scholarly journals Dose–Response Effects of Patient Engagement on Health Outcomes in an mHealth Intervention: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/25586 ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e25586
Author(s):  
Yiran Li ◽  
Yan Guo ◽  
Y Alicia Hong ◽  
Yu Zeng ◽  
Aliza Monroe-Wise ◽  
...  

Background The dose–response relationship between patient engagement and long-term intervention effects in mobile health (mHealth) interventions are understudied. Studies exploring long-term and potentially changing relationships between patient engagement and health outcomes in mHealth interventions are needed. Objective This study aims to examine dose–response relationships between patient engagement and 3 psychosocial outcomes in an mHealth intervention, Run4Love, using repeated measurements of outcomes at baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months. Methods This study is a secondary analysis using longitudinal data from the Run4Love trial, a randomized controlled trial with 300 people living with HIV and elevated depressive symptoms to examine the effects of a 3-month mHealth intervention on reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life (QOL). We examined the relationships between patient engagement and depressive symptoms, QOL, and perceived stress in the intervention group (N=150) using 4–time-point outcome measurements. Patient engagement was assessed using the completion rate of course assignments and frequency of items completed. Cluster analysis was used to categorize patients into high- and low-engagement groups. Generalized linear mixed effects models were conducted to investigate the dose–response relationships between patient engagement and outcomes. Results The cluster analysis identified 2 clusters that were distinctively different from each other. The first cluster comprised 72 participants with good compliance to the intervention, completing an average of 74% (53/72) of intervention items (IQR 0.22). The second cluster comprised 78 participants with low compliance to the intervention, completing an average of 15% (11/72) of intervention items (IQR 0.23). Results of the generalized linear mixed effects models showed that, compared with the low-engagement group, the high-engagement group had a significant reduction in more depressive symptoms (β=−1.93; P=.008) and perceived stress (β=−1.72; P<.001) and an improved QOL (β=2.41; P=.01) over 9 months. From baseline to 3, 6, and 9 months, the differences in depressive symptoms between the 2 engagement groups were 0.8, 1.6, 2.3, and 3.7 points, respectively, indicating widening between-group differences over time. Similarly, between-group differences in QOL and perceived stress increased over time (group differences in QOL: 0.9, 1.9, 4.7, and 5.1 points, respectively; group differences in the Perceived Stress Scale: 0.9, 1.4, 2.3, and 3.0 points, respectively). Conclusions This study revealed a positive long-term dose–response relationship between patient engagement and 3 psychosocial outcomes among people living with HIV and elevated depressive symptoms in an mHealth intervention over 9 months using 4 time-point repeat measurement data. The high- and low-engagement groups showed significant and widening differences in depressive symptoms, QOL, and perceived stress at the 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups. Future mHealth interventions should improve patient engagement to achieve long-term and sustained intervention effects. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012606; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=21019

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiran Li ◽  
Yan Guo ◽  
Y Alicia Hong ◽  
Yu Zeng ◽  
Aliza Monroe-Wise ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The dose–response relationship between patient engagement and long-term intervention effects in mobile health (mHealth) interventions are understudied. Studies exploring long-term and potentially changing relationships between patient engagement and health outcomes in mHealth interventions are needed. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine dose–response relationships between patient engagement and 3 psychosocial outcomes in an mHealth intervention, Run4Love, using repeated measurements of outcomes at baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months. METHODS This study is a secondary analysis using longitudinal data from the Run4Love trial, a randomized controlled trial with 300 people living with HIV and elevated depressive symptoms to examine the effects of a 3-month mHealth intervention on reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life (QOL). We examined the relationships between patient engagement and depressive symptoms, QOL, and perceived stress in the intervention group (N=150) using 4–time-point outcome measurements. Patient engagement was assessed using the completion rate of course assignments and frequency of items completed. Cluster analysis was used to categorize patients into high- and low-engagement groups. Generalized linear mixed effects models were conducted to investigate the dose–response relationships between patient engagement and outcomes. RESULTS The cluster analysis identified 2 clusters that were distinctively different from each other. The first cluster comprised 72 participants with good compliance to the intervention, completing an average of 74% (53/72) of intervention items (IQR 0.22). The second cluster comprised 78 participants with low compliance to the intervention, completing an average of 15% (11/72) of intervention items (IQR 0.23). Results of the generalized linear mixed effects models showed that, compared with the low-engagement group, the high-engagement group had a significant reduction in more depressive symptoms (<i>β</i>=−1.93; <i>P</i>=.008) and perceived stress (<i>β</i>=−1.72; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and an improved QOL (<i>β</i>=2.41; <i>P</i>=.01) over 9 months. From baseline to 3, 6, and 9 months, the differences in depressive symptoms between the 2 engagement groups were 0.8, 1.6, 2.3, and 3.7 points, respectively, indicating widening between-group differences over time. Similarly, between-group differences in QOL and perceived stress increased over time (group differences in QOL: 0.9, 1.9, 4.7, and 5.1 points, respectively; group differences in the Perceived Stress Scale: 0.9, 1.4, 2.3, and 3.0 points, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study revealed a positive long-term dose–response relationship between patient engagement and 3 psychosocial outcomes among people living with HIV and elevated depressive symptoms in an mHealth intervention over 9 months using 4 time-point repeat measurement data. The high- and low-engagement groups showed significant and widening differences in depressive symptoms, QOL, and perceived stress at the 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups. Future mHealth interventions should improve patient engagement to achieve long-term and sustained intervention effects. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012606; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=21019


