scholarly journals Sun protection education for adolescents: A feasibility study of a wait-list controlled trial of an intervention using objective measurement of sun exposure

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gill Hubbard ◽  
John Cherrie ◽  
Jonathan Gray ◽  
Richard G Kyle ◽  
Amanda Nioi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Wait List

Abstract Background People increase their risk of melanoma unless they are protected from the harmful effects of sun exposure during childhood and adolescence. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a three-component sun protection intervention- presentation, booklet, and text messages - and trial parameters. Methods This feasibility wait-list controlled trial was conducted in the United Kingdom in 2018. Students aged 13-15 years were eligible. Feasibility outcomes were collected for recruitment rates; data availability rates for objective measurements of melanin and erythema using a Mexameter and self-reported sunburn occurrences, severity and body location, tanning, sun protection behaviours and SSE collected before (baseline) and after the school summer holidays (follow-up); intervention reach, adherence, perceived impact and acceptability. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results Five out of eight schools expressing an interest in participating with four allocated to act as intervention and one control. Four parents/carers opted their child out of the study. 487 out of 724 students on the school register consented to the study at baseline (67%). 385 were in intervention group schools. Objective skin measurements were available for 255 (66%) of the intervention group at baseline and 237 (61%) of the group at follow up. Melanin increased; erythema decreased. Complete self-report data were available for 247 (64%) students in the intervention group. The number of students on the school register who attended the presentation and given the booklet was 379 (98%) and gave their mobile phone number was 155 (40%). No intervention component was perceived as more impactful on sun protection behaviours. Adolescents did not see the relevance of sun protection in the UK or for their age group. Conclusions This is the first study to use a Mexameter to measure skin colour in adolescents. Erythema (visible redness) lasts no more than three days and its measurement before and after a six week summer holiday may not yield relevant or meaningful data. A major challenge is that adolescents do not see the relevance of sun protection and SSE.

scholarly journals Sun protection education for adolescents: A feasibility study of a wait-list controlled trial of an intervention involving a presentation, action planning, and SMS messages and using objective measurement of sun exposure

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gill Hubbard ◽  
John Cherrie ◽  
Jonathan Gray ◽  
Richard G Kyle ◽  
Amanda Nioi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Action Planning ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Wait List

Abstract Background People increase their risk of melanoma unless they are protected from the harmful effects of sun exposure during childhood and adolescence. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a three-component sun protection intervention- presentation, action planning, and SMS messages - and trial parameters. Methods This feasibility wait-list trial was conducted in the United Kingdom in 2018. Students aged 13-15 years were eligible. Feasibility outcomes were collected for recruitment rates; data availability rates for objective measurements of melanin and erythema using a Mexameter and self-reported sunburn occurrences, severity and body location, tanning, sun protection behaviours and Skin Self-Examination (SSE) collected before (baseline) and after the school summer holidays (follow-up); intervention reach, adherence, perceived impact and acceptability. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results Five out of eight schools expressing an interest in participating with four allocated to act as intervention and one control. Four parents/carers opted their child out of the study. 487 out of 724 students on the school register consented to the study at baseline (67%). 385 were in intervention group schools. Objective skin measurements were available for 255 (66%) of the intervention group at baseline and 237 (61%) of the group at follow up. Melanin increased; erythema decreased. Complete self-report data were available for 247 (64%) students in the intervention group. The number of students on the school register who attended the presentation and given the booklet was 379 (98%) and gave their mobile phone number was 155 (40%). No intervention component was perceived as more impactful on sun protection behaviours. Adolescents did not see the relevance of sun protection in the UK or for their age group. Conclusions This is the first study to use a Mexameter to measure skin colour in adolescents. Erythema (visible redness) lasts no more than three days and its measurement before and after a six week summer holiday may not yield relevant or meaningful data. A major challenge is that adolescents do not see the relevance of sun protection and SSE.

scholarly journals Sun protection education for adolescents: A feasibility study of a wait-list controlled trial of an intervention involving a presentation, action planning, and SMS messages and using objective measurement of sun exposure

