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

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 240-252 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Effects of different thermal insulation methods on the nasopharyngeal temperature in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy: a prospective randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guanyu Yang ◽  
Zefei Zhu ◽  
Hongyu Zheng ◽  
Shifeng He ◽  
Wanyue Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Insulation ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Warming Blanket ◽  
Group A ◽  
Insulation Effect ◽  
Group B

Abstract Background This study explored the comparison of the thermal insulation effect of incubator to infusion thermometer in laparoscopic hysterectomy. Methods We assigned 75 patients enrolled in the study randomly to three groups: Group A: Used warming blanket; group B: Used warming blanket and infusion thermometer; group C: Used warming blanket and incubator. The nasopharyngeal temperature at different time points during the operation served as the primary outcome. Results The nasopharyngeal temperature of the infusion heating group was significantly higher than that of the incubator group 60 min from the beginning of surgery (T3): 36.10 ± 0.20 vs 35.81 ± 0.20 (P<0.001)90 min from the beginning of surgery (T4): 36.35 ± 0.20 vs 35.85 ± 0.17 (P<0.001). Besides, the nasopharyngeal temperature of the incubator group was significantly higher compared to that of the control group 60 min from the beginning of surgery (T3): 35.81 ± 0.20 vs 35.62 ± 0.18 (P<0.001); 90 min from the beginning of surgery (T4): 35.85 ± 0.17 vs 35.60 ± 0.17 (P<0.001). Regarding the wake-up time, that of the control group was significantly higher compared to the infusion heating group: 24 ± 4 vs 21 ± 4 (P = 0.004) and the incubator group: 24 ± 4 vs 22 ± 4 (P = 0.035). Conclusion Warming blanket (38 °C) combined infusion thermometer (37 °C) provides better perioperative thermal insulation. Hospitals without an infusion thermometer can opt for an incubator as a substitute. Trial registration This trial was registered with ChiCTR2000039162, 20 October 2020.

scholarly journals Effect of Intravenous Phloroglucinol Injections upon duration of Active First Stage of Labor

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-71
Author(s):  
Bilqees Akhtar Malik ◽  
Ambreen Shabbir ◽  
Zeb-Un-Nisa ◽  
Asma Ambreen
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Military Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Singleton Pregnancy ◽  
Uterine Contractions ◽  
Multiparous Women ◽  
History Of ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
First Stage Of Labor

Objective: In our part of the world poverty and illiteracy has adversely affected our core objective of pregnancy i.e. healthy mother and healthy child. Exploring the role of a routinely used drug in reducing the duration of labor could be a breakthrough. Present study was planned accordingly to evaluate the effect of phloroglucinol (PHL). Materials and Methods: It was a Randomized controlled trial conducted at Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Combined Military Hospital, Bahawalpur from January 2019 to June 2019. This study included 60 cases of age 18 to 40 years, having singleton pregnancy and in active first stage of uncomplicated labor. Patients with history of multiple pregnancies, obstetrical and surgical complications and cardiorespiratory diseases were excluded. The cases were placed randomly into Group A & Group B and given intravenous PHL and a placebo respectively. After this, duration of the first stage of labor was recorded in minutes from when there was 3-4 cm cervical dilatation with regular uterine contractions to complete cervical dilation i.e. 10 cm and descent of the presenting fetal part. Results: Mean duration of active first stage of labor in experimental group A (230.20 ± 52.96 minutes) was significantly higher than that of control group B (345.30 ± 50.57 minutes). Conclusion: This study concluded that intravenous PHL has efficiently reduced the duration of active first stage of labor in these randomly selected nulliparous and multiparous women. PHL is a useful drug serving the purpose of a spasmolytic, analgesic and labor augmentation at the same time.