10.2196/20847 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e20847
Author(s):  
Yu Zeng ◽  
Yan Guo ◽  
Linghua Li ◽  
Y Alicia Hong ◽  
Yiran Li ◽  
...  

Background Associations between higher levels of patient engagement and better health outcomes have been found in face-to-face interventions; studies on such associations with mobile health (mHealth) interventions have been limited and the results are inconclusive. Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between patient engagement in an mHealth intervention and depressive symptoms using repeated measures of both patient engagement and patient outcomes at 4 time points. Methods Data were drawn from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an mHealth intervention aimed at reducing depressive symptoms among people living with HIV and elevated depressive symptoms. We examined the association between patient engagement and depressive symptoms in the intervention group (n=150) where participants received an adapted cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) course and physical activity promotion on their WeChat social media app. Depressive symptoms were repeatedly measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) at baseline and 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months. Patient engagement was correspondingly measured by the completion rate, frequency of items completed, and time spent on the program at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months. Latent growth curve models (LGCMs) were used to explore the relationship between patient engagement and depressive symptoms at multiple time points in the intervention. Results The mean PHQ-9 scores were 10.2 (SD 4.5), 7.7 (SD 4.8), 6.5 (SD 4.7), and 6.7 (SD 4.1) at baseline, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months, respectively. The mean completion rates were 50.6% (SD 31.8%), 51.5% (SD 32.2%), and 50.8% (SD 33.7%) at 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively; the average frequencies of items completed were 18.0 (SD 14.6), 32.6 (SD 24.8), and 47.5 (SD 37.2) at 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively, and the mean times spent on the program were 32.7 (SD 66.7), 65.4 (SD 120.8), and 96.4 (SD 180.4) minutes at 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively. LGCMs showed good model fit and indicated that a higher completion rate (β at 3 months=–2.184, P=.048) and a greater frequency of items completed (β at 3 months=–0.018, P=.04) were associated with fewer depressive symptoms at 3 months. Although not significant, similar trends were found in the abovementioned relationships at 1 and 2 months. There was no significant relationship between time spent on the program and depressive symptoms. Conclusions This study revealed a positive association between patient engagement and health outcomes at 3 months of an mHealth intervention using LGCMs and repeated measures data. The results underscore the importance of improving patient engagement in mHealth interventions to improve patient-centered health outcomes. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012606; https://tinyurl.com/yxb64mef International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s12889-018-5693-1


