scholarly journals EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF AROGYA KASHAYAM-20 IN COVID-19 CASES - A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh Shukla ◽  
Nitin Ujjaliya
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Group A ◽  
Negative Conversion

Introduction: The characteristic clinical features of Covid-19 disease range between asymptomatic to mild-moderate symptoms. Studies suggest that a large population (80%) presents its asymptomatic or milder form. Remaining 20 percent, owing to severity of the diseases, need hospital-based care. Many treatment protocols and strategies have been promoted and recommended by authorities including WHO, but nothing has actually been finalized till date. The present study was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of an Ayurvedic formulation viz. Arogya Kashayam-20 in the hospitalized cases of Covid-19.Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of Arogya Kashayam-20 in the cases of COVID-19 particularly the negative conversion of RTPCR in 10 days duration.Material and Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted at COVID-19 Care Center, Pt. Khushilal Sharma Government Ayurveda College & Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh with a sample size of 112 participants, aged between 16 to 60 years of either sex. Participants were divided in two groups viz. group A and B. Both the groups received Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), vitamin C and Zinc as per the prevailing ICMR guidelines and group 'A' received additionally Arogya Kashayam-20 for 10 days. Outcome measure of the study was to see the negative conversion RT-PCR test after intervention period of 10 days. CTRI Registration: CTRI/2020/06/026221. Results: Among the 60 cases registered in study group (group A), 51 cases (85.00%) were reported with negative RTPCR on 10th day. Out of 52 cases registered in control group (group B); 39 cases (75.00%) were tested negative RTPCR on 10th day. In both the groups all the cases were discharged asymptomatically on 10th day as per the prevailing ICMR guidelines. No ADR/AE observed during the intervention period.Conclusion: The study observes that the add on intervention group has a better outcome in terms of RT-PCR negative reports after 10 days comparing to the control group.

scholarly journals Efficacy of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination Training Approach for Training Pharmacy Students in Diabetes Mellitus Counseling: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Pharmacy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 229
Author(s):  
Imaneh Farahani ◽  
Samieh Farahani ◽  
Maira A. Deters ◽  
Holger Schwender ◽  
Stephanie Laeer
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Training Approach

Pharmacists’ tasks are multifaceted and include, for example, vital counseling and communication skills. Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) could be used to train pharmacy students in these skills. Our study sought to determine the efficacy of our OSCE training approach for training pharmacy students’ counseling and communication skills on diabetes mellitus compared to a control group. This randomized controlled study was conducted with pharmacy students using a pre-post-design. The intervention group completed diabetes OSCE training, while the control group solved diabetes patient cases using subjective, objective, assessment, and plan notes. Before and after the respective training, both groups completed OSCEs evaluating counseling and communication skills. Before each OSCE encounter, the participants completed a self-assessment questionnaire and, upon completion of the seminar, filled out a satisfaction survey. The OSCE-trained group demonstrated a significantly greater increase in counseling and communication skills and self-confidence than the control group. Both groups were generally satisfied with the seminar. These results demonstrate that our OSCE training approach allows for the effective training of pharmacy students’ diabetes counseling and communication skills and suggests the inclusion of such a skill-based approach more widely in pharmacy students’ education.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Psychological Interventions in Promoting Preparedness to Armed Conflicts – A Randomized Controlled Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 713-723
Author(s):  
Moran Bodas ◽  
Maya Siman-Tov ◽  
Shulamith Kreitler ◽  
Kobi Peleg
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Civil Defense ◽  
Armed Conflicts ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Psychological Interventions ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
External Reward

ABSTRACTObjectiveDespite efforts by civil defense authorities, levels of households’ preparedness to emergencies remain insufficient in many countries. Engaging the public in preparedness behavior is a challenge worldwide. The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of psychological intervention in promoting preparedness behavior to armed conflicts in Israel.MethodsA randomized controlled trial (N = 381) with two control groups and three intervention groups was used. The psychological interventions studied were elevated threat perception, external reward, and manipulation of a cognitive cluster related to preparedness.ResultsThe results of the analysis suggest a significant effect of intervention on the increase of reported preparedness (F4,375 = 4.511, P = 0.001). The effect is attributed to the intervention group in which external reward was offered. Participants in this group were about two times more likely to report greater levels of preparedness compared to the control group (RR = 1.855; 95% CI: 1.065, 3.233).ConclusionsThe findings suggest that preparedness behavior can be promoted through external incentives. These are presumably effective motivators because they encourage preparedness while allowing subjects to retain their denial as an adaptive coping mechanism. Innovative thinking is required to overcome the psychological barriers associated with public reluctance to engage in preparedness. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;13:713–723)

scholarly journals Effects of Long-Term Use of Insoles with a Toe-Grip Bar on the Balance, Walking, and Running of Preschool Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Hideki Nakano ◽  
Shin Murata ◽  
Teppei Abiko ◽  
Nozomi Mitsumaru ◽  
Atsuko Kubo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Length Step

