The effect of self-care counseling on health practices of adolescent pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Pregnancy and childbirth at an early age are associated with potential risks and complications for adolescent mothers. Health practices are behaviors that can positively affect maternal and fetal health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of self-care counseling on health practices (main outcome), attitudes towards motherhood and pregnancy, and pregnancy symptoms (secondary outcomes) in adolescent pregnant women. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, 54 adolescent pregnant women admitted to the health centers of Bukan, Iran in 2020 were enrolled. Using randomized block design, the participants were randomly assigned to the counseling (n=27) and control (n=27) groups. Those in the intervention group attended 6 self-care group counseling sessions. The Health Practices Questionnaire-II (HPQ-II), Attitudes towards Motherhood and Pregnancy Questionnaire (PRE-MAMA), and Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory (PSI) were completed before and 4 weeks after the intervention. Results Based on the results of ANCOVA with controlled baseline values, after the intervention the mean health practices score of the participants in the intervention group was significantly higher than those in the control group (adjusted mean difference (AMD): 36.34; 95% CI: 34.69 to 37.98; P<0.001). The mean attitude towards motherhood score of the participants in the intervention group was significantly higher than those in the control group (AMD: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.06 to 1.96; P= 0.038). However, the mean pregnancy symptoms score of the participants in the intervention group was partially lower than those in the control group (AMD: -1.37; 95% CI: -4.32 to 1.58; P= 0.354). Conclusion Self-care counseling sessions can improve the health practices of adolescent pregnant women and enhance their attitudes towards maternal role and pregnancy. Therefore, planners are recommended to organize self-care counseling programs for all pregnant women, especially for adolescent pregnant women. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20120718010324N54. Date of registration: 2/3/2020. URL: https://en.irct.ir/user/trial/42571/view; Date of first registration: February 3, 2020.

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The effectiveness of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) on depression of postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine ◽

10.1515/jcim-2020-0245 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Asieh Mehdipour ◽

Parvin Abedi ◽

Somayeh Ansari ◽

Maryam Dastoorpoor

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Moderate Depression ◽

Before And After ◽

The Mean ◽

And Control

Abstract Objectives Postmenopausal women are at greater risk of depression. Depression may negatively affect the quality of life of women. An emotional freedom technique (EFT) is an evidence-based therapy combining cognitive and exposure components with acupressure. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of EFT on depression in postmenopausal women. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial in which 88 women with mild to moderate depression recruited from a menopausal clinic in Ahvaz, Iran, and randomly assigned into two groups of EFT (n=44) and control for sham therapy (n=44). Women in the EFT group received two sessions of training and asked to continue EFT for 8 weeks, one time per day. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI2) completed by women before and after the intervention. The control group received training on sham acupressure points similar to the intervention group. Data collected using a demographic and BDI2. Women requested to complete the BDI2 before and after the intervention. The independent t-test, chi-square, and ANCOVA were used to analyze data. Results The mean depression score in the intervention group reduced from 20.93 ± 4.6 to 10.96 ± 4.38 in comparison to the control group that reduced from 19.18 ± 2.79 to 17.01 ± 6.05 after intervention (p=0.001). After the 8 week intervention, the frequency of moderate depression decreased from 56.8 to 9.35% in the intervention and from 50 to 29.5% in the control group. In total, 63.4 and 34.15% in the intervention and control groups were free of depression respectively after the intervention (p<0.001). Conclusions The results of this study showed that using EFT for 8 weeks could significantly reduce the mean score of depression in postmenopausal women. Using this method in public health centers for postmenopausal women is recommended.

