scholarly journals Evaluation of a Technology-Based Peer-Support Intervention Program for Preventing Postnatal Depression (Part 1): Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shefaly Shorey ◽  
Cornelia Yin Ing Chee ◽  
Esperanza Debby Ng ◽  
Ying Lau ◽  
Cindy-Lee Dennis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Postnatal Depression ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
New Mothers ◽  
Support Intervention

BACKGROUND The frenzy of postbirth events often takes a toll on mothers’ mental well-being, leaving them susceptible to postpartum psychological disorders such as postnatal depression (PND). Social support has been found to be effective in restoring the emotional well-being of new mothers. Therefore, mothers need to be supported during the crucial postpartum period to buffer the negative after effects of childbirth and to promote healthier maternal well-being. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a technology-based peer-support intervention program (PIP) on maternal outcomes during the early postpartum period. METHODS A randomized, parallel-armed controlled trial was conducted. The study recruited 138 mothers (69 in intervention group, 69 in control group) at risk of PND from a tertiary hospital in Singapore. To support these mothers, 20 peer volunteers were recruited by word of mouth and trained by a psychiatrist in social support skills before the intervention commenced. The 4-week–long intervention included a weekly follow-up with a peer volunteer through phone calls or text messages. The intervention group received peer support in addition to the standard care offered by the hospital. The control group only received postnatal standard care. Maternal outcomes (PND, postnatal anxiety [PNA], loneliness, and perceived social support) were measured with reliable and valid instruments. Data were collected immediately postpartum, at 1 month postpartum and at 3 months postpartum. The general linear model was used to compare the groups for postpartum percentage changes in the outcome variables at first and third months, and the linear mixed model was used to compare the trend over the study period. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores (d=–2.11; 95% CI −4.0 to −0.3; P=.03) between the intervention and control groups at 3 months postpartum after adjusting for covariates. The intervention group had a significant change over time compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS The technology-based PIP was found to be effective in reducing the risk of PND among new mothers and showed a generally positive trend in reducing PNA and loneliness and increasing perceived social support. This study highlights the importance of training paraprofessionals to provide needed support for new mothers postpartum. A further long-term evaluation of the PIP on maternal and family outcomes and its cost-effectiveness is needed to inform clinical practices. CLINICALTRIAL ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN14864807; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14864807 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/resprot.9416

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Technology-Based Peer-Support Intervention Program for Preventing Postnatal Depression (Part 1): Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/12410 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. e12410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shefaly Shorey ◽  
Cornelia Yin Ing Chee ◽  
Esperanza Debby Ng ◽  
Ying Lau ◽  
Cindy-Lee Dennis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Postnatal Depression ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
New Mothers ◽  
Support Intervention

Background The frenzy of postbirth events often takes a toll on mothers’ mental well-being, leaving them susceptible to postpartum psychological disorders such as postnatal depression (PND). Social support has been found to be effective in restoring the emotional well-being of new mothers. Therefore, mothers need to be supported during the crucial postpartum period to buffer the negative after effects of childbirth and to promote healthier maternal well-being. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a technology-based peer-support intervention program (PIP) on maternal outcomes during the early postpartum period. Methods A randomized, parallel-armed controlled trial was conducted. The study recruited 138 mothers (69 in intervention group, 69 in control group) at risk of PND from a tertiary hospital in Singapore. To support these mothers, 20 peer volunteers were recruited by word of mouth and trained by a psychiatrist in social support skills before the intervention commenced. The 4-week–long intervention included a weekly follow-up with a peer volunteer through phone calls or text messages. The intervention group received peer support in addition to the standard care offered by the hospital. The control group only received postnatal standard care. Maternal outcomes (PND, postnatal anxiety [PNA], loneliness, and perceived social support) were measured with reliable and valid instruments. Data were collected immediately postpartum, at 1 month postpartum and at 3 months postpartum. The general linear model was used to compare the groups for postpartum percentage changes in the outcome variables at first and third months, and the linear mixed model was used to compare the trend over the study period. Results There was a statistically significant difference in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores (d=–2.11; 95% CI −4.0 to −0.3; P=.03) between the intervention and control groups at 3 months postpartum after adjusting for covariates. The intervention group had a significant change over time compared with the control group. Conclusions The technology-based PIP was found to be effective in reducing the risk of PND among new mothers and showed a generally positive trend in reducing PNA and loneliness and increasing perceived social support. This study highlights the importance of training paraprofessionals to provide needed support for new mothers postpartum. A further long-term evaluation of the PIP on maternal and family outcomes and its cost-effectiveness is needed to inform clinical practices. Trial Registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN14864807; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14864807 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/resprot.9416

