scholarly journals A Behavioral Confirmation and Reduction of the Natural versus Synthetic Drug Bias

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 360-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian P. Meier ◽  
Amanda J. Dillard ◽  
Eric Osorio ◽  
Courtney M. Lappas
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Pain Reliever ◽  
Perceived Safety ◽  
Behavioral Choice ◽  
Behavioral Confirmation ◽  
Synthetic Drugs ◽  
Behavioral Choices ◽  
Synthetic Drug ◽  
Study Participants

Research reveals a biased preference for natural v. synthetic drugs; however, this research is based on self-report and has not examined ways to reduce the bias. We examined these issues in 5 studies involving 1125 participants. In a pilot study ( N = 110), participants rated the term natural to be more positive than the term synthetic, which reveals a default natural-is-better belief. In studies 1 ( N = 109) and 2 ( N = 100), after a supposed personality study, participants were offered a thank you “gift” of a natural or synthetic pain reliever. Approximately 86% (study 1) and 93% (study 2) of participants chose the natural v. synthetic pain reliever, which provides a behavioral choice confirmation of the natural drug bias. In studies 3 ( N = 350) and 4 ( N = 356), participants were randomly assigned to a control or experimental condition and were asked to consider a scenario in which they had a medical issue requiring a natural v. synthetic drug. The experimental condition included a stronger (study 3) or weaker (study 4) rational appeal about the natural drug bias and a statement suggesting that natural and synthetic drugs can be good or bad depending on the context. In both studies, the natural bias was reduced in the experimental condition, and perceived safety and effectiveness mediated this effect. Overall, these data indicate a bias for natural over synthetic drugs in preferences and behavioral choices, which might be reduced with a rational appeal.

The Stereotype Threat Effect

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steffen Moritz ◽  
Insa Happach ◽  
Karla Spirandelli ◽  
Tania M. Lincoln ◽  
Fabrice Berna
Keyword(s):  
Stereotype Threat ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Neuropsychological Performance ◽  
Neurocognitive Deficits ◽  
Online Study ◽  
Memory And Attention ◽  
Threat Effect ◽  
Efficacy Expectations ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Neurocognitive deficits in patients with mental disorders are partially due to secondary influences. “Stereotype threat” denotes the phenomenon that performance is compromised when a participant is confronted with a devaluing stereotype. The present study examined the impact of stereotype threat on neuropsychological performance in schizophrenia. Seventy-seven participants with a self-reported diagnosis of schizophrenia were randomly assigned to either an experimental condition involving stereotype threat activation or a control condition in an online study. Participants completed memory and attention tests as well as questionnaires on motivation, self-efficacy expectations, cognitive complaints, and self-stigmatization. Contrary to our prediction, the two groups showed no significant differences regarding neuropsychological performance and self-report measures. Limitations, such as a possibly too weak threat cue, are discussed and recommendations for future studies are outlined.

How Do Stages of Change for Physical Activity Relate to Employee Sign-Up for and Completion of a Worksite Physical Activity Competition?

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy J. Walker ◽  
Jessica M. Tullar ◽  
Wendell C. Taylor ◽  
Rolando Román ◽  
Benjamin C. Amick
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Stages Of Change ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Public University ◽  
Self Report ◽  
University System ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Ordinal Logistic Regression Model

Introduction. This study evaluated whether stages of change for physical activity (PA) predict sign-up, participation, and completion in a PA competition. Method. Deidentified data were provided to evaluate a PA competition between 16 different institutions from a public university system. Employees who completed a health assessment (HA) prior to the start of the PA competition ( n = 6,333) were included in the study. Participants completed a self-report HA and logged their PA throughout the competition. Multivariable logistic regression models tested whether stages of change predicted PA competition sign-up and completion. An ordinal logistic regression model tested whether stages of change predicted number of weeks of PA competition participation. Results. Stages of change predicted PA competition sign-up and completion, but not weeks of participation. The odds for PA competition sign-up were 1.64 and 1.98 times higher for employees in preparation and action/maintenance (respectively) compared with employees in precontemplation/contemplation. The odds for PA competition completion were 4.17 times higher for employees in action/maintenance compared with employees in precontemplation/contemplation/preparation. Conclusion. The PA competition was more likely to reach employees in preparation, action, or maintenance stages than precontemplation/contemplation. Most of the completers were likely participating in regular PA prior to the competition.

