Web-Based Intervention for Teachers of Elementary Students With ADHD: Randomized Controlled Trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penny Corkum ◽  
Nezihe Elik ◽  
Pamela A. C. Blotnicky-Gallant ◽  
Melissa McGonnell ◽  
Patrick McGrath

Objective: To test the acceptability, satisfaction, and effectiveness of a web-based intervention for teachers of elementary school–aged children with ADHD. Method: Elementary classroom teachers (N = 58), along with their students with ADHD, participated in a randomized controlled trial. The program consisted of six sessions that included evidence-based intervention strategies for reducing ADHD symptoms and impairment in the classroom setting. Teachers also had access to a moderated Discussion Board and an online ADHD coach. Questionnaire data were electronically collected from teachers and parents pre-intervention, post-intervention (6 weeks), and after an additional 6-week follow-up. Results: Intent-to-treat analyses found significant improvements based on teacher (but not parent) reports of core ADHD symptoms and impairment for the Teacher Help for ADHD treatment group. Teachers reported a high level of acceptability and satisfaction. Conclusion: Web-based ADHD interventions have the potential to reduce the barriers to treatment utilization and implementation that are common problems for school-based ADHD interventions.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Brussoni ◽  
Christina S Han ◽  
Yingyi Lin ◽  
John Jacob ◽  
Ian Pike ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Outdoor risky play, such as climbing, racing and independent exploration, is an important part of childhood and is associated with various positive physical, mental and developmental outcomes for children. Parental attitudes and fears, particularly mothers’, are a major deterrent to children’s opportunities for outdoor risky play. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of two versions of an intervention to reframe mothers’ perceptions of risk and change parenting behaviours: web-based intervention or an in-person workshop, compared to the control condition. METHODS The Go Play Outside! randomized controlled trial was conducted in Canada in 2017 to 2018. Participants were recruited through social media, snowball sampling, and community notices. Mothers of children aged 6-12 years were self-assessed through eligibility questions, and those eligible and consented to participate in the study were randomized into a fully automated web-based intervention, the in-person workshop or the control condition. The intervention was underpinned by social cognitive theory, incorporating behaviour change techniques. Participants progressed through a series of self-reflection exercises and developed a goal for change. Control participants received the Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play. The primary outcome was increase in tolerance of risky play and the secondary outcome was goal attainment. Data were collected online via REDCap at baseline, 1-week and 3-months post-intervention. Randomization was conducted using sealedenvelope.com. Allocations were concealed to researchers at assignment and data analysis. We conducted mediation analyses to examine whether the intervention influenced elements of social cognitive theory, as hypothesized. RESULTS A total of 451 mothers were randomized and completed baseline socio-demographic assessments: 150 in the web-based intervention, 153 in the in-person workshop, and 148 in the control condition; of which a total of 351 mothers completed the intervention. At 1-week post-intervention, 121, 85, and 135 mothers completed assessments for each condition, respectively, and at 3-months post-intervention, 105, 84 and 123 completed the assessments, respectively. Compared to mothers in the control condition, mothers in the web-based intervention had significantly higher tolerance of risky play at 1-week, and 3-months post-intervention; and mothers in the in-person workshop had significantly higher tolerance of risky play at 1-week post-intervention. No other significant outcomes were found. None of the potential mediators were found to significantly mediate the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The trial demonstrates that the web-based intervention was effective in increasing mothers’ tolerance for risk in play. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03374683. Retrospectively registered on December 15, 2017. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.1186/s13063-018-2552-4


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-26
Author(s):  
Megan Racey ◽  
Andrew McKenney ◽  
David Wosnick ◽  
Emma Sypes ◽  
William Albabish ◽  
...  

