Peer-Mentored Community Reentry Reduces Recidivism

Most people released from incarceration in the criminal justice system return to prison within 3 years. To improve community reentry, national initiatives have promoted new and revitalized programming, including peer mentorship, though this approach remains largely unstudied. Fifty-five men participated within a pilot randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of peer mentorship upon recidivism. Hierarchical binary logistic regression including recidivism risk, as well as group assignment to either a standard services for community reentry condition or standard services plus peer mentorship condition, showed that those receiving mentorship had significantly lower recidivism. It appears that peer mentorship with a model focus upon early intervention, relationship quality, criminal desistance, social navigation, and gainful citizenship may promote the complex task of early community reentry. Given this pilot’s small sample, future research should confirm this association on a larger scale, enabling longitudinal and treatment component analyses examining the relative contributions of mentorship model factors.

Download Full-text

Harmony of the Heart: Music Therapy

Musik- Tanz und Kunsttherapie ◽

10.1026/0933-6885/a000137 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 3-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Suzanne B. Hanser ◽

Susan E. Mandel

Keyword(s):

Music Therapy ◽

Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Small Sample ◽

Future Research ◽

Recent Trial ◽

Health Related ◽

Future Research Directions ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

Therapy Protocol

This article presents a research agenda that began with the development of a clinical music therapy protocol, including music-assisted relaxation and imagery (MARI), for individuals with heart conditions who are referred for cardiac rehabilitation. Health-related outcomes of this program were investigated in a randomized controlled trial, finding significant changes in blood pressure over time, and short-term changes in stress and anxiety. A mixed methods study then examined process and outcomes more thoroughly in a small sample of patients. In a more recent trial, this approach was applied to individuals who have diabetes. Coming full circle, the research investigations informed an adaptation of the original music therapy protocol for clinical use in cardiac rehabilitation. Underlying mechanisms in the autonomic nervous system and future research directions are also discussed.

Download Full-text

A Pilot Study of Meaning-Based Group Counseling for Bereavement

OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying ◽

10.1177/0030222815575002 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 72 (3) ◽

pp. 210-233 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Christopher J. MacKinnon ◽

Nathan Grant Smith ◽

Melissa Henry ◽

Evgenia Milman ◽

Mel Berish ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Group Counseling ◽

Formative Evaluation ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Research Question ◽

Small Sample ◽

Evaluation Methodology ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Research Questions ◽

Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Scientific studies demonstrating either the efficacy or effectiveness of interventions for uncomplicated bereavement are lacking. This study reports the results of a novel meaning-based group counseling (MBGC) intervention developed for bereaved adults. MBGC was built on previous scholarly critiques using a formative evaluation methodology within a group of bereaved adults ( n = 11). The primary research questions were as follows: (a) How do bereft individuals respond to MBGC? and (b) What refinements are needed to MBGC to ensure feasibility? A secondary research question was: (c) Is collection of quantitative outcome measures at baseline and postintervention feasible? Analysis of multiple qualitative data sources resulted in numerous refinements to MBGC. Results indicate that the majority of participants found the meaning-based intervention beneficial. Limitations included concurrent external therapies and a small sample size that was largely homogenous. There were no major counterindications to proceeding with a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Download Full-text

4199 A pilot randomized controlled trial of precision care for smoking cessation in the Southern Community Cohort Study

Journal of Clinical and Translational Science ◽

10.1017/cts.2020.323 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (s1) ◽

pp. 105-105

Author(s):

Nicole Senft ◽

Maureen Sanderson ◽

Rebecca Selove ◽

William J. Blot ◽

Rachel F. Tyndale ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Smoking Cessation ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Small Sample ◽