Evaluation of Technology-Based Peer Support Intervention Program for Preventing Postnatal Depression: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shefaly Shorey ◽  
Cornelia Chee ◽  
Yap-Seng Chong ◽  
Esperanza Debby Ng ◽  
Ying Lau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Postnatal Depression ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
New Mothers ◽  
Support Intervention ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Peer Support Intervention

BACKGROUND Multiple international agencies, including the World Health Organization and the International Monetary Fund, have emphasized the importance of maternal mental health for optimal child health and development. Adequate social support is vital for the most vulnerable to postpartum mood disorders. Hence, an urgent need for sustainable social support programs to aid mothers ease into their new parenting role exists. OBJECTIVE This study protocol aims to examine the effectiveness of a technology-based peer support intervention program among mothers at risk for postnatal depression in the early postpartum period. METHODS A randomized controlled 2-group pretest and repeated posttest experimental design will be used. The study will recruit 118 mothers from the postnatal wards of a tertiary public hospital in Singapore. Eligible mothers will be randomly allocated to receive either the peer support intervention program or routine perinatal care from the hospital. Peer volunteers will be mothers who have experienced self-reported depression and will be receiving face-to-face training to support new mothers at risk of depression. Outcome measures include postnatal depression, anxiety, loneliness, and social support. Data will be collected at immediate postnatal period (day of discharge from the hospital), at fourth week and twelfth week post childbirth. RESULTS The recruitment and training of peer support volunteers (N=20) ended in June 2017, whereas recruitment of study participants commenced in July 2017 and is still ongoing. The current recruitment for new mothers stands at 73, with 36 in the control group and 37 in the intervention group. Data collection is projected to be completed by May 2018. CONCLUSIONS This study will identify a potentially effective and clinically useful method to prevent postnatal depression in new mothers, which is the top cause of maternal morbidity. Receiving social support from others who share similar experiences may enhance the positive parenting experiences of mothers, which in turn can improve the psychosocial well-being of the mothers, tighten mother-child bond, and enhance overall family dynamics for mothers and infants. CLINICALTRIAL International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN14864807; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14864807 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6xtBNvBTX)

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Technology-Based Peer-Support Intervention Program for Preventing Postnatal Depression (Part 2): Qualitative Study

10.2196/12915 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. e12915 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shefaly Shorey ◽  
Esperanza Debby Ng
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Postnatal Depression ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Intervention ◽  
Peer Volunteers ◽  
Asian Mothers ◽  
Peer Support Intervention