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The Effect of Writing Therapy on Anxiety in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences ◽

10.5812/ijpbs.98256 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Maryam Montazeri ◽

Khalil Esmaeilpour ◽

Sakineh Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi ◽

Sevda Golizadeh ◽

Mojgan Mirghafourvand

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Block Design ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Writing Therapy ◽

Randomized Block Design ◽

Significant Difference

Background: As one of the most enjoyable life experiences, pregnancy may be accompanied by many physiological and psychological changes that make women susceptible to developing mental disorders such as anxiety. Non-pharmacological methods such as writing therapy are among the ways to deal with anxiety. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the effect of writing therapy on anxiety in women during pregnancy. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 70 pregnant women with a gestational age between 28 - 31 weeks. The participants were assigned to an intervention group and a control group using a randomized block design. The intervention group received three in-person writing therapy-based counseling sessions and two telephone calls between the sessions, while the control group received routine pregnancy care. The Beck anxiety inventory was completed before and six weeks after the intervention. Independent t-test and ANCOVA were used for data analysis. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of socio-demographic variables and baseline anxiety scores. Based on ANCOVA with baseline score adjustment, the mean score of anxiety was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group after the intervention (adjusted mean difference = -6.8; 95%CI = -4.5 to -9.1; P < 0.001). Conclusions: According to the results, writing therapy can reduce anxiety in pregnant women; however, further studies are needed before a definitive conclusion.

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Nutrition information system (SISFORNUTRIMIL) application With Online Food Record for Indonesia Pregnant Women: Protocol for Randomized Controlled Trial

10.21203/rs.3.rs-634069/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mira Trisyani Koeryaman ◽

Saseendran Pallikadavath ◽

Isobel Ryder ◽

Ngianga Kandala

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Eating Behaviour ◽

Control Group ◽

Food Record ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: The pregnant women and family may not have the necessary knowledge and skills to estimate nutrient value in food in line with dietary targets and the guidelines, i.e. they do not know whether or not they are consuming the right amount of nutrition needed during pregnancy. The aims of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to examine the impact of SISFORNUTRIMIL application on maternal eating behaviour and associated maternal factors such as weight gain, blood pressure, biochemical measurement, and pregnancy outcome.Methods: The study recruits 112 participants with eligible criteria during December 2019 to January 2020. The allocation of participants is 1:1 to the SISFORNUTRIMIL application user and non-user application, with criteria: singleton pregnancy (22-26 weeks), mother age between 20-35 years), have monthly income and literate. Both groups will receive 12-week standard health services from health professionals and received information about dietary diversity and food record. Particularly, intervention group could be access the SISFORNUTRIMIL on their devices, which provide necessary information about nutrition in pregnancy, food record and food choice includes total serving size calculation. In contrast, the control group only receive food information and food intake record by paper-based, and they should record and calculate the nutrition intake by traditionally. Discussion: This is the first randomized controlled trial to examine the SISFORNUTIMIL application. This mandate reflects keen interest and motivation for the proposed research study. This is in addition to the researcher’s personal efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality rate as well as a general focus on pregnancy complication prevention than nutrition treatment. Thus, an investigation of eating behaviour and associated maternal needed to address this issue. Firstly, the results could extend the scope of knowledge about nutrition intervention to include the Indonesia pregnant women context as well as the Indonesia health ministry context. Secondly, this research could help to change individual health behaviour and activity undertaken by an individual who believes her-self to be healthy.Trial registration: ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN42690828. Date of registration: 22 October 2019.

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Effect of Continues Midwifery Support in Labor on the Childbirth Experience and Self-Esteem of Primipara Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

10.21203/rs.3.rs-833826/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nasrin Soleimani ◽