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Zeng ◽  
Yan Guo ◽  
Linghua Li ◽  
Y Alicia Hong ◽  
Yiran Li ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Associations between higher levels of patient engagement and better health outcomes have been found in face-to-face interventions; studies on such associations with mobile health (mHealth) interventions have been limited and the results are inconclusive. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between patient engagement in an mHealth intervention and depressive symptoms using repeated measures of both patient engagement and patient outcomes at 4 time points. METHODS Data were drawn from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an mHealth intervention aimed at reducing depressive symptoms among people living with HIV and elevated depressive symptoms. We examined the association between patient engagement and depressive symptoms in the intervention group (n=150) where participants received an adapted cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) course and physical activity promotion on their WeChat social media app. Depressive symptoms were repeatedly measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) at baseline and 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months. Patient engagement was correspondingly measured by the completion rate, frequency of items completed, and time spent on the program at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months. Latent growth curve models (LGCMs) were used to explore the relationship between patient engagement and depressive symptoms at multiple time points in the intervention. RESULTS The mean PHQ-9 scores were 10.2 (SD 4.5), 7.7 (SD 4.8), 6.5 (SD 4.7), and 6.7 (SD 4.1) at baseline, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months, respectively. The mean completion rates were 50.6% (SD 31.8%), 51.5% (SD 32.2%), and 50.8% (SD 33.7%) at 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively; the average frequencies of items completed were 18.0 (SD 14.6), 32.6 (SD 24.8), and 47.5 (SD 37.2) at 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively, and the mean times spent on the program were 32.7 (SD 66.7), 65.4 (SD 120.8), and 96.4 (SD 180.4) minutes at 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively. LGCMs showed good model fit and indicated that a higher completion rate (β at 3 months=–2.184, <i>P</i>=.048) and a greater frequency of items completed (β at 3 months=–0.018, <i>P</i>=.04) were associated with fewer depressive symptoms at 3 months. Although not significant, similar trends were found in the abovementioned relationships at 1 and 2 months. There was no significant relationship between time spent on the program and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed a positive association between patient engagement and health outcomes at 3 months of an mHealth intervention using LGCMs and repeated measures data. The results underscore the importance of improving patient engagement in mHealth interventions to improve patient-centered health outcomes. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012606; https://tinyurl.com/yxb64mef INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.1186/s12889-018-5693-1


10.2196/14729 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. e14729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiran Li ◽  
Yan Guo ◽  
Y Alicia Hong ◽  
Mengting Zhu ◽  
Chengbo Zeng ◽  
...  

Background People living with HIV and depression have high rates of suicide. Studies of mobile health (mHealth) interventions have shown feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in improving mental health in people living with HIV and depression. However, few studies have examined the mechanisms and effects of mHealth interventions on suicide. Objective This study was designed to examine the mechanisms and effects of a WeChat-based intervention, Run4Love, on suicide among people living with HIV and depression in China, while considering perceived stress and depressive symptoms as mediators. Methods A sample of 300 People living with HIV and depression was recruited from the outpatient clinic of a large HIV or AIDS treatment hospital and was randomized to the Run4Love group or a control group. Data were collected at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups. Path analysis modeling, with longitudinal data, was used in data analyses. Results The Run4Love mHealth intervention had a direct effect on reducing suicide rate at the 6-month follow-up (beta=−.18, P=.02) and indirect effect through reducing perceived stress and depressive symptoms at the 3-month follow-up (beta=−.09, P=.001). A partial mediating effect between perceived stress and depressive symptoms accounted for 33% (–0.09/–0.27) of the total effect. Conclusions Through path analyses, we understood the mechanisms and effects of an mHealth intervention on suicide prevention. The findings underscored the importance of stress reduction and depression treatment in such a program. We call for more effective suicide prevention, especially mHealth interventions targeting the vulnerable population of people living with HIV and depression. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012606; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=21019


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiran Li ◽  
Yan Guo ◽  
Y Alicia Hong ◽  
Mengting Zhu ◽  
Chengbo Zeng ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND People living with HIV and depression have high rates of suicide. Studies of mobile health (mHealth) interventions have shown feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in improving mental health in people living with HIV and depression. However, few studies have examined the mechanisms and effects of mHealth interventions on suicide. OBJECTIVE This study was designed to examine the mechanisms and effects of a WeChat-based intervention, <italic>Run4Love</italic>, on suicide among people living with HIV and depression in China, while considering perceived stress and depressive symptoms as mediators. METHODS A sample of 300 People living with HIV and depression was recruited from the outpatient clinic of a large HIV or AIDS treatment hospital and was randomized to the <italic>Run4Love</italic> group or a control group. Data were collected at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups. Path analysis modeling, with longitudinal data, was used in data analyses. RESULTS The <italic>Run4Love</italic> mHealth intervention had a direct effect on reducing suicide rate at the 6-month follow-up (beta=−.18, <italic>P</italic>=.02) and indirect effect through reducing perceived stress and depressive symptoms at the 3-month follow-up (beta=−.09, <italic>P</italic>=.001). A partial mediating effect between perceived stress and depressive symptoms accounted for 33% (–0.09/–0.27) of the total effect. CONCLUSIONS Through path analyses, we understood the mechanisms and effects of an mHealth intervention on suicide prevention. The findings underscored the importance of stress reduction and depression treatment in such a program. We call for more effective suicide prevention, especially mHealth interventions targeting the vulnerable population of people living with HIV and depression. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012606; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=21019


10.2196/16715 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. e16715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Guo ◽  
Y Alicia Hong ◽  
Weiping Cai ◽  
Linghua Li ◽  
Yuantao Hao ◽  
...  

