selection Of Patients ◽

Selection Of

Background: Liver metastases are the leading cause of death in patients with colorectal cancer. Despite advances in chemotherapy, surgical resection of hepatic metastases is still considered the only curative options. However, the majority of patients have inoperable disease at presentation. Perioperative chemotherapy is the most successful way for improved selection of patients for resection. The aim of the study was to demonstrate if and to what extent does bevacizumab, introduced in chemotherapy, increase response rates, and development of liver metastases. Methods: Our study included 50 patients who were divided in two groups. The experimental group included patients who were treated with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy, and the control group included patients who were treated with chemotherapy only. Results: The comparison showed that the patients who were treated with bevacizumab became candidates for resection of liver metastases in higher percentage (85%:52%). In addition, distribution of patients regarding the development of metastases resulted in statistically significant difference. Ratio between the patients with good response from the experimental and the control group was 67%:39%. Ratio of patients with stable disease was 26%:48%, and of patients with progressive disease, it was 7%:3%. The estimate of margin after resection was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy in therapy of liver metastases from primary colorectal cancer improves and increases response rates and development of liver metastases.

Download Full-text

Outcomes of decentralizing hypertension care from district hospitals to health centers in Rwanda, 2013–2014

Public Health Action ◽

10.5588/pha.19.0007 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 142-147

Author(s):

G. Ngoga ◽

P. H. Park ◽

R. Borg ◽

G. Bukhman ◽

E. Ali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Communicable Disease ◽

Health Centers ◽

Blood Pressure Targets ◽

District Hospitals ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Stage 1 ◽

To Receive ◽

Non Communicable Disease

Setting: Three district hospitals (DHs) and seven health centers (HCs) in rural Rwanda.Objective: To describe follow-up and treatment outcomes in stage 1 and 2 hypertension patients receiving care at HCs closer to home in comparison to patients receiving care at DHs further from home.Design: A retrospective descriptive cohort study using routinely collected data involving adult patients aged 18 years in care at chronic non-communicable disease clinics and receiving treatment for hypertension at DH and HC between 1 January 2013 and 30 June 2014.Results: Of 162 patients included in the analysis, 36.4% were from HCs. Patients at DHs travelled significantly further to receive care (10.4 km vs. 2.9 km for HCs, P < 0.01). Odds of being retained were significantly lower among DH patients when not adjusting for distance (OR 0.11, P = 0.01). The retention effect was consistent but no longer significant when adjusting for distance (OR 0.18, P = 0.10). For those retained, there was no significant difference in achieving blood pressure targets between the DHs and HCs.Conclusion: By removing the distance barrier, decentralizing hypertension management to HCs may improve long-term patient retention and could provide similar hypertension outcomes as DHs.

Download Full-text

Comparison of WEB and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Methods for Delivering Brief Alcohol Interventions to Hazardous-Drinking University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

European Addiction Research ◽

10.1159/000381017 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 21 (5) ◽

pp. 240-252 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Claes Andersson

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Interactive Voice Response ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Hazardous Drinking ◽

Heavy Episodic Drinking ◽

Control Group ◽

Large Sample Size ◽

Behavioral Strategies ◽

Group B ◽

Voice Response

This study evaluated automated techniques including personalized normative feedback and protective behavioral strategies, for brief interventions intended to reduce peak alcohol concentrations in university students. After completing baseline assessment, a total of 1,678 hazardous-drinking consumers were randomized to a single or a repeated Internet (WEB) or Interactive Voice Response (IVR) intervention, or to a control group (Single WEB: 323; Single IVR: 329; Repeated WEB: 318; Repeated IVR: 334; Control group: 374). At follow-up, six weeks after baseline, questionnaires were returned by 1,422 participants (Single WEB: 277; Single IVR: 286; Repeated WEB: 259; Repeated IVR: 279; Control group: 321). It was found that peak estimated BAC was reduced in the total group (b -0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.023; -0.005), in the total (b -0.17, 95% CI -0.027; -0.007) and single (b -0.021, 95% CI -0.032; -0.011) WEB group, and in the total (b -0.011, 95% CI -0.021; -0.015) and repeated (b -0.012, 95% CI -0.023; -0.000) IVR groups, compared to controls. The reduction in peak estimated BAC was greater in the single WEB group compared to the single IVR group (b -0.011, 95% CI -0.022; -0.000). This study concluded that both WEB and IVR interventions have a small but significant effect in reducing heavy episodic drinking, which may be due to the relatively large sample size. Repeated intervention may be needed if delivered by IVR.

Download Full-text

Out-patient triple chronotherapy for the rapid treatment and maintenance of response in depression: feasibility and pilot randomised controlled trial

BJPsych Open ◽

10.1192/bjo.2021.1044 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (6) ◽

Author(s):

David Veale ◽

Marc Serfaty ◽

Clara Humpston ◽

Andriani Papageorgiou ◽

Sarah Markham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Clinical Sample ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Bright Light ◽

Light Therapy ◽

Control Group ◽

Intention To Treat ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

Rapid Treatment

Background Triple chronotherapy (sleep deprivation for 36 h, followed by 4 days of advancing the time of sleep and daily morning bright-light therapy for 6 months) has demonstrated benefits for the rapid treatment of depressive symptoms in four small controlled trials of in-patients. Aims To test the feasibility of recruitment and delivery of triple chronotherapy for out-patients with depression (ISRCTN17706836; NCT03405493). Method In a single-blind trial, 82 participants were randomised to triple chronotherapy or a control intervention. The primary outcome was the number of participants recruited per month and adherence to the protocol. Secondary outcomes included the 6-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-6) at 1 week. Timings of observer ratings were baseline and 1, 2, 4, 8 and 26 weeks after randomisation. Results The triple chronotherapy group stayed awake for the planned 36 h and 89.9% adhered to the plan of phase advance of their sleep over the following 4 days. We achieved our recruitment target (60 participants completed the trial within 13 months). There were no reported adverse side-effects. We found a significant difference between the groups by intention-to-treat analysis for the HRSD-6 at weeks 1, 8 and 26. There was a large effect size of Cohen's d = 0.8 on HRSD-6 score at week 1, increasing to d = 1.30 at week 26. A response (≥50% reduction in symptoms) was achieved by 33.3% in the triple chronotherapy group and 16.2% in the control group. This stayed relatively steady until week 26 (35.9 v. 13.9%). Conclusions Triple chronotherapy produced a significant and rapid benefit after 1 week in out-patients with depression that was sustained at 26 weeks. Cost-effectiveness trials with a larger clinical sample are required.

Download Full-text