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gill Hubbard ◽  
John Cherrie ◽  
Jonathan Gray ◽  
Richard G Kyle ◽  
Amanda Nioi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Action Planning ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Wait List

Abstract Background People increase their risk of melanoma unless they are protected from the harmful effects of sun exposure during childhood and adolescence. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a three-component sun protection intervention- presentation, action planning, and SMS messages - and trial parameters. Methods This feasibility wait-list trial was conducted in the United Kingdom in 2018. Students aged 13-15 years were eligible. Feasibility outcomes were collected for recruitment rates; data availability rates for objective measurements of melanin and erythema using a Mexameter and self-reported sunburn occurrences, severity and body location, tanning, sun protection behaviours and Skin Self-Examination (SSE) collected before (baseline) and after the school summer holidays (follow-up); intervention reach, adherence, perceived impact and acceptability. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results Five out of eight schools expressing an interest in participating with four allocated to act as intervention and one control. Four parents/carers opted their child out of the study. 487 out of 724 students on the school register consented to the study at baseline (67%). 385 were in intervention group schools. Objective skin measurements were available for 255 (66%) of the intervention group at baseline and 237 (61%) of the group at follow up. Melanin increased; erythema decreased. Complete self-report data were available for 247 (64%) students in the intervention group. The number of students on the school register who attended the presentation and given the booklet was 379 (98%) and gave their mobile phone number was 155 (40%). No intervention component was perceived as more impactful on sun protection behaviours. Adolescents did not see the relevance of sun protection in the UK or for their age group. Conclusions This is the first study to use a Mexameter to measure skin colour in adolescents. Erythema (visible redness) lasts no more than three days and its measurement before and after a six week summer holiday may not yield relevant or meaningful data. A major challenge is that adolescents do not see the relevance of sun protection and SSE.

scholarly journals Sun protection education for adolescents: A feasibility study of a wait-list controlled trial of an intervention involving a presentation, action planning, and SMS messages and using objective measurement of sun exposure

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gill Hubbard ◽  
John Cherrie ◽  
Jonathan Gray ◽  
Richard G Kyle ◽  
Amanda Nioi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Action Planning ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Wait List

Abstract Background People increase their risk of melanoma unless they are protected from the harmful effects of sun exposure during childhood and adolescence. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a three-component sun protection intervention- presentation, action planning, and SMS messages - and trial parameters. Methods This feasibility wait-list trial was conducted in the United Kingdom in 2018. Students aged 13-15 years were eligible. Feasibility outcomes were collected for recruitment rates; data availability rates for objective measurements of melanin and erythema using a Mexameter and self-reported sunburn occurrences, severity and body location, tanning, sun protection behaviours and Skin Self-Examination (SSE) collected before (baseline) and after the school summer holidays (follow-up); intervention reach, adherence, perceived impact and acceptability. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results Five out of eight schools expressing an interest in participating with four allocated to act as intervention and one control. Four parents/carers opted their child out of the study. 487 out of 724 students on the school register consented to the study at baseline (67%). 385 were in intervention group schools. Objective skin measurements were available for 255 (66%) of the intervention group at baseline and 237 (61%) of the group at follow up. Melanin increased; erythema decreased. Complete self-report data were available for 247 (64%) students in the intervention group. The number of students on the school register who attended the presentation and given the booklet was 379 (98%) and gave their mobile phone number was 155 (40%). No intervention component was perceived as more impactful on sun protection behaviours. Adolescents did not see the relevance of sun protection in the UK or for their age group. Conclusions This is the first study to use a Mexameter to measure skin colour in adolescents. Erythema (visible redness) lasts no more than three days and its measurement before and after a six week summer holiday may not yield relevant or meaningful data. A major challenge is that adolescents do not see the relevance of sun protection and SSE.

scholarly journals Investigating the long-term impact of a childhood sun-exposure intervention, with a focus on eye health: protocol for the Kidskin-Young Adult Myopia Study