Effect of Hallux Valgus Correction with Kinesiology Taping on Hindfoot Position. Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 295-303
Author(s):  
Tobiasz Żłobiński ◽  
Anna Stolecka-Warzecha ◽  
Magdalena Hartman-Petrycka ◽  
Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Hallux Valgus ◽  
Valgus Deformity ◽  
Loading Pattern ◽  
Hallux Valgus Deformity ◽  
Valgus Angle ◽  
Position Correction ◽  
Foot Loading ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Foot Position

Background. Hallux valgus is the most common deformity of the forefoot. It has a multifactorial aetiology, with hindfoot valgus considered one of its causes. The aim of this study was to evaluate hindfoot position and loading pattern after a treatment of Kinesiology Taping (KT) for the mechanical correction of hallux valgus. Material and methods. The study involved 25 feet with hallux valgus deformity and hindfoot valgus. The hallux valgus angle (HVA) and hindfoot angle were assessed with a 3D scanner. Hindfoot loading pattern was examined with a baropodometric platform while standing and during gait. Measurements were taken on the following three occasions: before and immediately after KT placement as well as after a month of taping. Results. The KT treatment had a significant influence on the hindfoot angle (p<0.001) and HVA (p<0.001) measured while standing and on lateral heel loading in dynamic conditions during gait (p<0.01). Conclusions. 1. KT decreased HVA and improved hindfoot position while standing in the pilot study participants. 2. KT exerted a corrective influence on the foot loading pattern in patients with hallux valgus and hindfoot pronation. 3. The foot position correction and normalisation of foot loading achieved in the pilot study provide a basis for further research on KT effectiveness in patients with hallux valgus and hindfoot pronation.

scholarly journals Leveraging Electronic Tablets for General Pediatric Care

2015 ◽  
Vol 06 (01) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. McKee ◽  
T.M. Dugan ◽  
S.M. Downs ◽  
V. Anand
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
User Interface ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Clinical Decision Support ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Pediatric Care ◽  
Patient Questionnaire ◽  
Health Improvement ◽  
Completion Rates

SummaryBackground: We have previously shown that a scan-able paper based interface linked to a computerized clinical decision support system (CDSS) can effectively screen patients in pediatric waiting rooms and support the physician using evidence based care guidelines at the time of clinical encounter. However, the use of scan-able paper based interface has many inherent limitations including lacking real time communication with the CDSS and being prone to human and system errors. An electronic tablet based user interface can not only overcome these limitations, but may also support advanced functionality for clinical and research use. However, use of such devices for pediatric care is not well studied in clinical settings.Objective: In this pilot study, we enhance our pediatric CDSS with an electronic tablet based user interface and evaluate it for usability as well as for changes in patient questionnaire completion rates.Methods: Child Health Improvement through Computers Leveraging Electronic Tablets or CHICLET is an electronic tablet based user interface. It is developed to augment the existing scan-able paper interface to our CDSS. For the purposes of this study, we deployed CHICLET in one outpatient pediatric clinic. Usability factors for CHICLET were evaluated via caregiver and staff surveys.Results: When compared to the scan-able paper based interface, we observed an 18% increase or 30% relative increase in question completion rates using CHICLET. This difference was statistically significant. Caregivers and staff survey results were positive for using CHICLET in clinical environment.Conclusions: Electronic tablets are a viable interface for capturing patient self-report in pediatric waiting rooms. We further hypothesize that the use of electronic tablet based interfaces will drive advances in computerized clinical decision support and create opportunities for patient engagement.Citation: Anand V, McKee S, Dugan TM, Downs SM. Leveraging electronic tablets for general pediatric care – a pilot study. Appl Clin Inf 2015; 6: 1–15http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-09-RA-0071

scholarly journals A pilot study of the Italian adaptation of the Session Evaluation Questionnaire fourth version

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Rocco ◽  
Silvia Salcuni ◽  
Elena Antonelli
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Dimensional Structure ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Evaluation Questionnaire ◽  
Perceived Satisfaction ◽  
Clinical Session ◽  
Session Evaluation ◽  
The Impact