Background:Despite the known health benefits of dairy products, their daily consumption continues to decline in many populations, particularly in pre-adolescents and adolescents.Objective:The primary objective of the cluster randomized controlled trial was to assess whether a school-based intervention enhanced with a web-based component, known as WhyDairy? was more effective than a standardized dairy education program at changing: (i) knowledge of dairy products, (ii) intentions to consume dairy products, and (iii) dietary intake of dairy products.Methods:Grade 7 students (n=175) in 10 Southwestern Ontario schools were randomized by the school, into intervention or control. Intervention schools received the WhyDairy? intervention with a website component while control schools received a DFO education program. Intervention schools were further randomized to receive follow-up contact, through monthly emails, or no follow-up contact. A questionnaire, consisting of three surveys (knowledge, FFQ, and intention), was delivered at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up.Results:All groups significantly increased their knowledge post-intervention but only intervention schools with follow-up email contact maintained this positive change in knowledge. No groups saw significant changes in dietary behaviour. The email campaign was successful in reaching parents but did not result in high engagement or changes in student outcomes.Conclusion:The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of a school-based intervention enhanced with a web-based component in changing student knowledge regarding dairy products and the engagement of the website during the intervention period. Future work should consider longer durations to see changes in dietary behaviour and more targeted approaches during follow-up periods.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Eklund ◽  
Anne Söderlund ◽  
Magnus L Elfström

BACKGROUND Stress is one of the most common reasons for sick leave. Web-based interventions have the potential to reach an unlimited number of users at a low cost and have been shown effective at addressing several health-related problems. To handle stress on an individual level is about behavior change. To support behavior change in stress management My Stress Control (MSC) was developed. The development of MSC was based on several health psychology theories and models but central in the development was Social Cognitive Theory, Theory of Reasoned Action, Theory of Planned Behavior, Transactional Theory of Stress and Coping and the Transtheoretical Model and Stages of Change. MSC is a fully automated program. The program is tailored to the user's specific need for stress management and behavior change. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the extent to which MSC affected perceived stress in persons experiencing work-related stress. METHODS This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with two arms. Study participants were recruited by visiting worksites and workplace meetings. Participants were assigned to intervention or wait list group. Web-based questionnaires were used pre- and post-intervention to collect data. Perceived stress measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) was the primary outcome measurement. Analyses were conducted for both between- and within-group changes. RESULTS A total of 92 participants were included in this study, 48 in intervention group and 44 in waitlist group. Twelve participants in the intervention group and 19 participants in the waitlist group completed the post intervention assessment. There were no significant effects on perceived stress between the intervention and wait list groups or within the groups. A small effect size (dCohen=0.25) was found when comparing mean change over time on the primary outcome measure between the intervention and wait list groups. Additionally, a small effect size was found between pre- and post-intervention assessment within the intervention group (dCohen=0.38) as well as within the wait list group (dCohen=0.25). CONCLUSIONS It is still uncertain what effect My Stress Control (MSC) may have on perceived stress. Because adherence was low in the intervention group, elements or features that facilitate adherence must be further developed before firmer conclusions of the effect of MSC can be studied. CLINICALTRIAL This RCT was registered at clinicaltrials.gov, protocol record 2015/0646.


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 570-582 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Bird ◽  
Warren Mansell ◽  
Jason Wright ◽  
Hannah Gaffney ◽  
Sara Tai

Background: Evidence for the efficacy of computer-based psychological interventions is growing. A number of such interventions have been found to be effective, especially for mild to moderate cases. They largely rely on psychoeducation and ‘homework tasks’, and are specific to certain diagnoses (e.g. depression). Aims: This paper presents the results of a web-based randomized controlled trial of Manage Your Life Online (MYLO), a program that uses artificial intelligence to engage the participant in a conversation across any problem topic. Method: Healthy volunteers (n = 213) completed a baseline questionnaire and were randomized to the MYLO program or to an active control condition where they used the program ELIZA, which emulates a Rogerian psychotherapist. Participants completed a single session before completing post-study and 2-week follow-up measures. Results: Analyses were per protocol with intent to follow-up. Both programs were associated with improvements in problem distress, anxiety and depression post-intervention, and again 2 weeks later, but MYLO was not found to be more effective than ELIZA. MYLO was rated as significantly more helpful than ELIZA, but there was no main effect of intervention on problem resolution. Conclusions: Findings are consistent with those of a previous smaller, laboratory-based trial and provide support for the acceptability and effectiveness of MYLO delivered over the internet for a non-clinical sample. The lack of a no-treatment control condition means that the effect of spontaneous recovery cannot be ruled out.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan van Lieshout ◽  
Joyca Lacroix ◽  
Aart van Halteren ◽  
Martina Teichert