Background People living with HIV (PLWH) have high rates of depressive symptoms. However, only a few effective mental health interventions exist for this vulnerable population. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a WeChat-based intervention, Run4Love, with a randomized controlled trial among 300 people living with HIV and depression (PLWHD) in China. Methods We recruited PLWH from the HIV outpatient clinic in South China. Participants were screened based on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. Those who scored 16 or higher were eligible to participate. A total of 300 eligible patients were enrolled. After obtaining informed consent from the participants, completion of a baseline survey, and collection of participants’ hair samples for measuring cortisol, the participants were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group received the Run4Love program, delivered via the popular social media app WeChat. Cognitive behavioral stress management courses and weekly reminders of exercise were delivered in a multimedia format. Participants’ progress was monitored with timely and tailored feedback. The control group received usual care and a brochure on nutrition for PLWH. Data were collected at 3, 6, and 9 months. The primary outcome was depression, which was measured by a validated instrument. Results Participants in the intervention and control groups were comparable at baseline; about 91.3% (139/150), 88.3% (132/150), and 86.7% (130/150) participants completed the 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups, respectively. At the 3-month follow-up, a significant reduction in CES-D score was observed in the intervention group (from 23.9 to 17.7 vs from 24.3 to 23.8; mean difference=−5.77, 95% CI −7.82 to −3.71; P<.001; standard effect size d=0.66). The mean changes in CES-D score from baseline to the 6- and 9-month follow-ups between the two groups remained statistically significant. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions The WeChat-based mobile health (mHealth) intervention Run4Love significantly reduced depressive symptoms among PLWHD, and the effect was sustained. An app-based mHealth intervention could provide a feasible therapeutic option for many PLWHD in resource-limited settings. Further research is needed to assess generalizability and cost-effectiveness of this intervention. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012606; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=21019 (Archived by WebCite at https://www.webcitation.org/78Bw2vouF)


Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolaade Kalinowski ◽  
Sheila F Castaneda ◽  
Matthew A Allison ◽  
Zoe T Duberstein ◽  
Kiranjot Kaur ◽  
...  

Introduction: Chronic stress is associated with incident hypertension and is a promising intervention target for lowering blood pressure (BP), particularly in women. Growing evidence suggests that mindfulness-based interventions can reduce BP and improve psychological outcomes but the in-person format of traditional programs limits access. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and effects of telephone-delivered mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT-T) in women with prehypertension. Methods: We conducted a pilot RCT in which 37 women meeting JNC 7 criteria for prehypertension (SBP 120-139 mmHg or DBP 80-89 mmHg) and not taking antihypertensive medication were recruited from outpatient clinics or via the EHR. Eligible participants were randomized to usual care or MBCT-T, which involved 8 weekly 1-hour phone sessions delivered to small groups by a trained instructor. Outcomes included feasibility (session completion), acceptability (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire [CSQ]), SBP (mean of 3 clinic BP measurements), perceived stress (PSS-10) and depressive symptoms (PHQ-8). Linear mixed models with a random effect of intervention cohort were performed to compare 3-month changes in outcomes between study arms, adjusting for age and ethnicity. Results: The mean age was 50.7±17.7, 68% of participants were racial/ethnic minorities, and baseline SBP/DBP was 127.8±6.2/77.5±7.2 mmHg. There were no significant differences between study arms in demographics or baseline characteristics. The median number of sessions completed was 6 of 8. Fewer sessions were completed by employed vs. unemployed women (4.5 vs. 7.8, t=3.55, p=.003) and by foreign-born vs. U.S.-born women (2.8 vs. 5.9, t=1.87, p=.08). Overall 3-month retention was 89% but follow-up BP was missing in ~50% of participants due to COVID-19 research restrictions. Three-quarters of MBCT-T participants reported high satisfaction with the intervention (CSQ24). In the subgroup with complete follow-up data, SBP declined in both study arms but there was no significant between-group difference (p=0.51). Conversely, greater reductions in perceived stress and depressive symptoms were observed in the MBCT-T arm vs. usual care (between-group differences of 3.63 [PSS-10; p=.163] and 2.90 [PHQ-8; p=.008]). In per-protocol analyses limited to MBCT-T participants who completed ≥4 sessions, effects were larger for perceived stress and similar for depressive symptoms (between-group differences of 6.17 [PSS-10; p=.012] and 2.77 [PHQ-8; p=.025]). Conclusions: Results support the feasibility and acceptability of telephone-based mindfulness training in diverse women with prehypertension. Promising findings for stress and depressive symptoms suggest further studies are warranted. Strategies to address barriers to participation, particularly among working women and minorities, are needed.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juqing Zhao ◽  
Pei Chen ◽  
Guangming Wan