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e020868 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gareth Lingham ◽  
Elizabeth Milne ◽  
Donna Cross ◽  
Dallas R English ◽  
Robyn S Johnston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adult ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Participants

IntroductionExcessive and insufficient sun exposure during childhood have been linked to serious diseases in later life; for example, insufficient sun exposure during childhood may increase the risk of developing myopia. The Kidskin-Young Adult Myopia Study (K-YAMS) is a follow-up of participants in the Kidskin Study, a non-randomised controlled trial that evaluated the effect of a 4-year educational intervention on sun-protection behaviours among primary school children in the late 1990s. Children who received the Kidskin intervention had lower levels of sun exposure compared with peers in the control group after 2 and 4 years of the intervention, but this was not maintained 2  years after the intervention had ceased. Thus, a follow-up of Kidskin Study participants provides a novel opportunity to investigate the associations between a childhood sun-exposure intervention and potentially related conditions in adulthood.Methods and analysisThe K-YAMS contacts Kidskin Study participants and invites them to participate using a variety of methods, such as prior contact details, the Australian Electoral Roll and social media. Self-reported and objective measures of sun-exposure and sun-protection behaviours are collected as well as a number of eye measurements including cycloplegic autorefraction and ocular biometry. Data will be analysed to investigate a possible association between myopic refractive error and Kidskin intervention group or measured sun exposure.Ethics and disseminationThe K-YAMS is approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Western Australia (RA/4/1/6807). Findings will be disseminated via scientific journals and conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12616000812392; Pre-results.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Text Messaging and Personal Consultation by Pharmacy Students Among Adults With Hypertension: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panpan Zhai ◽  
Khezar Hayat ◽  
Wenjing Ji ◽  
Qian Li ◽  
Li Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Chinese Patients ◽  
Control Group ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Sms Text Messaging

BACKGROUND Hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for ischemic heart diseases, and high rates of hypertension prevalence have either remained the same or increased in developing countries in recent years. Unfortunately, about 20% to 50% of patients with chronic diseases have been nonadherent to their drug therapy. SMS text messaging and pharmacy student–led consultations have the potential to help patients manage their blood pressure (BP). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of SMS text messaging and consultation to manage the BP of Chinese patients with hypertension. METHODS We conducted a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial among patients with hypertension in Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, China, and recruited 384 patients from 8 community health care centers. Patients were randomized into an intervention group to receive SMS text messages and consultations or into a control group to receive usual care for 3 months. We sent SMS text messages at 3-day intervals and collected data at baseline (including demographics, clinical outcomes, medication complexity, side effects, patient behavior, knowledge about hypertension, BP, and medication adherence) and the 3-month follow-up (including BP, medication adherence, and knowledge about hypertension). RESULTS We assessed 445 patients with hypertension and excluded 61 patients who were not eligible or who had not filled out their questionnaires. The mean age of the patients was 68.5 (SD 7.9) years in the intervention group and 69.4 (SD 9.7) years in the control group, and the sample was primarily female (265/384, 69.0%). Patients in the intervention group showed significant improvements in systolic BP (SBP; mean 134.5 mm Hg, SD 15.5 mm Hg vs mean 140.7 mm Hg, SD 15.2 mm Hg; <i>P</i>=.001), medication adherence (mean 7.4, SD 1.2 vs mean 7.0, SD 1.3; <i>P</i>=.04), and knowledge about hypertension (mean 6.3, SD 0.9 vs mean 5.9, SD 1.2; <i>P</i>=.004) compared with those in the control group. In measures of diastolic BP (DBP), the two arms showed nonsignificant improvements (mean 78.2 mm Hg, SD 9.0 mm Hg vs mean 77.2 mm Hg, SD 10.3 mm Hg; <i>P</i>=.06). In total, 176 patients had controlled BP at the 3-month follow-up (98 patients in the intervention group vs 78 patients in the control group), but it was nonsignificant (<i>P</i>=.08). CONCLUSIONS The use of SMS text messaging and consultation to manage SBP and improve medication adherence is effective, feasible, and acceptable among Chinese patients with hypertension, although a significant difference was not observed with regard to DBP. It is important to maximize the potential of SMS text messaging and consultation by increasing the feasibility and acceptance of mobile interventions and conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis on this method. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900026862; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=42717.