Mansoureh Refaei ◽

Farideh Kazemi

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Childbirth Experience ◽

Cohen’S D ◽

The Mean ◽

Cohen's D

Abstract Background: The World Health Organization states that mothers during labor and delivery should be supported by people with whom they feel comfortable, because one of the non-pharmacological methods of relieving labor pain is the continued support of midwives in labor. The primary objectives of this study were to determine the effect of continuous midwifery support in labor on delivery experience and self-esteem of nulliparous women 6 weeks after delivery.Methods: This randomized controlled trial was performed in 2021 on 70 pregnant women admitted to the delivery ward who met the inclusion criteria. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups through balanced block randomization with a block size of 4. Participants completed a demographic and midwifery information questionnaire before entering the study. In the intervention group, in addition to routine labor care, the researcher was present at the mother's bedside and was present with the mother continuously throughout the labor and up to 2 hours after delivery and provided the necessary support. The control group received only routine labor and postpartum care. Six weeks after delivery, participants in both groups were contacted to complete the CEQ and Rosenberg self-esteem questionnaires. Finally, data were collected and analyzed. Significance level was considered 0.05.Results: By controlling the effect of duration of the first and second stages of labor as potential confounders, the mean (sd) of childbirth experience 6 weeks after delivery was 70.92 (7.07) in the intervention group and 59.69 (7.08) in the control group, and this difference was statistically significant (p <0.001). The amount of effect size indicates a very strong effect of the intervention on improving the childbirth experience (Cohen’s d = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.26). Comparison of the mean of maternal self-esteem showed that this rate in the intervention group was 2 scores higher than the control group and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.05). Cohen's d indicates the average effect of intervention on mothers' self-esteem score (Cohen's d = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.06, 1.05).Conclusions: Continuous support of the midwife in labor and up to 2 hours after delivery can lead to a better childbirth experience and increase the mother's self-esteem up to 6 weeks after delivery.Trial registration: IRCT ID: IRCT20201102049233N1, First Registration date: 2021-06-04

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Effectiveness of WeChat for Improving Exclusive Breastfeeding in Huzhu County China: Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/23273 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (12) ◽

pp. e23273

Author(s):

Qiong Wu ◽

Yiwen Huang ◽

Zijun Liao ◽

Michelle Helena van Velthoven ◽

Wei Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mobile Technologies ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Breastfeeding Rate ◽

Significant Difference

Background The benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers have been well recognized. However, the exclusive breastfeeding rate in China is low and decreasing. Mobile technologies have rapidly developed; communication apps such as WeChat (one of the largest social networking platforms in China) are widely used and have the potential to conveniently improve health behaviors. Objective This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of using WeChat to improve breastfeeding practices. Methods This 2-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted among pregnant women from May 2019 to April 2020 in Huzhu County, Qinghai Province, China. Pregnant women were eligible to participate if they were aged 18 years or older, were 11 to 37 weeks pregnant with a singleton fetus, had no known illness that could limit breastfeeding after childbirth, used WeChat through their smartphone, and had access to the internet. A total of 344 pregnant women were recruited at baseline, with 170 in the intervention group and 174 in the control group. Women in the intervention group received breastfeeding knowledge and promotion information weekly through a WeChat official account from their third month of pregnancy to 6 months postpartum. The primary outcome of exclusive and predominant breastfeeding rate was measured 0-1 month, 2-3 months, and 4-5 months postpartum. Results At 0-1 month postpartum, the exclusive breastfeeding rate was significantly higher in the intervention group than that in the control group (81.1% vs 63.3%; odds ratio [OR] 2.75, 95% CI 1.58-4.78; P<.001). Similarly, mothers in the intervention group were more likely to provide predominantly breast milk (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.55-4.96; P<.001) and less likely to give dairy products to their children (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.21-0.75; P=.005). There was no statistically significant difference for exclusive breastfeeding rate 2-3 months (P=.09) and 4-5 months postpartum (P=.27), though more children in the intervention group were exclusively breastfed than those in the control group 2-3 months postpartum (intervention: 111/152, 73.0%; control: 96/152, 63.2%) and 4-5 months postpartum(intervention: 50/108, 46.3%; control: 46/109, 42.2%). Conclusions This study is the first effort to promote exclusive breastfeeding through WeChat in China, which proved to be an effective method of promoting exclusive breastfeeding in early life. WeChat health education can be used in addition to local breastfeeding promotion programs. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800017364; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=29325 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s12889-019-7676-2

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Patients’ Acceptability of Computer-Based Information on Hypodontia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

JDR Clinical & Translational Research ◽

10.1177/2380084418773992 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 246-255

Author(s):

A. Ben Gassem ◽

R. Foxton ◽

D. Bister ◽

J.T. Newton

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Care Facility ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Education Material ◽

