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

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.

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School-based obesity interventions in the metropolitan area of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil: pooled analysis from five randomised studies

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114521000076 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Renata da R. M. Rodrigues ◽

Bruna K. Hassan ◽

Michele R. Sgambato ◽

Bárbara da S. N. Souza ◽

Diana B. Cunha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Eating Habits ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Pooled Analysis ◽

Control Group ◽

Intention To Treat ◽

School Year ◽

School Based ◽

Obesity Interventions ◽

The One ◽

And Control

Abstract School-based studies, despite the large number of studies conducted, have reported inconclusive results on obesity prevention. The sample size is a major constraint in such studies by requiring large samples. This pooled analysis overcomes this problem by analysing 5926 students (mean age 11·5 years) from five randomised school-based interventions. These studies focused on encouraging students to change their drinking and eating habits, and physical activities over the one school year, with monthly 1-h sessions in the classroom; culinary class aimed at developing cooking skills to increase healthy eating and attempts to family engagement. Pooled intention-to-treat analysis using linear mixed models accounted for school clusters. Control and intervention groups were balanced at baseline. The overall result was a non-significant change in BMI after one school year of positive changes in behaviours associated with obesity. Estimated mean BMI changed from 19·02 to 19·22 kg/m2 in the control group and from 19·08 to 19·32 kg/m2 in the intervention group (P value of change over time = 0·09). Subgroup analyses among those overweight or with obesity at baseline also did not show differences between intervention and control groups. The percentage of fat measured by bioimpedance indicated a small reduction in the control compared with intervention (P = 0·05). This large pooled analysis showed no effect on obesity measures, although promising results were observed about modifying behaviours associated with obesity.

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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17103689 ◽

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.

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

Research on Social Work Practice ◽

10.1177/1049731520905643 ◽

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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A randomized controlled trial of a specific reminiscence approach to promote the well-being of nursing home residents with dementia

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610204000055 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 33-49 ◽

Cited By ~ 80

Author(s):

Claudia K. Y. Lai ◽

Iris Chi ◽

Jeanie Kayser-Jones

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Nursing Home ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Comparison Group ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Nursing Home Residents ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled

Background: To date, no firm conclusions can be reached regarding the effectiveness of reminiscence for dementia. Researchers have emphasized that there is an urgent need for more systematic research in the area.Objective and Method: A single-blinded, parallel-groups (one intervention, one comparison, and one no-intervention group) randomized controlled trial (RCT) was adopted to investigate whether a specific reminiscence program leads to higher levels of psychosocial well-being in nursing home residents with dementia. The intervention adopted a life-story approach, while the comparison group provided friendly discussions to control for any changes in outcome as a result of social contacts and attention. The Social Engagement Scale (SES) and Well-being/Ill-being Scale (WIB) were the outcome measures used. The outcomes of the groups were examined with reference to the baseline (T0), immediately (T1), and six weeks (T2) after intervention. The final sample had 101 subjects (control group: n=30; comparison group: n=35; intervention group: n=36). Using multivariate analysis with repeated measures, no significant differences in outcome were found between groups at either T1 or T2. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were performed for each group comparing outcomes between T1 and T0, T2 and T1, and T2 and T0. Significant differences were observed in the intervention group when comparing T1 and T0 WIB (p=.014), but not for the other groups.Conclusion: Although the intervention did not lead to significant differences between the three groups over time, there was a significant improvement in psychosocial well-being for the intervention group.

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AwareCare: a pilot randomized controlled trial of an awareness-based staff training intervention to improve quality of life for residents with severe dementia in long-term care settings

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610212001226 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 128-139 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

Linda Clare ◽

Rhiannon Whitaker ◽

Robert T Woods ◽

Catherine Quinn ◽

Hannah Jelley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Care Home ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Care Staff ◽

Control Group ◽

Severe Dementia ◽

Term Care

ABSTRACTBackground: The extent to which care home residents with severe dementia show awareness is influenced by the extent to which the environment provides opportunities for engagement and by the way in which care staff interact with them. We aimed to establish whether training care staff to observe and identify signs of awareness in residents with severe dementia resulted in improved quality of life for residents.Methods: In this pilot cluster randomized trial, care staff in four homes (n = 32) received training and supervision and carried out structured observations of residents using the AwareCare measure (n = 32) over an eight-week period, while staff in four control homes (n = 33) had no training with regard to their residents (n = 33) and no contact with the research team. The primary outcome was resident quality of life. Secondary outcomes were resident well-being, behavior and cognition, staff attitudes and well-being, and care practices in the home.Results: Following intervention, residents in the intervention group had significantly better quality of life as rated by family members than those in the control group, but care staff ratings of quality of life did not differ. There were no other significant between-group differences. Staff participating in the intervention identified benefits in terms of their understanding of residents’ needs.Conclusions: Staff were able to use the observational measure effectively and relatives of residents in the intervention homes perceived an improvement in their quality of life.