Efficacy of an online intervention for treatment of depressive disorders: a three-arm randomized controlled trial comparing guided and unguided self-help with waitlist control (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krämer Rico
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Online Intervention ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group

BACKGROUND Digital health applications are efficacious treatment options for mild-to-moderate depressive disorders. However, the extent to which psychological guidance increases the efficacy of these applications is controversial. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the efficacy of the online intervention “Selfapy” for unipolar depression. We also investigated differences between a psychotherapist-guided vs. unguided version compared with those from a control group. METHODS A cohort of 401 participants with mild-to-severe depressive disorders were assigned randomly to either participate in a guided version of Selfapy (involving weekly telephone calls of 25-min duration), an unguided version of Selfapy, or to the waiting list (control group). Selfapy is a cognitive behavioral therapy-based intervention for depressive disorders of duration 12 weeks. Symptom assessment was undertaken at T1 (before study entrance), T2 (after 6 weeks), T3 (post-treatment, after 12 weeks), and T4 (follow-up, after 6 months). The main outcome was reduction in depressive symptoms in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) from T1 to T3. Secondary-outcome parameters were the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology – Self Report (QIDS-SR 16) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). RESULTS A total of 297 out of 401 participants (74.06%) completed the post-measurement at T3. In the primary analysis, both intervention groups showed a significantly higher reduction in depressive symptoms (BDI-II) from T1 to T3 compared with that in the control group, with high within-effect sizes (guided: d = 1.46; unguided d = 1.36). No significant differences were found for guided vs. unguided treatment groups. The response rate (BDI-II) for intention-to-treat data in the guided version was 46.4%, 40.0% for the unguided version, and 2.0% in the control group. After 6 months (T4), treatment effects could been maintained for both intervention groups (BDI-II) without differences between either intervention group. CONCLUSIONS Conclusions: Selfapy can help to reduce depressive symptoms in guided or unguided version. Follow-up data suggest that these effects could be maintained. The guided version was not superior to the unguided version. CLINICALTRIAL Trial Registration: Current Controlled Trial DRKS00017191 Date of registration: 14 May 2019 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-021-05218-4

scholarly journals Effectiveness of One-Way Text Messaging on Attendance to Follow-Up Cervical Cancer Screening Among Human Papillomavirus–Positive Tanzanian Women (Connected2Care): Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ditte S Linde ◽  
Marianne S Andersen ◽  
Julius Mwaiselage ◽  
Rachel Manongi ◽  
Susanne K Kjaer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Parallel Group

BACKGROUND Rapid human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing is an emerging cervical cancer screening strategy in resource-limited countries, yet it requires follow-up of women who test HPV positive. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine if one-way text messages improved attendance to a 14-month follow-up cervical cancer screening among HPV-positive women. METHODS This multicenter, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted at 3 hospitals in Tanzania. Eligible participants were aged between 25 and 60 years, had tested positive to a rapid HPV test during a patient-initiated screening, had been informed of their HPV result, and had a private mobile phone with a valid number. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention or control group through an incorporated algorithm in the text message system. The intervention group received one-way text messages, and the control group received no text messages. The primary outcome was attendance at a 14-month health provider-initiated follow-up screening. Participants were not blinded, but outcome assessors were. The analysis was based on intention to treat. RESULTS Between August 2015 and July 2017, 4080 women were screened for cervical cancer, of which 705 were included in this trial—358 women were allocated to the intervention group, and 347 women were allocated to the control group. Moreover, 16 women were excluded before the analysis because they developed cervical cancer or died (8 from each group). In the intervention group, 24.0% (84/350) women attended their follow-up screening, and in the control group, 23.8% (80/335) women attended their follow-up screening (risk ratio 1.02, 95% CI 0.79-1.33). CONCLUSIONS Attendance to a health provider-initiated follow-up cervical cancer screening among HPV-positive women was strikingly low, and one-way text messages did not improve the attendance rate. Implementation of rapid HPV testing as a primary screening method at the clinic level entails the challenge of ensuring a proper follow-up of women. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02509702; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02509702. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/10.2196/15863

