From Feasibility to Outcomes: the Case of a Postpartum Depression Prevention Intervention in Shelter

Author(s):  
Bonnie D. Kerker ◽  
Dara Weiss ◽  
Kristen Lewis ◽  
Erica Willheim ◽  
Melissa R. Clark ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundEvidence-based interventions (EBIs) are often seen as the gold standard but it is unclear if they are effective in different settings or populations. We developed a model to adapt and test the implementation of a postpartum depression prevention intervention (Reach Out and Stay Strong, Essentials for new Mothers -- ROSE) in shelter. Our model entailed: (1) Intervention Adaptation and Planning (2) Feasibility Testing, (3) Monitoring Outcomes. The adapted intervention was called Strong in Shelter (SIS).MethodsIntervention adaptation and planning entailed provider engagement, shelter resident input, and responsive adaptations. Feasibility testing began in pilot sites, and we made modifications based on feedback. Fidelity to the model was tracked through session checklists, audio recordings and weekly consultations. Additional modifications were made due to COVID-19. Outcome measures were collected pre- and post-intervention, and included measures of depression (PHQ-9), perceived social support (MSPSS) and perceived stress (PSS). We also collected data on trauma exposure. Paired Samples T-Test analyses were conducted to examine changes in PHQ-9, MSPSS and PSS scores over time. These repeated measures were stratified by interpersonal trauma, mode, and number of sessions completed using general linear model analyses. ResultsInvolving the community being served and the intervention facilitators early on was an important factor in the success of SIS. Barriers to participant engagement were seen across each phase of SIS, but once residents did engage 70% (40 of 57 women who were consented) attended at least half the sessions. Satisfaction was high, with nearly 100% of women participating in SIS and receiving a consistent questionnaire reporting the group was helpful (N=22). The PHQ-9 decreased by 2.68 points after SIS (p=0.002); this change was stronger for those who experienced interpersonal trauma, and findings were consistent in the virtual implementation during COVID-19 (N=46).ConclusionsProviding evidence-based preventive interventions to underserved populations is essential to ensure that effective programs reach those in need. Our data suggest that by engaging staff and the population early and continually, and utilizing an iterative and flexible process, EBIs such as SIS can effectively be implemented in institutional settings, and may reduce depressive symptoms among women in shelter.

2020 ◽  
Vol 83 (10) ◽  
pp. 631-637
Author(s):  
Angela R Caldwell ◽  
Elizabeth R Skidmore ◽  
Roxanna M Bendixen ◽  
Lauren Terhorst

Introduction The purpose of this study was to examine parental use of evidence-based mealtime strategies, child mealtime behavior, and parental identification of mealtime problems over time as parents were coached to implement the Promoting Routines of Exploration and Play during Mealtime intervention as part of a pilot study. Method This repeated measures study included data collection during three phases: (a) pre-intervention; (b) intervention; (c) post-intervention. Primary outcome measures included a parental strategy use checklist (parental strategy use) and the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment (problematic child behavior and parental identification of mealtime problems). Linear mixed models were fitted to assess change over time. Results We observed significant improvements in parental strategy use ( p < .001), child mealtime behavior ( p < .001), and parental perception of mealtime problems ( p = .002) over time. Conclusions The results of these analyses signal that empowering parents to integrate evidence-based strategies into child mealtimes is a promising approach to managing child mealtime behavior. More research is needed to determine the true relationship between parental strategy use and child behavior over time.


Author(s):  
Zach Abuwalla ◽  
Zaynab Kadhem ◽  
Tracy Gladstone ◽  
Ereny Mikhael ◽  
Amir Bishay ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundEvidence-based Internet depression prevention intervention programs are not readily available for Arab youth, but may be effective in this group. Cultural adaptation of evidence-based Western psychotherapy is an important step toward better prevention and treatment of depressive illness in the Arab community. Project CATCH-IT is an Internet-based depression prevention intervention tool that is tailored for adolescents and young adults.MethodsThe PEN-3 theoretical framework was used for the cultural adaptation of Project CATCH-IT for Arab adolescents. First, a narrative review of existing research about depression in Arab nations was performed. Next, expert opinions about applicability and societal values were obtained. This model was then used to suggest relevant changes to the CATCH-IT modules. These modifications were applied to create sample webpages from the culturally adapted version of CATCH-IT for Arab youth.ResultsThe narrative review, expert opinions and resultant PEN-3 analysis suggest that Internet-based depression interventions are effective, private and confidential. To be most effective, religious leaders and fathers should be the stakeholders approached for dissemination and adequate usage of the service. Arab themes, quotes, language and relevant stories must be incorporated.ConclusionThis study sets the background for future studies and research for implementation of the Arabic version of CATCH-IT for the prevention of depression. Using the contextual information provided in this paper to make the necessary changes, huge strides can be made in providing cost-effective and accessible Internet-based interventions to Arab youth.


