Efficacy of a Parent-Based, Indicated Prevention for Anorexia Nervosa: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Web-based preventive interventions can reduce risk and incidence of bulimia and binge eating disorders among young high-risk women. However, their specific effects on core symptoms of anorexia nervosa (AN) are rather weak. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an indicated, parent-based, Web-based preventive program Eltern als Therapeuten (E@T) in reducing risk factors and symptoms of AN. METHODS Girls aged between 11 and 17 years were screened by selected risk factors and early symptoms of AN. At-risk families were then randomized to E@T or an assessment-only control condition. Assessments took place at pre- and postintervention (6 weeks later) and at 6- and 12-month follow-up (FU). RESULTS A total of 12,377 screening questionnaires were handed out in 86 German schools, and 3941 including consent returned. Overall, 477 (447/3941, 12.10%) girls were identified as at risk for AN and 256 of those could be contacted. In all, 66 families (66/256, 25.8% of those contacted) were randomized to the E@T or a wait-list control condition, 43 (43/66, 65%) participated in postassessments, and 27 (27/66, 41%) in 12-month FUs. Due to low participation and high dropout rates of parents, recruitment was terminated prematurely. At 12-month FU, girls’ expected body weight (EBW) percentage was significantly greater for intervention participants compared with control participants (group by time interaction beta=21.0 [CI 5.81 to 36.13], P=.007; group by time squared interaction beta=−15.5 [CI −26.6 to −4.49], P=.007; estimated Cohen d=0.42]. No other significant effects were found on risk factors and attitudes of disturbed eating. CONCLUSIONS Despite a significant increase in girls’ EBW percentage, parental participation and adherence to the intervention were low. Overall, parent-based, indicated prevention for children at risk for AN does not seem very promising, although it might be useful for parents who engage in the intervention. CLINICALTRIAL International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 18614564; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN18614564 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/74FTV1EpF).

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of Evaluation of a web-based skills intervention for carers of people with anorexia nervosa: a randomized controlled trial.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.718013713.793479470 ◽

2013 ◽

Author(s):

Ivan Eisler ◽

Anna Konstantellou

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Anorexia Nervosa ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Web Based ◽

Randomized Controlled

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A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a web-based, computer-tailored self-management intervention for people with or at risk for COPD

International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

10.2147/copd.s81295 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 1061 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Viola Voncken-Brewster ◽

Huibert Tange ◽

Hein de Vries ◽

Zsolt Nagykaldi ◽

Bjorn Winkens ◽

...

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Self Management ◽

Web Based ◽

Management Intervention ◽

Randomized Controlled

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Effect of a Web-Based Behavior Change Program on Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Adults at High Risk of Developing Cardiovascular Disease: Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/jmir.3828 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 17 (7) ◽

pp. e177 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Sinead Watson ◽

Jayne V Woodside ◽

Lisa J Ware ◽

Steven J Hunter ◽

Alanna McGrath ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Weight Loss ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Obese Adults ◽

Web Based ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Behavior Change Program

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of Evaluation of a web-based skills intervention for carers of people with anorexia nervosa: a randomized controlled trial.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.718013713.793478666 ◽

2013 ◽

Author(s):

James Lock

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Anorexia Nervosa ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Web Based ◽

Randomized Controlled

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Web-Based Communication Strategies Designed to Improve Intention to Minimize Risk for Colorectal Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.8250 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Carlene Wilson ◽

Ingrid Flight ◽

Ian T Zajac ◽

Deborah Turnbull ◽

Graeme P Young ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Cancer Information ◽

Free Text ◽

Age Group ◽

Access To Information ◽

Web Based ◽

Randomized Controlled

BACKGROUND People seek information on the Web for managing their colorectal cancer (CRC) risk but retrieve much personally irrelevant material. Targeting information pertinent to this cohort via a frequently asked question (FAQ) format could improve outcomes. OBJECTIVE We identified and prioritized colorectal cancer information for men and women aged 35 to 74 years (study 1) and built a website containing FAQs ordered by age and gender. In study 2, we conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test whether targeted FAQs were more influential on intention to act on CRC risk than the same information accessed via a generic topic list. Secondary analyses compared preference for information delivery, usability, relevance, and likelihood of recommendation of FAQ and LIST websites. METHODS Study 1 determined the colorectal cancer information needs of Australians (N=600) by sex and age group (35-49, 50-59, 60-74) through a Web-based survey. Free-text responses were categorized as FAQs: the top 5 issues within each of the 6 cohorts were identified. Study 2 (N=240) compared the impact of presentation as targeted FAQ links to information with links presented as a generic list (LIST) and a CONTROL (no information) condition. We also tested preference for presentation of access to information as FAQ or LIST by adding a CHOICE condition (a self-selected choice of FAQs or a list of information topics). RESULTS Study 1 showed considerable consistency in information priorities among all 6 cohorts with 2 main concerns: treatment of CRC and risk factors. Some differences included a focus on general risk factors, excluding diet and lifestyle, in the younger cohort, and on the existence of a test for CRC in the older cohorts. Study 2 demonstrated that, although respondents preferred information access ordered by FAQs over a list, presentation in this format had limited impact on readiness to act on colorectal cancer risk compared with the list or a no-information control (P=.06). Both FAQ and LIST were evaluated as equally usable. Those aged 35 to 49 years rated the information less relevant to them and others in their age group, and information ordered by FAQs was rated, across all age groups and both sexes, as less relevant to people outside the age group targeted within the FAQs. CONCLUSIONS FAQs are preferred over a list as a strategy for presenting access to information about CRC. They may improve intention to act on risk, although further research is required. Future research should aim to identify better the characteristics of information content and presentation that optimize perceived relevance and fully engage the target audience. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12618000137291; https://www.anzctr.org. au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374129 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6x2Mr6rPC)

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