BACKGROUND There has been an increase number of eHealth and mHealth interventions aimed to support symptoms among cancer survivors. However, patient engagement has not been guaranteed and standardized in these interventions. OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to address how patient engagement has been defined and measured in eHealth and mHealth interventions designed to improve symptoms and quality of life for cancer patients. METHODS Searches were performed in MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify eHealth and mHealth interventions designed specifically to improve symptom management for cancer patients. Definition and measurement of engagement and engagement related outcomes of each intervention were synthesized. This integrated review was conducted using Critical Interpretive Synthesis to ensure the quality of data synthesis. RESULTS A total of 792 intervention studies were identified through the searches; 10 research papers met the inclusion criteria. Most of them (6/10) were randomized trial, 2 were one group trail, 1 was qualitative design, and 1 paper used mixed method. Majority of identified papers defined patient engagement as the usage of an eHealth and mHealth intervention by using different variables (e.g., usage time, log in times, participation rate). Engagement has also been described as subjective experience about the interaction with the intervention. The measurement of engagement is in accordance with the definition of engagement and can be categorized as objective and subjective measures. Among identified papers, 5 used system usage data, 2 used self-reported questionnaire, 1 used sensor data and 3 used qualitative method. Almost all studies reported engagement at a moment to moment level, but there is a lack of measurement of engagement for the long term. CONCLUSIONS There have been calls to develop standard definition and measurement of patient engagement in eHealth and mHealth interventions. Besides, it is important to provide cancer patients with more tailored and engaging eHealth and mHealth interventions for long term engagement.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Bücker ◽  
Josefine Gehlenborg ◽  
Steffen Moritz ◽  
Stefan Westermann

AbstractThe majority of individuals with problematic and pathological gambling remain untreated, and treatment barriers are high. Internet-based interventions can help to address existing barriers, and first studies suggest their potential for this target group. Within a randomized controlled trial (N = 150) with two assessment times (baseline and post-intervention), we aimed to investigate the feasibility, acceptance, and effectiveness of a self-guided Internet-based intervention targeted at gambling problems. We expected a significant reduction in gambling symptoms (primary outcome) and depressive symptoms as well gambling-specific dysfunctional thoughts (secondary outcomes) in the intervention group (IG) compared to a wait-list control group with access to treatment-as-usual (control group, CG) after the intervention period of 8 weeks. Results of the complete cases, per protocol, intention-to-treat (ITT), and frequent user analyses showed significant improvements in both groups for primary and secondary outcomes but no significant between-group differences (ITT primary outcome, F(1,147) = .11, p = .739, ηp2 < .001). Moderation analyses indicated that individuals in the IG with higher gambling and depressive symptoms, older age, and comorbid anxiety symptoms showed significant improvement relative to the CG. The intervention was positively evaluated (e.g., 96.5% rated the program as useful). Possible reasons for the nonsignificant between-group differences are discussed. Future studies should include follow-up assessments and larger samples to address limitations of the present study. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03372226), http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03372226, date of registration (13/12/2017).


2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane McCusker ◽  
Martin G. Cole ◽  
Philippe Voyer ◽  
Johanne Monette ◽  
Nathalie Champoux ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackground:Depression is a common problem in long-term care (LTC) settings. We sought to characterize depression symptom trajectories over six months among older residents, and to identify resident characteristics at baseline that predict symptom trajectory.Methods:This study was a secondary analysis of data from a six-month prospective, observational, and multi-site study. Severity of depressive symptoms was assessed with the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) at baseline and with up to six monthly follow-up assessments. Participants were 130 residents with a Mini-Mental State Examination score of 15 or more at baseline and of at least two of the six monthly follow-up assessments. Individual resident GDS trajectories were grouped using hierarchical clustering. The baseline predictors of a more severe trajectory were identified using the Proportional Odds Model.Results:Three clusters of depression symptom trajectory were found that described “lower,” “intermediate,” and “higher” levels of depressive symptoms over time (mean GDS scores for three clusters at baseline were 2.2, 4.9, and 9.0 respectively). The GDS scores in all groups were generally stable over time. Baseline predictors of a more severe trajectory were as follows: Initial GDS score of 7 or more, female sex, LTC residence for less than 12 months, and corrected visual impairment.Conclusions:The six-month course of depressive symptoms in LTC is generally stable. Most residents who experience a more severe symptom trajectory can be identified at baseline.


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