This randomized controlled study is aimed at investigating the effects of long-term use of insoles with a toe-grip bar on the balance, walking, and running of preschool children. Fifty-two preschool children were randomly assigned to an intervention group or control group. Children included in the intervention group wore shoes with insoles that had a toe-grip bar, and those in the control group wore shoes with regular insoles without a toe-grip bar for 4 weeks while they were at school. The center of gravity sway (total trajectory length and envelope area), walking parameters (walking speed, cadence, stride length, step length, stance time, and swing time), and time to run 25 m were measured before and after the intervention. The 25 m running time of the intervention group was significantly improved after the intervention (F=5.66; p<0.05). This study suggests that insoles with a toe-grip bar may contribute to improvements in the running of preschool children.

scholarly journals Universal Screening and Decolonization for Control of MRSA in Nursing Homes: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Bellini ◽  
Christiane Petignat ◽  
Eric Masserey ◽  
Christophe Büla ◽  
Bernard Burnand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Universal Screening ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Standard Precautions ◽  
Carriage Rate ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVEThe risk of carrying methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is higher among nursing home (NH) residents than in the general population. However, control strategies are not clearly defined in this setting. In this study, we compared the impact of standard precautions either alone (control) or combined with screening of residents and decolonization of carriers (intervention) to control MRSA in NHs.DESIGNCluster randomized controlled trialSETTINGNHs of the state of Vaud, SwitzerlandPARTICIPANTSOf 157 total NHs in Vaud, 104 (67%) participated in the study.INTERVENTIONStandard precautions were enforced in all participating NHs, and residents underwent MRSA screening at baseline and 12 months thereafter. All carriers identified in intervention NHs, either at study entry or among newly admitted residents, underwent topical decolonization combined with environmental disinfection, except in cases of MRSA infection, MRSA bacteriuria, or deep skin ulcers.RESULTSNHs were randomly allocated to a control group (51 NHs, 2,412 residents) or an intervention group (53 NHs, 2,338 residents). Characteristics of NHs and residents were similar in both groups. The mean screening rates were 86% (range, 27%–100%) in control NHs and 87% (20%–100%) in intervention NHs. Prevalence of MRSA carriage averaged 8.9% in both control NHs (range, 0%–43%) and intervention NHs (range, 0%–38%) at baseline, and this rate significantly declined to 6.6% in control NHs and to 5.8% in intervention NHs after 12 months. However, the decline did not differ between groups (P=.66).CONCLUSIONUniversal screening followed by decolonization of carriers did not significantly reduce the prevalence of the MRSA carriage rate at 1 year compared with standard precautions.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–8

scholarly journals Improving surgical patient’s knowledge about safe use of opioids: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen R Doherty ◽  
Enoch Lam ◽  
Maria Garstka ◽  
Junior Chuang ◽  
David Tai Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Currently, it is not routine practice to provide standardized patient education for safe postoperative opioid use. The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of an educational pamphlet for surgical patients on knowledge about safe use, proper storage, and disposal of opioids.Methods This multi-center randomized controlled study recruited 100 patients in the pre-operative clinic. Inclusion criteria were English-speaking, ≥ 18 years, able to give informed consent, and not on opioids for chronic pain or within the past 30 days. All patients completed a baseline knowledge questionnaire (maximum score 38) on opioid safety. Patients were randomized to intervention: educational pamphlet, or control: standard care (no pamphlet) group. Questionnaires were repeated immediately post-education in the intervention group, and at 15, and 30 days after surgery in both groups. The primary outcome was change in knowledge score post-education in the intervention compared to control group. Secondary outcomes were immediate post-education, 15, and 30-day score, and answering safe storage, and disposal questions correctly.Results Between groups, the post-education score immediately after the intervention was higher in the intervention vs. control group baseline 34.2 [95% CI 33.1–35.3] vs 28.3 [95% CI 26.6–29.9]; P < 0.0001). In the intervention vs control group, mean scores were higher 31.6 (95% CI 30.5–32.7) vs 29.1 (95% CI 27.9–30.2; P = .002) at 15 days, and 32.4 (95%CI 31.4–33.5) vs 30.5 (95% CI 29.2–31.7; P = .017) at 30 days. Within the intervention group, the mean score immediately post-education (34.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 33.1–35.3]) was higher than baseline (27.8 [95% CI 26.3–29.3]); P < 0.0001. Within the intervention group, the difference in mean score versus baseline was 3.8 (95% CI 2.1–5.5) at 15 days, and 4.6 (95% CI 2.9–6.3) at 30 days, (P < 0.05 for all timepoints). For safe disposal, a correct answer was given (intervention vs control group) by 100% vs 89.7% at 30 days (P = 0.04).Conclusions Within the intervention group, there was a significant improvement in knowledge on safe opioid use immediately post-education, and retention of knowledge at 15 and 30 days postoperatively. The intervention group had better knowledge scores compared to the baseline control group, and 15 and 30 days after surgery.Trial Registration: This study was registered in clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03959787 on May 22, 2019.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Two-Tier Family-Oriented Intervention in Enhancing Family Functioning and Care Capacity of Family Caregivers of Stoke Survivors: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian Weiqun Lou ◽  
Jennifer Yee Man Tang ◽  
Gary Kui Kai Lau ◽  
Terry Yat Sang Lum ◽  
Kenneth Fong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Functioning ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Care Capacity