Future Research ◽

Polygenic Risk Score ◽

Nicotine Replacement ◽

Quit Smoking

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Precision care may engage smokers and providers in treatment but is understudied in the community. We piloted guideline-based care (GBC) alone or with Respiragene, a lung cancer polygenic risk score (PRS, 1-10), or metabolism-informed choice of medication using the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR). METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Daily smokers (n = 58) with stored biospecimens in the Southern Community Cohort Study were randomized 1:1:1 to GBC, PRS, or NMR, counseled to quit smoking, and co-selected FDA-approved cessation medication (nicotine replacement, varenicline) with a tobacco counselor. In PRS, precision motivational counseling was guided by PRS (i.e., lung cancer risk 10-40-fold that of never-smokers). In NMR, precision medication recommendations consisted of varenicline for faster metabolizers (NMR≥0.31) and nicotine replacement for slow metabolizers (NMR<0.31). Feasibility was defined as achieving at least 50% provider engagement (med prescription) and at least 50% patient engagement (self-reported med use). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Participants were median age 59, 72% female, 81% Black, 60% with incomes <$15,000; median cigarettes/day was 15 (IQR 8-20) and 52% reported time-to-first cigarette <5 minutes, illustrating moderate nicotine dependence. Providers confirmed medication prescriptions for 40% of patients (32% GBC, 50% PRS, 37% NMR) and 83% of patients reported using medication (prescribed or unprescribed) during the study (90% GBC, 80% PRS, 79% NMR). At 6-month follow-up, 27% (n = 15) reported cessation (39% GBC, 16% PRS, 26% NMR). Among persistent smokers, 46% reported smoking at least 50% fewer cigarettes/day compared to baseline (45% GBC, 38% PRS, 57% NMR). Small sample size precluded statistical comparisons. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Precision interventions to quit smoking are feasible for community smokers, who engaged at high rates. However, only 40% of providers supported patients’ quit attempts with medication prescriptions. Future research should test strategies to raise provider engagement in precision smoking treatment. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DESCRIPTION: R.F.T. has consulted for Quinn Emmanual and Apotex on unrelated topics. H.A.T. reported providing input on design for a phase 3 trial of cytisine proposed by Achieve Life Sciences and being a principal investigator of National Institutes of Health–sponsored studies for smoking cessation that include medications donated by the manufacturers. Other authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.

Download Full-text

Feasibility and acceptability of a beverage intervention for Hispanic adults: results from a pilot randomized controlled trial

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980018003051 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 542-552

Author(s):

David O Garcia ◽

Kristin E Morrill ◽

Benjamin Aceves ◽

Luis A Valdez ◽

Brooke A Rabe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Small Sample Size ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Hdl Cholesterol ◽

Small Sample ◽

Water Control ◽

Sweetened Beverages ◽

Hispanic Adults ◽

Study Population ◽

Significant Change ◽

Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the feasibility and acceptability of a beverage intervention in Hispanic adults.DesignEligible individuals identified as Hispanic, were 18–64 years old and had BMI 30·0–50·0 kg/m2. Participants were randomized 2:2:1 to one of three beverages: Mediterranean lemonade (ML), green tea (GT) or flavoured water control (FW). After a 2-week washout period, participants were asked to consume 32 oz (946 ml) of study beverage daily for 6 weeks and avoid other sources of tea, citrus, juice and sweetened beverages; water was permissible. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and 8 weeks to assess primary and secondary efficacy outcomes.SettingTucson, AZ, USA.ParticipantsFifty-two participants were recruited over 6 months; fifty were randomized (twenty-one ML, nineteen GT, ten FW). Study population mean (sd) age 44·6 (sd 10·2) years, BMI 35·9 (4·6) kg/m2; 78 % female.ResultsForty-four (88 %) completed the 8-week assessment. Self-reported adherence was high. No significant change (95 % CI) in total cholesterol (mg/dl) from baseline was shown −1·7 (−14·2, 10·9), −3·9 (−17·2, 9·4) and −13·2 (−30·2, 3·8) for ML, GT and FW, respectively. Mean change in HDL-cholesterol (mg/dl) −2·3 (−5·3, 0·7; ML), −1·0 (−4·2, 2·2; GT), −3·9 (−8·0, 0·2; FW) and LDL-cholesterol (mg/dl) 0·2 (−11·3, 11·8; ML), 0·5 (−11·4, 12·4; GT), −9·8 (−25·0, 5·4; FW) were also non-significant. Fasting glucose (mg/dl) increased significantly by 5·2 (2·6, 7·9; ML) and 3·3 (0·58, 6·4; GT). No significant change in HbA1c was demonstrated. Due to the small sample size, potential confounders and effect modifiers were not investigated.ConclusionsRecruitment and retention figures indicate that a larger-scale trial is feasible; however, favourable changes in cardiometabolic biomarkers were not demonstrated.