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The Effects of a Mindfulness Program on Mental Health in Students at an Undergraduate Program for Teacher Education: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Real-Life

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.722771 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Lise Juul ◽

Eva Brorsen ◽

Katinka Gøtzsche ◽

Birgitte Lund Nielsen ◽

Lone Overby Fjorback

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Teacher Education ◽

Student Teachers ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Real Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Undergraduate Program

Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of a mindfulness program including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on the mental health of student teachers when offered at their educational institution in a real-life context.Methods: A parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted among self-selected student teachers at a Danish undergraduate program for teacher education in the autumns of 2019 and 2020. Participation was not recommended in case of (1) clinical depression or a diagnosis of psychosis or schizophrenia, (2) abuse of alcohol, drugs, and/or medicine. Randomization was performed by a Statistician who was blinded to the identity of the students. Data was collected using self-reported questionnaires. The primary outcome was a change in perceived stress 3 months from baseline. Secondary outcome measures were symptoms of anxiety and depression, well-being, resilience, mindfulness, and thoughts and feelings during rest. The effects were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle using mixed-effect linear regression models. Mediating effects of mindfulness skills on the mental health outcomes were explored using structural equation modeling.Results: The study group included 67 student teachers with 34 allocated to the intervention group (median age: 25 years; women: n = 24, 71%); and 33 students (median age: 25 years; women: n = 25, 76%) allocated to a waiting list control group. At baseline, mean Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores were 18.88 (SD: 5.75) in the intervention group and 17.91 (SD: 6.36) in the waiting list control group. A total of 56 students completed the questionnaire at a 3-month follow-up (28 in both the intervention- and the control group). Statistically significant effects of the intervention were found on perceived stress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, well-being, and on three of seven resting-state dimensions. No effects were found on resilience or mindfulness. Statistically significant mediated effects via resting-state dimensions were found.Conclusion The findings suggested that offering a mindfulness program at an undergraduate program for teacher education could significantly improve the mental health among self-selected students within 3 months. Results of mediation analysis supported the hypothesis that some of the effects might be explained by reduced distracting thoughts.Clinical Trial Registration: [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04558099].

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Effects of Hatha Yoga on caregivers of children and adolescents with cancer: a randomized controlled trial

Escola Anna Nery ◽

10.1590/2177-9465-ean-2019-0133 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Marina Lima Daleprane Bernardi ◽

Maria Helena Costa Amorim ◽

Luciane Bresciane Salaroli ◽

Eliana Zandonade

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Well Being ◽

Hatha Yoga ◽

Control Group ◽

Anxiety State ◽

Clinical Group ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Randomized Controlled

Abstract Objective: To assess the effects of a Hatha Yoga intervention on anxiety, subjective well-being, and attention levels of caregivers of children and adolescents with cancer, admitted to a public hospital in the city of Vitória, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was performed. Thirty-six volunteers were allocated to clinical (participated in 4 to 6 Hatha Yoga practices) or control groups and answered the questionnaires State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Subjective Well-Being Scale, and Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale before and after the intervention period. Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon nonparametric analyses were performed to compare the groups to each other and at different moments. Results: The individuals' moderate anxiety state decreased in the clinical (p = 0.001) and control (p = 0.014) groups so that while the control group continued to present moderate anxiety, the clinical group presented low anxiety after the intervention. Positive affects increased, and adverse effects decreased in the clinical group (p <0.05). There were no relevant changes in satisfaction with life and attention levels in the two groups (p> 0.05). Conclusion and implications for practice: Hatha Yoga is a useful tool for healthcare professionals and caregivers in short-term hospital care to reduce anxiety and improve subjective well-being.

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Effects of barefoot walking on the flat foot in school going children: A Randomised control trial

International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.26452/ijrps.v11ispl4.4382 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (SPL4) ◽

pp. 1805-1812

Author(s):

Sharath Hullumani V ◽

Purusotham Chippala

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Randomised Control Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Flat Foot ◽