The Session Evaluation Questionnaire (SEQ) measures the impact of counselling and psychotherapy sessions; it may be conceived as a bridge between psychotherapy process and outcome. Even if the original American SEQ has been translated into many languages, only a few translations have been validated. This is a pilot study that attempted to replicate the five-dimensional structure of the fourth version of the Anglo-American SEQ, for the Italian population. The SEQ is a self-report tool asking patients about their experience with the clinical session just ended; it consists of 27 adjectives in semantic differential scale, divided into three thematic parts: evaluation of the session itself, feelings after the session, and evaluation of the therapist. Data were collected on 111 outpatients attending the Dynamic Psychological Service for University Students, after their first two clinical interviews. Exploratory factor analyses were performed on each of the three parts of the SEQ. Results confirmed the original factorial structure, for Depth, Smoothness, Positivity and Arousal dimensions; Good Therapist dimension overlapped perfectly with the original one. The Italian SEQ showed adequate internal consistency. Convergent validity measured with an index of perceived satisfaction in the counselling process showed significant positive correlations. This pilot study showed that the Italian SEQ is a reliable instrument to measure the impact of clinical sessions. Validation studies are needed, especially to replicate the factor structure of the instrument and to better assess its validity.

scholarly journals Genotoxicity in Patients on Long-term Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy in Korea: A Nested Case-control, Prospective, Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youn I Choi ◽  
Jun-Won Chung ◽  
Dong Kyun Park ◽  
Kyoung Oh Kim ◽  
Kwang An Kwon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Medical History ◽  
Proton Pump ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Healthy Control

Background/Aims: Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) remain a mainstay for the suppression of gastric acid secretion, long-term PPI use is associated with side effects. However, the genotoxicity associated with long-term PPI use is unclear.Materials and Methods: This prospective observational pilot study enrolled patients who had been on PPIs for >1 year and healthy controls from July 2015 to August 2016. The subjects completed self-report questionnaires pertaining to their drug and medical history, and only those with no medical history and a ≥2-year wash-out period (for drugs other than PPIs) were included. We collected peripheral-blood lymphocytes from long-term PPI users and healthy controls and analyzed the genotoxicity by using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay; we also determined the fasting serum levels of pyridoxine, folate, cobalamin, and homocysteine.Results: Ten long-term PPI users and 40 healthy control subjects were enrolled. The median serum pyridoxine, folate, cobalamin, and homocysteine levels were not significantly different between the groups. The median frequencies of micronuclei (MNi), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs), and nuclear buds (Nbuds) per 1,000 binucleated cells, in long-term PPI users and healthy controls, were 30.3 and 16.3 (<i>P</i><0.005), 2.5 and 1.8 (<i>P</i><0.005), and 9.3 and 5.0 (<i>P</i><0.005), respectively. Even after adjustment for confounding factors, the OR of the MNi, NPBs, and Nbuds for long-term PPI users compared with healthy control subjects were 14.1 (<i>P</i><0.001), 2.0 (<i>P</i>=0.001), and 1.3 (<i>P</i>=0.3), respectively.Conclusions: Long-term PPI use was significantly associated with an increased risk of genotoxicity after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, medical history, drug history, and the serum levels of vitamins.

scholarly journals Non-Medical Use of Cognitive Enhancing Prescription Medications Among Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Pathology Health Care Students: A Pilot Study

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randy McCombie ◽  
Hannah Slanina
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Prescription Medications ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Academic Cheating ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Return Envelope