Background Social support is known to reduce risks of postnatal depression (PND) and improve maternal emotional well-being. However, the Asian cultural context is often neglected when appraising maternal needs and mothers’ preferences for social support. While many preventive efforts have experimented with technology, professionals, and paraprofessionals in providing social support to mothers in need, most studies determined the effectiveness of their interventions through quantitative measurements of maternal outcomes. Experiences and feedback from both participants and administrators are rarely discussed, especially in an Asian setting. Objective The goal of the research was to evaluate the postnatal experiences of Asian mothers at risk of PND and the perceptions of peer volunteers regarding a technology-based peer-support intervention program (PIP). Methods A qualitative semistructured interview was conducted with 20 Asian mothers at risk of depression (10 from the control group and 10 from the intervention group) and 19 peer volunteers from a randomized controlled trial. The PIP included weekly correspondence between peer volunteers and mothers through any telecommunication means over 4 weeks. All interviews were approximately 30 to 60 minutes long, audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Study findings were reported according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials checklist. Results Two overarching themes comprising five subthemes were generated: postnatal experience (a bouncy ride, a way forward) and evaluation of the PIP (valuable, flexible, and supportive program; building blocks of a good relationship; and lessons learned and the road ahead). Mothers from both the control and interventions groups were generally satisfied with hospital care and the support received from family. They also shared similar breastfeeding challenges and needs for more informed decisions and follow-up support from the hospital. However, mothers who received the PIP tended to have more positive outlooks of their birth experiences. Overall, peer volunteers and mothers involved in the PIP found the PIP useful and expressed satisfaction with the program’s flexibility. They also shared their personal takeaways, the qualities of their friendships, and the need for extended correspondence time and recommended outreach to non–at-risk mothers. Conclusions The positive endorsement of the PIP by peer volunteers and mothers suggests the success of the PIP in maintaining positive maternal emotional well-being during the postpartum period. With the help of technology, hospitals can easily provide additional peer support to at-risk mothers in addition to existing standard care offered to these mothers. Trial Registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN14864807; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14864807 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/resprot.9416

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Technology-Based Peer-Support Intervention Program for Preventing Postnatal Depression (Part 2): Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shefaly Shorey ◽  
Esperanza Debby Ng
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Postnatal Depression ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Intervention ◽  
Peer Volunteers ◽  
Asian Mothers ◽  
Peer Support Intervention

BACKGROUND Social support is known to reduce risks of postnatal depression (PND) and improve maternal emotional well-being. However, the Asian cultural context is often neglected when appraising maternal needs and mothers’ preferences for social support. While many preventive efforts have experimented with technology, professionals, and paraprofessionals in providing social support to mothers in need, most studies determined the effectiveness of their interventions through quantitative measurements of maternal outcomes. Experiences and feedback from both participants and administrators are rarely discussed, especially in an Asian setting. OBJECTIVE The goal of the research was to evaluate the postnatal experiences of Asian mothers at risk of PND and the perceptions of peer volunteers regarding a technology-based peer-support intervention program (PIP). METHODS A qualitative semistructured interview was conducted with 20 Asian mothers at risk of depression (10 from the control group and 10 from the intervention group) and 19 peer volunteers from a randomized controlled trial. The PIP included weekly correspondence between peer volunteers and mothers through any telecommunication means over 4 weeks. All interviews were approximately 30 to 60 minutes long, audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Study findings were reported according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials checklist. RESULTS Two overarching themes comprising five subthemes were generated: postnatal experience (a bouncy ride, a way forward) and evaluation of the PIP (valuable, flexible, and supportive program; building blocks of a good relationship; and lessons learned and the road ahead). Mothers from both the control and interventions groups were generally satisfied with hospital care and the support received from family. They also shared similar breastfeeding challenges and needs for more informed decisions and follow-up support from the hospital. However, mothers who received the PIP tended to have more positive outlooks of their birth experiences. Overall, peer volunteers and mothers involved in the PIP found the PIP useful and expressed satisfaction with the program’s flexibility. They also shared their personal takeaways, the qualities of their friendships, and the need for extended correspondence time and recommended outreach to non–at-risk mothers. CONCLUSIONS The positive endorsement of the PIP by peer volunteers and mothers suggests the success of the PIP in maintaining positive maternal emotional well-being during the postpartum period. With the help of technology, hospitals can easily provide additional peer support to at-risk mothers in addition to existing standard care offered to these mothers. CLINICALTRIAL ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN14864807; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14864807 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/resprot.9416

scholarly journals Effect of Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) Intervention on Well-Being, Resilience and Burnout of Teachers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3689
Author(s):  
Tzofnat Zadok-Gurman ◽  
Ronit Jakobovich ◽  
Eti Dvash ◽  
Keren Zafrani ◽  
Benjamin Rolnik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Intention To Treat ◽  
School Year ◽  
Blended Intervention