Download Full-text

An Experimental Study of a Peer-Facilitated Violence Prevention Program for Women in Prison

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/08862605211022063 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 088626052110220

Author(s):

Nena P. Messina ◽

Stacy Calhoun

Keyword(s):

Violence Prevention ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Emotional Dysregulation ◽

Treatment Programs ◽

Future Research ◽

Group Assignment ◽

Women In Prison ◽

Women's Prison ◽

Violence Prevention Program ◽

Study Participants

The literature has shown a strong correlation between victimization and violence. As the majority of treatment programs for violence and the associated research have been focused on men, it is vital that services are also oriented to the needs of women who perpetrate violence. Beyond Violence ( BV) was developed to fill the gap in violence prevention programming for justice-involved women with histories of violence victimization and perpetration. This randomized controlled trial reports the results of a peer-facilitated model of the BV program implemented in a women’s prison. Women volunteered for the intervention and the study. Participants were randomized to either the 20-session BV condition or to a waitlist control (WC) condition. All 145 participants were asked to complete a preintervention (Time 1) and postintervention (Time 2) survey that included validated measures to assess for depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger/aggression, and emotional dysregulation. Preliminary analyses of the background characteristics and preintervention outcome scores showed no significant differences between the groups at Time 1, indicating that randomization was successful. Separate ANCOVAs were run for 13 outcomes measured using the pretest scores from study participants as the covariate and group assignment as the independent variable. Hypotheses were predominantly supported, and findings showed that the BV participants had significant reductions in the majority of the outcome measures at the postintervention assessment when compared to the WC participants. Future research should continue to explore the advantages of peer-facilitated program models and should incorporate postrelease outcomes to assess change over time.

Download Full-text

Novel Mineral–Vitamin Treatment for Reduction in Cigarette Smoking: A Fully Blinded Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Nicotine & Tobacco Research ◽

10.1093/ntr/nty168 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 21 (11) ◽

pp. 1496-1505

Author(s):

Phillipa K Reihana ◽

Neville M Blampied ◽

Julia J Rucklidge

Keyword(s):

Smoking Cessation ◽

Side Effects ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Dropout Rate ◽

Small Sample ◽

Future Research ◽

Number Needed To Treat ◽

Serious Adverse Events ◽

Baseline Phase ◽

The Impact

Abstract Introduction Many smokers do not achieve abstinence using current smoking cessation options. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated a novel nutritional supplement to assist with quitting smoking. Methods Following a baseline phase where cigarettes per day and nicotine dependence were measured, participants (n = 107) were randomized to placebo (n = 50) or micronutrient conditions (n = 57). A 4-week pre-quit phase permitted titration up to 12 capsules/day. During the quit phase (12 weeks), participants were registered with a public Quitline while consuming micronutrients or placebo. Carbon monoxide levels were measured to confirm smoking cessation. Results Forty-five (42%) participants completed the trial. Treatment and placebo groups did not differ on the primary outcome of continuous abstinence at 12 weeks using intention-to-treat analysis; however, 28% of the micronutrient-treated group had quit versus 18% for placebo (odds ratio [OR] = 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71 to 4.48), with number needed to treat = 10. Comparison of cigarette consumption (cigarettes per day) between micronutrient and placebo groups showed that those taking micronutrients reported reduced consumption throughout the trial, notably at pre-quit weeks 1 and 4, and at quit phase week 4. There were no serious adverse events, blinding was successful, and there were no substantive group differences in side effects or dropout rate. Conclusion This is the first RCT investigating the impact of micronutrients on smoking reduction, finding that micronutrients reduced harm through reduction in number of cigarettes smoked relative to placebo. The small sample and high dropout rate limit confidence in the conclusions and generalizability of the study; however, assessed by number needed to treat, micronutrients are comparable to other smoking cessation treatments but with fewer side effects. Future research using larger and longer trials including cost-effectiveness and biomarker measures is encouraged. Implications Micronutrients are being increasingly studied for the treatment of psychiatric conditions, but direct application of micronutrients as a treatment for addictions is novel. There is extensive evidence that micronutrients alleviate stress. Given that tobacco smoking is often used to cope with stress, taking micronutrients may moderate the stress of withdrawal and increase the chance of a successful quit attempt. This study is the first known RCT to investigate the use of micronutrients to support smoking cessation. Treatments that are safe, effective, relatively inexpensive, and readily available are needed and micronutrient supplements offer one such possible alternative.

Download Full-text