Purpose: This research was designed to serve as a pilot study to generate baseline data on non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) for cognitive/academic enhancement purposes among students representing two healthcare professions, Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech Language Pathology (SLP) and to assess students’ opinions regarding whether use of these medications constitutes academic “cheating.” Introduction: NMUPD, such as Adderall ® or Ritalin ®, to reduce fatigue, improve memory, and increase concentration to ultimately improve grades has increased among college students in recent years, with estimated use put as high as 35% on some campuses. These drugs appear to be readily available to those not prescribed them, with primary sources including family, friends, and classmates. Aside from health concerns stemming from ingesting non-prescribed medications is the ethical concern whether use of such cognitive enhancers is “cheating.” Methods: Following IRB approval, 150 OT and 150 SLP students, randomly selected from membership in their respective national associations, were mailed survey packets containing a cover letter, questionnaire, and return envelope. Results: A total of 51 completed surveys, including 25 OT and 26 SLP students, were returned and included in analyses. Of these, five (9.8%) reported using cognitive enhancing prescription medications. Four of these reported having a legal prescription, including one who admitted faking symptoms of ADHD to access the prescription. The fifth student had no prescription. Motives included recreational enjoyment, to improve attention/concentration, reduce hyperactivity/impulsivity, and to obtain higher grades. Four out of ten students indicated abuse of prescription medications was a problem at their institutions, with three out of ten believing it was easy to obtain such drugs. Students were visibly divided as to whether use of these medications was academic cheating. Conclusions: The percent of these healthcare profession students reporting to have used non-prescribed medications for academic enhancement purposes mirrors that of studies on the general college student population and reflects the division as to whether use constitutes cheating. As the survey is a self-report, the numbers using the prescription medications may be higher. Results indicate future research on NMUPD among healthcare students is warranted, along with a need to educate students on the risks of use of these medications for non-prescribed purposes.

scholarly journals 1300Associations between self-reported or measured anthropometric variables and cardiometabolic biomarkers in a Danish cohort

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Zhang ◽  
Anja Olsen ◽  
Jytte Halkjær ◽  
Kristina Elin Nielsen Petersen ◽  
Anne Tjønneland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Status ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Anthropometric Indices ◽  
Multivariable Regression ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Multivariable Regression Models ◽  
Metabolic Biomarkers

Abstract Background It is easy and cost-effective to ask study participants to self-report height and weight and self-reported anthropometry is therefore widely used in epidemiological studies. However, it is questioned to what degree self-reported adiposity indices are a solid proxy of measured indices in terms of estimates of health outcomes. The current study aimed to quantify the agreement between self-reported and measured anthropometrics, including height, weight, body mass index (BMI), weight circumference (WC), and weight-to-height ratio (WHtR) in a contemporary cohort of adults, and to assess whether anthropometric indices misreporting yielded inaccurate estimates of associations with cardiometabolic biomarkers. Methods Self-reported and measured anthropometric variables were obtained from the Diet, Cancer, and Health-Next Generation Cohort (n = 39,514). Pearson correlations and Lin’s concordance correlations evaluated the correlation between self-report and measured anthropometrics. Misreporting in relation to age, sex and smoking status was investigated. Multivariable regression models and ROC analyses were used to assess the associations of cardiometabolic biomarkers with self-reported and measured general obesity and abdominal obesity. Results Self-reported height was overreported by 1.07 cm, weight was underreported by 0.32 kg on average, which led to self-reported BMI 0.42 kg/m2 lower than measured. Self-reported and measured height, weight, BMI, WC and WHtR were highly correlated (r = 0.98, 0.99, 0.98, 0.88, 0.86, respectively). Associations between self-reported indices and cardiometabolic biomarkers were comparable to associations assessed with measured anthropometrics. Conclusions The self-reported anthropometric indices were reliable when estimating associations with metabolic biomarkers. Key messages This study found overall agreement between self-reported and measured anthropometric variables.

scholarly journals To Fear or Fly to the Unknown: Tolerance for Ambiguity and Big Five Personality Traits

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayley Jach ◽  
Luke Smillie
Keyword(s):  
Personality Traits ◽  
Big Five ◽  
Openness To Experience ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Aesthetic Appreciation ◽  
Ambiguity Tolerance ◽  
Intellectual Curiosity ◽  
Behavioral Choice ◽  
Tolerance For Ambiguity

The present study investigated whether ambiguity tolerance relates to personality traits that are theoretically grounded in fear (neuroticism) or attraction (openness to experience; extraversion) for the unknown. Our hypotheses were supported for self-report measures (and openness to experience predicted ambiguity tolerance controlling for intelligence), but behavioral choice measures of ambiguity tolerance demonstrated poor reliability and were unrelated to self-reported ambiguity tolerance and basic personality traits. An exploratory network analysis revealed that ambiguity tolerance was more strongly related to the intellectual curiosity (vs. aesthetic appreciation) facet of openness to experience, and the assertiveness (vs. energy or sociability) facet of extraversion. Our findings reinforce the fragmented literature in this area, and support predictions derived from psychological entropy theories of personality.

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