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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anette Johansson ◽  
Marie Ernsth Bravell ◽  
Eleonor I. Fransson ◽  
Sofi Fristedt

Abstract Background Home rehabilitation is a growing rehabilitation service in many countries, but scientific knowledge of its components and outcomes is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate; 1) which changes in functioning and self-rated health could be identified in relation to a home rehabilitation program in a population of community-dwelling citizens, and 2) how socio-demographic factors, health conditions and home rehabilitation interventions were associated to change in functioning and self-rated health after the home rehabilitation program. Method The sample consisted of participants in a municipal home rehabilitation project in Sweden and consisted of 165 community-dwelling citizens. General Linear Models (ANOVA repeated measures) was used for identifying changes in rehabilitation outcomes. Logistic regressions analysis was used to investigate associations between rehabilitation outcomes and potential factors associated to outcome. Result Overall improvements in functioning and self-rated health were found after the home rehabilitation program. Higher frequencies of training sessions with occupational therapists, length of home rehabilitation, and orthopaedic conditions of upper extremities and spine as the main health condition, were associated with rehabilitation outcomes. Conclusion The result indicates that the duration of home rehabilitation interventions and intensity of occupational therapy, as well as the main medical condition may have an impact on the outcomes of home rehabilitation and needs to be considered when planning such programs. However, more research is needed to guide practice and policymaking.


Author(s):  
Mary Griggs ◽  
Cheng Liu ◽  
Kate Cooper

Abstract Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly experienced by asylum seekers and refugees (ASR). Evidence supports the use of cognitive behavioural therapy-based treatments, but not in group format for this population. However, group-based treatments are frequently used as a first-line intervention in the UK. Aims: This study investigated the feasibility of delivering a group-based, manualised stabilisation course specifically developed for ASR. The second aim was to evaluate the use of routine outcome measures (ROMs) to capture psychological change in this population. Method: Eighty-two participants from 22 countries attended the 8-session Moving On After Trauma (MOAT) group-based stabilisation treatment. PHQ-9, GAD-7, IES-R and idiosyncratic outcomes were administered pre- and post-intervention. Results: Seventy-one per cent of participants (n = 58) attended five or more of the treatment sessions. While completion rates of the ROMs were poor – measures were completed at pre- and post-intervention for 46% participants (n = 38) – a repeated-measures MANOVA indicated significant improvements in depression (p = .001, ηp2 = .262), anxiety (p = .000, ηp2 = .390), PTSD (p = .001, ηp2 = .393) and idiosyncratic measures (p = .000, ηp2 = .593) following the intervention. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence indicates that ASR who attended a low-intensity, group-based stabilisation group for PTSD experienced lower mental health scores post-group, although the lack of a comparison group means these results should be interpreted with caution. There are significant challenges in administering ROMs to individuals who speak many different languages, in a group setting. Nonetheless, groups have benefits including efficiency of treatment delivery which should also be considered.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Knights ◽  
Nicole Stone ◽  
Tom Nadarzynski ◽  
Katherine Brown ◽  
Katie Newby ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Male condoms are effective in preventing common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy, if used correctly and consistently. However, condom use errors and problems are common and young people report negative experiences, such as reduced pleasure. The Kinsey Institute Home-Based Exercises for Responsible Sex (KIHERS) is a novel condom promotion intervention for young women, which aims to reduce condom errors and problems, increase self-efficacy and improve attitudes towards condoms, using a pleasure-focussed approach. The study objective was to test the operability, viability and acceptability of an adapted version of the KIHERS intervention with young women aged 16–25 years in the United Kingdom (UK) (Home-Based Exercises for Responsible Sex-UK (HERS-UK). Methods A repeated-measures single-arm design was used, with a baseline (T1) and two follow-up assessments (T2 and T3), conducted 4 weeks and 8 weeks post intervention over a 3-month period. Participants were provided a condom kit containing different condoms and lubricants and were asked to experiment with condoms alone using a dildo and/or with a sexual partner. Ten process evaluation interviews were conducted post intervention. Results Fifty-five young women received the intervention; 36 (65%) completed T2 and 33 (60%) completed T3. Condom use errors and problems decreased, self-efficacy increased and attitudes towards condoms improved significantly. The proportion of participants who reported using a condom for intercourse in the past 4 weeks increased from T1 (20; 47%) to T2 (27; 87%) and T3 (23; 77%) and using lubricant with a condom for intercourse increased from T1 (6; 30%) to T2 (13; 48%)) and T3 (16; 70%). However, motivation to use condoms did not change. Cronbach’s alpha scores indicated good internal consistency of measures used. Qualitative data provided strong evidence for the acceptability of the intervention. Conclusions HERS-UK was implemented as intended and the recruitment strategy was successful within a college/university setting. This feasibility study provided an early indication of the potential effectiveness and acceptability of the intervention, and the benefits of using a pleasure-focussed approach with young women. Measures used captured change in outcome variables and were deemed fit for purpose. Future research should explore cost-effectiveness of this intervention, in a large-scale controlled trial using a diverse sample and targeting young women most at risk of STIs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinedu Anthony Iwu ◽  
Kenechi Uwakwe ◽  
Uche Oluoha ◽  
Chukwuma Duru ◽  
Ernest Nwaigbo