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on teachers professional and personal lives. Our primary aim was to assess the effect of a blended Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR), an emerging mindfulness and cognitive reframing intervention on teacher’s well-being. Our secondary aims were to assess the effect of IBSR on resilience, burnout, mindfulness, and stress among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was a prospective controlled trial with an intervention group (N = 35) and a comparison control group (N = 32). The intervention took place in the Jerusalem District throughout the school year from November 2019 to May 2020. The sessions were conducted in blended learning that included traditional learning (face-to-face) and online learning. Data was analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results: IBSR blended intervention enhanced the resilience and improved the subjective and psychological well-being of teachers in spite of the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic and the first lockdown in Israel. Simultaneously the control group suffered from enhanced burnout levels and a decline in psychological and subjective well-being. Conclusions: Implementation of IBSR blended intervention during the school year may benefit teachers’ well-being and ability to flourish, even during stressful events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals A randomized wait-list controlled trial of a social support intervention for caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumor

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maija Reblin ◽  
Dana Ketcher ◽  
Rachael McCormick ◽  
Veronica Barrios-Monroy ◽  
Steven K. Sutton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Wait List ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Support Intervention ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Abstract Background Informal family caregivers constitute an important and increasingly demanding role in the cancer healthcare system. This is especially true for caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumors based on the rapid progression of disease, including physical and cognitive debilitation. Informal social network resources such as friends and family can provide social support to caregivers, which lowers caregiver burden and improves overall quality of life. However, barriers to obtaining needed social support exist for caregivers. To address this need, our team developed and is assessing a multi-component caregiver support intervention that uses a blend of technology and personal contact to improve caregiver social support. Methods We are currently conducting a prospective, longitudinal 2-group randomized controlled trial which compares caregivers who receive the intervention to a wait-list control group. Only caregivers directly receive the intervention, but the patient-caregiver dyads are enrolled so we can assess outcomes in both. The 8-week intervention consists of two components: (1) The electronic Social Network Assessment Program, a web-based tool to visualize existing social support resources and provide a tailored list of additional resources; and (2) Caregiver Navigation, including weekly phone sessions with a Caregiver Navigator to address caregiver social support needs. Outcomes are assessed by questionnaires completed by the caregiver (baseline, 4-week, 8-week) and the cancer patient (baseline, and 8-week). At 8 weeks, caregivers in the wait-list condition may opt into the intervention. Our primary outcome is caregiver well-being; we also explore patient well-being and caregiver and patient health care utilization. Discussion This protocol describes a study testing a novel social support intervention that pairs a web-based social network visualization tool and resource list (eSNAP) with personalized caregiver navigation. This intervention is responsive to a family-centered model of care and calls for clinical and research priorities focused on informal caregiving research. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov, Registration number: NCT04268979; Date of registration: February 10, 2020, retrospectively registered.

scholarly journals A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial for the Effectiveness of the ‘Aibo’ Intervention Program for Distraction in Childhood Vaccination

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoko Tanaka ◽  
Maoko Hayakawa ◽  
Chihiro Noda ◽  
Moemi Nakamura ◽  
Akio Nakamura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Behavioral Observation ◽  
Childhood Vaccination ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Face Scale

Abstract Procedures and actions such as injections and immobilization cause pain and distress to children. In the pediatric field, there is a need for interventions and support to alleviate the pain and distress caused by such medical procedures. In recent years, the introduction of robots as a means of distraction has begun to be attempted. In this study, we conducted a non-randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of intervention using ‘aibo’, a dog-like robot which has artificial intelligence (AI), to promote distraction in children after vaccination. As a result, 57 children (32 in the intervention group) participated in the study. Results of a t-test with the control group showed that the intervention group using aibo had significantly less pain following the post-vaccination intervention than the control group using stuffed dog (Face Scale, t(55) = 2.582, p = .0125; Behavioral Observation Scale, t(55) = 2.772, p = .00759). The results support the hypothesis that the aibo intervention group will be less distressed and able to calm down more quickly after vaccination than the control group. Conclusion : AI-powered aibo interventions that allow for interactive interaction can be an effective distraction method during painful procedures such as vaccinations.