Computer Based ◽

The Mean ◽

Evaluation Inventory

Objectives: To compare patients’ acceptability of a hypodontia-specific interactive computer-based education material (ICB-EM) versus a British Orthodontic Society (BOS) hypodontia leaflet. Trial Design: Two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial, 1:1 allocation ratio. Methods: The study was conducted at a specialized secondary care facility in the Greater London area. Ninety-six new hypodontia patients aged 14 y and older were randomly assigned to the control group ( n = 49) receiving the BOS leaflet or the intervention group ( n = 47) receiving the ICB-EM. The main outcome measure was patients’ evaluation of the intervention measured by the treatment evaluation inventory. Results: The analyzed sample comprised 76 participants: control group ( n = 38) and intervention group ( n = 38). The mean age of the sample was 19 y (SD = 7.24) and 20.3 y (SD = 6.9) for the control and intervention group, respectively. The intervention group was significantly more satisfied with the ICB-EM than individuals who received the BOS leaflet ( t = −3.53, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Patients preferred the computer-based information. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Patients attending dental care in the 21st century are adept in the use of computerised facilities for obtaining information. The results of the study will provide valuable evidence for clinicians on the level of acceptability of the patients toward interactive computer based health education as opposed to traditional paper leaflets.

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The effect of solution-focused counseling on violence rate and quality of life of pregnant women at risk of domestic violence: a randomized controlled trial

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03674-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sepideh Dinmohammadi ◽

Mohsen Dadashi ◽

Elahe Ahmadnia ◽

Leila Janani ◽

Roghieh Kharaghani

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Domestic Violence ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Solution Focused

Abstract Background Domestic violence during pregnancy as one of the most common social problems and major challenges of health systems can affect the health of the mother and fetus. The study aimed to compare the two groups of intervention based on solution-focused counseling and control in terms of violence and quality of life amounts in women who had experienced domestic violence. Methods A randomized controlled trial on 90 pregnant women was blocked into two intervention groups (n = 45) and a control (n = 45). The intervention group received six counseling sessions with a solution-focused approach. Study tool included conflict tactics scale (CTS- 2) and short form health survey (SF-36). The tools were completed once before the intervention and again 6 weeks after the end of the counseling sessions by the participants of both groups. The P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 82/90 pregnant women were analyzed. The results showed that median and interquartile range (IQR) of physical, psychological and sexual violence significantly decreased in the intervention group than the control group (Ps = 0.001). Moreover, quality of life scores significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Conclusion Solution-focused counseling could be an effective approach to reduce the amount of violence and increase the quality of life in women exposed to domestic violence. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2017040628352N4. Date of registration: August 20th 2017.

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The Effect of Pillbox Use on Medication Adherence Among Elderly Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

International Electronic Journal of Medicine ◽

10.34172/iejm.2020.07 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 38-43

Author(s):

Ashraf Mehdinia ◽

Marzieh Loripoor ◽

Mahlagha Dehghan ◽

Shahin Heidari

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Medication Adherence ◽

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

The Mean ◽

Poor Medication Adherence

Background: Poor medication adherence may cause unfortunate consequences such as disease progression and even death, particularly in older adults. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pillbox use on medication adherence among older adults with cardiovascular diseases. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a two-group randomized controlled trial in a clinic in Kerman, Iran in 2017. Participants included seventy patients who were randomly allocated to either a control or an intervention group. The patients in the intervention group were verbally educated to manage their medications using a pillbox for four consecutive weeks while their counterparts received their medications without the use of any drug reminders. Results: The mean score of all participants’ medication adherence was 4.02±2.19 at the beginning of the study. Medication adherence significantly improved in the intervention group during the study (P<0.001) while it remained poor in the control group (P>0.99). Finally, medication adherence was significantly better in the intervention group compared to the control group at the end of the study (P=0.001). Conclusion: In general, pillbox use can promote medication adherence in older adults with cardiovascular diseases thus it is recommended for improving medication adherence and minimizing the consequences of non-adherence.