BACKGROUND Stroke brings about abrupt and immense changes to stroke families’ dynamics and responsibilities. Adaptation to new family roles is challenging, as support for caregivers of stoke survivors is minimal, presenting a major obstacle towards restoring family functioning and maximizing care capacity. OBJECTIVE This study aims to implement and examine the effectiveness of a two-tier family- oriented intervention involving care managers and volunteers for enhancing family functioning and care capacity of family caregivers of stroke survivors. METHODS This is a multicenter, two-armed, randomized, controlled study (intervention group, n=150; control group, n=150). Following case referral from hospital, family caregivers of stroke survivors and stroke survivors provide informed consent and undergo initial screening. Caregivers report significant caregiver burden, and/or depressive mood, and/or family dysfunctioning are randomly assigned to undergo two-tier family-oriented intervention (intervention group) or psychoeducation (control group). The primary outcome is the change in i) family role performance, ii) family caregiver conflict, iii) care management strategies, and iv) general family functioning from baseline to 2 weeks and 2 months after completion of intervention. RESULTS This study began in January 2017 and is being conducted at three participating facilities in Hong Kong. CONCLUSIONS This study will examine the effectiveness of a two-tier family- oriented intervention in enhancing family functioning and care capacity of family caregivers of stroke survivors. Through this study, we expect that this intervention can fill the service gap in the current stroke care system and serves as an important basis on which future evidence-based programs supporting family caregivers of stroke survivors could develop. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03034330; https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT03034330

scholarly journals Impact of Testing on Sexually Transmitted Infections among Female Brothel Sex Workers in Bangladesh: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asad Islam ◽  
HongQi Alexis Tan ◽  
Claire C. Bristow ◽  
Md Golam Hasnain ◽  
Russell Smyth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Past studies that have designed interventions to reduce the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have typically provided onsite treatment to sex workers who tested positive, which were expensive and difficult to implement. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an intervention which tested for STIs and provided information on the closest treatment facility on reducing the prevalence of STIs among female brothel-based sex workers (BSWs) in Bangladesh. The study adopted a pre–post interventional design as well as a randomized controlled study design. A baseline sample and follow-up urine sample were collected to evaluate the prevalence of STIs among participants in the treatment, but not control group. A baseline survey and interviews were also conducted for both the groups. The study found a nonsignificant reduction from baseline to follow-up in STI prevalence among intervention participants (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.38, 1.45). However, the participants in the intervention group were significantly more likely to have a repeat client (aOR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.29) and nonsignificantly less likely to engage with a client suspected of having an STI (aOR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39, 1.00) than participants in the control group. The intervention testing of STIs and providing information to the positive cases about nearest treatment facilities were not effective in reducing the prevalence of STIs among BSWs. Further study of the clinical and behavioral impacts of such efforts to reduce STIs among BSWs is warranted.