scholarly journals Gamification as an entrepreneur well-being intervention: A study protocol for a single-blinded randomised controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waqar M. Naqvi
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Likert Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Group A ◽  
Measuring Scale ◽  
Group B ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Entrepreneurs usually work for long hours resulting in exhaustion, stress, and burnout. The prevalent symptoms of burnout are reduced levels of physical and mental energy, reduced job efficiency and diminished productivity. Therefore, it is important to improve the health of entrepreneurs. Gamification has a positive relationship with improvements in health and well-being as it influences positive experiences and satisfaction. This trial aims to study how 30-minutes of virtual reality game use via Kinect Azure and Oculus platforms 3-times per week, for 4 weeks, relates to differences in entrepreneur stress, burnout, subjective life quality, and downstream firm performance. We will recruit entrepreneurs over the age of 18 for the gamification analysis. Analysis of previous power using G*Power will determine the sample size. We will divide the participants into 3 groups, wherein Group A will undergo gamification on the Kinect platform, Group B will undergo the Oculus Quest intervention, and Group C will be the control group. We will conduct the study at two sites, one at the HuMen research. The outcome measures include a five-point Likert scale for measuring entrepreneurial stress, burnout-measuring scale (BMS) for burnout, five-point Likert scale for performance and SF-12 for Quality of life. Since current strains pave ways to future accomplishment, entrepreneurs' eudemonic well-being might particularly relate to forward-looking challenge stressors and burnouts. The results will provide an insight into how gamification could help entrepreneurs to deal with work stress and maintain high well-being.

Knowledge transfer and retention of simulation-based learning for neurosurgical instruments: a randomised trial of perioperative nurses

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjstel-2019-000576
Author(s):  
David B Clarke ◽  
Alena I Galilee ◽  
Nelofar Kureshi ◽  
Murray Hong ◽  
Lynne Fenerty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Education ◽  
Simulation Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Perioperative Nurses ◽  
Instrument Recognition ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

IntroductionPrevious studies have shown that simulation is an acceptable method of training in nursing education. The objectives of this study were to determine the effectiveness of tablet-based simulation in learning neurosurgical instruments and to assess whether skills learnt in the simulation environment are transferred to a real clinical task and retained over time.MethodsA randomised controlled trial was conducted. Perioperative nurses completed three consecutive sessions of a simulation. Group A performed simulation tasks prior to identifying real instruments, whereas Group B (control group) was asked to identify real instruments prior to the simulation tasks. Both groups were reassessed for knowledge recall after 1 week.ResultsNinety-three nurses completed the study. Participants in Group A, who had received tablet-based simulation, were 23% quicker in identifying real instruments and did so with better accuracy (93.2% vs 80.6%, p<0.0001) than Group B. Furthermore, the simulation-based learning was retained at 7 days with 97.8% correct instrument recognition in Group A and 96.2% in Group B while maintaining both speed and accuracy.ConclusionThis is the first study to assess the effectiveness of tablet-based simulation training for instrument recognition by perioperative nurses. Our results demonstrate that instrument knowledge acquired through tablet-based simulation training results in improved identification and retained recognition of real instruments.

scholarly journals Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle through Mindfulness in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2450
Author(s):  
Encarnación Soriano-Ayala ◽  
Alberto Amutio ◽  
Clemente Franco ◽  
Israel Mañas
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intake Rate ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Cannabis Consumption ◽  
Diet Intake

The present study explored the effects of a second-generation mindfulness-based intervention known as flow meditation (Meditación-Fluir) in the improvement of healthy life behaviors. A sample of university students (n = 51) in Spain were randomly assigned to a seven-week mindfulness treatment or a waiting list control group. Results showed that compared to the control group, individuals in the mindfulness group demonstrated significant improvements across all outcome measures including healthy eating habits (balanced diet, intake rate, snacking between meals, decrease in consumption by negative emotional states, increased consumption by negative emotional states, amount of consumption, meal times, consumption of low-fat products), tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis consumption, and resting habits. There were differences between males and females in some of these variables and a better effect of the treatment was evident in the females of the experimental group when compared to the males. The flow meditation program shows promise for fostering a healthy lifestyle, thus decreasing behaviors related to maladaptive eating, tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis consumption as well as negative rest habits in university students. This mindfulness program could significantly contribute to the treatment of eating disorders and addictions, wherein negative emotional states and impulsivity are central features of the condition.

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.

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