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Reducing “Screen-Time” and Promoting Self Care Activities among Overweight and Obese Pre-Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

International Healthcare Research Journal ◽

10.26440/ihrj/0504.07436 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. OR1-OR4

Author(s):

Sahil Bansal ◽

Meera Pradhan ◽

Ishan Nagar ◽

Praveen Kumar N.G.

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Screen Time ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Self Care ◽

Study Data ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Public Health Challenges ◽

The Difference

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric obesity has been considered as one of the most serious public health challenges in the world. AIM: To reduce “Screen-time” and promoting self care activities among overweight and obese pre-adolescents (aged 10-12 years) in India through proper intervention measures. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Designed as a two-armed randomized controlled trial, 537 pre-adolescents aged 10-12 years were enrolled in this online study. Data was collected through a questionnaire (containing close-ended 26 questions). Pre- adolescents, whose BMI was classified as “overweight” and “obese” were enrolled and randomly assigned (flip of coin) to the intervention group and control group. The intervention group were then given monthly online one-on-one sessions (to maintain confidentiality) by five standardized instructors. The study lasted for four months and a total of four individual sessions were provided to each child in the intervention group. Data was transferred into Excel for descriptive statistics, and analysed using SPSS version 22.0 using the paired t-test and multi variate logistic regression was applied keeping the significance value of p as  0.05. RESULTS: A total of 537 pre- adolescents met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 270(50.3%) belonged to the intervention group and 267 (49.7%) belonged to the control group. Majority of the pre- adolescents were males (59.4%). In the intervention group, there were 61.8% overweight pre-adolescents, which reduced to 42.9%, while in the control group, there were 89.5% overweight pre-adolescents, which reduced 9.8% and the difference between both the groups was observed to be significant (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Techniques used in the intervention group led to positive outcomes like weight loss and reduced screen time among the pre-adolescents which in turn, helped reduce the global burden of disease.

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Application of Plastic Wrap to Improve Temperatures in Infants Born Less Than 30 Weeks Gestation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Neonatal Network The Journal of Neonatal Nursing ◽

10.1891/0730-0832.32.4.235 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 32 (4) ◽

pp. 235-245 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Jacqueline Smith ◽

Kim Usher ◽

Gary Alcock ◽

Petra Buettner

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Temperature Management ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

The Mean ◽

Nicu Admission

Purpose: The primary aim of the study was to evaluate whether the application of a plastic wrap immediately after birth is more effective than the standard care of temperature management for improving admission temperatures to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in infants <30 weeks gestation.Design: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Infants in the intervention group were transferred to a prewarmed radiant heater immediately after birth and encased in NeoWrap from the neck down without being dried. The infant’s head was dried with a prewarmed towel and a hat added. The control group received usual care for the unit; the infant was transferred to the prewarmed radiant warmer and dried, and warm towels and a hat are then applied.Sample: A total of 92 infants were analyzed: 49 in the control group and 43 in the intervention group; 48 (52.2 percent) were <27 weeks gestation, and 44 (47.8 percent) were <30 weeks gestation. The infants’ temperatures were assessed for two hours following admission.Main Outcome Variable: The application of a plastic wrap and hat significantly increased NICU admission temperature in infants <30 weeks gestation.Results: Of the 92 infants, 43 (51.2 percent <27 weeks and 48.8 percent <30 weeks) were randomized to the experimental group and 49 (53.1 percent <27 weeks and 46.9 percent <30 weeks) to the control group. The mean first temperature was 36.15°C (SD = 0.85) for intervention and 35.81°C (SD = 0.91) for control infants (p=.074); whereas the respective admission temperatures were 36.26°C (SD = 0.68; n = 42) and 35.79°C (SD = 0.77; n = 44; p=.004). The mean temperature of the infants rose steadily from the time of birth to two hours follow-up in both the intervention (36.15°–37.03°C; SD = 0.49; n = 40) and control groups (35.81°–36.75°C; SD = 0.70; n = 47; p<.001, respectively).

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