scholarly journals A Randomized Controlled Trial of Tai Chi for Tension Headaches

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan B. Abbott ◽  
Ka-Kit Hui ◽  
Ron D. Hays ◽  
Ming-Dong Li ◽  
Timothy Pan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Tension Type Headaches ◽  
Headache Impact

This study examined whether a traditional low-impact mind–body exercise, Tai Chi, affects health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) and headache impact in an adult population suffering from tension-type headaches. Forty-seven participants were randomly assigned to either a 15 week intervention program of Tai Chi instruction or a wait-list control group. HRQOL (SF-36v2) and headache status (HIT-6™) were obtained at baseline and at 5, 10 and 15 weeks post-baseline during the intervention period. Statistically significant (P< 0.05) improvements in favor of the intervention were present for the HIT score and the SF-36 pain, energy/fatigue, social functioning, emotional well-being and mental health summary scores. A 15 week intervention of Tai Chi practice was effective in reducing headache impact and also effective in improving perceptions of some aspects of physical and mental health.

scholarly journals A Lifestyle (Dietary) Intervention Reduces Tiredness in Children with Subclinical Hypothyroidism, a Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 3689
Author(s):  
Ellen van der Gaag ◽  
Job van der Palen ◽  
Pim Schaap ◽  
Mirthe van Voorthuizen ◽  
Thalia Hummel
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Subclinical Hypothyroidism ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Scale Scores

Purpose: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) in children and adults is a subject for discussion in terms of whether to treat it or not with respect to the short-term clinical implications and consequences of SH and in the long term. If treatment with thyroxine supplementation is not indicated, no other treatment is available. We investigated whether a lifestyle (dietary) intervention improves or normalizes SH or decreases the presence of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and/or tiredness. Methods: We randomized children aged 1–12 years with SH to the control group (standard care = no treatment) or intervention group (dietary intervention). The dietary intervention consisted of green vegetables, beef, whole milk and butter for 6 months. The rest of the diet remained unchanged. We measured TSH, FreeT4, Lipid profile, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Pediatric Quality of Life (PedQL) multidimensional fatigue scale scores. Results: In total, 62 children were included. After 6 months, TSH decreased in both groups without a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.98). PedQL fatigue scores for sleep (p = 0.032) and total fatigue scores (p = 0.039) improved significantly in the intervention group, compared to the control group. No unfavorable effects occurred in the lipid profile or BMI. Conclusion: The lifestyle (dietary) intervention did not normalize SH and TSH levels, but it significantly reduced tiredness. These results suggest that children’s well-being can be improved without medication.

Efficacy of Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit Group Intervention for Parents of Children With Eczema: A Randomized, Wait-List Controlled Clinical Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 623-632
Author(s):  
Yat-Lui Fung ◽  
Hiu-Tin Leung ◽  
Celia H. Y. Chan ◽  
Bobo H. P. Lau ◽  
Cecilia L. W. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Psychosocial Intervention ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Wait List ◽  
Reducing Stress

Objectives: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a psychosocial intervention developed based on the Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit (IBMS) model that aimed to enhance the well-being of parents of children with eczema. Methods: Ninety-one families were randomly allocated to either the six-session intervention group ( n = 48) or the wait-list control group ( n = 43) and completed the randomized trial. For both groups, a range of psychosocial outcome measures were taken before the intervention (T0), postintervention (T1), and 6 weeks after the intervention (T2). Results: Relative to the control group, the intervention group was significantly improved over time in their levels of perceived stress, depression, and a number of holistic well-being measures, including nonattachment, afflictive ideation, and general vitality. Discussion: The results provided empirical support for an IBMS-informed psychosocial intervention in reducing stress and depression and enhancing well-being among parents of children with eczema.

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