Abstract Background Adequate immunization coverage in rural communities remain a challenge in Nigeria. Traditional birth attendants (TBAs) form an integral part of the social, cultural and religious fabric in most rural communities in Nigeria. Despite their limitations in handling the complications of childbirth, TBAs are widely accepted and patronized, especially in rural areas. The objectives of the project were to empower TBAs and assess the use of a culturally adapted audio-visual workshop intervention to change their knowledge, attitude and willingness to promote immunization uptake. Methods A repeated-measures design that used a convenience sampling technique to select 90 TBAs from the three geopolitical zones of Imo State, Nigeria. The TBAs were engaged through a culturally adapted audio-visual workshop. Data were collected before and immediately after intervention using a pretested questionnaire. Chi square test was done to determine any significant association with the zone of practice and paired sample t-test analysis to determine any significant pre and post intervention change. Level of significance was set at p ≤ ·05. Results More than half of the TBAs had at most, a secondary level of education (54·4%). The average length of time they practiced as TBAs was 16 years with an average of ten birth deliveries per month. After the intervention, all the respondents (100%) reported a willingness to always promote immunization uptake and also, there was a statistically significant increase in Knowledge (p < ·000). Similarly, the level of knowledge in the post intervention period appeared to be significantly associated with the zone of practice (p = ·027). Conclusion The workshop intervention empowered the TBAs irrespective of their zones of residence by successfully improving their knowledge, though at varying levels; and consequently, their willingness to always promote immunization uptake.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1356336X2110058
Author(s):  
Francesco Sgrò ◽  
Roberto Coppola ◽  
Rosaria Schembri ◽  
Mario Lipoma

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a tactical games model instructional plan on game-play volleyball performances of elementary school students, taking into account their skill level. In total, 39 fourth-grade students (average age: 8.9 years) participated in a 13-week unit, in which each lesson exaggerated the use of small-sided games. In-game performances were assessed via the Team Sport Assessment Procedure, while students played a 10-minute modified game (four versus four). Data were collected pre- and post-intervention, and after the summer vacation (retention test). A 2 (skill level) × 3 (time) analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to compare students’ performance, and the relevant effects were interpreted mainly by means of confidence intervals and effect size measures. At the end of the instructional period, all participants had an overall moderate to large improvement, and this global improvement seems to have remained at least until the end of the summer vacation. Lower-skilled students attained a larger and more established improvement than high-skilled students did. However, some detrimental effects on in-game students’ performance existed at the end of the instructional period. Therefore, teachers have to take into account students’ skill levels when designing their lessons because, if small-sided games are adequately considered and managed, students’ learning processes can be enhanced. Furthermore, the students should be assigned appropriate learning activities to avoid summer learning loss in physical education.


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