scholarly journals Effects of a 12-week Avocado Randomized-controlled Trial on Cognitive Function and Lutein Status Among Adults with Overweight and Obesity (OR05-01-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlyn Edwards ◽  
Anne Walk ◽  
Sharon Thompson ◽  
Ginger Reeser ◽  
John Erdman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Selective Attention ◽  
Flanker Task ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Objectives Overweight and obesity affect over two-thirds of the US population. This is concerning, as excess adiposity increases risk for dementia in later life. Thus, it is important to elucidate dietary approaches that benefit cognition. Lutein is a xanthophyll carotenoid thought to impact cognitive function. Daily consumption of avocado has been shown to improve cognitive function and lutein status but it is not clear whether these benefits extend to populations with overweight and obesity. Thus, we evaluated the influence of daily avocado consumption on cognitive function, serum lutein concentrations, and retinal xanthophyll status among adults with overweight and obesity using a randomized-controlled study. Methods Adults (N = 72, 25–45 years, 31 males) with overweight or obesity (BMI 25 kg/m2) were randomized to an intervention group (N = 38) that received a daily meal with one avocado or a control group (N = 34) that received an isocaloric meal without avocado for 12 weeks. Fasting serum lutein concentrations were evaluated through high-performance liquid chromatography. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was assessed through heterochromatic flicker photometry. Selective attention was assessed by a modified Flanker task. Results Group by time interactions were seen for serum lutein concentrations (P = 0.002) and flanker accuracy (P = 0.006) whereby the intervention group exhibited a more substantial increase in serum lutein concentrations (0.04 ug/ml; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.06) and overall task accuracy (2.4%; 95% CI, 0.4 to 4.5). However, there was no relationship between task performance and changes in serum lutein concentration (P = 0.23), nor changes in MPOD. Conclusions Daily consumption of a meal containing avocado improved selective attention and serum lutein concentrations among adults with overweight and obesity. The cognitive benefits of avocado consumption were apparent even prior to changes in retinal lutein status. Given that avocados are comprised of a variety of nutrients, additional work is necessary to determine non-carotenoid dependent mechanisms by which avocados may impact cognitive function. Funding Sources This work was supported by funds from the Hass Avocado Board, the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois, and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch project 1009249.

scholarly journals Mindful Walking in Psychologically Distressed Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Teut ◽  
E. J. Roesner ◽  
M. Ortiz ◽  
F. Reese ◽  
S. Binting ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Active Treatment Group ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Walking Program ◽  
Study Intervention

Background. The aim of this randomized, controlled study was to investigate the effectiveness of a mindful walking program in patients with high levels of perceived psychological distress.Methods. Participants aged between 18 and 65 years with moderate to high levels of perceived psychological distress were randomized to 8 sessions of mindful walking in 4 weeks (each 40 minutes walking, 10 minutes mindful walking, 10 minutes discussion) or to no study intervention (waiting group). Primary outcome parameter was the difference to baseline on Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS) after 4 weeks between intervention and control.Results. Seventy-four participants were randomized in the study; 36 (32 female, 52.3 ± 8.6 years) were allocated to the intervention and 38 (35 female, 49.5 ± 8.8 years) to the control group. Adjusted CPSS differences after 4 weeks were −8.8 [95% CI: −10.8; −6.8] (mean 24.2 [22.2; 26.2]) in the intervention group and −1.0 [−2.9; 0.9] (mean 32.0 [30.1; 33.9]) in the control group, resulting in a highly significant group difference ().Conclusion. Patients participating in a mindful walking program showed reduced psychological stress symptoms and improved quality of life compared to no study intervention. Further studies should include an active treatment group and a long-term follow-up.

Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention in Reducing New International Postgraduates’ Acculturative Stress in Malaysian Public Universities: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Musheer Abdulwahid Al-Jaberi ◽  
Muhamad Hanafiah Juni ◽  
Hayati Kadir Shahar ◽  
Siti Irma Fadhilah Ismail ◽  
Murad Abdu Saeed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Acculturative Stress ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cluster Randomized

BACKGROUND Universities around the world, including Malaysia, have attracted many international students from different countries. Research has reported that acculturative stress resulting from international students’ attempts to adjust to the cultures of host countries is one of the most challenging issues that affects their lives in general and academic lives in particular. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the effectiveness of an educational intervention on acculturative stress among new postgraduate international students joining Malaysian public universities. METHODS A cluster randomized controlled trial design with Malaysian public universities as the unit of randomization will be used in this study. Public universities will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to be either in the intervention (educational program) or control group (waiting list). Participants in the intervention group will receive 7 sessions in 9 hours delivered by an expert in psychology and the researcher. The control group will receive the intervention once the 3-month follow-up evaluation is completed. RESULTS The data will be analyzed using the generalized estimation equation with a confidence interval value of 95%; significant differences between and within groups are determined as <i>P</i>&lt;.05. The results of the study underlie the effectiveness of educational program in decreasing acculturative stress of new international students and enabling them to cope with a new environment. The results of this study will contribute to previous knowledge of acculturative stress, acculturation, and adjustment of international students. Furthermore, such results are expected to play a role in raising university policy makers’ awareness of their postgraduate international students’ acculturative stress issues and how they can help them avoid such stress and perform well in their academic life. CONCLUSIONS We expect that the intervention group will score significantly lower than the wait-list group on the immediate and 3-month postintervention evaluation of acculturative stress and achieve a higher level of adjustment. Results will have implications for international students, policy makers at universities, the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, and future research. CLINICALTRIAL Clinical Trials Registry India CTRI/2018/01/011223; http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/showallp.php?mid1= 21978&amp;amp;EncHid=&amp;amp;userName=Muhamad%20Hanafiah%20Juni INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/12950

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