Study Results ◽

Arch Index

Flat foot is also called Plano-valgus foot, and it is a term, that is commonly used in describing flat foot. Some studies have suggested, that certain foot-specific exercises and barefoot weight bear walking can change foot function like flat foot, and also confirm that shoed walking children are more likely to get a flat foot. An Assessor blinded, Randomized controlled trial with thirty-eight children with flat foot aged 6 – 14 years, both male and female were randomised to the control group (n= 19) and intervention group (n=19). The control group had performed barefoot walking for 45 minutes a day for eight weeks, and the intervention group had received foot-specific exercises with barefoot walking for eight weeks. Foot posture was evaluated by the arch index, while the Oxford foot and ankle questionnaire was used to measure the subjective well-being of children. Measurements were taken before and after the eight weeks of intervention. The outcome of the randomised control trial showed that the barefoot walking group faired far better than that which didn't (p-value <0.05). The intervention group outcomes measure Arch Index, and Oxford Foot and Ankle Questionnaire were p-values is <0.05 from seventh and eight weeks. This study results suggest that barefoot walking and specific foot exercises are effective in improving the flat foot in school-going children.

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A Phase 1 Randomized Controlled Trial of an At-Home Positive Psychology Intervention for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

International Journal of MS Care ◽

10.7224/1537-2073.2020-020 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Melanie E. Freedman ◽

Brian C. Healy ◽

Jeff C. Huffman ◽

Tanuja Chitnis ◽

Howard L. Weiner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Positive Psychology ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Phone Calls ◽

At Home

Abstract Background: Positive psychology (PP) uses targeted activities to increase the frequency and intensity of positive feelings and may improve overall well-being in medically ill populations. In this pilot study, we examined the feasibility, acceptability and potential impact of a five-week, telephone-delivered, PP intervention for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Participants were randomized 1:1 to a five-week at-home PP intervention or waitlist control condition. Participants engaged in weekly phone calls with a study trainer and completed one PP exercise, such as recalling a past success, each week. Feasibility was determined by the number of sessions completed, and acceptability was assessed by weekly post-exercise participant ratings (0–10) of ease and utility. Efficacy was explored by examining between-group differences in changes from baseline on psychological variables, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and self-reported functional activities at five and ten weeks. Results: Thirty patients enrolled in the study. Ninety-three percent of participants (n = 28) completed all exercises. Ease scores ranged from 7.7–8.7 and utility scores ranged from 8.2–8.7. The PP intervention was associated with significantly greater increases (P < .05) in positive affect, optimism, state and trait anxiety, general health, and resilience in the intervention group compared to the control group. Approximately half of the PP participants maintained ≥ 50% of the improvement at 10 weeks. Conclusions: This five-week, telephone-based PP intervention was feasible and acceptable to individuals with MS. Larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to further investigate the utility of this intervention to improve well-being and other health outcomes in MS.

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Evaluation of Mothers’ Perceptions of a Technology-Based Supportive Educational Parenting Program (Part 2): Qualitative Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.11065 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Shefaly Shorey ◽

Esperanza Debby Ng

Keyword(s):

Cultural Practices ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Perinatal Care ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Educational Programs ◽

Parenting Program ◽

Future Research ◽

Control Group ◽

Semistructured Interview

BACKGROUND Transitioning into parenthood can be stressful as parents struggle to cope with new parenting responsibilities. Although perinatal care in hospitals aims to improve parental outcomes, there is a general consensus that it is suboptimal and insufficient. Therefore, many studies have designed intervention methods to supplement support for parents during this stressful period. However, studies often focus on parental outcomes as indicators of their interventions’ success and effectiveness. Studies evaluating participants’ experiences and feedback are limited. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the experiences and perceptions of participants who participated in a supportive education parenting program intervention study. METHODS A qualitative semistructured interview was conducted with 16 mothers (6 control and 10 intervention) from a randomized controlled trial. The supportive education parenting program received by the intervention group included 2 phone-based perinatal educational sessions, a phone-based educational session after childbirth, and a 1-month postpartum access to a mobile health app. The interviews were approximately 30- to 60-min long, audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Study findings were reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. RESULTS The 3 main themes evaluating mothers’ experiences and perceptions were generated: (1) changed perspective toward parenthood, (2) journey from pregnancy to after birth, and (3) a way forward. Mothers from the intervention group mostly had good perinatal experiences with sufficient support received, which elevated their emotional well-being and increased parenting involvement. Mothers in the control group, although satisfied with the hospital care received, were more stressed and shared a need for professional advice and extra support. Apart from technical enhancements, mothers also requested extended social support during early pregnancy up to 1 year postpartum, taking into consideration Asian cultural practices. CONCLUSIONS Mothers who received the intervention were overall satisfied with the support provided by the technology-based supportive educational parenting program. The success of the educational program in this study highlights the need to supplement standard care in hospitals with technology-based educational programs. Future research should include fathers’ perceptions to attain an in-depth understanding of overall participants’ experiences and needs in the future development of supportive and educational programs.

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