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Text Message Interventions for Weight Management in Adolescents: Systematic Review (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Ruth Partridge ◽  
Rebecca Raeside ◽  
Anna Singleton ◽  
Karice Hyun ◽  
Julie Redfern
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Contact Points ◽  
Effective Interventions

BACKGROUND The incidence of obesity among adolescents is increasing. Text messages are a primary communication form for adolescents and potentially a scalable strategy for delivering population health interventions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of text message interventions in reducing BMI in adolescents and describe characteristics that are common to effective interventions. METHODS This systematic review included randomized controlled trials of text message lifestyle interventions involving adolescents aged 10 to 19 years with outcomes focused on obesity prevention or management. Primary outcome was objective or self-report change in BMI. RESULTS In total, 4362 records were identified, and 215 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. A total of 8 unique studies were identified, including 767 participants, mean age 14.3 (SD 0.9) years, BMI 29.7 (SD 1.6) kg/m2 and 53.1% (407/767) female (31/101, 30.7%-172/172, 100.0%). All interventions were multicomponent. The median active intervention period was 4.5 months. During the active and extended intervention phases, text messages accounted for &gt;50% (8 studies) and &gt;85% (3 studies) of contact points, respectively. Text messages were heterogeneous, with a median of 1.5 text messages sent per week (range: 1-21). A total of 4 studies utilized two-way text message communication with health professionals Of the 8 studies, 7 demonstrated reductions in BMI or BMI z-score in the intervention group compared with the control at the end of the final follow-up. The effect was only statistically significant in 1 study at 6 months. Over 6 months, reductions in BMI (kg/m2) ranged from 1.3% to 4.5% and BMI z-score ranged from 4.2% to 28.1%. Overall quality of the studies was low. CONCLUSIONS Further research is required to elucidate the effectiveness and potential impact of text message interventions on weight and weight-related behaviors in adolescents.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Text Message Interventions for Weight Management in Adolescents: Systematic Review

10.2196/15849 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. e15849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Ruth Partridge ◽  
Rebecca Raeside ◽  
Anna Singleton ◽  
Karice Hyun ◽  
Julie Redfern
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Contact Points ◽  
Effective Interventions

Background The incidence of obesity among adolescents is increasing. Text messages are a primary communication form for adolescents and potentially a scalable strategy for delivering population health interventions. Objective This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of text message interventions in reducing BMI in adolescents and describe characteristics that are common to effective interventions. Methods This systematic review included randomized controlled trials of text message lifestyle interventions involving adolescents aged 10 to 19 years with outcomes focused on obesity prevention or management. Primary outcome was objective or self-report change in BMI. Results In total, 4362 records were identified, and 215 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. A total of 8 unique studies were identified, including 767 participants, mean age 14.3 (SD 0.9) years, BMI 29.7 (SD 1.6) kg/m2 and 53.1% (407/767) female (31/101, 30.7%-172/172, 100.0%). All interventions were multicomponent. The median active intervention period was 4.5 months. During the active and extended intervention phases, text messages accounted for >50% (8 studies) and >85% (3 studies) of contact points, respectively. Text messages were heterogeneous, with a median of 1.5 text messages sent per week (range: 1-21). A total of 4 studies utilized two-way text message communication with health professionals Of the 8 studies, 7 demonstrated reductions in BMI or BMI z-score in the intervention group compared with the control at the end of the final follow-up. The effect was only statistically significant in 1 study at 6 months. Over 6 months, reductions in BMI (kg/m2) ranged from 1.3% to 4.5% and BMI z-score ranged from 4.2% to 28.1%. Overall quality of the studies was low. Conclusions Further research is required to elucidate the effectiveness and potential impact of text message interventions on weight and weight-related behaviors in adolescents.

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