BACKGROUND Growing numbers of people use medication for chronic conditions; non-adherence is common, leading to poor disease control. A newly developed web-based tool to identify an increased risk for non-adherence with related potential individual barriers might facilitate tailored interventions and improve adherence. OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of the newly developed tool to improve medication adherence. METHODS A cluster randomized controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of this adherence tool in patients initiating cardiovascular or oral blood glucose lowering medication. Participants were included in community pharmacies. They completed an online questionnaire comprising an assessments of their risk for medication non-adherence and subsequently of barriers to adherence. In pharmacies belonging to the intervention group, individual barriers displayed in a graphical profile on a tablet were discussed by pharmacists and patients at high non-adherence risk in face to face meetings and shared with their general practitioners and practice nurses. Tailored interventions were initiated by the healthcare providers. Barriers of control patients were not presented or discussed and these patients received usual care. The primary outcome was the difference in medication adherence at 8 months follow-up between patients with an increased non-adherence risk from intervention and control group, calculated from dispensing data. RESULTS Data from 492 participants in 15 community pharmacies were available for analyses (intervention 253, 7 pharmacies; control 239, 8 pharmacies). The intervention had no effect on medication adherence (-0.01; 95%CI -0.59 – 0.57; P= .96), neither in the post hoc per protocol analysis (0.19; 95%CI -0.50 – 0.89; P=.58). CONCLUSIONS This study showed no effectiveness of a risk stratification and tailored intervention addressing personal barriers for medication adherence. Various potential explanations for lack of effect were identified. These explanations relate for instance to high medication adherence in the control group, study power and fidelity. Process evaluation should elicit possible improvements and inform the redesign of intervention and implementation. CLINICALTRIAL The Netherlands National Trial Register: NTR5186. Date: May 18, 2015 (http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=5186)


2021 ◽  
pp. 154596832110231
Author(s):  
Kishoree Sangarapillai ◽  
Benjamin M. Norman ◽  
Quincy J. Almeida

Background. Exercise is increasingly becoming recognized as an important adjunct to medications in the clinical management of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Boxing and sensory exercise have shown immediate benefits, but whether they continue beyond program completion is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of boxing and sensory training on motor symptoms of PD, and whether these benefits remain upon completion of the intervention. Methods. In this 20-week double-blinded randomized controlled trial, 40 participants with idiopathic PD were randomized into 2 treatment groups, (n = 20) boxing or (n = 20) sensory exercise. Participants completed 10 weeks of intervention. Motor symptoms were assessed at (week 0, 10, and 20) using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III). Data were analyzed using SPSS, and repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted. Results. A significant interaction effect between groups and time were observed F(1, 39) = 4.566, P = .036, where the sensory group improved in comparison to the boxing group. Post hoc analysis revealed that in comparison to boxing, the effects of exercise did not wear off at washout (week 20) P < .006. Conclusion. Future rehabilitation research should incorporate similar measures to explore whether effects of exercise wear off post intervention.


Author(s):  
Guillermo García Pérez de Sevilla ◽  
Olga Barceló Guido ◽  
María de la Paz De la Cruz ◽  
Ascensión Blanco Fernández ◽  
Lidia B. Alejo ◽  
...  

Healthy lifestyles should be encouraged in the workplace through the occupational health teams of the companies. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the adherence to a lifestyle intervention carried out in university employees during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on health-related quality of life (HrQoL). A randomized controlled trial following the CONSORT guidelines was performed, consisting of three supervised interventions lasting for 18 weeks: an educational intervention on healthy habits, a nutritional intervention, and a telematic aerobic and strength exercise intervention. Lifestyle and HrQoL were analyzed six months post-intervention to assess adherence. Twenty-three middle-aged participants completed the study. The intervention group significantly improved their lifestyle according to the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II questionnaire, especially in the categories of Health Responsibility, Physical Activity, and Nutrition, with a large effect size. Sitting time was reduced by 2.5 h per day, with a moderate effect size. Regarding HrQoL, the intervention group showed a clinically significant improvement in the Physical Component Summary. Despite the lockdown and the mobility restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this intervention performed on university employees achieved adherence to a healthier lifestyle and improved their HrQoL, which is of great clinical relevance.


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